Sou International

"The film tells a sophisticated story of how architects and designers can collaborate with stakeholders to produce award-winning designs that are both culturally respectful and cost-effective. This emotionally compelling documentary will inspire architects to move beyond simplified approaches to participation in design, demonstrating that socially committed work can be aesthetically innovative."

ANN FORSYTH
Dayton Hudson Chair of Urban Design
Director, Metropolitan Design Center
Minneapolis, MN, USA

Most designers and planners, when asked about participatory community design, will claim that it costs too much; that is not possible, because local stakeholders are not experts in planning and design; or that it compromises the quality of design. The documentary film, Detroit Collaborative Design Center challenges these myths about participatory design. The design center is a non-profit architecture firm. They work exclusively with non-profit community based organizations and local stakeholders, amplifying the diminished voice. The design center is a non-profit architecture firm. It is the engagement arm of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture. The design center works exclusively with non-profit community based organizations and local stakeholders, amplifying the diminished voice.

The film, in three parts, begins by introducing the context of neighbourhood disinvestment from which design centers emerged. The myths about participatory design are introduced, along with the design center’s activist practice, “alternative ways of working,” and award-winning designs. Part two, Mutual Knowledge Sharing in Design, explores some of the participatory design processes of the design center and their intent. The design center works with the stakeholders of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation to redesign their 28,000 square foot community facility, including offices, classrooms, day care, youth programming and a technology access center. The design center not only gains knowledge from stakeholders, it builds literacy about design and development. The myths of participation are revealed and dispelled through the process and various projects of the design center. Collaborations beyond the designers and stakeholders are also described. The designers take the time to build trust and respect. As a result, late in the process, the stakeholders reveal indigenous knowledge about the medicine wheel philosophy. This knowledge significantly impacts the design decisions. In part three, Designing Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, the relationship between culture, the participatory design process and design decision-making is explored. It culminates in a contemporary design that responds to the cultural attitudes and values of the stakeholders, rather than those of the designers.

Colour: 62:41:00