An Interview With Cassim Shepard
I had the opportunity to speak to Cassim Shepard the on Thursday. Cassim is probably best known as founder and editor of the Architectural League of New York’s Urban Omnibus publication. Speaking to Cassim shined a light on many of the gaps present in my thesis concept.
Too Late For Design
I first thought that I could work exclusively with citizens to showcase potential design concepts. I learned early on in our conversations that the community reviews take place only after final designs has been developed; people weren’t discussing multiple options – they were discussing final renderings.
If people were going to have a stake in the design process, design was going to have to happen much earlier on.
It’s All About Participation
When I asked Cassim about his thoughts on participation, he referenced Carl Skelton, creator of Betaville:
Participation is a coalition of two different registers of confidence: professional intelligence and deep, local knowledge.
Which is a fantastic way to frame my idea getting citizens more invested in the future of their neighborhood. I’d like to see all of these different camps coming together and form a community that is sustainable, achievable, and livable. Amending the adversarial and obtuse relationship is the first place to start.
