Co-design
Engagement Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, published by the RIBA in January 2024, states:
Co-design (collective design) is making together; between the project team and participants to develop and refine the design, actively using creative, participatory methods.
Typically, during project work stages 2 to 4, the project team and participants work closely with participants to gather their input, insights, and feedback on the design proposals. Then, based on this feedback, it refines the design to create a tailored design that meets project needs, is functional, economically, and technically feasible, and reflects the community’s needs and aspirations. Links to levels of engagement: co-design can enable agency participants and treat people equally, leading to a more collaborative process. Co-design aims to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity in the design process and to create more user-centred, sustainable, and socially responsible proposals.
“Co-design is not the same as public participation. One of the key differences between public participation and co-design is that the later implies collective design, as the term itself suggests – the prefix co- means together, which leaves co-design as designing together.” Ethics of Co-design
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.