Activism for Community Voice
Taking the time to appreciate, encourage and advocate for community voice is at the forefront of design decision making within the architectural profession. As service-based professionals, we at Urban Design Perspectives have made it a point to align with these values as we take on new projects. We have wrapped up our latest book club read: 40 Big Ideas for a Sustainable Future, and we recognized our particular interest in chapter 17; titled “Building Public and Political Will for Climate Change Action”. This chapter focuses on the importance of citizen-based activism and its significant influences in the policy making process. We are seeing more and more the levels of deep organizing where citizens are finding themselves leading as a means to amplify community voice to demand climate change action.
In Minneapolis, we have seen this first hand following the civil unrest in 2020, the major efforts of communities to rebuild with positive intent for more harmonious and people-focused designs. Particularly along the Lake Street Corridor, many people are looking for a redesign strategy that addresses both long standing issues of equitable development and positive movement forward for local residents, business owners and developers. Community leaders are leading the charge in voicing the concerns, needs and wants as Minneapolis moves towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
As we continue into the month of March we are celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting these such leaders in our communities. Taking note from the importance of the amplification of community voice, our involvement with the Coliseum renovation project on Lake Street comes in perfect timing. Partnering with Seward Redesign, we at UDP have the pleasure of working with Taylor Smrikárova. Taylor has played an integral role in this process, not only advocating for the needs and desires of the local community but also maintaining and bringing awareness to the current lack of equity in development along the Lake Street Corridor. She is an active voice for the needs and wants of the community as we move through the design process. With her guidance, we are able to move forward with a design that will offer local community members and businesses space to eat, work and gather. We are excited to work with such a wonderful leader and activist for community well-being.
It is important to recognize that we all have a voice. As designers for the public good, we can continue making positive change for community by making conscious decisions to share our desires for change and align with others who strive to make positive impacts.
