How can architects create inclusive public spaces with community input?

Inclusive public spaces are vital for social cohesion, cultural diversity, and civic engagement in cities. However, designing them is not a simple task, as it requires understanding the needs, preferences, and aspirations of different groups of people. How can architects create inclusive public spaces with community input? Here are some tips and examples to inspire you.

1 Understand the context

Before starting any design process, you need to research the context of the site and the community. What are the historical, cultural, environmental, and economic factors that shape the place? Who are the main stakeholders and users of the space? What are the existing assets and challenges? How can you build on the local identity and values? You can use various methods to collect data, such as surveys, interviews, observations, mapping, and analysis.

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Ar. Rishabh Swaroop

Senior Architect | BIM Consultant | BIM Coordinator | Enhancing Architectural Designs and Projects to Facilitate Collaborations
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A public space can be best made with the input of the users, i.e., the public. They can let the architect know their requirements like proper sitting spaces, kids play area, gathering areas, some attractions points like a pond or something else, these are always important to engage the public. To gather the information, the best way is to conduct surveys, interviews and according to the information gathered the designs should be made. This way that public space would be connected to people more easily.

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Hoda Behravesh

CEO@Hoda.behraveah.design |Architect|Urban planner|
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To be able to build all-inclusive public spaces, architects must involve members of the community in the process: Enriching the design through different participants, holding interviews and seminars with emphasis on accessibility and universal design as well as understanding that cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects preferred by people are the best way of coming up with a perfect plan for public areas.

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ARCHITECT PRANALI GIRME

Principal Architect at Reflex Architects | Architect & Interior Designer | Specializing in residential and commercial projects
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Creating inclusive public spaces involves actively involving the community in the design process through workshops, surveys, and collaborative design sessions. By prioritizing accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and flexibility, architects can ensure that public spaces reflect the diverse needs and identities of the community they serve, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging among residents.

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2 Engage the community

The next step is to involve the community in the design process. This means creating opportunities for dialogue, feedback, and collaboration with different groups of people, especially those who are often marginalized or excluded. You can use various tools to facilitate engagement, such as workshops, focus groups, charrettes, exhibitions, and online platforms. The goal is to listen to the community's voice, understand their vision and expectations, and co-create solutions that reflect their needs and desires.

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Rafaela Zakalski

BIM Manager | Varejo | Analista de Projetos | Especialista Revit
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Inicie um diálogo aberto e inclusivo com a comunidade desde as fases iniciais do projeto. Realize reuniões, workshops, e sessões de feedback para envolver os moradores, ouvindo suas perspectivas, necessidades e aspirações para o espaço público.

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3 Design for diversity

The design of the public space should reflect the diversity of the community and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. This means considering aspects such as accessibility, safety, comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. You can use various strategies to design for diversity, such as providing multiple uses and activities, creating flexible and adaptable spaces, integrating art and culture, enhancing natural and social features, and promoting sustainability and resilience.

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Takbir Fatima II

part-time architect, educator, entrepreneur; full-time traveler, thinker, tinkerer
(edited)
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I believe in designing public spaces for the lowest common denominator. Public spaces must be inclusive of all, so they need to be universally -accessible: to the differently-abled, children, the elderly, women, and others who may not be able to navigate spaces that are not designed for safety, comfort, and visual and physical accessibility.

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4 Evaluate and improve

The design process does not end with the completion of the project. You need to monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of the public space over time. How is the space being used and by whom? What are the benefits and challenges? How can the space be improved or maintained? You can use various methods to evaluate and improve the public space, such as indicators, metrics, feedback loops, and participatory management.

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5 Learn from examples

There are many examples of inclusive public spaces around the world that have been created with community input. The High Line in New York, USA is a linear park built on an abandoned elevated railway that offers various experiences, programs, and art for diverse users and communities. Superkilen in Copenhagen, Denmark is a multicultural urban park that displays objects, symbols, and colors from different countries and cultures representing the local residents. Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, South Korea is a restored stream and green corridor that turned a former highway into a lively and ecological public space connecting people and nature. Al-Azhar Park in Cairo, Egypt is a historic landscape that provides a green oasis and cultural hub for the dense and diverse city. Medellín River Parks in Medellín, Colombia is a network of public spaces and infrastructure that revitalizes the river while integrating the informal settlements and marginalized communities along its banks. These examples can inspire you to learn from their best practices and lessons learned.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can architects create inclusive public spaces with community input?

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1 Understand the context

2 Engage the community

3 Design for diversity

4 Evaluate and improve

5 Learn from examples

6 Here’s what else to consider

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