Democratic Design

Introduction

As societal challenges grow increasingly complex, there is an urgent need for innovative, holistic and inclusive approaches. Securing democracy for the future means actively involving younger generations in decision-making processes and in shaping their built environment – fostering a sense of responsibility and participation. This shift must be reflected in schools, universities and their curricula.

Bringing design and education together, this final Lab Talk asks: How can democratic values and participation be taught through planning and design? What kinds of spaces support this learning? And how can we recognise and value young people and their culture in public space – beyond a one-dimensional focus on economic viability?

Programme

Welcome
Dunya Bouchi, Partner, Aedes, Berlin

Presentations
Angelika Hinterbrandner, @ahinterbrandner, Policy Advisor and Author, Berlin
Scott Lloyd, Co-Founder, TEN Studio, Zurich/Belgrade
Tatjana Schneider, Professor for History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism, TU Braunschweig
Matthew Springett, Fiona MacDonald, Directors, MATT+FIONA, London

Moderator
Lukas Staudinger, Curator / Professor for Architecture and Urban Design, Berlin International University of Applied Sciences / Co-Founder, POLIGONAL, Berlin

Front-Row Peers
Ruben Jodar, Ines Aubert, Architects / Founders Stiftung Freizeit, Hamburg/Berlin
Hendrik Weiner, Founder, Raumdialog, Berlin / Academic Staff, Dept. of Urban Management, BTU Cottbus

After the talk, you are warmly invited to join the curators for a guided tour of the exhibition.

About Democratic Design

In Democratic Design – Space for Cooperation, Collaboration and Compromise, Aedes explores how architecture, planning processes and public spaces can foster democratic engagement and social cohesion – both more urgent than ever in times of profound societal uncertainty. The programme consists of an exhibition, a series of four Lab Talks and a catalogue featuring contributions from practitioners in Berlin, Germany and across Europe, selected through an open call in collaboration with European architecture centres.

At the core of Democratic Design are democratic planning processes and the spaces they create. The presented projects amplify marginalised voices, encourage participation and inspire collective visions for the future. Dialogue and exchange are essential conditions for democracy, cultivating the ability to accept differing viewpoints and to compromise – the very foundations of democratic culture. More

Democratic Design – Space for Cooperation, Collaboration and Compromise is curated by the Aedes team and presented at Aedes in Berlin.

Democratic Design is made possible through the generous support of the Berlin Capital Cultural Fund (Hauptstadtkulturfonds) and additional support from the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS.