Conflict Engagement: The Designer's Advantage  

Why are solutions to the world’s trickiest problems often never fully realized? For that matter, why is it difficult to address much smaller problems within our own businesses, teams and relationships? The creative and management processes associated with the practice of architecture is naturally prone to conflict. Indeed, the world we seek to change is increasingly filled with conflict, and the stakes are getting higher. Yet our communication skills seem to be getting weaker due inadequate training as well as the proliferation of new technology and social media platforms. Bold initiatives that are intended to drive global change will always involve conflicting opinions, perspectives, and agendas. The New Urban Agenda is no exception, and it’s imperative that we reconsider how all stakeholders need to interact to realize its mission. Conflict engagement, not avoidance, is the very thing that can promote positive change and innovative solutions - and designers have untapped skills they can use to address conflict productively. Session attendees will learn and practice the basic elements of conflict engagement, and leave with the confidence they can design a better conversation with practically anyone.

Sponsored by AIA San Francisco