Society. Spaces. Screens

Abstract

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To stimulate creativity in the design and planning processes, it has become increasingly prudent to become disruptive. The Latin word disrumpo, a root word for disrupt, suggests to “get broken,” or to “cause to break apart/off, shatter/burst/split, disrupt/sever.” This concept provides food for thought regarding the conditions of learning environments in the post Covid-19 era. It is argued that the interactive qualities of digital review boards yield many possibilities for the future of work and the future of learning in the design and planning disciplines. The author designed and tested such an activity held during social distancing measures. Following the lifting of those restrictions, the author sought to revive and facilitate lessons that could return to haptic / hands on activities after observing the hazards of excessive screen time on student learning. Crafting urban land use and massing models with simple, everyday materials such as cleaning sponges stimulated visualization and discussion. Student reflections and feedback, as well as observed behaviors served as evidence and metrics for both studies. It is observed that a return to collaborative, interactive physical modeling of urban development is a lively and necessary activity to communicate vision and build consensus in the construction and revitalization of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and districts. A literature review of past practices of public participation in community planning will complement the study. All have become necessary to help communities continue to recover from the upheaval of the pandemic and respond to rapidly changing factors in the economy.