Tenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

Traditional power structures in community planning are easy to identify in historical examples of mid-twentieth century urban renewal. Those with power imposed their priorities on poor and minority communities. Recently, well-intentioned efforts at addressing community redevelopment and affordable housing have changed techniques, but continue to operate within a similar power structure as these historic precedents. In the traditional design approach, deficiencies define the process—designers and planners impose solutions to perceived problems on marginalized communities, preserving the existing paradigm. Alternatively, resident-led design reverses this power dynamic, using an appreciative inquiry tool kit that recognizes residents’ resources, strengths, and creativity. It changes the context in which these voices are heard, providing an environment where residents develop the agency to effectively influence the entities who hold power. This interactive presentation will explore how, after the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, brwarchitects is facilitating a resident-led design process, which flips the traditional power structure in the development of affordable housing neighborhoods. The Southwood community is a case study of resident-led redevelopment through a series of workshops and neighborhood events. This session will begin by describing the underlying principles which inspire this process. Using a workshop, we will walk conference participants through the process of resident-led design which emphasizes the inherent values, assets, and strengths already present in the community. The result is that residents are an empowered part of their design process, and by extension, are redefining their relationship to the larger community.