workshop designing a townhall in campus
The document outlines a 3.5‑hour workshop scheduled for 12 July 2024 (16:30‑19:00) in Salle RZ 104 B, bringing together 28 international summer‑school participants to co‑design a Campus Townhall that links the university grounds with the neighboring Vauban district. The central design focus is the green space La Cour d’Honneur in front of the Hotel Académique. The workshop’s objective is to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and artistic process where participants share cultural perspectives and life experiences to imagine a village‑square‑style kiosk that reflects the heritage and interests of both campus users and local residents. The plan poses three guiding questions—how to incorporate diverse cultures into a single theme, how to ensure workshop inclusivity, and which aspects of community life to include—and provides concrete facilitation prompts for each. A detailed timed agenda guides participants through an ice‑breaker introduction, cultural exchange presentations, small‑group brainstorming, design development, group presentations with feedback, rapid prototyping/visualisation using physical or digital tools, and a reflective conclusion. Throughout, the facilitator emphasizes respectful dialogue, equal participation, and the integration of traditional and modern design elements to create a space that encourages social interaction, cultural exhibition, and a sense of community.
Topics
Workshop Objective and Inclusive Design Vision
Defines the overarching goal of co‑designing a Campus Townhall that connects the university with the Vauban neighborhood, emphasizing collaboration, cultural exchange, and artistic imagination.
Integrating Diverse Cultural Perspectives into a Unified Theme
Provides prompts and facilitation strategies for participants to share traditional architecture, public‑space customs, and symbolic features from their cultures, and to blend these into a cohesive design language.
Establishing Workshop Inclusivity
Outlines concrete measures—friendly atmosphere, equal speaking opportunities, open feedback loops—to ensure all participants, regardless of background, can contribute fully throughout the session.
Community‑Life Elements for the Townhall Design
Highlights design considerations such as furniture layout, social zones, cultural exhibits, and functional amenities that foster community interaction and reflect village‑life spirit.
Structured Workshop Agenda and Activity Flow
Details the timed sequence: Introduction, Cultural Exchange, Brainstorming, Design Development, Presentation & Feedback, Prototyping & Visualization, Reflection & Conclusion, each with specific objectives and durations.
Facilitation Techniques and Materials for Collaborative Design
Specifies the use of ice‑breakers, small‑group work, rapid sketching, digital tools, and mentor support to guide participants from idea generation to prototype visualization.