On 26 February 2025, the Build4People project, represented by its Work Package “Sustainable Building”, led by Prof Dr Dirk Schwede and supported by the research associate Christina Karagianni, both from the Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck, organized an Architecture Walk & Dialogue: Gender Mainstreaming in Public Space workshop. It was co-hosted by the local association W.A.E. (Women in Architecture and Engineering) with a focus on integrating gender perspectives into urban design.
The event was held at Wat Phnom Park, with an initial gathering at Central Point Café. The goal was to explore how public spaces could be made safer, more inclusive, and accessible to individuals of all genders and ages.
The event commenced with registration and an introductory session, where participants checked in, received event materials, and engaged in initial networking. The attendees included a mix of undergraduate students, architects, urban planners, and researchers, who were then divided into two groups. The organizers provided an overview of the day’s agenda and introduced the concept of gender mainstreaming in urban spaces. They emphasized the importance of observing public spaces through a gender lens, considering factors such as safety, accessibility, and overall usability.
Following the introduction, participants proceeded with a guided observational walk at Wat Phnom Park. Each group was tasked with identifying key challenges and opportunities in the park’s design that impacted gender inclusivity. Throughout the walk, they paid close attention to several aspects:
- Safety & Visibility: Many participants noted the presence of hidden or less visible areas that could feel unsafe, particularly for women.
- Lighting Conditions: The lack of adequate lighting in the evening was highlighted as a major concern, potentially deterring certain groups from using the park after dark.
- Walkability & Accessibility: The condition of pedestrian pathways was examined to assess whether they were suitable for people with disabilities, elderly individuals, and caregivers with strollers.
- Resting Areas & Amenities: Participants observed whether seating areas were adequate and well-maintained and whether facilities such as public restrooms were accessible to all.
- Environmental Considerations: The cleanliness and waste management of the park were also assessed, as they play a role in how welcoming the space feels.
After the walk, participants returned to the venue for a short coffee break, which allowed them to informally discuss their findings and network with other attendees.
The next segment of the event featured an expert panel discussion, where urban planners, architects, and gender specialists shared their insights. Experts, including Ms. Bao Tran Hao and Ms. Christina Karagianni from the Build4People Project and local architect Ms. Leakhena Setha, discussed the challenges women and people with mobility issues face in public spaces and the importance of designing for diverse users.
With their observations and expert insights in mind, participants gathered for a collaborative group discussion. Each group analyzed the data they had collected during the walk and formulated practical recommendations for making Wat Phnom Park more gender-inclusive. Some of the proposed solutions included:
- Enhancing lighting infrastructure to improve safety after dark.
- Redesigning pathways to be more accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Introducing signage and maps of the park for easy orientation.
- Introducing more seating areas in strategic locations to encourage diverse groups to use the space.
- Organising events in the evening to make the space livelier and safer.
Each group then presented their ideas in a sharing session, allowing for cross-learning and further discussion.
As the workshop concluded, the organizers summarized key takeaways and encouraged participants to continue advocating for gender-sensitive urban design. A post-event survey was conducted to gather participant feedback, ensuring that future initiatives could build on the success of this workshop. A photo session marked the official end of the event, capturing the collaborative spirit of the day.
#Build4People #Gendermainstreaming #Genderresponsiveurbandesign