Equity-Centered Design
with Neighborhood Allies for Brashear Association
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Neighborhood Allies, Studio for Spatial Practice, Brashear Association staff, youth and senior community members, neighbors, Playful Pittsburgh, Tech 25
CREATIVE SERVICES:
Discovery Activities, Partnership Building, Graphic Design, Co-Facilitation, Event Co-Design, Photography/Storytelling
PROJECT:
Design an outdoor gathering space with community members who are actively engaged with the Brashear Association and organizations they work closely with, as well as residents within walking distance of the site.
Co-produced Senior + Youth Community Design Workshops
Created Save the Dates on Ketchup bottles promoting Cookout
Coordinated the Imagination Playground for youth to build structures in future [CAPS] Creative Analytic Play Space
Recruited local youth lemonade stand operator to provide beverages and sweets to neighborhood Design Review attendees
Developed playful and authentic engagement approaches to connecting with neighbors at Community Cookout + Design Review
Documented events through photography used for storytelling
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“Heather Mallak's transformative work with Neighborhood Allies' Social Impact Design team showcases a profound commitment to community enrichment. From innovative design workshops that bridge generations to crafting engaging events, Heather seamlessly blends creativity with community connection. Collaborating to secure resources and engage local businesses, Heather's dedication to holistic neighborhood empowerment ensures each project leaves a lasting impact, shaping vibrant, inclusive spaces for all.”
Tamara Emswiler, Senior Program ManagerNeighborhood Allies' Social Impact Design
Neighborhood Allies Assembled Design Team
Heather Mallak co-facilitating youth design session
Event Materials designed by Public Studio
Jordan Swartz walking the site with youth during planning session
Save the Date designed and attached to Ketchup Bottle sent home with youth participants after first design session
Neighborhood youth entrepreneur provided fresh lemonade and sweet treats for design review participants
Landscape Architect Jen Gallagher guiding neighbors through design review process
Youth building with Imagination Playground borrowed from Playful Pittsburgh in future CAPS site, Tech 25 on-hand dj-ing event
Neighborhood youth proudly relaxing in and showing off his build
Tamara Emswiler chatting with youth who participated in the start to finish process, helping with many aspects of design review and neighborhood event