Architecture using nonprofit approaches for inclusive design practices in underserved communities
Architecture using nonprofit approaches for inclusive design practices in underserved communities
Embedded Files
SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE
SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE
GENTRIFICATION & COMMUNITY IMPACT
"Current community participation theory suggests that politicians and bureaucrats have exploited ordinary people and that such people have been excluded from the community development process." This assertion has validity when conducting research on various quantitative and qualitative implementations carried out within architecture firms. It appears that certain companies employ metrics of achievement in terms of community influence to rationalize their disruption of community members. While researching for quantitative measurements in community based architecture, CallisonRTKL came up, which has a significant impact on its community. The impact appears positive on paper, as it includes enhancements in salaries, education, and a 40% rise in income compared to the national average. Nevertheless, the actuality is the neighborhood and the indigenous population of the land on which CallisonRTKL was built have been subjected to exploitation, resulting in the process of gentrification. The attainment of a 40% rise in income, coupled with a cost of living that surpasses the national average by 60%, entails certain consequences. The residents are displaced due to the significant increase in land and rental prices. The rise in income, education, and salary CallisonRTKL found was attributed to the influx of newcomers who possess greater wealth and power. The influx of fresh funds has facilitated effortless improvements, in contrast to previous residents who faced challenges in achieving improved access due to financial constraints or a lack of political leverage. The practice of eradicating the social history of a pre-existing community and subsequently relocating its residents is something the United States knows all too well and continues to become the norm in "community impact" in architectural practices.
THE BEGINNING OF COMMUNITY
Throughout history, Americans have been fighting to establish a sense of community and belonging, stemming from the displacement of Black families for highways to the expulsion of Brown families from the zip codes they established and resided in. The eras of civil rights movements, women's rights movements, voting rights, affirmative action, and other associated struggles are particularly significant to why inclusive design has been so hard to create. Even now, these rights remain extremely fragile and we are gradually losing rights once more. Current rights, such as asylum and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), are taking place simultaneously with the ongoing struggles from the past. The generation of civil rights leaders before us serve as the blueprint for sustaining community influence. Not only do architects and urban designers have to consider community members wants and needs, the design process also has to involve community too. Incorporating the community into the solution and fostering a sense of belonging in the area they regularly occupy creates a chance for growth. Participatory design space allows for an equity playing field vs equality.
CONTINUING TO FIGHT FOR COMMUNITY
In addition to interviewing and receiving advice from community members regarding the design and utilization of space. It is imperative to involve the individuals whom architects serve in the decision-making processes, alongside the leadership of an architecture firm. This research methodology ensures individuals from marginalized communities are adequately represented and empowered to advocate for the needs of the community. When the community unites, they possess the capacity to effectuate the desired transformation. However, it is necessary to acknowledge that effective leadership requires attentiveness and comprehension, while architects actively champion the interests of the populace. An exemplary instance of engaging the community and providing authority to make judgments regarding design concepts is the New York community organization WE STAY/Nos Quedamos. This nonprofit, which started as community members advocating against the decision government, architects, and builders were going to do in their neighborhood, actively perused implementation to projects they desired to witness in their localities. WE STAY/Nos Quedamos credits their success to their origin story by saying, "Our work began in 1992 when NYC designated 30 blocks in Melrose to be redeveloped for middle-income New Yorkers. Outraged by the injustice of probable displacement, the local community banded together to draft and pass an alternative proposal, the 'Melrose Urban Renewal Plan,' which became a one-of-a-kind, internationally-recognized case study in transformative community power."
The erosion of community bonds and displacement of residents result in profound social and economic ramifications. By delving into the historical struggles faced by marginalized communities, from civil rights movements to contemporary battles for equitable rights, we glean a deeper understanding of the enduring significance of inclusive design and community empowerment. "To achieve representation—and, frankly, relevance—architects must do what they tell clients they do best: listen, research, ideate, and innovate. And they must go deep, starting with the acknowledgment of long-standing problems in every aspect of design, from the pipeline to retirement."
Page updated
Report abuse