OUR MANIFESTO
Working towards Interpersonal Architecture
We perceive the idea of “Interpersonal Architecture” as the practice of building with and among people rather than just for people. Looking through a philanthropic lens, we created a trinity of pillars that bring to light the most important factors of architecture, ones that show the patterns of trust, care, and belonging that shape how we experience the built environment.
Empathetic Design
Design should begin with listening
Empathetic Design looks at lived experiences as a primary material, all while being mindful of emotion and context. This first pillar recognises emotional impact as a measurable outcome and treats clarity and care as a core design choice. Empathy in design should be a method, and we believe that when systems leave people unseen or unheard, it is incomplete.
Social Responsibility
Design choices have consequences
Social Responsibility acknowledges that connection, equity, and inclusion can be shaped by design. The design process should hold awareness of cultural, environmental, and social impact, and should consider who benefits and who is excluded when a design takes form.
Community Engagement
Nothing that comes to life should stem from isolation
We believe that Community Engagement positions participation as a foundation, rather than a supplement, and therefore make it a goal to involve communities in our design choices and processes early on in the project and in a meaningful manner. We take great care in nurturing long-term relationships with the people that we work with, rather than treating conversations as consultations. We hold firm faith in the fact that structures that don’t reflect those who inhabit it will eventually fail them.
Our aim is to design spaces where people unite, especially in a societal and political climate where this is needed more than ever. Our idea of Interpersonal Architecture reflects our commitment to shaping our work with care and respect, believing that our ventures are successful when it strengthens a sense of belonging and encourages people to both relate to and understand one another more thoughtfully.