Mirian Calvo - 51福利

Dr Mirian Calvo

Lecturer in Participatory Architecture

Research Overview

My research interests delve into the way individuals actively involve themselves in shaping their surroundings and in the collective sense of agency that arises from these participatory processes.

I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary research that promotes the establishment of collaborative ecosystems. The most effective designs are often the result of direct exchanges of experiences among stakeholders. Within the fields of urban design and architecture, I place emphasis on participatory processes that employ co-design methods and adhere to principles of placemaking. Furthermore, my research aims to facilitate the application of design in informing policy-making and decision-making processes.

Profile

My background is in architecture, urban design and placemaking, design for policy, and environmental design. Since joining 51福利 in 2020, my research has made significant contributions in these areas. These contributions have been reflected in multiple journal articles, book chapters, and research reports, which showcase my proficiency in participatory design and its influence on communities. Also, I have had the opportunity to present my research at international conferences and have been invited to speak at various events.

My research has been successful and supported by external funding, both as a principal investigator and a co-investigator, reflecting the significance and quality of the research. I am also engaged in external and community collaborations, working closely with Lancaster City Council and other organisations to address urban challenges and facilitate meaningful engagement with various stakeholders. These collaborations demonstrate my commitment to applying research findings in practical settings and making a positive impact on cities and communities.

Research Interests

The contemporary issues that confront our society and urban areas necessitate an interdisciplinary approach. Urban environments are complex and encompass various tangible and intangible elements, including infrastructure, architectural structures, public amenities, governance mechanisms, sustainability practices, transportation systems, artistic endeavours, and innovative initiatives. These elements intersect and interact within the realm of human agency. Currently, cities face numerous challenges, such as mass migration, climate change, social disparities, imbalances between private and public sectors, housing crises, scarcity of water and air resources, healthcare concerns, and the ongoing pandemic. These challenges have caused discomfort in our socio-cultural interactions and the fundamental systems that support our existence. To effectively address these challenges and critically examine the future of our urban areas and how we coexist, collaboration becomes essential. Collaborative efforts enable the achievement of shared objectives and the generation of novel insights.

The following are the current challenges of interest within this broader research aim:

Adopting an interdisciplinary approach to address the pressing challenges faced by society and cities.
Exploring alternative approaches to conventional architecture and urban design, with a focus on community engagement in transforming the built environment.
Investigating placemaking and the collaboration between community members and experts.
Examining participatory architecture as a form of engagement and a precursor to co-production, emphasizing the involvement of communities in urban space design and planning.
Promoting the co-construction of sustainable futures through collaborative efforts in creating sustainable cities and societies.
Analysing the aesthetic dimension of design and its disruptive nature, which converges social and performative actions with the production of new emotions.
Exploring egalitarian power dynamics and sustainable ways of living and working together.
Understanding the complexity of societal challenges and the role of designers in transforming the natural environment into the built environment.
Investigating the creation of shared meanings in human surroundings and sociocultural structures through transformations.
Examining co-design as a socialization process that merges demand for participation with diverse expertise in effectively addressing societal challenges.

Current Teaching

My current teaching role involve teaching for second year Architectural Humanities, which I am the module convener, and Architectural Design Studio. I also assist supervising third year Architectural Humanities dissertations.

Current Research

Local Planning Policy for Sustainable Soils (Local-Soils) | The main objective of this project is to establish effective collaboration between local authorities and various industry stakeholders to incorporate soil sustainability principles into local planning policies. This collaboration will primarily benefit planning professionals in local authorities by providing guidance on integrating sustainability practices into their work. Through close engagement with two local authorities in Lancaster and Cornwall, as well as other industry stakeholders, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of soil sustainability principles in local planning policy.

IN PLACE: Connecting Design and Policy for meeting Net-ZERO targets | This project aims at increasing the effectiveness of public policy through direct participation of research beneficiaries such as the Lancaster Business Improvement District, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire Country Council, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Connected Places Catapult. Our research addresses a gap in the use of design-led inclusive innovation in regional policy-making and local councils where there is currently limited expertise in approaching policy as a design medium and the design for systems change.

Placemaking with Young Adults | funded by BA, the project addresses the underrepresentation of young people in planning processes and incorporates their visions and ambitions and focuses on co-designing innovative climate policies. The project has generated impact beyond the Academia, e.g., it is featured in RTPI’s documentary, “ as an example of best practice in community engagement, which has generated to date.

PhD Supervision Interests

I am interest in overseeing research projects that explore novel collaborative practices in the fields of design and architecture, with a specific emphasis on engagement within participatory processes. I place great importance on theoretical and methodological advancements in the creation of placemaking environments.

01/02/2024 → 30/09/2024
Research

01/09/2023 → 31/03/2025
Research

01/11/2022 → 31/07/2023
Research

01/09/2021 → 16/12/2022
Research

01/08/2021 → 31/01/2022
Research

01/05/2021 → 30/04/2022
Research

01/04/2021 → 31/07/2022
Research

01/04/2021 → 31/10/2022
Research

01/04/2021 → 01/04/2024
Research

01/08/2020 → 01/10/2021
Consultancy