The world’s biggest social challenges are reflected in the way we design our spaces. Privatization of public space, lack of affordable housing, dark design and spatial segregation are just some of the most common causes and manifestations of urban inequality that characterize contemporary cities. While holding the potential to reproduce these inequalities, inscribing them further into space, design can also work to oppose discrimination, propelling equity and inclusion.
Much of the action taken to contrast the material expressions of inequality happens on a small scale, through gestures of everyday life, and might even go unnoticed. It manifests via simple designs that are mindful of the needs of all users and help combat the marginalization of minority communities and of more vulnerable individuals, in cities and rural contexts all around the world. These stories contain the knowledge to be gained from inventive individuals, everyday space users, centenary traditions and resilient communities that stand against extractive and neoliberal capitalism. Yet, they often go untold.
