The workshop explores and strategically uses the concept of Systemic Proximity, focusing on how participants can effectively position themselves as designers, researchers and placemakers. This session is designed to question the objectivity of science, deepening the understanding of relational systems by incorporating self-ethnography and materiality as a tool for positioning within the design process. Participants are encouraged to bring their personal narratives and cultural insights into play. Through hands-on activities, they use boundary objects to map out and physically represent their individual experiences and societal roles, fostering a profound comprehension of their influence within complex socio-technical systems.

While systemic design offers robust methodologies for visualising and understanding the relationships within complex systems, this workshop posits that a deeper level of analysis is essential. It highlights the necessity of positioning and reflexivity in design, urging designers to engage in self-reflective practices to – first of all – see their roles and also better understand how they can influence the system. Designers must recognise how they and all other human and non-human elements are interconnected and interact. This workshop introduces a novel approach to city and placemaking through infrastructuring, which deepens the understanding of urban settings and fosters a stronger connection to the communities and spaces designers seek to enhance, pushing the boundaries of traditional urban design towards a more mindful approach.

This workshop draws directly from the prior work of the authors, including a publication presented at RSD11 in 2022, various projects based on the thorough “Plug-ins” concept, and ongoing findings from the PhD project titled “Designing for the Systemic Proximity: an investigation into the relational and systemic role of the City of Proximity to enhance positive change”. These studies advance the concept of the City of Proximity from the idea of the 15-minute City but through a relational and systemic lens. It argues for placing “relationships” at the centre of the design processes, advocating that designing proximity-based services and systems should consider relationships as a fundamental design element in practice.

Designed to provide a reflective pause for designers tackling the complexities of urban environments — including work with vulnerable groups and various stakeholders on social, environmental, and economic issues — this workshop aims to create a dynamic, thought-provoking environment where theory and practice converge. Participants leave with enhanced skills to apply their learning in practical settings, contributing to ongoing dialogues in design and placemaking and pushing the boundaries of traditional urban design to create environments that bolster community life and connections.