theMAAK

Back: Amparo Casio, Alex Rus, Joao Omena De Lucena
Front: Faye Gauthier, Mbolle Akume

Many public spaces are underutilized and lack elements to invite social inclusivity. Design considerations (elements of comfort, pleasure, activity) and placemaking (the involvement of communities) can improve this disconnection. Advised by the architecture firm, theMAAK, this project aimed to address inclusivity in Woodstock—a neighborhood that subverted historical policies of racial segregation but is rapidly gentrifying under neoliberal capitalism. Informed by activity scans of public spaces, we installed themed temporary designs to test inclusivity in spaces of Woodstock. Observations revealed the following: spatial design and social engagement are equally important; community engagement is vital; and, scaling inclusive design is not appropriate given the uniqueness of public spaces.

Final report: What elements cre(a)te inclusive public space in Woodstock?