Poor Collective

About the lecture  

In today's rapidly evolving design landscape, the traditional top-down approach is giving way to more collaborative methodologies. At the forefront of this shift stands co-design, a forward-thinking approach which seeks to bring diverse voices to the table. 

POoR’s talk at DAE will delve into the fundamental principles that distinguish co-design from conventional models and provide attendees with practical tips on how to work collaboratively with different stakeholders. Unlike traditional approaches where experts dictate solutions, co-design seeks to honour multiple perspectives and values each contributor equally. During the talk, POoR will examine case studies where co-design has produced more effective, equitable outcomes and offer practical strategies for implementing these principles in your own work. 

The highlight of the session will be a dynamic live demonstration showcasing how emerging technologies, particularly AI tools, can enhance and accelerate the co-design process. Looking ahead, we'll explore how co-design is positioned to become the cornerstone of more responsive and equitable design practices. 

Bio 

POoR Collective is an award-winning design practice that places young people at the centre of its work, helping them create impactful and tangible contributions to their local environments. In 2023, the collective received the London Design Festival's Emerging Design Medal and the Thornton Education Trust's Inspire Future Generations Award. 

The practice operates across three core areas: Design, Programmes, and Engagement. Its team comprises three fully qualified architects with over a decade of combined professional experience. POoR designs a range of outputs, including exhibitions, pavilions, wayfinding systems, and small-scale architecture, and is skilled in producing 2D General Arrangement Drawings as well as 3D visualisations. The design studio also develops, delivers, and evaluates design-focused initiatives. The team manages recruitment strategies, selects participants, and leads collaborative processes to produce tangible outputs. They also oversee related marketing and campaign efforts. 

POoR has worked with organisations such as the Royal College of Art, RIBA, London Design Festival, The British Library, and Battersea Power Station. Some of their most notable projects include Bringing Home to the Unknown, Together We Rise, and the Malorie Blackman: The Power of Stories exhibition design.