As a practice, we would want to understand how the solutions might affect the bigger picture right from the outset. Even though we may not be the final decision makers, but we can encourage better design decisions by collectively trying to resolve the issues pertaining to the work undertaken. Our focus would be to understand the on-ground realities by listening, through the process of research and response, and most importantly, building a connection with the local communities and then propose an intervention, rather than coming up with the over-exaggerated versions.

 

In addition, a built space may or may not be the ultimate solution to the desired problem, and hence understanding the external factors or agencies, which change from place to place, would be crucial to formulate a collective solution to the existing issues. As design may have the power, but its capacity is intimately related to the ecosystem in which it operates. And this could be best done by seeing things through the lens of humility and empathy.