• About
  • Contact
  • T&C
  • My Account
No Result
View All Result
Archalley
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Commercial & Offices
    • Hospitality Architecture
    • Industrial & Infrastructure
    • Interior Design
    • Landscape & Urbanism
    • Public Architecture
    • Refurbishment
    • Religious Architecture
    • Residential Architecture
  • Academic
    • Research
    • Student Projects
    • Submit
  • News
  • Articles
  • Events
Archalley
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Commercial & Offices
    • Hospitality Architecture
    • Industrial & Infrastructure
    • Interior Design
    • Landscape & Urbanism
    • Public Architecture
    • Refurbishment
    • Religious Architecture
    • Residential Architecture
  • Academic
    • Research
    • Student Projects
    • Submit
  • News
  • Articles
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
Archalley
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles

The Impact of Community – Centric Design

Sapuni Hettiarachchi by Sapuni Hettiarachchi
October 31, 2024
in Articles

People and places are always intertwined; the human component of architecture is what breathes life into it, bringing character and purpose to the structure. In community-centric design, there is deep exploration into what makes a certain community unique; their dreams, aspirations and needs are a crucial building block to design. This is what highlights the contrast between community-centric and individual-centric design; the former revolves around the needs of the community while the latter revolves around the needs of an entity.


Participatory Design


La Borda housing, Barcelona © Lluc Miralles


Another aspect of community-centric design is participatory design. This is where the end users are involved in the design process, giving them greater autonomy over their own environment at a larger scale. Their engagement leads to them being responsible for their environment; it fosters community ownership and identity. This ownership creates an emotional connection that encourages people to care for the space, preserving it for the future. An example of participatory design is La Borda housing in Barcelona where each resident actively contributed to the building design, function and management. The shared spaces including kitchen-dining, laundry, visitor room, health and care spaces envelope a central courtyard which is the primary gathering space of the residents. The gap between the community and the built environment is thus bridged through shared values, needs and active participation.


La Borda housing, Barcelona © Lluc Miralles


Community Wellbeing

Community-centric architecture builds on human experiences. It allows different people to interact and build new relationships. With land becoming scarce, our living spaces have become smaller and smaller. This further signifies the need for spaces we can co-inhabit with others that promote social interaction. Places where we feel welcomed and safe. These spaces help preserve the cultural heritage of the community. Community-centric design promotes community health. For example, green spaces, parks, market spaces, workshops etc. allow people to engage in physical activity. Interacting with others and taking part in shared activities promotes mental wellbeing. This connection can create strong social support networks and provide more access to local resources. Buildings and open spaces can also be designed to boost economic development of the community by accommodating local businesses and industries.


Design Aspects

There are a few considerations in creating community-centric design. Public engagement has to be prioritised so that each unique facet of the community is given a space of their own to participate and to be part of the space. This can be through community workshops, classes, markets and events. Accessibility is another factor; accessibility to people of all physical, sensory and cognitive abilities and the provision of inclusive amenities such as seating areas, restrooms, recreational spaces etc. Environmental sustainability can be thought of in terms of conserving resources and preserving environmental ecology. How the space responds to the human scale will influence walkability and social interaction.


Concordia Design © Juliusz Sokołowski


The character of community-centric spaces can be drawn from the cultural and/or historical heritage of the place. One example is the use of local art, building materials and local craftsmanship. These spaces need to be flexible so that it encompass the past, present and future lives of the people within, adapting to different uses. Collaboration between the local community, architects, experts and other stakeholders is crucial for this. Open dialogue and community representation can address cultural sensitivities and social relationships. However, the architect needs to balance the needs of the developer or client with those of the community. Oftentimes, the priority of the investors will drive project goals. It is in the hands of the architect to give insight into community needs.


Housing

Community-centric design is not just limited to public spaces. The same approach can be followed in apartments and social housing. However, when there are no residents secured for the housing or apartment, incorporating the community element can be a challenge. In an apartment complex, the design of the building can be manipulated so as to create more communal spaces for interaction; where different families living in close quarters can become a larger cohesive unit. It all starts with understanding the users. The Bay State Cohousing model designed by French2d explored the needs of the residents by hosting several workshops. The core of this building is a large dining room with shared living and kitchen. The living units vary in size and the residents share common areas such as a craft workshop and a yoga room.


The Bay State Cohousing Rendering by Glen Marquardt © French 2D


In the case of a single dwelling, how the spaces are oriented will decide whether the occupants are part of the greater community or not. Spaces where outside noise (a combination of vehicles, pets, pedestrian voices) are allowed to filter in. Spaces adjacent to the common paths allow conversations with the occupants and the neighbours to take place. This creates a sense of awareness of where you are situated, deeply enmeshing you in the neighbourhood fabric.


Mixed-Use Developments


Concordia Design © Juliusz Sokołowski


A mixed used building can be approached through community-centric design as well. One example of this is Concordia Design, located in Poland and designed by MVRDV architects. One part of it is a renovation of an existing building preserving the historical heritage of the place. This has co-working spaces to support young businesses and an event venue. The other part is an extension with a modern twist. This houses the food hall, and is opened to the community using a three storey glass façade. This faces the public park creating a focal point for people to gather.


Food Hall at Concordia Design © Juliusz Sokołowski


Community-centric design explores the relationship of people and place, history and trends, culture and individual aspirations; it seeks to bind multiple strands together to establish an urban fabric deeply rooted in the psyche of the residents.


 

Tags: BarcelonaCentric DesignCommunityConcordia DesignDesign AspectsGlen MarquardtJuliusz SokołowskiLa Borda housingLluc MirallesSapuni Hettiarachchi

ShareTweetPinShareSendSendShareShareShareScan
Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

The Studio House

Next Post

Dwelling with Curves

Sapuni Hettiarachchi

Sapuni Hettiarachchi

Related Posts

Beyond the Spotlight
Articles

Beyond the Spotlight

July 24, 2025
Architecture X Music
Articles

Architecture X Music

July 17, 2025
“Inspiration”: How Architecture Shapes and Reflects us
Articles

“Inspiration”: How Architecture Shapes and Reflects us

May 17, 2025
Lighting Types & Their Applications
Articles

Lighting Types & Their Applications

May 13, 2025
Zaha Hadid – Sculpting the Future of Architecture
Articles

Zaha Hadid – Sculpting the Future of Architecture

May 6, 2025
“Taste” and Architecture
Articles

“Taste” and Architecture

May 3, 2025
Next Post
Dwelling with Curves

Dwelling with Curves

A Harmonious Fusion of Luxury and Nature

A Harmonious Fusion of Luxury and Nature

ICCPP 2024

ICCPP 2024

Ad

Trending

Santhanabhavanam
Residential Architecture

Santhanabhavanam


July 29, 2025
Neo-Glitch
News

Neo-Glitch


July 28, 2025
Beyond the Spotlight
Articles

Beyond the Spotlight


July 24, 2025
Carnage HQ Office
Commercial & Offices

Carnage HQ Office


July 22, 2025

We're on YouTube

Subscribe

Follow us on Facebook

ADVERTISEMENT

Drawn from Experience - Kosala Weerasekara reflects on the lessons, evolution, and depth gained through years in the field.

Watch the Full Video Now on Facebook and YouTube
Links in the Bio

#Archalley #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekar #KozysCanvas #ArchitecturalJourney #DesignExperience #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureWithDepth

Aug 1

Open
Drawn from Experience - Kosala Weerasekara reflects on the lessons, evolution, and depth gained through years in the field.

Watch the Full Video Now on Facebook and YouTube 
Links in the Bio 

#Archalley #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekar #KozysCanvas #ArchitecturalJourney #DesignExperience #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureWithDepth

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗤 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

Architects: The Silent Architect
Project Architect: Thilina Wijesiri & Gayathri Kumari
Design Team: Thilina Wijesiri, Jeewantha Prabodhini & Kasun Senarathne
Location: Narahenpita, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Ganidu Balasuriya Photography

A fashion brand’s HQ like no other—Carnage’s new home is stitched together with concrete, culture, and creative chaos. Think fabric labs, chill zones, and industrial charm… all tailored to inspire. This isn’t just an office—it’s a statement.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/carnage-hq-office/

#CarnageHQ #WorkspaceGoals #SriLankaDesign #TheSilentArchitect #Archalley

Jul 30

Open
𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗤 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

Architects: The Silent Architect
Project Architect: Thilina Wijesiri & Gayathri Kumari
Design Team: Thilina Wijesiri, Jeewantha Prabodhini & Kasun Senarathne
Location: Narahenpita, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Ganidu Balasuriya Photography

A fashion brand’s HQ like no other—Carnage’s new home is stitched together with concrete, culture, and creative chaos. Think fabric labs, chill zones, and industrial charm… all tailored to inspire. This isn’t just an office—it’s a statement.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/carnage-hq-office/

#CarnageHQ #WorkspaceGoals #SriLankaDesign #TheSilentArchitect #Archalley

Introducing Kozy’s Canvas — Where Architecture is not just Designed, but Lived.

Watch the Full Video on Facebook & YouTube
Links in the Bio

Special Thanks to Architect Kosala Weerasekara for featuring Kozy`s Canvas with Archalley

@kosala_weerasekra
@kwcarchitects
#Archalley #KozyCanvas #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #HomeStudioDesign #ArchitecturalSpaces #CreativeLiving #ModernArchitecture #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureInspiration

Jul 29

Open
Introducing  Kozy’s Canvas — Where Architecture is not just Designed, but Lived.

Watch the Full Video on Facebook & YouTube
Links in the Bio 

Special Thanks to Architect Kosala Weerasekara for featuring Kozy's Canvas with Archalley 

@kosala_weerasekra
@kwcarchitects
#Archalley #KozyCanvas #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #HomeStudioDesign #ArchitecturalSpaces #CreativeLiving #ModernArchitecture #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureInspiration

Rearrange. Reimagine. Revive your bedroom.

Small layout shifts can make a huge difference — more space, better flow, and a vibe that finally feels right.
Your room deserves a glow-up, and it starts here.

Read More: https://archalley.com/how-to-arrange-a-bedroom/

#Archalley #BedroomArrangement #HowtoArrangeBedroom #RoomReset #BedroomUpgrade #DesignSmarter #SpaceThatSpeaks #HomeStyleInspo #LayoutLove #ModernBedroomGoals

Jul 26

Open
Rearrange. Reimagine. Revive your bedroom. 

Small layout shifts can make a huge difference — more space, better flow, and a vibe that finally feels right.
Your room deserves a glow-up, and it starts here.

Read More: https://archalley.com/how-to-arrange-a-bedroom/

#Archalley #BedroomArrangement #HowtoArrangeBedroom #RoomReset #BedroomUpgrade #DesignSmarter #SpaceThatSpeaks #HomeStyleInspo #LayoutLove #ModernBedroomGoals

A canvas of light, form, and intention.

Step closer into Kozy’s Canvas — the evolving personal space of Architect Kosala Weerasekara, where creativity meets everyday living.

Coming soon on Facebook & YouTube.

#Archalley #KozyCanvas #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #Teaser #ComingSoon #ArchitectureUnfolded #ModernSriLankanArchitecture #DesignInProgress #CreativeLiving

Jul 26

Open
A canvas of light, form, and intention.

Step closer into Kozy’s Canvas — the evolving personal space of Architect Kosala Weerasekara, where creativity meets everyday living.

Coming soon on Facebook & YouTube.

#Archalley #KozyCanvas #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #Teaser #ComingSoon #ArchitectureUnfolded #ModernSriLankanArchitecture #DesignInProgress #CreativeLiving

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗮
Architects: Tectonic Architects
Principal Architect: Gayan Karunaratne & Anjalee Pallage
Location: Nawala, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Shakir Jamaldeen

A serene urban escape in Nawala—this contemporary home blends tropical greenery, open spaces, and sustainable design for modern family living.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/residence-at-nawala/

#archalley #NawalaResidence #SriLankanArchitecture #TropicalModernism #SustainableDesign #ContemporaryHome #GreenArchitecture #UrbanOasis #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #TectonicArchitects #ColomboHomes #designınspiration

Jul 23

Open
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗮
Architects: Tectonic Architects
Principal Architect: Gayan Karunaratne & Anjalee Pallage
Location: Nawala, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Shakir Jamaldeen

A serene urban escape in Nawala—this contemporary home blends tropical greenery, open spaces, and sustainable design for modern family living.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/residence-at-nawala/

#archalley  #NawalaResidence #SriLankanArchitecture #TropicalModernism #SustainableDesign #ContemporaryHome #GreenArchitecture #UrbanOasis #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #TectonicArchitects #ColomboHomes #designınspiration

Step into the space where an architect lives and works.
Stay tuned for the full reveal of Architect Kosala Weerasekara’s home and office, a space where life and design coexist seamlessly.

#Archalley #ComingSoon #ArchitecturalTeaser #KosalaWeerasekara #HomeOfficeDesign #ArchitectureSriLanka

Jul 23

Open
Step into the space where an architect lives and works.
Stay tuned for the full reveal of Architect Kosala Weerasekara’s home and office, a space where life and design coexist seamlessly.

#Archalley #ComingSoon #ArchitecturalTeaser #KosalaWeerasekara #HomeOfficeDesign #ArchitectureSriLanka

Calling all design students!
Get an opportunity to publish your academic projects on Archalley.
Submit your most outstanding work for a chance to be featured and recognized.

Submit now: www.archalley.com/submit-academic

#ArchitectureStudents #AcademicPublication #DesignRecognition #Archalley #StudentProjects

Jul 22

Open
Calling all design students!
Get an opportunity to publish your academic projects on Archalley.
Submit your most outstanding work for a chance to be featured and recognized.

Submit now: www.archalley.com/submit-academic

#ArchitectureStudents #AcademicPublication #DesignRecognition #Archalley #StudentProjects
Facebook Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn Twitter

A platform to showcase and inspire, Archalley connects you with unique architectural and design works that elevate awareness and appreciation across diverse communities in the region.

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Refund Policy

Categories

  • Commercial & Offices
  • Hospitality Architecture
  • Industrial & Infrastructure
  • Commercial & Offices
  • Hospitality Architecture
  • Industrial & Infrastructure
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape & Urbanism
  • Public Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape & Urbanism
  • Public Architecture
  • Refurbishment
  • Religious Architecture
  • Residential Architecture
  • Refurbishment
  • Religious Architecture
  • Residential Architecture
Submit Your Project

© 2024 Archalley™ | All Rights Reserved | Designed & Developed by BitLab (Pvt) Ltd ✨

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Commercial & Offices
    • Hospitality Architecture
    • Industrial & Infrastructure
    • Interior Design
    • Landscape & Urbanism
    • Public Architecture
    • Refurbishment
    • Religious Architecture
    • Residential Architecture
  • Academic
    • Research
    • Student Projects
    • Submit
  • News
  • Articles
  • Events

© 2025 Archalley™ | All Rights Reserved | Designed & Developed by BitLab (Pvt) Ltd ✨