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A City of Neighborhoods was created by architects and designers and modeled on their own experience with the design process. The program mirrors the stages of the design process, supported by a variety of community- and project-based strategies.

The following three stages of the workshop form the necessary steps in translating the design process into successful civic action. Some of the activities that may be included in any workshop are described below.

Identifying and describing the “experience of place” using a visual vocabulary, walking tours, sketching, photography, writing, and activities for synthesizing sensory impressions

Place Memory Activity

Participants will create a representation of a powerful memory of a place. Participants will introduce themselves using this description/story, showing and describing the characteristics of that place which make it important in their memory.

Learning to See Slideshow

Participants are introduced to the “elements of form” that make up the language of design, and are asked to consider the choices that designers and communities make and how these choices are reflected in the architecture, urban planning, and landscaping of a place.

Walking Tour Objectives and Orientation

Participants break into teams to become oriented to the walking tour objectives. Team members assign roles and familiarize themselves with equipment, materials, and maps.

Neighborhood Exploration/Walking Tour and Lunch

Participants are asked to use all five senses and the elements of form from the morning’s slideshow to discover the character of the neighborhood. Participants will record the design and architectural elements that give the neighborhood its unique sense of place by:

• taking Polaroids
• answering prompt questions
• collecting artifacts
• making texture rubbings
• conducting interviews

Sensory Collage

What was your experience of this place? Using the information and resources collected and experienced in the walk, participants will organize their findings into a visual presentation to share with the rest of the group.

Analyzing historical maps and photographs, presentations by guest speakers, discussions involving community panels, and researching literature and written materials.

Historic Layering Activity

Knowing a neighborhood’s past is critical to understanding its present. Participants are asked to consider what the past and present forces of change have been. Using maps, narratives, municipal records, and photographs, they will add another layer of historical context to the neighborhood collage.

Using Historic Photographs

Writing from historic photographs allows time for reflection on how everyday life in the neighborhood has changed over time. It also allows for imagining alternative living conditions. When considering life in the past, participants gain perspective, clarity, and insight that inform their knowledge of the current situation.

Neighborhood Panel Discussion

While meeting with representatives from community groups, participants assess the importance of perspective on a community’s evolution.

Defining Design Criteria Discussion

Examining current social, economic, and environmental issues, participants begin to formulate design solutions for the neighborhood. Teams form around common concerns and project parameters are discussed.

Using information gathered about the past and present to develop proposals for the future by brainstorming ideas, interviewing community members, analyzing project sites, sketching designs, building models, presenting and critiquing proposals, and planning for future community action.

Brainstorming and Sketching Activity

Teams focus on a site or topic of concern, and:

• brainstorm ideas
• go back to their site for sketching, interviews, and observing behaviors
• sketch ideas and plans on base map

Start Building!

Participants build 3-D models of their ideas for positive community change.

Team Presentations of Models and Plans

Each team will present and explain its project to a jury, to be followed by critique, discussions, and evaluations by the group and community members. The ultimate goal is to author a community-based project that participants can continue to advocate for and act upon after the workshop, as well as feel confident sharing with youth, in and outside of the classroom.

Designing an Action Plan

Develop activities for integration into home communities or curricula with clear learning objectives, defined resources, and activities appropriate for young people. Develop strategies for implementation and assessment methods. Create projects that can build on partnerships between teachers, youth providers, architects, planners, preservationists, and other community contacts.

The goal of A City of Neighborhoods workshop is to help participants develop strategies and designs to take back to their schools, community groups, and other institutions. These designs will reflect each participant’s unique situation, and engage and empower community members to advocate for their needs and aspirations.