Social & Participatory Design Workshop
This 2-part workshop introduces the principles and practices of social and participatory design, with a focus on meaningful community engagement and facilitation. Through theoretical grounding, empathy-based tools, and hands-on facilitation activities, participants will explore how design can respond to real-world social needs.
Part I: ‘Understanding People, Ethics, and Failure in Social Design’ by Ar. Trecia Lim. Trecia Lim is the Founder and Principal Architect of WeCreate Studio, a Singapore-based social enterprise dedicated to using architecture and design as a vehicle for social impact. Drawing from her kampung upbringing and industry experience in Singapore and Australia, she focuses on participatory, sustainable design that empowers communities. Since founding WeCreate Studio in 2019, she has led projects in Myanmar, India, and Cambodia, centered on community empowerment and resilience. Trecia is a registered Architect and an Adjunct Lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
Part II: ‘Making Sense, Making Meanings, Making Plans’ by Adjunct Assistant Prof. Larry Yeung. Larry Yeung is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NUS DoA and Executive Director of Participate in Design (P!D), a studio focused on community-driven urban and spatial design. He has led participatory projects across Singapore in collaboration with civic groups and government agencies. Larry is a designer and community organizer who strongly advocates for a participatory and community-centric approach to the design and planning of cities and neighbourhoods.
Witee works closely with communities and stakeholders through co-creation and participatory processes that are inclusive, meaningful, and grounded with collective aspirations for people to create the changes they want to see. With a focus on participatory design practice, Witee believes that architecture is not just about physical structures, but also about the manifestation of relationships, ownership, and hopes.
Currently, she is leading a team of young architects, who are developing low-income housing and neighbourhood developments in different communities of Dhaka. She has worked as a National Consultant for several exciting research and community engagement projects in collaboration with INGOS. Her core interest is in enhancing urban resilience, physical and mental health of communities through place-making and design. Since 2020, Mahmuda has been one of the coordinators of CAN (Community Architect’s Network), which connects architects from 19 Asian countries with similar interests.