Designing Community Spaces

A toolkit for architects and communities

Step-by-step guidance on supporting community groups to repurpose community assets for community use.

This book is essential reading for architects and community groups working together to create lasting, meaningful places: a practical toolkit for architects and communities reimagining places together.

As more groups take ownership of the buildings, spaces and services that matter to them, architects are being asked to work in new ways. This hands-on guide introduces a community design lens to help architects and community-led organisations collaborate effectively on projects for long-term public benefit. If you are part of a community-led organisation, this toolkit will also enable you to get the most out of working with an architect.

This must-have book sets out a flexible approach to build shared language, navigate complexity and co-create from the very start. It explores the history and policy of community ownership, governance and economic models, funding, fees, systems thinking and how design can be woven into wider operational and business planning.

Emphasising trust, dialogue and genuine collaboration, it is packed with real-world case studies. With clear guidance and templates, it shows how architects can support fundraising, long-term stewardship and stakeholder engagement.

Projects featured include: - Otley Common, Otley - Fitzherbert Community Hub, Brighton - Holgate Mill, York

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