Participatory Design Methods When Working in Remote Locations: The Case of Red Puna in North West Argentina

Abstract

Cross-disciplinary initiatives are raising demand for participatory design methods that can be applied at different scales, from urban settlement planning to individual buildings. However, there is a gap in the literature in terms of participatory tools and processes for international design teams operating at the local level in geographically remote regions. This paper presents the findings from a series of design workshops carried out by an international and interdisciplinary team working with small communities of Andean farmers in north-west Argentina. The team used a blend of participatory tools including walkabouts, collective model-making and a bespoke method for collective drawing. The team also gathered contextual data via individual and community surveys. The study shows the importance of context (i.e. social, economic, political and policy) in the decision making process of participants, and reflects on communication problems when working in geographically dispersed locations.

Keywords:

• participatory tools
• collaborative design
• community engagement
• decision-making processes

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 There are more than 30 different ethnic groups in Argentina (Encuesta Complementaria de Pueblos Indígenas –ECPI for its Spanish acronym- INDEC 2004). The Coya population is 70,505 with 53,106 living in Jujuy and Salta and speak their native language (Coya) as well as Spanish.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Claudia Murray

Claudia Murray is a Research Fellow at the School of Real Estate and Planning, University of Reading. Her research interests focus on the socio-cultural and economic implications of rural and urban development of the built environment.

Joe Doak

Joe Doak’s research is exploring the processes of urban development and redevelopment in Central Reading over the last 500 years.

Katherine McNeil

Katherine McNeil is an architect, academic, and facilitator. Through extensive experience in architectural practice, Katherine’s teaching celebrates interdisciplinary making and social craft in global communities. Passion for participatory engagement drives her interests in ethical dialogue.

Paloma Oms

Paloma Oms is an industrial designer at Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. Currently undertaking a MBA at the Universidad de San Andres, Argentina.