Action-based research and participatory methods are long-standing academic research practices. These methods are now more widespread and more usually known as co-design and co-creation. The same principles apply to both: ask the people, listen, and work together. Nevertheless, university researchers bring their particular skill-set to co-designing inclusive communities.
“By exploring perspectives on inclusive and accessible public
and private spaces, this work builds on a multi-year effort to foster community led change.” Image of the front cover of the report.
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) focused on inner suburbs of Sydney for their research project. It was carried out in partnership with local community members who shared their time and stories. The resulting report highlights the best experiences of inclusive and accessible spaces. These stories provide a strong basis for building on what already exists to create even more of these places.
Co-designing places and spaces expands the skills of individuals and builds on the strengths within the community. It is so much more than creating a “nice” building or park.
Key points for policy and practice
The project found that loneliness and isolation was a community priority and that programs and initiatives should have this as a focus. A sense of belonging for all citizens is therefore the main aim. Briefly the key take-aways from the project are:
- increased investment in free and low-cost community spaces and events
- prioritising social infrastructure in urban planning; improving public transport and walkability
- embedding co-design and participatory decision making in policy development
- strengthening social inclusion policies for diverse and marginalised group
- prioritising funding for safe and livable housing
- funding for place-based organisations
Co-designing inclusion
The project was grounded in an asset-based framework which explores the strengths held in the community. These are the skills, knowledge, and community networks and organisations.
By embedding community leadership throughout the process participants gain a significant sense of ownership and long-term commitment that is often missing from both academic and professional initiatives. Image from the report.
By focusing on community strengths, an asset-based approach captures people’s visions of ‘the best of what is’. It also mobilises existing networks and resources to create opportunities for social change.
The report explains the underpinning concepts for the co-design method which covered nine-month’s of work. The iterative cycle included finding out what is good now and upskilling community members to make change. Co-designing real-world community driven projects was another essential element of the process.
The title of the report is, Where We Belong: Creating inclusive and accessible communities across Glebe, Haymarket, Pyrmont and Ultimo.
The UTS media team provide an overview of the project and some of the outcomes. Local developers, building managers and community organisations are using the findings to advocate for the community.
The UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion is focused on suburbs surrounding UTS.