What Makes Design Inclusive or Exclusive?

Understanding the nuances of inclusive design requires diverse voices.

The OALA J.E.D.I. Committee, with Gail Shillingford as co-host, recently facilitated a panel discussion where Black professionals offered critical insights into how design can either include or exclude. They explored the impact of representation, work processes, community engagement, and policy creation.

Building on B+H and OALA’s “What does Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Mean to You?” event last year, this session cultivated a vibrant exchange among the panelists and audience. A key theme emerged: the importance of universal design.

By prioritizing the needs of those with the least access, we can create spaces that are comfortable and accessible for all. Understanding lived experiences from this perspective, and confronting our potential biases, is crucial.

“For the OALA J.E.D.I. event, we intentionally brought together professionals from various design disciplines, including an architect, engineer, planner, and municipal urban designer, to participate in the panel discussion.

 

Our goal is to emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and community engagement. By sharing our diverse experiences and perspectives, we can collectively address the challenges of creating welcoming, inclusive environments.”

– Gail Shillingford, Principal, Planning and Landscape