We proudly present our new bookazine! Issue no. 3 of the series is here, titled Build to Belong!
Architecture is never entirely neutral. It influences the way we encounter one another, the way we move, feel, communicate. It can create—or limit—our opportunities. In an era of increasing polarisation, loneliness and questioning established norms, architectural design can be a deeply civic act.
There is a certain social responsibility inherent in our built environment; after all, buildings and spaces have a direct impact on society. They can inspire trust or deliberately divide us; they can foster connection and a sense of belonging or increase alienation. Today, how we design matters more than ever—not only as it relates to form and function, but also from a socio-cultural perspective.
No one is asking for a one-size-fits-all solution; this is more about mindsets, processes and creative freedom. We can create spaces of resonance—to encourage collaboration, debate, new ways of thinking. To reflect the values of an open society that believes diversity makes us stronger.
As designers, architects and consultants, we believe that our role is to create precisely these kinds of spaces: places that connect people—across disciplines, perspectives and lived experiences.
That is where Build to Belong comes in. After Change is Chance, which saw the pandemic as an opportunity for a fresh start, and Re:build the Future, which focused on sustainable design, the third edition of our series is all about the people. This time, we ask: What is the key to designing spaces that create community? How can we use design as a tool to inspire a sense of belonging, connection and shared values?
