Structures for Inclusion 3

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Year

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Opening

Opening Remarks
By Will Hartzog

Every person deserves to have a place.

The idea of place goes beyond provisions for mere shelter. Each of us can name a few essential places that have helped to shape who we are as individuals and communities. We all have strong affinities for particular hometowns, neighborhoods, schools, parks, and other locations experienced along the way. Of the different places we inhabit, those that remain forever in our consciousness are likely those that empower, inspire, and challenge us as humans. These places provide unique experiences and help foster our identities.

This work is not about getting by. The projects we discuss all share a common goal to move beyond superficially bandaging the most basic, immediate needs of a people using generic solutions. Each project illustrates an intimate understanding of a particular community achieved through a successful process of sharing between that community and the designer(s). It is understandably difficult for an underserved community to envision a prosperous future when it often does not even have the means to meet current challenges by utilizing design as a tool to encourage positive place-making, the evolving needs of a community can be met in a collective effort that can indeed empower, inspire, and challenge both the designer and the larger community.

That said, there are no easy answers to issues regarding the nature of the dynamic relationship between good design and underserved communities. SFI3 will provide a positive forum for discussing and critiquing current approaches and experiences that pose numerous alternative methods for involvement. Throughout the weekend, I urge you to introduce yourself to those around you and share your own experiences with others.

SFI ARCHIVE LINKS

SFI3 (2003)