The first panel that took place during Day 2 of the Urban Experience Alliance Symposium featured Mari Fujita (Associate Professor, UBC SALA and Principal, Fubalabo Design Group), Matthew Thomson (Principal, Matthew Thomson Design), Susanna Haas Lyons (Public Engagement Specialist, Susanna Haas Lyons Consulting), and moderator Melissa Higgs (Principal, hcma).
In conversation, the panelists explored what effective collaboration looks like to them, how it plays out in their specific professional placemaking context, and how it can be used effectively to create shared public spaces. Key findings that emerged from the discussion included:
Reconciliation: Reconciliation is an essential element to consider in the evolution of public spaces and a topic that has risen to great importance in recent years. Acknowledging the sacredness of the land can provide us with a greater understanding of the work itself. Panelists cited the importance of engaging host nations in these conversations where possible.
Intergenerationality: To create for all, we must listen to all. Seniors and elders have witnessed first-hand how our public spaces have changed over time and provide a direct bridge to the history, cultures, and traditions of our spaces. Our youth present a fresh perspective and a sense of what’s possible – a vantage point that begins to ossify as we age. And in the middle lie our active professionals who are equipped with the ability and resources to connect people, create dialogue, and initiate decisions and change.
Safety: Creating spaces that are both welcoming and safe plays a key role in effective collaboration. The panelists emphasized that listening is one way we can start to cultivate a sense of emotional and psychological safety during these conversations.
Time & Space: One of the challenges that accompany collaborative planning is determining the logistics of where these conversations will take place. They must be accessible and large enough to ensure proper conversation and collaboration. Time also remains a key consideration – these processes can take months or years when done properly.
Melissa Higgs, Principal, hcma
Melissa is passionate about creating innovative public buildings where communities come together, and believes in the power of architecture and design to act as a catalyst for positive change. As an architect and Principal at HCMA Architecture + Design, Melissa collaborates closely with clients in the creation of arts, culture, and recreation facilities, innovates to discover creative solutions to design challenges, and fosters the development of long-range vision plans.
Mari Fujita, Associate Professor, UBC SALA and Principal, Fubalabo Design Group
With dual backgrounds in architecture and art, Mari Fujita is a designer and Associate Professor at the UBC School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture. Her research focuses on the spatial and cultural effects of globalism in addition to contemporary urbanism and how they play out, specifically in a Vancouver context. Mari’s design practice, Fubalabo, pursues diverse projects including gallery installations, interiors, building designs and urban proposals.
Matthew Thomson, Principal, Matthew Thomson Design
Landscape architect and Principal of Matthew Thomson Design, Matthew focuses on providing bespoke landscape architecture, community growth strategy, and urban co-design services to Vancouver communities and organizations. Across all projects and initiatives, he believes that the relationships and sense of agency that form during participatory design processes are integral to achieving success.
Susanna Haas Lyons, Public Engagement Specialist, Susanna Haas Lyons Consulting
Susanna Haas Lyons is a civic engagement specialist who designs and implements participation strategies, facilitates complex meetings, and provides training to encourage better conversations between decision-makers and those impacted by an issue. She works across North America on complex and large public engagement projects, teaching engagement skills for municipalities, businesses, non-profits and at post-secondary institutions.