AIANY Community-Centered Design Grant

The concept of community engagement is a critical process in which design professionals collaborate with stakeholders to shape urban environments that are inclusive and responsive to community needs. This grant will award $35,000 to one project that demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding community engagement beyond traditional requirements. 

This grant is part of AIA New York’s Belonging and Beyond initiative, established by 2024 AIANY President Gregory Switzer.

Advancing Community Engagement in the Built Environment

The concept of community engagement, as it relates to the design of the built environment, is a critical process in which design professionals collaborate with stakeholders—those who live, work, or spend time in or near a space—to shape urban environments that are inclusive and responsive to community needs. In New York City, certain aspects of the design process require engagement, particularly through mandated reviews with the Public Design Commission and local Community Boards at specific project phases.

The effectiveness of these mandated engagements remains a topic of debate. Critics argue that these mandated processes often occur too late in the design process, pressuring community stakeholders to approve designs without sufficient influence, while supporters maintain that these processes allow for necessary community input without disrupting project timelines.

Beyond these required stages, community engagement can and should be integrated throughout the design process—from pre-design to post-occupancy evaluation. While mandated methods follow strict regulations, there exists a wide array of alternative engagement strategies that can be adapted and innovated upon to ensure meaningful participation. Additionally, the definition of stakeholder continues to evolve, with some advocating for a broader, more inclusive approach that considers past, present, and future users of a space in the decision-making process.

AIA New York’s Community-Centered Design Grant will award $35,000 to one project that demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding community engagement beyond traditional requirements. The selected project must integrate comprehensive engagement strategies from pre-design through one year post-construction, ensuring:

• Thorough and continuous engagement with community stakeholders
• Empowerment of stakeholders in decision-making wherever possible
• Inclusive outreach to a broad and diverse range of community members

More details