This short report illustrates a research project called Mapping Values, which aims to explore the concept of a "good city" and how it can be achieved through better urban governance. The report focuses on the participatory design phase of the project, which involved engaging with community members in the Kilburn area of London. The participants were asked to reflect on their experiences and feelings about different places in Kilburn and to create a mental model-map of the neighbourhood. The report describes the methods used in the participatory design phase, including walking workshops and co-creation workshops. It also presents the findings from the data analysis, which highlight the importance of local shops, green spaces, diversity, and social connections in creating a sense of community in Kilburn. The report also discusses the challenges and risks facing the neighbourhood, such as the loss of spaces for youth and potential developments that could reduce green space and diversity. Overall, the report provides insights into the values and experiences of community members in Kilburn and their vision for a good city.
Mirian is a Lecturer in Participatory Architecture at Lancaster School of Architecture, UK registered Architect ARB, and a member of the ImagintionLancaster cross-disciplinary design research group at Lancaster University (LU). Her core research draws a convergent path in-between the designing of spatial conditions and human agency with a focus on activating genuine collaboration to support social innovations. Mirian leads research between communities and the Public Sector with a particular focus on developing effective strategies and tactics to standardise more participatory architecture and co-design frameworks. She led MyMainway, a consultancy project in partnership with Lancaster City Council (LCC), which consisted of a series of public engagement events of different nature – from August 2020 to January 2021 – seeking to build a close-knit collaboration with Mainway residents to collectively reimagine the future of the social housing estate. Here participatory architecture stands for the democratisation of the production of social space. It employs designerly engagements to build a bridge between political, social, and economic agents, and citizens.
