Community driven processes for climate responsive design
As the effects of climate change are being felt stronger every day, it is increasingly important that architects and urban planners involve citizens in the design of buildings, roads, public spaces, or building projects in general. Community-driven design offers the opportunity to tap into the local knowledge base, skills and materials. It can help develop climate-responsive spaces and solutions that are both functional and sustainable, culturally appropriate and socially inclusive.
In February 2023, Enabel, the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure and the University of Rwanda organised a workshop in Kigali in which more than 200 participants (of which university students, development partners, architects, social workers…) from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda took part.
The aim of the workshop was to raise awareness around the critical importance of community-driven design processes.
The proceedings of the workshop are captured in this Manifesto, which includes a dozen case studies that highlight best practices and insights of initiatives implemented across the five countries.
