Delving into the intrinsic link between creativity and human connection, the first session of COMMON GROUND Symposium explored the dynamics that underpin our social ecosystems. Given the fact that public spaces have a direct impact on how people feel about themselves, each other and their communities, central to the discussion was the concept of placemaking – the deliberate shaping of public spaces to foster community engagement and cultural expression. Where do we begin to make a difference?

Titled “Building Communities”, we were joined by architect Anupama Kundoo, designer and cabinetmaker Anker Bak, as well as architect and co-founder of the Power out of Restriction Collective Larry Botchway, and freelance designer Maria Vinka.

The most pressing questions

How can we foster creativity and facilitate meaningful human connections via design? How can we adapt the social fabric of our communities to embrace all aspects of the human experience – even the uncomfortable ones? What strategies could we take to champion inclusive design practices? Which tools can we use to enhance community cohesion and social entrepreneurship? And how can we incorporate empathy for the experiences of others into the mix?

In response, each speaker expressed a compelling argument underscoring design’s vital role in creating more inclusive communities.

Commenting on inclusion in the design process, Botchway points out:

“Only 1% of architects in the UK are black, and this is not the only minority that is hugely underrepresented in the profession. This lack of diversity significantly affects how well our shared spaces reflect the varied communities for which they are designed. How can we support a sense of belonging if the people who live in the community are not part of the design process? Who holds the power to design, and who should hold the power to design? We need to distribute that power more equally.”

Other members of society often neglected are the elderly and people with disabilities, which form the focus of Bak’s “Dignity Design”. In his opinion,

“We can envision a future where design embodies dignity for everyone, without discrimination, if we dare to engage with hard topics such as death, and are sympathetic to the collective experience of all areas of our society, not just the desirable ones. Then can we start designing the furniture we actually need with dignity.”

An all-encompassing approach would be to design environments that reflect our shared humanity. As Kundoo sees it,

‍“We are all different, we are all unique, but we are more common than different, regardless of our cultural backgrounds. We have just accepted and surrendered ourselves to the 'status quo' at times, but we can learn from the past, and have honest conversations about our current realities and aspirations for the future. We can redefine how we want to live together.”

Looking at what contributes to our shared happiness, Vinka emphasise the role of design creation,

"Working with modern design and artisanal skills is incredibly rewarding, as it blends innovation with craftsmanship to create unique and impactful solutions.”

Finding a common ground

Discussing potential ways to come together, the session showcased the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. From collaborative art projects that beautify shared spaces to grassroots campaigns that address social inequalities, each story from the speakers emphasised the potential for collective action to nurture inclusive communities.‍

Tune into our podcast, as Kundoo and Botchway continue the conversation …

Listen to the podcast here.

Learn more about our speakers from the ‘Building Communities’ session

Larry Botchway

Architect and Co-founder of the Power out of Restriction Collective, a socially-minded design practice focusing on the development of communities through the elevation of young people. He advocates prioritising the creation of inclusive, accessible environments, so that communities can be a catalyst for creativity, strengthen social bonds, and promote a sense of belonging. poorcollective.com  

Anker Bak

Designer and cabinetmaker recognised for his empowering and caring design practice, Bak is passionate about a philosophy he calls “Dignity Design”, drawing on his skills as a designer to improve life for the elderly and people with disabilities, segments of society that are often overlooked in the design world. ankerbak.com

Anupama Kundoo

Architect of the Wall House in Auroville, an experimental city in India conceived with a collective consciousness and way of life that challenge how we view land ownership and finances, among other factors, reflecting her view that we have more in common as a human race than we often realise.anupamakundoo.com

Maria Vinka

Designer with a mission to do good and stay happy, Vinka designs with meaning and answers to human needs. Her philosophy is to base an idea to to the lifecycle of the product and to not use more material than necessary. mariavinka.com

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‍_{COMMON GROUND Symposium was hosted by 3daysofdesign in collaboration with IKEA Denmark. Innovators, designers and thought-leaders explored ways sustainable design practices can be more inclusive, equitable and protective of the planet. Moderated by Veronica D’Souza, social entrepreneur and keynote speaker on design, impact and inclusivity, we organised four sessions spanning a variety of pertinent topics, such as social sustainability, ESGs, materials and what good design really means.}