The Planting Club is a co-creation initiative piloted as part of the Europe Waterpoint Upgrade projects, where the design team advocated for a more inclusive, in-situ design process that amplifies the voices of the community. This collaborative approach, referred to as co-design, emphasizes the active involvement of community members throughout all stages of the project—from identifying and understanding complex challenges to crafting contextually appropriate solutions.

This approach challenges the traditional notion of the designer as the sole expert, instead inviting diverse stakeholders to contribute their ideas. The designer’s role shifts to understanding the issues raised, interpreting them, and identifying opportunities to develop responsive and effective solutions.

During the pilot phase, the design team worked closely with community leadership, elders, and youth over the course of a year. Through workshops, site walk-throughs, and visits to other upgrade projects, the team collaborated with these groups to identify areas for intervention and develop tailored responses. The project introduced the idea of “listening differently” by creating safe spaces where community members, particularly women, could come together and share their perspectives.

The Planting Club was a central element of this process, designed around the principle that “busy hands make talking easier.” The club, which operated as a series of workshops, established an on-site nursery to propagate all the plants required for the project. Over two months, participants cultivated plants and shared knowledge, culminating in a celebratory planting day with local NGOs, the ward councilor, and club members.

1. Establishing an on-site nursery to grow all plant material needed for the project.

2. Engaging additional community members, particularly women, in the construction process to foster a sense of ownership.

3. Transferring skills and knowledge about planting and propagation to the community.

4. Creating awareness and understanding of the introduced Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS).

5. Forming a team capable of carrying out the planting phase of the project.

The overarching goal was to involve as many community members as possible in the project preparation and construction phases. By focusing on planting, the initiative provided a meaningful way for women to participate in construction while learning transferable skills that extend beyond the project itself.

This approach not only enhanced the project’s outcomes but also empowered the community, through increased skills, knowledge, and ownership.