ARCHITECTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN
Workshop on Spatial Equity and Inclusiveness in the City Centre
Facilitators: Ihab Elzeyad, Bob Giddings, Silvio Melhado

Synopsis: Among present urban dilemmas is the social and cultural integration of diverse populations and responses to the barriers created by limited access to the critical elements of safe, healthy, and dignified lives. The focus of this session is the role of research, education and practice in inclusiveness and generating spatial equity. The challenge of creating social and environmentally sustainable places that are accessible to various communities, lies at the core of critical research in the design disciplines. Research into spatial equity and inclusiveness in architectural education and practice is manifested in both process and product. In thinking about the conference theme, this workshop will engage participants in a lively debate around a set of conditions and provocations that will assist the development of a resilient city centre. The concept of universal access to city centre facilities, regardless of social class, race, gender, and ethnic background needs to be carried through to practice. Moreover, inclusion for some members of society can represent exclusion for others. Thus, there is a continuum from the producers of urban space in all its scales, through to the users. The outcome of the workshop will be to elicit ideas, opinions, and different perspectives from the participants, and lay out a plan of action for a future research agenda.
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