Designing Connections -with Risa Wilkerson

Risa Wilkerson is a pioneer in the field of community health and design, dedicated to creating spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and well-being. As the Executive Director of Healthy Places by Design, Risa has spent nearly two decades working at the intersection of public health, community development, and equity.

Her work empowers organizations across the U.S. to design environments that bring people together, breaking down barriers to create stronger, more resilient communities.

Risa’s passion for this work stems from her own experiences growing up in a rural, close-knit community, where she first began to understand the power of place and connection.

Her journey has taken her from rural America to urban centers and across the country, gaining invaluable insights into how thoughtful, human-centered design can make a profound difference in people’s lives. Whether living in a co-housing community, a van, or a sailboat, Risa has continually sought spaces that allow for greater connection with others, finding that the most vibrant communities are those that provide access to shared public spaces and offer a sense of belonging.

Erin Peavey and Risa Wilkerson are co-authors and co-chairs of the ⁠Systems of Cross-sector Integration and Action across the Lifespan (SOCIAL) Framework Report on the Built Environment⁠. Risa advocates for the importance of creating spaces that bring people together, fostering both "weak" and "bonding" ties that are essential for individual and collective well-being. 

Through her work with Healthy Places by Design, Risa has become a leading voice in advocating for spaces that nurture relationships, embrace diversity, and promote joy. 

Her dedication to building communities where people feel seen, heard, and valued is not just professional - it’s personal. Whether she’s consulting with local leaders or co-designing community spaces with residents, Risa is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to belong. She believes that when we design with intention, we design for connection - and that connection has the power to change the world.

Key Takeaways 

1. Design for Connection - The spaces we create have the power to foster deep connections. When we design with community in mind, we build environments that bring people together, spark joy, and reduce isolation.

2. Co-Create with the Community - True connection comes from collaboration. Involve the community in the design process to ensure spaces meet their needs and reflect their values, creating a sense of ownership and belonging.

3. The Power of Third Places - Third places (public spaces outside of home and work) are crucial for building community. Coffee shops, parks, and community centers can be the places where connections thrive.

4. Safety and Accessibility Are Key - To foster connection, we must prioritize safety, accessibility, and proximity. Design spaces that allow people to feel comfortable and open to engaging with others.

5. Engage the Young Generation - Don’t forget to include youth in the design process. By involving the next generation in shaping their environments, we can create spaces that empower and inspire them to lead.

6. Honor History, Celebrate Culture - Every community has a rich history. Incorporate cultural and historical elements into the design of spaces to honor the past while creating a sense of pride and continuity for the future.

7. Design with Equity in Mind - A truly connected community is an inclusive one. Ensure that all voices, especially those from marginalized groups, are heard and respected in the design process, building spaces that are welcoming for everyone.

Quotes

1. "We have to ask, who in our community isn’t being heard? Those are the voices we need to bring to the table to create spaces where everyone feels welcome." – Risa Wilkerson

2. "When we design with the community, we create spaces where people not only feel safe, but they feel seen, valued, and ready to connect." – Risa Wilkerson

3. "Third spaces—places where people gather outside of work or home—are the heart of a connected community. Let’s create those spaces where bonds can form and thrive." – Risa Wilkerson

Connect with Risa

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/risawilkerson/ 

Website - https://healthyplacesbydesign.org/