Designing inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community

Image credit: By Artist and Urban Designer Luke Fawcett ()

This event aims to bring together architects and built environmental professionals with the LGBTQ+ community in Liverpool to learn from each other and explore how we can design inclusive spaces for all in the city.

The agenda will include presentations, interactive discussions and a fun and creative design charette.

Agenda

1.15pm: Arrival

Registration, refreshments and getting settled in

1.30pm: Welcome

Introduction from event chair Colin Stuhlfelder (CIAT, University of Salford) and Mat Giles (RIBA North West EDI Co-Chair, MGMA, Liverpool Architecture Festival)

1.40pm: Introduction & General Guide

With Andi Herring (Chief Executive and Co-Founder at LCR Pride Foundation). LCR Pride Foundation will kick start the event with some general housekeeping, useful things on being mindful of how we use language and awareness of just how diverse the LGBTQ+ community is. Using the principles from their 'You're Safe Here' safe spaces they'll talk us through how we can make the event safe and enjoyable for everyone as well as learn and ask questions.

1.50pm: Queer Places presentation

Luke Fawcett, Urban Designer and Artist, runs the Queer Places project, a free to access digital archive celebrating the vibrant, humble and sometimes filthy LGBTQ+ spaces of Liverpool's past, present and future. Luke will share some of the fascinating tales as told by the community - shedding light on the people and their selfless resistance that have made these spaces possible.

2.10pm: What does a safe space look like?

Speakers TBC. Panel discussion with audience participation.

3pm: Break

3.20pm: Proud Workplaces

LCR Pride Foundation, in partnership with Barclays are working with employers across the Liverpool City Region to help create more LGBTQ+ friendly workplaces and community allies. This session will talk about what employers can do to create an equitable and safe environment for their LGBT+ staff to flourish, using real life examples, hints and tips. There will be the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences too as part of the session.

3.40pm: What does a celebratory space look like?

Panel discussion with audience participation. Speakers tbc.

4.20pm: Drafts and Draughts: Design charette

A design charette brings together different people to explore design options and ideas for buildings and public spaces. This fun session will split attendees up in to teams to work together to come up with ideas for safe and celebratory spaces for all, through sketches and plasticine models.

5.45pm: Closing remarks

6pm: Ends

Following the event we'll be holding a friendly social nearby, details to be confirmed with all attendees ahead of the event.

This event is organised by the RIBA North West EDI Group in partneship with LCR Pride Foundation, and funded by the RIBA Local Initiative Fund.

Inclusion and access

This event will take place in the meeting rooms on the 6th floor at Liverpool Central Library.

Step-free access: The event will take place on the 6th floor of Liverpool Central Library. Access to the venue is via level entrance with automatic entrance doors, to an accessible lift. There is an accessible toilet on the 6th floor and a Changing Places Toilet located on the ground floor.

This is a seated event - designated seating can be provided on request.

We would be delighted to provide BSL if required for the session. Please get in touch with us as soon as possbile if BSL would allow you to access the event to allow us time to book the required numbers of interpreters.

A portable induction loop is available - please get in touch if you require use of the induction loop.

Service dogs are always welcome and water will be provided.

There are quiet / break out spaces available in the library.

Food and drink: Teas, coffees, water and cake will be served. All dietary requirements will be catered for, please indicate any special dietary requirements on the registration form.

If you would like to discuss your attendance and inclusion and / or access needs to attend the event comfortably, please get in touch with Laura Rushton: [email protected] / +44 20 7307 38388.

Host or Publisher RIBA North West