Community Co-Design

We work with groups or communities to co-create green spaces that address their specific needs around social connection and access to green space.

For us, design is a social process of co-creation and capacity building. Where possible we take a participatory approach that involves end-users in the design and construction of the space.

We apply a multi-stage placemaking approach to guide communities from idea (or problem) to realisation (or solution). We have a strong emphasis on capacity and skill building during these projects.

Placemaking is a specific approach to the planning, design and management of spaces. It uses the local community’s inspiration, potential and assets to create spaces that promote health, happiness and wellbeing.

Involving end-users of the space allows for a deeper connection to the space but also ensures that it actually fulfils the needs and aspirations of that community. By involving the community in the design and construction phases, people are also able to develop skills and confidence in new areas.

If you are part of a community or group who is interested in working with us to create a green space, get in touch.

“The Green Lab showed a genuine interest in helping us visualise our end goal and clearly explained our options to us. The team showed kindness and compassion to everyone that helped out on site. You could see that our volunteers confidence improved after each volunteer session as some of them learnt new skills.”

Project: Riverlution Gathering Space

“Their practical, down-to-earth approach, the expertise they bring, mixed with their ability to work alongside the people, helping facilitate and transform the hopes and ideas of the community into reality, are some of The Green Lab’s very real strengths.”

Project: Linwood Tiny Shop Village

“Working with the Green Lab at the Riverbend Refuge project was really special for us – the young people we work with became more connected with the Ōtākaro awa as part of this project, and got to share their beautiful artwork with the wider community! Seeing the Riverbend Refuge come to life was absolutely fantastic, and a testament to the hard working and creative people at the Green Lab. We would absolutely love to work together again.”

Project: Riverbend Refuge, Christchurch

“The Green Lab is an astounding organisation: besides their unquestionable skills in landscaping and rejuvenating vacant spaces, The Green Lab has demonstrated a great community focus and a genuine community development attitude.”

Project: Kotahitanga, Christchurch

“Volunteering on the building [of Kotahitanga] was a very positive experience... the organisation of the building process was simplified so a novice like me could grasp it and achieve good quality work”

Project: Kotahitanga, Christchurch

Community Co-Design

We work with groups or communities to co-create green spaces that address their specific needs around social connection and access to green space.

For us, design is a social process of co-creation and capacity building. Where possible we take a participatory approach that involves end-users in the design and construction of the space.

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