Now that we’ve covered the environmental tenets of responsible architecture, let’s dig further into what social responsibility means in architecture.

Socially responsible architects consider the well-being of society in their designs, with the goal of positively affecting the environment, communities, and individuals. 

Key principles of socially-responsible architecture include:

• Sustainable design (already covered in the previous post)

• Accessibility and Inclusivity
  • Designing buildings accessible to people of all ages and abilities
    • E.g. Entrances with ramps, wide doorways, and handrails; Braille signage; elevators for individuals with mobility challenges; accessible restrooms for those with disabilities; adjustable-height workstations and tables; inclusive gathering areas with diverse seating options

• Community engagement
  • Involving the community in the planning stages of development and adding to community development
    • E.g. Conducting a community needs assessment before beginning a design; Holding collaborative workshops to allow for stakeholder input in a public forum; Incorporating elements of the local culture or history into the building; Hosting public workshops to educate the community about architectural choices

• Ethical and Responsible Practices
  • Prioritizing honest and open communication with stakeholders and choosing ethically-sourced, environmentally-friendly materials and fair construction processes
    • E.g. Choosing materials with a lower carbon footprint; Encouraging contractors to salvage materials and recycle construction waste; Working with contractors who value fair labor practices; Adhering to local building codes and regulations

• Resilience and Disaster Preparedness
  • Considering natural disasters and climate change in building design; Understanding the potential for flooding and earthquake resiliency
    • E.g. Designing with reinforced concrete or steel frame structures; Elevating structures in flood zones; Incorporating bracing systems in earthquake zones; Using storm shutters in hurricane zones; Incorporating backup power sources; Designing safe zones within buildings where residents can seek shelter

• Advocacy and activism
  • Supporting sustainable building practices, affordable housing, and social justice
    • E.g. Hosting workshops to discuss sustainable design; Collaborating with housing advocacy groups to design better affordable housing; Engaging with disability advocacy groups to better incorporate inclusive design; Advocating for historical preservation; Finding projects that address social justice such as constructing a hospital in an underserved area