Can empathy change the way we design our cities? Join us as we navigate this compelling question with Elgin Cleckley, author of "Empathic Design: Perspectives on Creating Inclusive Spaces." Through Elgin’s expert insights, we explore how empathy in design goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on how the built environment can recognize and honor identity, culture, history, memory, and place. We highlight the powerful story of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, shining a light on the harrowing yet pivotal narrative of John Henry James, a Black ice cream salesman lynched in 1898, and its touching connection to Charlottesville, Virginia. We also delve into impactful projects like Nina Cook-John’s Harriet Tubman Memorial and Liz Ogbu’s storytelling unit in Hunter's Point, which use materials to transform spaces and foster human connections. Joyce Hwang’s innovative creations, including the Habitat Wall and pollinator lounges, push the boundaries of design by considering both human and animal needs. These discussions underscore the crucial role of fostering a new generation of empathic designers who are deeply attuned to their natural surroundings and local communities.
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