Community Design & Engagement: Empowering Communities through Innovation
In the face of post-pandemic social challenges, the need for innovative collective development practices has become more pressing than ever. Community, Design & Engagement (CDE) emerges as a pivotal player in addressing these challenges, promoting community empowerment through the creation of products, training programs, systems, and strategies. By engaging citizens in the development of their own solutions, CDE fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within communities, essential for their cohesion and resilience.
This article is not just about showcasing CDE's work; it’s an invitation to rethink how we approach urban development and community engagement. By understanding and adopting these innovative practices, you can contribute to creating vibrant, resilient communities that are equipped to face future challenges.
What is Community, Design & Engagement (CDE)?
CDE is an interdisciplinary studio dedicated to promoting community empowerment. We create a diverse range of tools and methodologies designed to engage citizens in the active development of their neighborhoods. Our approach is grounded in the belief that communities are groups of individuals who care for one another and share a sense of belonging (Pfortmüller, F. 2017).
Ten years ago we started as activists wondering what we could do for our community.
During this time we discovered that there are many people in the world interested in improving their spaces. Since then we have developed alliances and created projects with schools, governments, groups and designers.
Citizen laboratories
We call laboratories and citizen innovation to all those experimentation spaces that systematize and gather spontaneous ideas from citizens, created by Innovación Ciudadana are an open tool and used for 10 years by the Ibero-American General Secretariat SEGIB. Being open knowledge, we have adapted this initiative to different urban contex
CDE comprises citizen labs, each with a unique focus but united by the goal of community-driven development. These include:
Ortopedia Urbana: Laboratory that empowers communities to rescue public spaces through creativity, social design and culture.
Mi Río Lab: Dedicated to the restoration and activation of river spaces throughthe initiatives that arise from the citizenship, campaigns, talks, cleanups and activities around water bodies.
Prótesis para la Ciudad: We design solutions between citizens and people with disabilities to create more inclusive communities and accessible environments.
Ecomorfosis Lab: Plastic transformation laboratory with pedagogical approach for children
Latin Labic: Aims to preserve and revive Latin traditions within urban settings, fostering cultural continuity and community pride across Placemaking, culture and art.
Our Methodologies
We combine design thinking, Placemaking principles, the basics of Citizen Innovation and creative tools to address social and community problems. Our methodology emphasizes the sharing of community development strategies. By leveraging the concept of placemaking, as advocated by Project For Public Spaces, we ensure that our projects are not only designed and implemented but also deeply rooted in the community's needs and aspirations. This community-centric approach is crucial for building resilient and cohesive societies, particularly in the aftermath of the social disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The Importance of Community Projects
Robust community projects are vital for preventing social fragmentation, reducing crime rates, and enhancing the overall quality of life. Research indicates that well-designed community spaces can lower crime by up to 25% and increase property values by 5-20% (Project for Public Spaces). These statistics underscore the significant impact that thoughtful community engagement and development can have on societal well-being.
CDE is an open space for communities and empowerment. We are always looking for new collaborators who share our vision of community-driven development. Whether you are an individual, organization, or municipality, Do you have an idea in your community, school, work or city? we would love to be part of it!
