Visiting the offices of buildingcommunityWORKSHOP was an important shift in how I will think about this research going forward. I wanted to meet with them as the architects of The Cottages, but I got a lot more than I bargained for.
Originally starting out as an architecture firm but evolving into much more, they are self-described as “a Texas based nonprofit community design center seeking to improve the livability and viability of communities through the practice of thoughtful design and making… [bc] recognizes it must first understand the social, economic, and environmental issues facing a community before beginning work.”
Simply put, it’s not enough to build a house. If there isn’t sufficient drainage or public transit, and the homeowners aren’t able to build equity, then the community isn’t going to thrive.
Suddenly you’re addressing systemic issues of urban development, and challenging the limits of everything from lenders to zoning. It’s clear [bc]WORKSHOP wants to make real change, and their team includes staff for policy, mapping & analytics, and disaster recovery. Each project they take on is based in soliciting input from the local community, hosting everything from discussions on front porches to rec centers. What they continued to drive home was that their solutions are not meant to be one size fits all; they are created to be appropriate for that community and neighborhood.
While they gave me a lot to think about, here were my biggest takeaways:
1. When discussing my impression that people devalue design as superficial, they pushed back with, “People think of design as a luxury. People appreciate design, but it’s often out of reach to them.”
... So as designers, how do we make design more accessible?
... And if design is a missing link, how do we push it farther?
2. While I’m aware that I can’t look at design in a vacuum, they helped remind me that change can only go so far at the design level.
3. Engaging directly with the community being impacted is critical, and each time you engage it must match the audience you’re working with.