Forum discusses design in disaster and development

Charles Parrack speaks at the Barcelona forum

Charles Parrack presented the work of CENDEP at the Design Disaster and Development Research Forum in Barcelona on 6 July. The event was hosted by RMIT (Melbourne University Barcelona campus) and was attended by university and operational partner representatives.

Participants are all engaged in knowledge production in humanitarian response or development contexts. Presenters included UIC Barcelona, KU Leuven, University of Westminster, Aalto University, Paris Belleville ENSAPB, Oslo School of Architecture, UCL, Lisbon University, UNHCR, Global Alliance for Urban Crises, and Catholic Relief Services.

The agenda consisted of three main themes. First, pedagogical approaches to learning about the role of design in disaster response and development contexts. Secondly, discussion of graduate attributes needed for successful employment. Thirdly, development of research questions that are most important to focus on in this field.

The meeting called for formation of a research network to progress these issues.

Apologies for the long period of silence. The custodian of the blog has been travelling, and plans to blog from far-flung places have been undermined by a) poor internet and b) being very busy. Over the next few weeks normal service will be resumed.