Dr Mirian Calvo

Lecturer in Participatory Architecture

Research Overview

My research interests delve into the way individuals actively involve themselves in shaping their surroundings and in the collective sense of agency that arises from these participatory processes.

I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary research that promotes the establishment of collaborative ecosystems. The most effective designs are often the result of direct exchanges of experiences among stakeholders. Within the fields of urban design and architecture, I place emphasis on participatory processes that employ co-design methods and adhere to principles of placemaking. Furthermore, my research aims to facilitate the application of design in informing policy-making and decision-making processes.

Profile

My background is in architecture, urban design and placemaking, design for policy, and environmental design. Since joining Lancaster University in 2020, my research has made significant contributions in these areas. These contributions have been reflected in multiple journal articles, book chapters, and research reports, which showcase my proficiency in participatory design and its influence on communities. Also, I have had the opportunity to present my research at international conferences and have been invited to speak at various events.

My research has been successful and supported by external funding, both as a principal investigator and a co-investigator, reflecting the significance and quality of the research. I am also engaged in external and community collaborations, working closely with Lancaster City Council and other organisations to address urban challenges and facilitate meaningful engagement with various stakeholders. These collaborations demonstrate my commitment to applying research findings in practical settings and making a positive impact on cities and communities.

Research Interests

The contemporary issues that confront our society and urban areas necessitate an interdisciplinary approach. Urban environments are complex and encompass various tangible and intangible elements, including infrastructure, architectural structures, public amenities, governance mechanisms, sustainability practices, transportation systems, artistic endeavours, and innovative initiatives. These elements intersect and interact within the realm of human agency. Currently, cities face numerous challenges, such as mass migration, climate change, social disparities, imbalances between private and public sectors, housing crises, scarcity of water and air resources, healthcare concerns, and the ongoing pandemic. These challenges have caused discomfort in our socio-cultural interactions and the fundamental systems that support our existence. To effectively address these challenges and critically examine the future of our urban areas and how we coexist, collaboration becomes essential. Collaborative efforts enable the achievement of shared objectives and the generation of novel insights.

The following are the current challenges of interest within this broader research aim:

Adopting an interdisciplinary approach to address the pressing challenges faced by society and cities.
Exploring alternative approaches to conventional architecture and urban design, with a focus on community engagement in transforming the built environment.
Investigating placemaking and the collaboration between community members and experts.
Examining participatory architecture as a form of engagement and a precursor to co-production, emphasizing the involvement of communities in urban space design and planning.
Promoting the co-construction of sustainable futures through collaborative efforts in creating sustainable cities and societies.
Analysing the aesthetic dimension of design and its disruptive nature, which converges social and performative actions with the production of new emotions.
Exploring egalitarian power dynamics and sustainable ways of living and working together.
Understanding the complexity of societal challenges and the role of designers in transforming the natural environment into the built environment.
Investigating the creation of shared meanings in human surroundings and sociocultural structures through transformations.
Examining co-design as a socialization process that merges demand for participation with diverse expertise in effectively addressing societal challenges.

Current Teaching

My current teaching role involve teaching for second year Architectural Humanities, which I am the module convener, and Architectural Design Studio. I also assist supervising third year Architectural Humanities dissertations.

Current Research

Local Planning Policy for Sustainable Soils (Local-Soils) | The main objective of this project is to establish effective collaboration between local authorities and various industry stakeholders to incorporate soil sustainability principles into local planning policies. This collaboration will primarily benefit planning professionals in local authorities by providing guidance on integrating sustainability practices into their work. Through close engagement with two local authorities in Lancaster and Cornwall, as well as other industry stakeholders, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of soil sustainability principles in local planning policy.

IN PLACE: Connecting Design and Policy for meeting Net-ZERO targets | This project aims at increasing the effectiveness of public policy through direct participation of research beneficiaries such as the Lancaster Business Improvement District, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire Country Council, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Connected Places Catapult. Our research addresses a gap in the use of design-led inclusive innovation in regional policy-making and local councils where there is currently limited expertise in approaching policy as a design medium and the design for systems change.

Placemaking with Young Adults | funded by BA, the project addresses the underrepresentation of young people in planning processes and incorporates their visions and ambitions and focuses on co-designing innovative climate policies. The project has generated impact beyond the Academia, e.g., it is featured in RTPI’s documentary, “Planning for Tomorrow’s Environment” as an example of best practice in community engagement, which has generated +600K views and 2.75M impressions to date.

PhD Supervision Interests

I am interest in overseeing research projects that explore novel collaborative practices in the fields of design and architecture, with a specific emphasis on engagement within participatory processes. I place great importance on theoretical and methodological advancements in the creation of placemaking environments.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Energy Use in Social Housing: Evaluation, User Engagement, and Education Strategies in Lancaster District
01/10/2025 → 30/03/2027
Research

Empower & Transform through Placemaking: Reimagining Spaces for Youth Engagement
01/07/2025 → 31/03/2026
Research

Sustainable Placemaking Consultancy with TerraTech
01/07/2025 → 28/07/2025
Other

Placemaking with Young Adults Consultancy 2
01/04/2025 → 31/05/2026
Consultancy

Placemaking with Young Adults 2.0
01/02/2025 → 31/03/2026
Research

Placemaking with Young Adults Consultancy 1
01/02/2025 → 31/03/2025
Consultancy

IAA: Local Planning Policy for Sustainable Soils (Local-Soils)
01/02/2024 → 31/12/2025
Research

IAA: Local Planning Policy for Sustainable Soils (Local-Soils)
01/02/2024 → 30/09/2024
Research

IAA: Local Planning Policy for Sustainable Soils (Local-Soils)
01/02/2024 → 31/12/2025
Research

IAA: IN-PLACE: Connecting Design and Policy for meeting Net-ZERO targets
01/09/2023 → 31/03/2025
Research

I-Connect: Co-designing Sustainable Communities
01/11/2022 → 31/07/2023
Research

E3: Youth, Democracy and Sustainable Citizenship: Reimagining the City and Empowering Young People through Engagement with Policy-Makers
01/09/2021 → 16/12/2022
Research

IAA ESRC: Growing Together – a barometer to understanding and activate social wellbeing through micro-gardening.
01/08/2021 → 31/01/2022
Research

E3: Embedded Intelligent Empathy in Design (EIE)
01/05/2021 → 30/04/2022
Research

E3: Mapping Values: Co-constructing understandings of the good city in pursuit of new models of urban governance
01/04/2021 → 31/07/2022
Research

Mapping Values
01/04/2021 → 31/10/2022
Research

Placemaking with Young Adults
01/04/2021 → 01/04/2024
Research

My Mainway Consultancy Project
01/08/2020 → 01/10/2021
Consultancy

Civic Leadership module - case study Uni 5 Place
Influence on Policy, Practice, Patients & the Public

LIVE PROJECT - Telephone House with HPA Architects
Other

Empower & Transform through Placemaking E2M
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Placemaking Week Europe 2025
Participation in conference - Public

Strategic Academic Career Planning Webinar
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Future Vision Workshop
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Research Ethics Support & Review in Research Organisations - UKRIO (Publisher)
Editorial activity

Morecambe’s Placemaking Walkshop
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Keynote Speaker at LUSU Climate Conference 2025
Invited talk

Lancaster South’s Placemaking Walkshop
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Guest Speaker: Carnival at the Boundaries
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar

Carnforth's Placemaking Walkshop
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Future Scenario Planning for local policymaking: lessons from Lancashire
Influence on Policy, Practice, Patients & the Public

Placemaking with Young Adults consultancy 1 and 2,
Influence on Policy, Practice, Patients & the Public

Site Visit to Lancaster Cohousing (LCH) and Halton Lune Hydro (HLH)
Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

People’s Jury on Climate Change Way of the Roses and Start of the Greenway Revitalisation Project
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar

Architecture Study Tour
Other

LIVE PROJECT - LSA meets QMM
Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

British Society of Soil Annual Conference 2024
Participation in conference - Public

Hand drawing workshop
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Hand-drawing workshop for ARCH204 students in the School of Architecture
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Guest Lecture by Rebecca Taylor Murray for ARCH204: Architectural Humanities
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar

Invitation to Review Funding Application for NWO - Dutch Research Council
Examination

Climate and Nature Strategy Community Conversations
Other

Modifications and New Module Brief for ARCH204: Architectural Humanities 2
Other

Local Soils Policy co-design workshop Lancaster
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Local Soils Policy co-design workshops
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Set up a new university partnership with Aarhus School of Architecture (AAA)
Other

CiviCon24
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience

LGC Awards - Placemaking with Young Adults
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Local Soils Focus Group 1
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Local Soils Focus Group 2
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Local Soils Focus Group 3
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

RTPI North West CPD Programme 2024
Participation in conference - Public

LSA summer school
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

LGC Awards presentations
Types of External academic engagement - Hosting an academic visitor

Place-making + policy design = NET-0
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar

VIP Welcome event
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

I-Connect Project
Invited talk

Placemaking with Young Adults Festival of Futures | Satellite Event
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

The future is a work in progress Exhibition at the Festival of Futures
Festival/Exhibition/Concert

Internal examiner for VIVA
Examination

Roll into Spring: Lune Valley Family Fun Day
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

BB4C - Building Blocks for Clinicians two-day programme
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

People's Powerhouse. This is the North Convention
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Confirmation Panel
Examination

Hosting Scott Schmidt
Types of External academic engagement - Hosting an academic visitor

LIVE PROJECT - LSA meets LMC
Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

Architectural Field Trip to Athens for ARCH202
Other

Peer reviewer of book Spatial Design + Service Design (2023) (Event)
Editorial activity

Placemaking Lancaster Together
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Launch of the Documentary 'Planning for Tomorrow’s Environment'
Invited talk

LIVE PROJECT: Site Visit Frontierland
Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

Design and Development of Module Brief for ARCH202: Architectural Design Studio 2B
Other

Placemaking with Policymakers
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Mapping Values in Kilburn: research and policy workshop
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

LIVE PROJECT: Development of Module Brief for ARCH201
Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

ARCHIextra Summer School 22 brief:
Other

Placemaking with Young Adults in Halton
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Co-creation Workshop on What’s a Good City
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Designerly Walking Workshop on What’s a Good City
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

AHRC Peer Review College (External organisation)
Membership of council

Towards Socially Sustainable Ways of Living
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

TEA Talks
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience

Policy and Governance Special Interest Group - Design Research Society (External organisation)
Member of external research organisation

Peer review Engaging Spaces (2022) (Event)
Editorial activity

Creative West End Winter Market
Other

Growing Together 3
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Growing Together Planning Halloween Event
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Growing Together Planning Event 1
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Live Project with Lancaster City Council
Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

Co-creation Workshop on Design Empathy
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Growing Together 2: Second Workshop
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Growing together 1
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Focus Group on Design Empathy
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Design and Implementation of ARCH201: Architectural Design Studio 2A
Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor

Connected Everything Festival 2021
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Envisioning Sustainable Futures Together Springboard
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Fifteenth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience

British Academy Virtual Sandpit
Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Participation in Context, Participation in Practice
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar

Mini Conference ENSAP-Bx
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Architects Registration Board (External organisation)
Membership of board

Customisation drop-in sessions
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

My Mainway Young Event
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

My Mainway Children's Event
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Recommendations Drop-in Sessions
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

New Visions Drop-in Sessions
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Door-to-door Engagement Activities
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Planning session with Lancaster City Council officers
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Walking with Lancaster Councillors
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

The Design Research Society 2020 International Conference
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience

Touring Walk around Mainway with its Residents
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

My Mainway
Consultancy

Bordeaux School of Architecture (ENSAP-Bx)
Visiting an external academic institution

Whereabouts you are
Festival/Exhibition/Concert

LGC Awards 2024 Community Involvement Finalist
Prize (including medals and awards)

LGC Awards 2024 Public/Public Partnership Finalist
Prize (including medals and awards)

LGC Awards 2024 Net Zero Winner
Prize (including medals and awards)

Imagination Lancaster
School of Architecture
Space & Place