Call to Action: 

1. Use the tools provided from this presentation to Develop a Community Engagement Plan, during the Pre-Design Phase.
2. Develop an inclusive set of Guiding Principles based on the input from Project Stakeholders and Community Members.
3. Create a connection between Community Engagement and Post-Occupancy Evaluations by using the tools provided from this presentation to develop a Post-Occupancy Evaluation Process that measures the success of the Guiding Principles.

Abstract: Community engagement should be an integral part of the design process. Projects that integrate community engagement have become increasingly common and have proven to have many benefits. This session will explore a holistic approach to community engagement that considers the unique needs, values, security requirements and aspirations of the community and its cultural diversity. This collaborative process results in educational facilities that are more safe, responsive, functional, and supportive of the local population, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the school and the well-being of its users. To illustrate the benefits of community engagement, the team of presenters will tell the story of East Ridge Elementary School. East Ridge Elementary sits on the East bench of Ogden, UT and is a crossroad of outdoor enthusiasts and cultural diversity. During design, 74% of the students qualified for free and reduced meals and a minority population of 45%. The team will explore the various community engagement methods utilized from the beginning to the end of this project, even one that led the design team on a journey that traversed nearly 12 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain by foot! As well as highlighting how, the new school is a beautiful reflection of the culturally blended community. In addition, the team will discuss tools and best practices for gathering and synthesizing community and stakeholder feedback, explore how these tools can be utilized during the Post-Occupancy Evaluation phase of a project, leading to further insight and learning, as well as review the Post-Occupancy Feedback from the East Ridge Elementary School Community.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover how community input leads to an inclusive user-centered design, improving the learning experience for all.
2. Learn strategies for community engagement during the visioning and design process.
3. Discuss how school safety and security can be integrated into the programming process.
4. Identify strategies for community engagement during post-occupancy evaluation.