In Conversation With: Nyasha Harper-Michon
Archtivist Nyasha Harper-Michon on Uniting Stakeholders and Building Caring Cities
I had the pleasure of sharing my story in Youth Plan’s “In Conversation with” series. This interview gave me the opportunity to delve into Archtivism, the delightful blend of architecture and activism, and discuss how it aims to unite diverse stakeholders to address urban issues and promote inclusivity across disciplines. Read the interview here.
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore the intersection of ‘Archtivism’ and concept of “Caring Cities,” which deeply resonates with me. We discussed how urban planning needs to cater to everyone’s needs, not just the “Reference Man’s,” and how this includes women, children, the elderly, people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent folks, and people with disabilities.
“Dismantling this idea of a standardized user that architects and planners typically cater to is one of the first steps to creating more caring, inclusive, and thriving cities and communities.”
In the interview, I covered several key points:
Redefining Urban Design with Caring Cities
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore the intersection of ‘Archtivism’ and concept of “Caring Cities,” which deeply resonates with me. I support critiquing cities built solely for consumption and economic productivity, and I’m fascinated by the impact on infrastructures, societal structures, and the built environment. In my work, I challenge the concept of the Reference Man—the archetype that excludes women, children, older people, people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodiverse people, and people with disabilities. Designing cities for this narrow profile results in urban environments that are neither inclusive nor healthy.
Embracing Inclusive and Caring Urban Design
We explored the concept of caring cities, which involves designing urban spaces that cater to everyone, not just the Reference Man. This includes creating livable “shared streets” and the “15-minute city” model, benefiting children, teens, mothers, the elderly, and caregivers. Successful initiatives from Paris to Bogotá show that inclusive urban planning also boosts the economy. However, our public transport systems often neglect caregivers’ needs, leading to longer trips and higher costs, known as the ‘pink tax.’ By dismantling the idea of a standardized user, architects and planners can create more inclusive and caring cities that benefit all community members.
Integrating Environmental and Social Sustainability
We discussed the significant opportunities for planners to build on the extensive work in environmental sustainability by integrating social initiatives. While great strides have been made globally in areas like green buildings and urban planning, these efforts often focus on measurable targets such as energy efficiency and carbon emissions. By coupling social policies with existing environmental frameworks, planners can leverage the momentum around environmental sustainability to address social targets and initiatives simultaneously.
Preventing Green Gentrification through Inclusive Planning
We also explored the risks of focusing solely on environmental gains, which can lead to green gentrification, displacing vulnerable and low-income communities. To prevent this, planners should implement mixed-income housing, affordable housing quotas, and community land trusts, ensuring that new green infrastructure benefits everyone. Including the community in the design process fosters a sense of ownership and supports community care for green spaces, creating both nature-inclusive and socially inclusive urban environments.
“An excellent opportunity for planners lies in integrating social initiatives with existing environmental frameworks. By combining environmental sustainability with social targets, we can create green spaces that are not only nature-inclusive but also socially inclusive, ensuring that they benefit all members of the community and avoid driving green gentrification.“
About Youth Plan
Youth Plan’s “In Conversation with” series aims to spotlight innovative thinkers and leaders in urban planning and related fields. On this platform, an international team of researchers, artists, and educators share insights on urban governance, youth participation, social and environmental justice, and sustainable urban futures.
Planning with Youth is funded by FORMAS, the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development, through the Sustainable Spatial Planning Program.