ImpactXDesign – Utilizing Design for Urban Revitalization and Economic Justice

In this virtual talk, Ari Takata-Vasquez, founder and Creative Director of Viscera Studio will be looking at how we, as designers, can expand the reach of traditional roles to make an outsized impact in our communities. The talk will present the case study of “In the Black”, a project in the Fillmore district of San Francisco.
In the Black is a shared marketplace designed and created by Viscera Studio in partnership with SFHDC, a nonprofit house developer, venturing into economic development,, featuring over 20 local, black-owned businesses. By collaborating with local stakeholders and economic development organizations, and seeking unique public/ private funding models, Viscera Studio was able to introduce radical programming and place-making in a culturally important, once-vibrant, yet currently underserved Black community. In addition to branding, signage and space design, Viscera Studio also played a key role in the economic modeling, business planning and community outreach, shaping a new model for design-driven projects whose impact goes beyond just design, into the realms of community and economic development.

Ari is a small business owner and advocate with lived experience as a retail storefront owner with a masters in city planning from UC Berkeley and an BA in architecture from the University of San Francisco. These worlds rarely connect well and Ari’s perspective is as liaison or translator between these often siloed industries.

In an industry that is increasingly value-driven, rather than values-driven, its ever more crucial for designers to not only be taste makers, but to find creative ways to become project drivers by embracing non-traditional project structures. Register for this talk to hear how we at Viscera Studio do this, and share your own experiences!

Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impactxdesign-using-design-for-urban-revitalization-and-economic-justice-tickets-586183038247.