From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

68STORYTELLING PROJECTS Notably, three recent notable projects exemplify the power of speculative storytelling. 1 Liam Young’s Planetary Redesign (2023) at the National Gallery of Victoria presents radical spec- ulative design ideas in response to the climate crisis. Through immersive visual storytelling, it challenges audiences to think of planetary-scale infrastructure and the built environment as tools for climate adaptation. 2 Superflux’s Mitigation of Shock (London) envisions a future apartment adapted for climate-disrupted living, where resource scarcity and extreme weather are daily realities. This experiential instal- lation encourages visitors to explore resilience strategies for a changing world. 3 Harvard GSD’s Designing for the DNA of a Place reimagines architectural pedagogy by focusing on process, ethics, and the overlooked influences of Indigenous design. Led by Mariam Kamara, the course challenges students to design speculative projects informed by the region’s Indigenous heritage, addressing the inequities of a Western-dominated architectural canon and expanding the ethical con- siderations of architectural practice. PLAY THE CITY Play the City organization that uses games to engage communities in exploring complex urban issues, with a focus on topics like sustainability, climate resilience, social inclusion and urban planning. Through partici- patory game design, the initiative creates immersive, interactive experiences that encourage citizens, poli- cy-makers and stakeholders to collaboratively address challenges. One notable project, “Climate and the City”, used a game to involve participants in decision-making about climate adaptation strategies, helping to identify local vulnerabilities and solutions. By blending play with critical thinking, Play the City cultivates a deeper under - standing of urban issues and empowers people to take meaningful action. APPROACH 4 Actively collaborate with local communities, the private sector and cultural preservation organizations Indigenous knowledge, heritage-building practices and community-driven strategies must be integrated into contemporary climate policies through co-creation. Climate adaptation strategies should not be imposed but developed collaboratively with local communities. Tailored and culturally appropriate engagement pro- cesses with Indigenous groups are crucial to cultivating relationships based on trust and mutual respect (rather than transactional exchange). It’s crucial to learn about cultural protocols, values and traditions, ensuring that these relationships are built on a foundation of long-term commitment rather than short-term objectives. Partnerships between cultural heritage bodies, NGOs, private-sector organizations and regulatory bodies can ensure that traditional knowledge informs modern climate solutions. However, these collaborations must also prioritize reciprocity, ensuring that what is taken from communities is also given back in meaningful ways. This could involve supporting the communities’ goals and helping strengthen their capacity to protect and preserve their own cultural heritage and ecolog- ical wisdom. By acknowledging that the process of collaboration is iterative and ongoing, it’s possible to demonstrate a genuine commitment to these relation- ships beyond immediate climate goals. Private-sector actors must play a role in funding and scaling climate initiatives that integrate cultural wisdom into business models and sustainability strategies. Cul- ture-based solution should be embedded into existing climate funding.20 However, these contributions should be mindful of the long-term needs of the communities and should reflect a holistic approach to both economic development and cultural preservation. Through col- laboration rooted in trust and respect, it’s possible to create sustainable, culturally sensitive solutions that benefit all stakeholders. 69 Play the City INTEGRATING CULTURE-BASED APPROACHES IN LAMU OLD TOWN The culture-based approach in Lamu Old Town empha - sizes a collaborative approach to addressing climate action, urban development and cultural preservation chal- lenges. UNESCO, in partnership with local communities, the private sector and cultural heritage organizations, has implemented initiatives such as the Lamu Old Town Man- agement Plan and Waste Management Policy. Community empowerment workshops have been crucial in docu - menting Indigenous knowledge and training residents in sustainable practices. Partnerships with conservation groups support mangrove restoration, while collabora - tion with local businesses promotes eco-friendly waste management. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern policies, this multistakeholder effort strengthens resilience, safeguards cultural heritage and cultivates sustainable development. Read more in the Alliance’s Lamu Old Town Innovative Practice case study. Erik (HASH) Hersman, via Wikimedia Commons