Last Updated on August 9, 2024
Image credits to McLeod Food Shelf
In a world where design shapes human experiences, Asmita Kerkar stands as a beacon, proving that it’s not just about aesthetics but also about building communities and fostering inclusivity.
The design industry has witnessed an evolutionary trajectory, transforming from a mere aesthetic-driven field to a holistic discipline focused on creating functional, inclusive, and socially impactful spaces. Today, the role of a designer is no longer confined to crafting beautiful interiors or stunning buildings. It encompasses understanding human behaviours, catering to community needs, and addressing societal challenges.
Emerging from this dynamic backdrop is Asmita Kerkar—a trailblazer in her own right. Starting her journey in architecture and urban design, Asmita has seamlessly blended her expertise with a strong sense of social responsibility. Her illustrious career speaks volumes about her dedication to design, not as an end in itself but as a powerful tool to instigate change. Asmita’s passion for integrating community voices into her designs is evident through her collaborative approach. She’s consistently worked alongside community stakeholders, local organizations, and even the very users of the spaces she designs, ensuring that her creations resonate with those they serve.
Her achievements are a testament to her commitment and skill. Spearheading the transformation of food shelves to enhance user experience while addressing hunger relief is just a tip of the iceberg. Advocating for space equity in urban designs, she’s championed the idea that spaces, especially in cities, should be accessible and beneficial to all, regardless of their social or economic background. Her focus on LGBTQ+ awareness further underscores her dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that every design she touches becomes a haven for acceptance and understanding.
We had the distinct privilege of sitting down with Asmita Kerkar to delve deeper into her vision of social impact and inclusivity. The stories she shared painted a vivid picture of a designer deeply invested in societal betterment.
Through her journey, Asmita Kerkar has personified the belief that design is more than just crafting spaces—it’s about sculpting better futures. With every project, she continues to inspire a generation of designers, demonstrating the profound impact of integrating compassion, community, and creativity.
We look forward to learning more about your unique work, Asmita. It’s an honour to have you here. Your project on designing food shelves for hunger relief involves trauma-informed design. Can you discuss the significance of this approach and how it makes a difference in the community?
Approaching food shelf design from a trauma-informed perspective is both deeply personal and transformative. It acknowledges that everyone who walks through those doors carries a unique story, often marked by challenges and adversity.
Incorporating trauma-informed design means creating a space that feels like a refuge. Here, individuals don’t merely receive food; they also encounter respect, understanding, and empathy. It’s evident in the warm lighting that soothes, the choices offered that restore a sense of agency, and the lack of judgment that diminishes stigma.
I believe in designing spaces that whisper, “You are valued here. Your struggles are seen, and your journey matters.” It’s not merely about physical layouts; it’s also about weaving a tapestry of support and dignity. By embracing this approach, food shelves evolve beyond distribution centres; they become sanctuaries where hope is restored, one compassionate design choice at a time.
Advocacy for space equity in urban design is a complex issue. What initially drew you to this subject, and how does your work contribute to achieving this goal?
Navigating the realm of space equity in urban design has been a deeply personal journey for me. Growing up, I witnessed disparities in living conditions and opportunities within urban landscapes. This sparked a passion in me to design spaces that not only bridge these gaps but also offer a sense of belonging and dignity.
My journey began with proposals I crafted during my master’s, advocating for challenges faced by homeless teens and confronting normalized practices of racism. I envisioned safe havens tailored to their distinct needs. For my thesis, I crafted spatial systems to combat street harassment, aiming to make public spaces genuinely public for everyone—free from fear and intimidation.
Now, my focus is on designing food shelves. I see them not merely as places to collect essentials, but as nurturing environments for families grappling with food insecurity. I believe these spaces can be transformative, providing more than just sustenance. They emerge as beacons of hope, where families can find not only food but also support, understanding, and a pathway to a brighter future.
In every project, my goal is to weave empathy into the design. I advocate for more than just physical structures; I champion the rights of individuals and communities to exist comfortably, safely, and with dignity within the urban fabric. It’s about reshaping spaces to tell individuals, “You matter. Your presence enriches this city, and these spaces are here to empower you, no matter your circumstances.” Through my work, I hope to contribute to a more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate urban environment.
Your Volume Zero competition entry sought to create awareness for the LGBTQ+ community. Can you talk about the design elements you incorporated to make the space more inclusive?
In conceptualizing the library, our aim was to create an environment that not only houses books but also fosters understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. As the site is in rural area of India this library aims to create a safe space and an advocative landmark to educate people on a subject which is still a taboo in many parts of rural and urban areas in India.
In the Mindfulness Nook, we designed a space that recognizes the importance of mental health. It isn’t merely an area with Internet access and screens; it’s a sanctuary for self-awareness and therapy. Envision a place where individuals can connect with certified counsellors, promoting emotional well-being in a secure and nurturing environment.
The Folklore Forum is more than just a dynamic space; it’s an avenue designed to educate and raise awareness. Beyond being a theatre, it serves as a platform for educational dramas and folklore performances. Additionally, a digital section links the community with activists, providing crucial insights and stress management techniques. It’s centred around fostering dialogue and understanding.
The Inspiration Hub is a lively centre for intellectual exploration. Picture an environment with comfortable seating, filled with fresh books and insights on urban movements. Here, visitors can delve into resources that spotlight diverse identities and experiences. It’s not just about learning; it’s about fostering understanding and empathy.
With a nod to the therapeutic power of creativity, the Makers Space was born. This zone is a refuge for arts and crafts, supplying resources for activities like poetry writing and emotional expression. It underscores the idea of self-therapy through creative means and acknowledges the healing power of artistic expression.
Lastly, the Whispering Corner stands as a unique feature within the library. Visualize a historic brick setting that houses an anonymous storytelling phone booth. Here, individuals can share their tales and life paths. It’s dedicated to building empathy and connection through the act of listening, establishing a community where every story is heard, cherished, and comprehended.
Every one of these spaces was meticulously designed with a vision: to build an environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels not just welcomed but truly embraced and understood.
Your portfolio demonstrates a clear focus on social impact. How do you balance aesthetic considerations with your commitment to social justice in your designs?
Striking a balance between aesthetics and social impact is akin to painting a meaningful narrative on a canvas. For me, it’s not merely about crafting visually captivating designs; it’s about embedding purpose and meaning into every space.
Think of designing a space as weaving a story. Aesthetics certainly hold a pivotal role. It’s about curating an ambiance that’s visually compelling, welcoming, and harmonious. However, the crux lies here: every design decision I undertake is anchored in a deeper purpose. It’s about ensuring each aesthetic component advances a social justice objective.
For instance, when choosing colours, I weigh their psychological effects. Warm, inviting hues can cultivate a feeling of belonging. Furniture arrangements are diligently mapped out to promote interaction and inclusivity. Even decisions about lighting aim to cultivate an environment that exudes safety and comfort for all.
So, while aesthetics might offer the initial appeal, the true enchantment unfolds when these design elements resonate with the principles of social justice. It’s about shaping spaces that not only captivate the eye but also ignite change, nurture empathy, and have a genuine, uplifting influence on those who reside within. This intricate balance is a challenge, but it’s undeniably fulfilling.
Could you share an example of a project where community engagement played a crucial role in the design process and the eventual success of the project?
In our food shelf design projects, I emphasized the importance of involving the community. This included volunteers, shoppers, and food shelf leaders in the design process. We conducted comprehensive user research, incorporating the community through co-designing sessions and surveys. These interactions allowed us to glean valuable insights directly from those who would be using the space.
By involving the end users, I could grasp their unique needs, preferences, and challenges. Volunteers shed light on efficient workflow and storage requirements, while shoppers highlighted the importance of choice in welcoming and dignified spaces. Food shelf leaders, on the other hand, provided feedback on layout accessibility. This collective approach ensured that the design was not only practical but also echoed the spirit of the community it aimed to serve.
The results of this community involvement were transformative. The overhauled food shelves optimized shopper flow, facilitating easier navigation and efficient product location. The welcoming ambiance, enriched by community feedback, instilled a sense of comfort and dignity for service users.
Moreover, merchandising strategies, refined through collaboration with volunteers and food shelf leaders, not only improved product displays but also curtailed waste, bolstering the overall efficiency of food shelf operations. Volunteers found the new layout both intuitive and manageable, enabling them to centre their efforts on assisting clients rather than navigating spatial challenges.
Crucially, by elevating shopper voices, the design adeptly catered to their needs, cultivating a sense of community ownership and pride. The food shelf transitioned from being a mere service point to a communal hub where everyone felt acknowledged and valued.
These endeavours underscored the profound importance of community engagement in the design process. By integrating end user perspectives, we crafted a space that was both functional and visually appealing, simultaneously fostering a sense of inclusion and collaboration. The project’s success stands as a testament to the efficacy of inclusive design, where community insights catalyse positive transformations and nurture a robust communal bond.
How do you measure the social impact of your projects? Are there specific metrics or feedback loops you’ve established to understand the effectiveness of your designs?
Measuring the social impact of my projects is a crucial aspect of my work. I place significant emphasis on direct feedback from individuals who utilize the spaces I design. Their experiences and opinions are invaluable. At FFEN, where I currently work, we conduct surveys and discussions to obtain qualitative data. Hearing their impact stories and understanding how the design positively influences their lives provides me with qualitative insights into the societal changes my projects instigate.
Furthermore, I institute feedback loops with community organizations, stakeholders, and volunteers. Regular consultations help me assess the continuous impact of my designs. I consider metrics like increased foot traffic in community areas, enhanced community engagement, and the longevity of social initiatives introduced in the designed spaces.
I also forge close partnerships with local authorities and social impact organizations. By aligning my goals with theirs, I can access their data and research. This collaborative method allows me to utilize existing metrics and ensures the durability and expansiveness of my designs.
Another technique I deem effective is post-occupancy evaluations. By reviewing my projects after they have been in operation for some time, I can determine their long-term impact. This includes observing how the community has embraced the space, pinpointing any unexpected challenges, and implementing necessary modifications based on tangible usage.
At its core, it’s about maintaining a connection with the community, remaining receptive to feedback, and adapting my designs to the genuine experiences and needs of the individuals I serve. By amalgamating qualitative insights, collaborative endeavours, and post-occupancy evaluations, I cultivate a thorough understanding of the social impact of my projects, positioning me to consistently refine and enhance my approach.
Can you talk about any partnerships or collaborations you’ve entered into with NGOs, government bodies, or other organizations to maximize the social impact of your designs?
In my pursuit of community development, I actively seek out meaningful partnerships and collaborations. A prime example is my association with LA Eco-Village, where I eagerly became part of their committee for plaza development under the People Streets initiative. By merging the community’s needs with the tools from People Streets, I look forward to enhancing our streetscapes’ quality as the project progresses.
Additionally, I volunteer with Placemaking US in their Produce to Market program. In this role, I support LB Fresh by designing fresh food pop-ups in convenience stores throughout Long Beach. Beyond spatial planning, I champion educational resources that highlight the significance of fresh produce outlets. I also help store owners navigate change, using data-driven methods to grasp user feedback and their specific desires concerning fresh produce.
During my time at Steelcase Inc., I worked closely with the social innovation team. A standout moment was when I presented a concise, yet impactful 30-minute seminar on Interior Design for students in the creative curation program at Lions & Rabbits. This seminar laid the groundwork, offering vital insights into the nuances of interior spaces.
This led to a hands-on workshop, where I supplied students with layouts of various interior spaces and a collection of recyclable materials. I aimed to encourage creativity and the real-world application of the principles highlighted in my seminar. I invited students to dive deep into their creativity, selecting the principles that resonated with them, and then applying these ideas to construct their ideal spaces. Observing these students translate theoretical insights into concrete, creative works was a joy.
Lastly, my ongoing association with FFEN (Foundation for Essential Needs) has been deeply rewarding. Starting as a volunteer and maintaining my involvement, I’ve derived great satisfaction from designing for hunger relief. The elation of positively impacting the community, while navigating the challenges of this sector, is genuinely gratifying.
These endeavours reaffirm my dedication to teamwork and highlight the comprehensive and positive influence of socially conscious designs on communities.
Your work has been nothing short of amazing! Tell us, have you encountered any challenges or resistance when advocating for more socially conscious designs, and if so, how did you overcome them?
Certainly, advocating for socially conscious designs can pose challenges. One frequent obstacle is pushback from clients or stakeholders who may place aesthetics or immediate cost savings above social impact. In these instances, I see it as a chance for education and dialogue.
I begin by showcasing case studies and real-world examples that highlight the triumphs of socially conscious designs, underscoring both their positive effects and long-term advantages. Visual representations of these outcomes often make the argument more persuasive.
Furthermore, I partake in open conversations, taking the time to address concerns and clear up misunderstandings. Actively listening to stakeholders fosters trust and mutual understanding. I stress that socially conscious designs not only benefit the community but can also elevate the reputation and perception of the project or organization.
Teamwork is fundamental. Throughout the design process, I collaborate closely with stakeholders, drawing them into brainstorming sessions and workshops. This inclusive method gives them a sense of design ownership, increasing their openness to socially conscious components.
Lastly, I remain abreast of current research, trends, and success narratives in the field of socially conscious design. Armed with this knowledge, I can put forth well-informed, data-backed conversations, accentuating the significance and efficacy of such designs.
By cultivating a cooperative, knowledgeable, and understanding approach, I’ve observed that even the most skeptical stakeholders can be persuaded, culminating in designs that satisfy both aesthetic and budgetary needs while also achieving profound social impact.
