Design for Us, By Us: Activating Community Agency

Join the Community Design Collaborative (Philadelphia) and the Center for Architecture (NYC) for a cross-festival event featuring some of the leading voices in community- led design.

Bridging Design Philadelphia and Archtober, this panel discussion will highlight prominent design nonprofits in each city to reflect on the 50+ year legacy of neighborhood design centers and how they are now more needed and relevant than ever. Panelists will examine how design can be used as a tool for systems change, forwarding principles of design justice, and cultivating community empowerment and agency. Discussion with the audience will consider community engagement as the standard in all design and planning processes.

There are two ticketing options: 1) online for the Zoom livestream, and 2) in-person at the Center for Architecture and Design in Philadelphia with a post-event box lunch and mingling period. Masks will be required for everyone attending in-person.

For three decades, the Collaborative has been leveraging the expertise and pro bono services of the design community to engage communities, build nonprofit capacity, and advance equitable development. Proceeds from this event will support this transformative work.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Center for Architecture and Design, 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia, United States