Crossroads: Exploring how micro organizations that leverage design shape urbanism practice

Abstract

Crossroads is an exploration into the role micro organizations (1-10 people) that leverage design play within the greater urbanism field. At large, this research serves to build synergies between creative practitioners within or adjacent to the urbanism field, while providing insights and resources both from a philosophical and operational perspective. The research aims to think expansively about the definition of what design means, mainly conceptualizing design as a way of thinking and process. Using a case study approach, my investigation brings together the voices of six micro organizations based in the United States—including BlackSpace Urbanist Collective, JIMA Studio, Broad Community Connections, Design Studio for Social Intervention, Civic Studio, and Hector Design. Each conversation dives into the nuance of each organization’s foundations, process, and vision for the future. In understanding each group’s internal organizational practices, we begin to uncover the possibilities and challenges of practicing at this scale. At large, the findings lead me to believe that such organizations serve as the instigators and experimenters within the greater urbanism ecosystem.