Saturday, February 24, 2024 | 10 AM – 5 PM | Academic Block, LUMS
ADA DSR Designers as Catalyst for Social Change
ADA | DSR – Designer Social Responsibility
“The creative faculties that comprise of art, architecture design and much more, the use of the word design encompasses all, - Design is not merely a tool for aesthetics; it is a powerful force that influences perceptions, behavior, and society as a whole. As designers, we hold the responsibility to create meaningful experiences that go beyond pleasing visuals. Our work has the potential to evoke emotions, manifest change, and contribute positively to the world.” Maria Aslam stated in her opening remarks of the inaugural session of ADA DSR held at Gurmani centre, LUMS on the 24th of February.
ADA launched yet another discourse initiative in its activism agenda, The Designer Social Responsibility, Designers as catalyst for change in response to environment, climate adaptation, space equity and inclusivity in the community.
Discussions and debates in the day-long symposium revolved around the destiny of architecture, urban planning and more generally the design disciplines in an era that seems to consider only, or at least with absolute priority, the evolution of single modal spaces and related devices spurred by technology. If today, and in the future increasingly so, the theme of life and development is no longer about further densification but resilience and environmental quality—how will designers navigate between aesthetics, sustainability, climate adaptation and depleting natural resources for a better world?
The stellar minds joining this symposium were: Arif Hasan, Yahya Jan (UAE), Dr. Fiona Gray (Australia), Kamil Khan Mumtaz, Maria Aslam, Rashid Rana, Faraz Maqsood Hamidi, Seif Al Rashidi (Egypt), Sergii Rodionov (Ukraine).
The speaker’s presentation and discourse informed on city making, place making and environment degradation patterns through activism. By embracing design with a purpose, the creative industry can create visual narratives that celebrate the beauty of nature and advocate for sustainable practices. From promoting eco-friendly products and services to encouraging responsible consumption, our designs can carry a powerful message of environmental consciousness.
Arif Hasan the renowned social scientist of Pakistan vehemently stated that the profession of architecture services the one percent of the population and that the practitioners hardly engage in works that instill social change. He further elaborated that the professional bodies also do not come forward and support these initiatives. Yahya Jan from Dubai candidly in his presentation stated that as a practitioner have not engaged with the projects that transforms and impacts lives in particular community – “am guilty of not playing my part.” Dr. Fiona Gray joining in from Australia presented a live project for community but is intrinsically challenged by the authorities. Kamil Khan Mumtaz reflected on life, its generation and how the basic needs are commodified with capitalism.
Fiona Gray addresses the growing challenge of urban heat and its effects on Australian cities, with a particular focus on Geelong. The Urban Heat Island effect, responsible for higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural surroundings, presents environmental, health, and economic challenges, especially during extreme heat events. Key factors in managing urban heat include building density, surface materials, and local climate conditions. These elements contribute to issues such as heat stress, increased energy consumption, and infrastructural strain, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
A key case study is the Green Spine project, which is revitalising a central city street into a vibrant, green, and socially enriching space. Despite facing significant political hurdles, including efforts to dismantle the project, the crucial support from the Victorian State Government has highlighted the importance of state-level endorsement in driving sustainable urban development initiatives.
Kamil Khan Mumtaz reflected on life, its generation and how the basic needs are commodified with capitalism. He lamented on the fact that the essential altruistic measures are missed from the design industry though are works are responsible in impacting lives.
The session acknowledges that while strategies such as enhancing urban greenery and public spaces are universally applicable, their implementation can be complex due to budgetary and spatial constraints, as well as the necessity for policy support. Looking to the future, emerging technologies in urban planning promise to foster more resilient and sustainable cities.
The second session comprised of stellar minds joining this symposium were: Rashid Rana, Faraz Maqsood Hamidi, Seif Al Rashidi (Egypt), Sergii Rodionov (Ukraine)
The speakers discussed city making, place making and environment degradation activism. Faraz Maqsood Hamidi of D’ Hamidi partnership illustrated making a mark through design that is the main idiom of all corporate giants through their campaigns. Seif Al Rashidi from Egupt explored the vernacular essence of retaining a craft that is synonymous to the cultural identity of their region. He shared the contemporizing of the same craft of tent making into main streams market and giving it a new lease to life and sustaining a craft by amplifying the prodcuct as per contemporary times.
Rodionov joining in from Ukraine shared the project based on activism for his home town to inject positive energy and activity by the river front for youth and population at large. Re: Mariupol envisions building Mariupol’s post-liberation identity around science, education, and tourism. The heavy industry for which the city was historically so well-known was completely destroyed during the early months of the war, and Mariupol will struggle to attract new investors.
Rashid Rana categorially opened his presentation by stating that: “Artists do not have a responsibility, but through their art they connect with the masses and tell stories that capture life styles, communities and the environment.” He presented his work ‘lost on paradise amongst others presented initially in the Karachi Biennale that captures humans desecrating mother earth with deforestation, garbage and plastic accumulation.
In conclusion, the sessions highlights the essential role of designers in adapting to the contemporary times underscoring conflict areas, climate change and globalisation.
As creative industry stalwarts, comprising of architects, artists, and designers together with social scientist, researchers, academia, designers hold the key to influencing perceptions, behaviors, and social change. One of the most pressing challenges facing our world today is environmental sustainability. With our creative abilities, we can play a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring action to protect our planet. AS THERE IS NO PLANET B, for all living beings and it is us humans responsible for the anthropogenic epoch that we are witnessing.