How can urban design leaders create inclusive solutions?

Urban design is more than just aesthetics and functionality. It is also a social and political process that shapes the lives of people who live, work, and play in the city. How can urban design leaders create inclusive solutions that address the diverse needs, preferences, and aspirations of different communities and stakeholders? Here are some tips and strategies to foster more collaborative and equitable urban design practices.

1 Understand the context

Before proposing any design solution, it is essential to understand the context of the project. This includes the history, culture, demographics, politics, and challenges of the area and its inhabitants. Urban design leaders should conduct thorough research, engage with local residents and organizations, and acknowledge the existing assets and values of the place. This will help them avoid imposing top-down or generic solutions that may not suit the specific needs and desires of the people who live there.

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Víctor Martín

Espacio público, paisajismo, arquitectura y retail + Desarrollo de negocio en Escofet by Molins donde dreamos nuevas soluciones de mobiliario urbano, pavimento y luminarias para los nuevos usos de nuestras ciudades
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Para conocer el contexto lo mejor es aliarse con los colectivos del barrio y la sociedad civil, con el objetivo de conocer de primera mano las necesidades y problemas a resolver.

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2 Co-create with users

Urban design is not a one-way process where experts design for users. It is a two-way process where users participate in the design process as co-creators. Urban design leaders should involve users from the start, solicit their feedback, and empower them to contribute their ideas, skills, and resources. This will help them create solutions that are more responsive, relevant, and sustainable for the users. Co-creation also builds trust, ownership, and social capital among the users and the design team.

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Víctor Martín

Espacio público, paisajismo, arquitectura y retail + Desarrollo de negocio en Escofet by Molins donde dreamos nuevas soluciones de mobiliario urbano, pavimento y luminarias para los nuevos usos de nuestras ciudades
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En este tipo de proyectos es crucial la participación colectiva, los procesos de toma de datos y escuchar las opiniones de los posibles usuarios finales

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3 Embrace diversity and difference

Urban design should not aim to create a homogeneous or standardized environment. It should celebrate the diversity and difference of the city and its people. Urban design leaders should recognize and respect the multiple identities, cultures, and perspectives that coexist in the city. They should also seek to create inclusive and accessible spaces that cater to the needs and preferences of different groups, especially those who are often marginalized or excluded. This will help them create solutions that are more fair, just, and democratic for the city.

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4 Experiment and learn

Urban design is not a fixed or final outcome. It is a dynamic and iterative process that evolves over time. Urban design leaders should adopt an experimental and learning mindset that allows them to test, refine, and improve their solutions. They should also be open to feedback, criticism, and change from the users and other stakeholders. This will help them create solutions that are more adaptable, resilient, and innovative for the city.

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Víctor Martín

Espacio público, paisajismo, arquitectura y retail + Desarrollo de negocio en Escofet by Molins donde dreamos nuevas soluciones de mobiliario urbano, pavimento y luminarias para los nuevos usos de nuestras ciudades
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Estos proyecto deben estar pensados para evolucionar, para hacer ensayos y test que vayan dirigidos a la mejora de los mismos y sus resultados.

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5 Collaborate and network

Urban design is not a solitary or isolated activity. It is a collaborative and networked activity that involves multiple actors and disciplines. Urban design leaders should work with and learn from other professionals, such as planners, architects, engineers, artists, and activists. They should also connect with and leverage the networks and resources of other organizations, such as governments, NGOs, businesses, and academia. This will help them create solutions that are more holistic, integrated, and impactful for the city.

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Malindo Andhi Saputra Marpaung

Director of Pusat Studi Infrastruktur Indonesia Urban Development Expert, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Safeguard and Disaster Management Enthusiast
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In the age of the technology, knowledge, information, and skill are opened to everyone. This situation affect the world or urban design. To create masterpiece that will be enjoyable to everyone, we need to involve as many as possible people or stakeholder. This collaboration will emerge new and fresh idea that can be fitted to the needs of people.

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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 urban design leaders create inclusive solutions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the context

2 Co-create with users

3 Embrace diversity and difference

4 Experiment and learn

5 Collaborate and network

6 Here’s what else to consider

Landscape Architecture

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How can urban design leaders create inclusive solutions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the context

2 Co-create with users

3 Embrace diversity and difference

4 Experiment and learn

5 Collaborate and network

6 Here’s what else to consider

Landscape Architecture

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