Place(making) and interiority: A methodology to engage marginalised individuals in the Urban Design process

As diversity and populations increase within cities worldwide, there is also growing urban disadvantage for marginalised populations. In this paper, South-East Queensland, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, is referred to as a case of traditional development in which the patterns of growth which are largely dominated by land developers and top-down processes and mechanisms, have resulted in uneven urban development socio-spatial disadvantage. \ud \ud This paper argues that traditional development methodologies will not be sufficient to face the existing and future challenges this presents. This study focuses on the larger contributing factors affecting the participation of marginalised people in the urban design process, and is focused on the topic of creative placemaking as a method for empowering people to contribute to their community in meaningful ways. Through a critical analysis of current literature, a theoretical framework is proposed to ground a new approach to urban development with a strong focus on people’s participation and engagement. \ud \ud There is a broad area of research to draw upon, but for the purpose of this paper, the discussion is limited to literature that supports a place-based approach to engaging marginalised people in the urban design process. Using theoretical paradigms typical of Interior design, such as the concept of Interiority, in conjunction with established theories such as ecology and heterotopia, new tools and a new approach to urban design could be developed, re-centring the focus of the design process on people’s experiences and needs into designs so to enhance their right to the city and produce vibrant and inclusive public spaces