Written by:
Guest Author
In this post, Max Chen Ziming, one of our UCL Bartlett student facilitators for Multigenerational Places: London, reflects on the power of making and physical props and prompts as tools for more inclusive design and planning.
In late February, I volunteered as a facilitator for the WEdesign Multigenerational Places: London event held in Farringdon by The Glass-House. The event was my first foray into community-led design as a first-year planning student at the Bartlett School of Planning.
What stood out to me during the event was how physical design tools catalysed conversation, using mind-mapping on giant pieces of paper and model-making with basic craft materials. It had me reflecting on the role that physical making plays as a communication tool across generations.
The Role of Tactile Design Tools in Conversation
The discussion group I facilitated, which focused on our Buildings, comprised a diverse and multigenerational group of both professionals and laypeople, which led to lively discussions with different perspectives (the youngest was in her teens and the oldest in his 70s!)
The mind-mapping during initial discussions was definitely helpful in expressing the plethora of ideas emerging from these discussions. Importantly, it helped us bridge between key concepts and how ideas and solutions could come together. The use of different coloured markers and pens, as well as the paper cards, allowed the group to quickly share questions and ideas with each other.
Furthermore, the later model-making stage was a very involved process, with all our members being hands-on in creating felt cards, arranging blocks, and making wire frames to show “social activity”. I was amazed by the level of creativity and articulation we achieved in such a short time (it was only fifteen minutes!). During our presentation to the other participants, the model was very helpful in allowing them to understand our solutions to bridge the multigenerational divide.
What I found most interesting was that these physical tools helped those without a design or professional background articulate their ideas more clearly. I remember how two non-professional participants who were quieter during the ideation stage of the discussion became significantly more involved when it came to the model-making, contributing their suggestions more actively. These design tools helped level the playing field between professionals and non-professionals.
I think this speaks to the power of tactile design methods in participatory planning, where once we start using our hands to express ideas without worrying about how these ideas will “sound”, greater ideas start to emerge. Additionally, the process of physical making served as a good communication tool between generations, where everyone felt invested in the final physical model. I saw this firsthand in how the model-making and group mind-mapping process helped people express ideas that may not have emerged from a simple discussion.
Coming from a Singaporean context, where ideas behind community-driven planning are still nascent, this was incredibly insightful. What was also insightful was seeing how events like WEdesign bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world planning.
From Theory to Practice
I think this experience really highlights the value of Participatory Events for students of planning. We talk a lot in classes about the importance of community engagement in the planning system, but to experience a truly people-driven planning initiative in person was really enlightening, to move from theory into practice.
Being hands-on, discussion facilitators has encouraged deeper learning through engagement on my part.
When previously studying Architecture, I had always felt a disconnect with deterministic architectural proposals for living environments, as often, these are based on assumptions made by spatial designers with no real input from local communities.
By hearing perspectives from outside the professional and academic spheres, co-design events like WEdesign allow me to better understand community perspectives, especially across generations. From engaging students to young working adults, to mature, experienced industry professionals, this has taught me humility as a designer and planner.
Max is a first-year BSc Urban Planning, Design and Management student at the Bartlett School of Planning, UCL. He is passionate about how planners and designers can better engage local communities and how they can play a part in shaping our cities.