Architects and developers can resist or minimize community engagement, but a well-structured process can be rich and productive. This panel shares strategies that make community engagement effective and revelatory, strengthening the design and the community together.

Storytelling, active listening, data collection, inclusive design charrettes, and social events can all play a part in revealing new possibilities in the site and community, going deeper than disagreements about taste and form to address priorities, program, and how the building can strengthen its context. By going beyond checking the boxes, design and development teams can receive valuable feedback from users and reveal new, stronger design possibilities.

Whether you’re starting a multiyear process or getting the most from a few meetings, these tools will help you set expectations, build stronger designs, and connect with communities.

See HLC’s full AHM calendar here.