In this session, we explore approaches to design thinking that has been shaped by lived experiences. Though you don’t have to have opinions about the design process and the built environment to have an influence on it, these speakers have both opinions and direct understanding of how a shift in thinking can change design thinking.

With these talented speakers, we will explore why the concept of ‘body’ should be redefined in our profession to allow for a truly universal approach to design, gain insights into how an Indigenous Placemaking Framework could be used for any building or placemaking design, and discuss new approaches to design thinking through the lens of neurodiversity. The panel speaks to inclusive design, involving many voices (notion of plurality); attendees will listen to lived experiences and learn how creativity can directly impact communities. Together, we will discuss if new approaches to design thinking can cause the social innovation to create the change we want to see in our communities.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Explore our understanding of “body” to gain a more holistic approach to universal design
   
2.  Identify aspects of how an Indigenous Placemaking Framework could be used for any building or placemaking design
   
3.  Discuss new approaches to design thinking through the lens of neurodiversity
   
4.  Discover how lived experience can shape and form our understanding of design    

Speakers: 

Annie Boivin, Architect AIBC

Annie Boivin began her journey through the architectural practice in 2003 at Laval University. She then moved to the West Coast to attend the University of British Columbia (UBC) where she completed her Master's degree in 2011. Upon graduation, Annie started her professional career at Perkins and Will where she still practices today. In addition to her work as an architect, she also contributes to conferences, webinars and teaches a design studio for the undergraduate program of her alma mater (UBC). Having lived with a disability all her life, Annie's unique perspective on matters of universal design is greatly sought after by her peers. She contributed to numerous articles dedicated to accessibility and the built environment. Most recently, Perkins and Will, in collaboration with Canadian Architect, celebrated her induction to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia with the publication of an article dedicated to her story.

Wanda Dalla Costa, TAW, AIA, LEED A.P.

Wanda is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. She is an architect and an Institute professor and a YBCA 100 2019 honoree, an award which celebrates people, organizations, and movements shifting culture through ideas, their art, and their activism. At Arizona State University, she is the director and founder of the Indigenous Design Collaborative, a community-driven design and construction program, which brings together tribal community members, industry and a multidisciplinary team of ASU students and faculty to co-design solutions for tribal communities. Dalla Costa was part of Unceded at the 2018 Venice Biennale where she joined 18 Indigenous architects from across Turtle Island to share an Indigenous vision of the future. Her firm, Tawaw Architecture Collective (www.tawarc.com) is based in Phoenix. 

Mark Fairbanks, Islands of Brilliance

Mark leads a devoted team of education and professionals at Islands of Brilliance, an early workforce development program for youth and young adults on the autism spectrum. Students are matched 1 : 1 with design and tech professionals, allowing them to showcase their creative thinking, learn professional design software, and develop critical social communication skills. COVID-19 necessitated a pivot to a distance learning platform, which resulted in unprecedented growth for the organization. Islands of Brilliance now has students from around the United States enrolled in all three layers of programming access. The inspiration for the program originates with his youngest son Harry, who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum just before the age of three. His TEDx talk 13 Years on an Island traces the personal story behind the creation of Islands of Brilliance.

Prior to Islands of Brilliance, a 27 year career in advertising, design, and digital saw Mark working for notable creative boutiques in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Chicago. During this period his work appeared in The One Show, Communication Arts, Graphis, and The Obies, while also receiving acclaim in Adweek, Creativity and The New York Times. He was a member of the Creative Alliance, a cohort of notable agency creatives and agencies working on social impact initiatives during the final two years of the Obama Administration.

Mark also currently serves as the Social Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee’s Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, devoting time to working with undergraduate students on design methodologies, business model canvas, and thinking through prototypes of their ideas focused on social innovation.

When not occupied with his work in the community, he finds artistic expression and mindfulness while tending to the “urban prairie” that welcomes visitors to the Fairbanks’ family home in Shorewood, WI. During the summer months, you can also find him manning the Ferrari-red wood fired pizza oven in the backyard, as he continually hones his Napoli-style skills as a “pizzaiolo.”

Moderator:

Stefan Novakovic
AZURE Magazine

Stefan Novakovic is a journalist specializing in architecture, design and urban life. Currently the senior editor of Azure Magazine, Stefan was previously an editor with Canadian Architect and UrbanToronto.