Following the success of its 2010 Active Design Guidelines published in New York City that lays out the ways in which urban and architectural design can promote a healthy lifestyle, the Center for Active Design, has taken on a new initiative, “Designing for Robust Engagement,” which was funded by a $115,000 grant from the Knight Foundation.
Working under the premise that neighborhoods that can become more engaged in civil issues foster better communities, the Center for Active Design will begin by identifying available research and creating a collaborative advisory group of industry experts from various sectors. Its task will be to create a clear set of guidelines that will create a direct link between design and the community.
“Citizens who are fully engaged in their communities are motivated to vote, contribute to their communities, shape politics, and act as stewards of public spaces and activities,” said Carol Coletta, vice president for community and national initiatives at the Knight Foundation. “Our goal is to provide cities with a guidebook for using design to spur people to action.”
The collaboration’s final goal—to help build strong, healthy, and more sustainable communities over the long run—will be implemented through a manual of practical design strategies that promote civic engagement and will be made available to communities. The intended dialogue between designers, political strategists, researchers, and community engagement professionals will provide a comprehensive guide to growing and nurturing neighborhoods, strengthening their involvement, and promoting healthy discussion.
“We’re excited to work with Knight Foundation and other industry experts in exploring new frontiers in design and how it can positively impact civic engagement levels, and the long-term health of communities,” said Joanna Frank, executive director at the Center for Active Design. “This funding will allow us to further our mission of changing design thinking to promote the health and well-being of people and their neighborhoods.”
