You can watch the fourtieth Parlour LAB here!

In this session we explored how design and design processes help to build community. Clare defined community as those people who are willingly entangled in our shared futures. Kelly talked about community being a space for people to exchange and give, apologise and forgive; people who are connected, listen, and communicate.

Our online community space of Parlour LAB

So how do we build community? Kelly and Clare shared a number of project examples, with some helpful insights into their process:

Connect first, ask whether people actually want this [project/connection/activity/etc]
Find the right people, introduce yourself in the best way for them
We are all human beings, family and food are key connectors
Demonstrate generosity
Ask who might have a different point of view to you
Mistakes will happen, it will get messy

In Kelly’s words: “Be brave! Do something, say something, start something.”

In Clare’s words: “When you close your eyes and think about shared futures - who do you see, and are you working with them?”