The third in Cooper Hewitt's series on socially responsible design: a
manual for challenging inequality through innovation and creativity
By the People: Designing a Better America--the third volume in Cooper
Hewitt's series on socially responsible design, which began with Design
for the Other 90%--examines how design is effectively challenging
poverty and social inequality across America. The book explores current
social, economic and environmental issues in America with a particular
focus on marginalized and underserved communities.
By the People features design projects organized into six working
themes: Act, Save, Share, Live, Learn and Make. It is a true manual--in
format and content--featuring design solutions that expand access to
education, food, health care and affordable housing; increase social and
economic inclusion; offer improved alternative transportation options,
and provide a balanced approach to land use between the built and
natural environments. Cooper Hewitt Curator Cynthia E. Smith traveled to
post-industrial cities, urban areas impacted by natural disasters,
sprawling cities, places of persistent poverty and major metropolitan
regions. Her research yielded nearly 400 potential projects from over 30
states and three indigenous nations (Navajo, Lakota, Pueblo).
Smith met with local designers, community members and organizations. Her
research was guided by the following questions: where does poverty
exist? Why are poverty numbers increasing? What populations and
communities are most affected? Who are the individuals, organizations
and networks that are creating innovative and systemic approaches
through design? What are the local, regional and scalable design
solutions?
In addition to the highly illustrated project profiles, By the People
contains essays by, and interviews with, those designers and architects
building the innovative and systemic approaches being developed through
design.
