Public Interest Architecture

Course No: Arch 4147

Section: A

Assignment
Date: 16th May, 2023

Topic
Summarizing the theme of six literatures on
Public Interest Architecture

Submitted To:
Dr. Afroza Parvin
Professor, Architecture Discipline
Khulna University

Submitted By:
Shovon Kumar Biswas
Roll No: 190152
4th Year, Term- I
Architecture Discipline, Khulna University
Anderson, N. M. (2014). Public Interest Design: Expanding Architecture and Design Through
Process and Impact. Hybrid, Evolving, and Integrative Career Paths, 2(2), 26.

The main theme of "Public Interest Design: Expanding Architecture and Design Through Process and
Impact" by Nadia M. Anderson is to explore and promote the concept of public interest design as a
means to expand the role of architecture and design in addressing social and environmental issues. The
article highlights the need for designers to work collaboratively with communities and other stakeholders
to create projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a greater public good.
Anderson argues that public interest design has the potential to transform the design profession by
promoting a more socially responsible and sustainable approach to design.

The author focuses on the theme of public interest design and explores how architecture and design
can be used to address social and environmental issues. Anderson consistently returns to this theme
throughout the article, providing a clear and coherent argument. Also discusses different approaches to
public interest design and the impact it can have on communities. Overall, the article is well-organized
and effectively communicates its main theme.
Bell, B. (2008). Expanding design towards greater relevance. In B. Bell & K. Wakeford (Eds.),
Expanding Architecture: Design as Activism New York: Metropolis Books. (pp. 14,15)

The main theme of this paper is to discuss the idea of expanding design towards greater relevance,
particularly in the context of architecture and activism. The author argues that design should go beyond
aesthetic concerns and become more socially and politically engaged, with a focus on creating
positive change and addressing pressing issues in society. The paper advocates for a shift towards a
more collaborative, participatory and inclusive approach to design, where designers work closely with
communities to develop solutions that are responsive to their needs. Also depict the positive stance to
the design and designer as they can play role to give new forms to the diverse needs of this future.

The author provides examples of design projects and initiatives that illustrate this approach and
highlights the potential of design as a powerful tool for social transformation. The author also mentioned
that to make design more relevant is to reconsider what the design issues are.
Feldman, R. M., Palleroni, S., Perkes, D., & Bell, B. (2013). Wisdom from the Field: Public
Interest Architecture in Practice: A Guide to Public Interest Practices in Architecture. (pp. 2-8);
(pp, 9-13)

The paper is divided into two parts. The practitioner’s perspective and the partners’ perspective.

The main theme of the paper is to showcase the principles and practices of public interest architecture,
which involves engaging with diverse communities, collaborating with stakeholders, and prioritizing
sustainability and social equity in design decisions. The authors argue that public interest architecture
can address some of the most pressing challenges facing our society, such as poverty, environmental
degradation and social inequality, by providing innovative and effective design solutions.

Overall, the paper serves as a guide for architects and designers interested in pursuing public interest
architecture, providing practical advice and insights on how to effectively engage with communities,
collaborate with stakeholders and design innovative solutions that address pressing social and
environmental issues.
Fisher, T. (2008). Public Interest Architecture: A Needed and Inevitable Change. In B. Bell &
K. Wakeford (Eds.), Expanding Architecture: Design as Activism. New York: Metropolis
Books. (pp. 8-13)

Fisher begins by describing the current state of the architectural profession. He notes that most architects
work for private firms that cater to wealthy clients. This means that the vast majority of architecture is
designed for the benefit of a small minority of people, while the needs of the majority are often ignored.
Fisher argues that this is a problem because it contributes to social inequality and environmental
degradation.

Here are some of the key points that Fisher makes in his paper:

• The current system of housing and building is not meeting the needs of millions of people
around the world.
• Public interest architecture can play a vital role in addressing social and environmental
challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and climate change.
• Public interest architecture can help to build a more just and sustainable future.

Fisher concludes by arguing that public interest architecture is a needed and inevitable change. He
notes that the current system of housing and building is not sustainable and that it is only a matter of
time before it collapses. He argues that public interest architecture can help to build a more sustainable
future.
Gamez, J. L. S., & Rogers, S. (2008). An Architecture of Change. In B. Bell & K. Wakeford
(Eds.), Expanding Architecture: Design as Activism New York: Metropolis Books. (pp. 18-25)

The main theme of the paper "An Architecture of Change" by Gamez and Rogers is that architecture
can be used as a tool for social change. The authors argue that architecture can be used to empower
communities by giving them a voice in the design process, improve the quality of life and promote
sustainability.

The authors explore various examples of architecture as activism, including community-based design
projects and socially responsible design initiatives. These projects seek to engage with communities and
prioritize the needs of marginalized groups, addressing issues such as poverty, social inequality and
environmental degradation.

The authors then go on to discuss the potential of architecture to be used as a tool for social change in
the 21st century. some of the key points that Gamez and Rogers make in their paper:

• Architecture can be used as a tool for social change.

• Architecture can be used to empower communities.
• Architecture can be used to improve the quality of life.
• Architecture can be used to promote sustainability.
Medina, S. M. y., & Corn, J. R. (2016). Forward. In L. M. Abendroth & B. Bryan (Eds.),
Public Interest Design Practice Guidebook: SEED Methodology, Case Studies, and Critical
Issues. New York: Routledge. (pp. ix-xiii)

The paper "Forward" by Medina and Corn is an introduction to the book "Public Interest Design Practice
Guidebook: SEED Methodology, Case Studies and Critical Issues" edited by Abendroth and Bryan. The
main theme of this paper is to provide an overview of the importance and potential impact of public
interest design practices, which are focused on addressing social, economic and environmental
challenges through collaborative design processes.

The main theme that Medina and Corn make in their paper:

• Public interest design is a powerful tool that can be used to address social and environmental
challenges.
• The SEED methodology is a valuable tool for public interest designers.
• Public interest design and the SEED methodology are essential tools for addressing the social
and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Overall, the paper emphasizes the importance of public interest design practices in creating a more
sustainable and equitable built environment and provides an introduction to the SEED methodology as a
framework for achieving these goals.