Building with community voices: the power of co-designing spaces with the people who use them
Let’s shift the dynamic from building for communities to building with them to ensure every construction project in the development sector is inclusive, sustainable, and truly meets people’s need.
Article 25, the UK’s leading architectural NGO, believes that the voices of future building users – such as teachers, students, healthcare professionals and community members – are essential to codesigning spaces that truly meet their needs. In community-driven construction, listening is transformative. It shifts the dynamic from building for people to building with them. This inclusive approach ensures that every project is impactful, sustainable, and deeply connected to those it serves.
Translators of ideas
Architects often believe they have all the answers. Article 25 challenges this misconception by making listening the foundation of every project. By engaging directly with the end users, architects and designers become translators of ideas rather than sole decision makers.
In the early stages of codesigning a school, for example, Article 25 consults not only teachers and administrators, but cooks, cleaners and students, each of whom has unique insights into how the space can function best. This participatory approach not only captures a wide spectrum of needs but creates a sense of ownership among community members.
“Every project starts with a conversation on the ground – a dialogue with partners and the community about their needs and aspirations to foster a sense of communal ownership,” says Bea Sennewald, Director of Projects at Article 25. “While the needs are often great, so are the opportunities.”
Creating economically sustainable spaces
Economic sustainability is a critical consideration. During the design phase, Article 25 asks vital questions, like which features can be added to help generate income for the school or health centre? What small businesses can operate alongside these facilities to support their financial sustainability? The answers often come from the community itself.
For example, during the planning process for a health centre in Nepal, community members highlighted the need for a separate pharmacy space which could provide essential medicines and generate revenue. Incorporating this idea not only met healthcare needs, it also created a sustainable income stream.
Empowering marginalised voices
Established hierarchies can sometimes stifle participation, especially for women and girls. In such cases, creating separate discussion groups can be transformative. These dedicated spaces empower women and girls to share their perspectives freely, leading to more inclusive and thoughtful design outcomes.
A powerful example comes from a housing project in Pakistan where community discussions initially centred on male perspectives. By organising separate sessions for women, Article 25 unearthed critical insights about household functionality and safety considerations, which were later incorporated into the final design.
Article 25 employs a variety of planning techniques that encourage inclusive participation, which are adapted to the needs of each community. In Pakistan, a simple yet effective method involved using pebbles for voting on housing priorities. This approach made decision making accessible to everyone, regardless of literacy levels.
Fostering a sense of ownership
When a building feels like it belongs to the community, its long-term maintenance and care become a shared responsibility. By integrating the ideas and priorities of local people, Article 25 helps to foster this critical sense of ownership.
In the Kao La Amani Children’s Village, Tanzania children were invited to draw pictures of what they wanted in their new home. They drew places to play games and hang out with their friends. Incorporating these elements not only enriched the project but ensured the children felt a personal connection to their new environment.
Partnering for impact
Collaboration is at the heart of Article 25’s mission. By partnering with NGOs and other development organisations, we continue to deliver impactful, sustainable building projects that transform lives. These partnerships bring together expertise, resources, and the invaluable insights of local communities.
Article 25’s participatory approach supports key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health, education, and sustainability. By co-designing health centres for better patient care, we advance SDG3 (good health and well-being). Our schools enhance learning, contributing to SDG4 (quality education), while resilient, community-led infrastructure aligns with SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities). Our work also intersects with other SDGs, including ending poverty, promoting decent work, reducing inequality, tackling climate change, and fostering global partnerships.
“Article 25 and their teams can’t be rivalled by any other construction manager I have worked with,” says Fouzia Mahmoudi, Co-founder and Vice-President, Operation Smile Morocco. “They are dedicated, professional, thorough, accommodating, responsive, hardworking, and committed to excellence. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I know I will be working with Article 25 because I know they will act as an ambassador for my interests and never let me down.”
If your organisation is seeking a partner for your next construction project – whether it’s a school, health centre or community facility – reach out to Article 25. Together, we can build spaces that not only meet immediate needs but create lasting positive change.
Let’s build better futures together.
Get in touch with Article 25 to explore how we can collaborate and deliver meaningful impact where it matters most. Contact Chief Executive Gemma Holding at [email protected].
