Design Guidelines for Robust Civic Engagement

Posted by Center for Active Design on October 12, 2015

The Center for Active Design released a new resource titled “Design Guidelines for Robust Civic Engagement” that brings their evidence-based approach to the topic of designing to influence civic engagement.

http://centerforactivedesign.org/developingdesignguidelines

Cities around the nation are experiencing negative trends in civic engagement, with low voter turnout, reduced participation in local events and citizens who don’t frequent the public spaces in their communities. Practitioners from several fields, including political and behavioral science, have made some significant strides in positively impacting this trend. However, “Design Guidelines” will offer fresh strategies and a unique perspective to demonstrate how design can greatly improve the role of the built environment in fostering civic engagement. We now know that the design of our buildings, streets, and neighborhoods has a profound effect on our behavior, but this was not always the case.