Alexandra Shott Going Beyond Spatial Connection
T
he aspects of our lives which connect us and allow us to expand our perspectives, such as art, music, and culture, have been experienced at a minimum over the last year. Connection comes in many forms, but the ability to unite over something that brings us joy is a crucial part of the human experience. I personally have been thinking a lot about how architecture has the ability to connect us not only physically, but socially, culturally, and even politically. One of the questions I have asked myself lately is, “How can architects use their work to approach the forming of connections between individuals that goes beyond the spatial realm?” Considering the many elements of an architect’s practice, one might ask themself where there are opportunities to connect people in more unexpected ways. Architects go through a complete journey in their practice, beginning with research and ending with the meticulous creation of a structure that will become a semi-permanent piece of our built environment. At the center of an architect’s work is the design process, an enigmatic concept which any designer can relate to. While each individual crafts their own design process over time, it is ultimately what
connects all architects and designers together. The concept of the design process is often difficult for a non-designer to conceptualize. A lack of general understanding from the public about what an architect does, as well as a lack of consideration by the architect to actively and transparently make communities aware of the design’s intentions, can have the opposite effect of facilitating connection in social, economic,or political environments. This is particularly true in the case of more vulnerable, low-income communities. Some architectural practices have leveraged the design process to facilitate connections with members of the communities they serve. Often referred to as co-creation, these practitioners invite members of the community to take part in the design process. This type of approach is often exhibited in areas of vulnerability and minority communities. Similar to how connections between people rely on a sense of trust or ability to relate to one another, the practice of co-creation allows everyone involved to connect over shared values and goals for the future of their community. Through activism and advocacy woven into this process, even economic or
