Date: August 13, 2021
Location: Haworth Inc Showroom
Led by: José Leo Arango, Assoc. AIA | EYP Inc & Scott Archer, AIA, AICP, LEED AP ND | Beyer Blinder Belle
Session Downloads: 2021 CKLDP Session 07 Community Engagement

This session seeks to expand the dialogue surrounding architects’ roles and responsibilities in contributing to achieve and practice equitable community engagements.  Through discussions and workshops, the scholars will expand preconceptions of how stakeholders can be included in the design and planning processes, explore new tools, refine communication skills, and examine how renowned professionals incorporate communities within the ethos of a professional practice. 

An understanding of effective community engagement is critical for architectural and planning professionals.  This program aims to explore the modes and methodologies of how architects engage with all communities to invite them into the design process for a more inclusive and equitable result.  Led by Associate Professor Benjamin Stokes of The Playful City Lab based at American University and author of Locally Played: Real-World Games for Stronger Places and Communities, the scholars will analyze how the rules of game design can expand access and effectiveness of our engagement strategies.  With a broadened understanding of tools for engagement, the scholars will participate in a workshop designed by Bernadette Costello of BCC Consulting to advance competence in proactive listening and change management.  Through instruction and practice of new skills, the attendees will consider and appreciate their role in assisting community members through participation in the design process.  Finally, Belinda Tato, founding partner of ecosistema urbano and Associate Professor in Practice of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, will present and lead discussion on her award-winning design work that improves the self-organization of citizens, social interaction within communities, and their relationship with the environment.  With professional project examples, the scholars will engage in conversation to envision how architects can support inclusive participation and equity in the communities in which we work.