Services — U DESIGN JUSTICE INITIATIVE

UDesign Justice Initiative How We Began : Workshop 1

The UDesign Justice Initiative is a transdisciplinary platform committed to reimagining how the built environment is shaped, centering equity, community knowledge, and justice in design and planning. We believe those most impacted by spatial injustice must lead the creation of solutions.

Workshop #1 launched the UDesign Justice Initiative by bringing together community members, students, and professionals to co-create the foundation for a community-led approach to design justice. The session focused on naming the initiative, identifying core values and principles, and establishing long-term priorities.

This session laid the foundation for a new kind of design space that listens deeply, redistributes power, and builds from community-led visioning.

Workshop Details

24 and 25. June 2025 Workshop 1

What We Heard Report | JUNE 2025

“We recognize that design is a vulnerable act and mistakes are part of the journey, but we hold ourselves and each other accountable, and we create a safe and welcoming space for learning, growing, and co-creating more responsibly. As a collective hub, we are committed to equitable design, clear and open dialogue, and designing with communities, ensuring everyone is heard and included. We bridge real-world experience and learning to create positive change without placing burdens on those we serve.”

UDesign Justice Initiative How We Began : Workshop 2

What We Adjusted for Workshop #2 Targeted invitations to groups underrepresented in Workshop #1 (e.g., Black community members, newcomers, public-facing staff, frontline workers) Partner-assisted recruitment through culturally specific agencies, grassroots organizations, and newcomer-serving groups to broaden reach Follow-up calls and supported registration options to reduce participation barriers

Workshop #2 built on this groundwork, focusing on the practical structures needed to bring UDJI to life. Collaborators codeveloped strategies for governance, funding, partnerships, and implementation. They outlined actionable steps to ensure UDJI remains transparent, communityembedded, and accountable.

Workshop 2 builds on the foundations of the first co-design session by deepening the conversation with community members. This workshop focuses on emerging themes, validating what we heard previously, and collaboratively shaping priorities, values, and direction for the UDesign Justice Initiative. Participants refine ideas, identify gaps, and begin outlining tangible pathways toward a community-led design framework..

Workshop Details

14 and 19. August 2025 Workshop 2

UDesign Justice Initiative: What We Heard Report

Co-Design Workshop #2

Dr. Marie Cecile Kotyk and Zahra Khaniki Duration: 30m

14 and 19. August 2025 Workshop 2

UDesign Justice Initiative: Verbatim Report

Co-Design Workshop #2

Dr. Marie Cecile Kotyk and Zahra Khaniki Duration: 15m

14 and 19. August 2025 Workshop 2

UDesign Justice Initiative: Facilitator's Guidebook

Co-Design Workshop #2

Dr. Marie Cecile Kotyk and Zahra Khaniki Duration: 15m

What We Heard Report | AUGUST 2025

If communities, designers, and decision-makers work together to create spaces grounded in justice and belonging, and if lived experiences become real evidence that shapes decisions, then trust, accountability, and shared power can grow. Because when those most impacted lead the design of solutions, outcomes become more inclusive and lasting—resulting in a Calgary built with communities, not for them.