INFORM Studio’s Post

I'm still internalizing just how impactful the design of the public realm can be for society. In my professional journey, not a day passes without pondering how public spaces impact each and every one of us... Setha Low says it well, "They [public spaces] are places of social interaction and community building. They are places where people learn to live with difference. They offer a stage for political and social protest and can encourage democracy and equality. They are crucial to the flourishing of people and their greater societies. #landscapearchitecture #publicspaces #socialjustice

Post COVID, it's become more and more clear that our well-being is highly tied to our social connections, and what better way to foster than to actually intentionally design, curate, and measure this? So stoked to share this week's episode of Urbanism Vancouver where I chat with friends Mark B. and Alyssa S. at Minivillage. I love what they're doing to help build community, and the tools they're working on to help designers, builders, and operators to do the same. https://lnkd.in/gamdR6df

You already know that your park and recreation efforts are critical to fostering a sense of community. But did you know that engagement itself is not enough? Every touchpoint with a member of the public is an opportunity to create the kind of positive civic experiences that foster trust and appreciation. Read our latest blog to learn more about what park and recreation departments can do to create positive civic experiences in their communities. #ParksAndRecreation #CommunityEngagement #LocalGovernment https://lnkd.in/gUmsrrYJ

As we step into April, we not only welcome the signs of spring but also embrace it as Fair Housing Month 🫱🏻🫲🏿, a time to reaffirm and celebrate our commitment to equality, inclusion, and diversity in our communities. This year marks the 56th anniversary 🏡 of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, a landmark legislation that has fundamentally transformed the landscape of housing rights and opportunities in America, and its principles are deeply embedded in our mission here in San Diego.📌 Let's celebrate the progress that has been made, while also recognizing the work that remains. Together, we can make San Diego a beacon of inclusivity and fairness in housing🫱🏻🫲🏿. Whether you're searching for your first home🏡, looking to rent👀, or exploring new opportunities, remember that fair housing is not just the law; it's the right of every individual☝🏽. Let's continue to build a community where everyone has the chance to find their perfect home, without bias or barriers.✅️ For more information on fair housing or to find resources and support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Let's make Fair Housing Month a stepping stone towards a more inclusive and equitable San Diego✅️. #FairHousingMonth #EqualityInHousing #InclusiveCommunities #SanDiegoRealEstate #SDHomes #SanDiegoHomes #SoCalRealEstate #SanDiegoRealtor #SDRealEstate #HomeForSale #DreamHome #HouseHunting #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyForSale #SanDiegoLivings #InvestInSanDiego #HomeSweetHome #CaliforniaRealEstate #RealtorLife #rosakarp #karprealty #karprealtygroup

#datavisualization : Love this and speaks volumes to what colleagues and I have written about for #LittleRock. Many cities have histories that speak to current societal and public safety issues that were designed into cities. #PlaceMatters #GIS https://lnkd.in/gZc7Awfk

🌇 Cedar Heights Unbound: Crafting Unity in Our Streets 🌇 Deep in the fabric of the city lies Cedar Heights, a neighborhood that’s stood for three decades yet remained a collection of houses rather than a community. It was time for a change, time to awaken the vibrant spirit I knew lived in every corner and every heart of this neighborhood. The Spark of Transformation: The mission was clear from the get-go: to transform Cedar Heights from a mere geographic location to a living, breathing community where every voice is heard, and every hand is held. This wasn’t about changing an area; it was about unlocking the potential of its people. From Strangers to Neighbors: The first step was to bridge the gaps. We rolled up our sleeves and got down to the grassroots, initiating real conversations, sharing stories, and building trust. This was about laying down the foundation for a community where everyone feels at home. The Pulse of the Community: Through collective efforts, we saw the transformation unfold. Block parties turned isolated individuals into a united community, community gardens blossomed from barren lands, symbolizing growth and togetherness, and neighborhood meetings became the stage for voices that had long been silenced. Today’s Cedar Heights: Now, Cedar Heights is alive with the energy of its residents. It’s a place where the youth play freely, neighbors connect genuinely, and the essence of unity fills the air. This is the Cedar Heights we envisioned, a community bound by solidarity and mutual respect. The Legacy We Build: Cedar Heights’ journey is a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision. It stands as a beacon, showing that with perseverance and unity, any neighborhood can redefine itself. The Invitation: I extend a call to each of you. Let’s take this spirit beyond Cedar Heights. Engage, connect, and contribute. Together, we have the power to transform spaces into communities, houses into homes, and individuals into families. #UnityInCedarHeights #StrengthInCommunity #EmpowermentThroughEngagement #LegacyBuilding #TogetherAsOne

In a quaint American town called Virginia, a diverse group converged to craft a large symbolic necklace, each bead telling a unique story of heritage. Through the shared act of creation, the participants found a newfound understanding of each other's cultures and backgrounds. Stories unfolded as beads of various origins intertwined, creating a rich narrative that transcended individual differences. The shared experience fostered empathy, building bridges of understanding among the participants. After completing necklace, the group discovered a powerful outcome – a community united by a better understanding of diverse backgrounds. Tolerance flourished, transforming the community into a more harmonious and accepting place. The necklace, once a collection of separate stories, now symbolised the collective strength that comes from embracing differences. As the symbolic necklace adorns the town library, it has became a beacon of hope and a reminder that in unity, there is resilience. The community, now knit together by shared experiences, embraced a brighter future where diversity was not only acknowledged but celebrated, demonstrating the profound impact of a simple act of creativity on fostering tolerance and acceptance. #O_O_O_O #positiveoutcomes #communitybuilding #togetherasone