structure

Design Lab operates on three interconnected pillars:

1. Availability
Prioritizing universal design principles to ensure inclusivity for all users, including people with disabilities and diverse needs.

Focusing on creating solutions that are easy to navigate, intuitive and adapted to different contexts.

2. Beauty
Introducing artistic and aesthetic values ​​into the urban environment to inspire and delight.

Combining historical elements with contemporary design to preserve cultural richness while looking to the future.

3. Creativity
Encouraging bold and innovative approaches through co-creation and design thinking.

Fostering a culture of experimentation where new ideas are collaboratively tested and refined.

Processes and workflow

Design Lab uses a cyclical, iterative approach to ensure continuous learning and adaptation:

Phase 1: Exploration
Conducting in-depth research on urban challenges, user needs and environmental contexts.

Collaboration with diverse stakeholders including communities, artists, technologists and historians.

Phase 2: The Idea
Organizing interdisciplinary workshops and design sprints to generate innovative concepts.

Using neurodesign principles to adapt solutions to human cognition and emotional responses.

Use creative tools like augmented reality (AR) and biomimicry to push boundaries.

Phase 3: Prototyping
Developing physical and digital prototypes to test ideas in real-world conditions.

Focusing on sensory design elements such as soundscapes, textures and lighting to enhance the user experience.

Phase 4: Implementation
Collaborating with local authorities, organisations and communities to implement solutions at scale.

Providing durable and flexible designs that evolve with user needs.

Phase 5: Reflection
Collecting user feedback and measuring impact using qualitative and quantitative methods.

Sharing insights and results through public presentations, publications and online platforms.

Key topic areas

Creative education:
Offering workshops on design thinking, universal design and urban innovation.
Collaborating with schools and universities to inspire the next generation of creators.

Neurodesign Integration:
Applying neuroscience to design spaces that improve well-being and cognitive performance.
Create environments that meet the needs of neurodiverse populations.

Historical revitalization:
Combine heritage preservation with modern functionality to honor and transform historic spaces.
Use storytelling and symbolic communication (e.g. flags, murals) to engage the public.

Urban aesthetics:
Developing innovative projects such as kinetic sculptures, interactive art and biophilic spaces.
Focus on the elements that make cities more livable and inspiring.

Sustainability and innovation:
Enable green architecture, renewable energy and smart city technologies.
Design for future adaptability and environmental responsibility.

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Management and partnerships

Steering Committee
It is comprised of experts in urban planning, design, art and community advocacy.

Partnerships
Collaboration with governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations and research institutions.

Financing
Providing support through grants, sponsorships and public-private partnerships.

Success indicators

Impact on accessibility: Increased usability and integration in urban space.

Aesthetic value:
Increased satisfaction with urban beauty and cultural significance.

Community Engagement:
Level of participation and feedback from various stakeholders.

Educational scope:
Number of workshops conducted and participants trained.

Design Lab’s holistic approach ensures that each design combines accessibility, beauty and creativity while remaining flexible and future-proof.

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