After having analyzed the case studies, our team came up with overall critiques of the equity imperatives as a part of the Living Building Challenge. Here are just a few of them:
1. Equity is often an afterthought rather than a motivating factor.
Instead of equity being present throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, it is seen as an afterthought, or just another box to check off.
2. Proximity and accessibility are imperative to cultivating equity.
An equitable project is meant to consider how the community can utilize the building beyond the building’s main occupation. It should be accessible to the public and be reached via different modes of transportation.
3. There is no connection between theory and design, and implementation and results
Equity is not seen in the same light as the physical materials that make up a building’s footprint. This should be changed and treated just as equally important as if it were the foundation, walls, or ceilings of a project.
4. Many of the most equitable buildings have community-centered designs and rely on stakeholder engagement.
Out of the nine case studies, the strongest turned out to be those focused on their target audience and the community they are serving. Considering how the building will be used by community stakeholders is an important part of creating the most equitable buildings, otherwise, the building will cease to be equitable.