Spatial design professional-led multi-stakeholders and community participation in co-creating a walkable and inclusive public space

In this study, it is explored how to integrate the participation of spatial design professionals in the co-creation of urban pedestrianizing space with multi-stakeholder participation and community building. The identity of design professionals is shifting from technical expert to social mediator, especially in the Pacific Rim cities. However, it is indicated in the literature that there are such problems such as the lack of experience among the professionals in dealing with multi-stakeholder collaboration and community participation, as well as the insufficient exercise of professional knowledge in the practice of planning and design. By exemplifying the walkable and inclusive space creation design of Des Voeux Road Central (DVRC) in Hong Kong SAR., China. This study starts with the interaction between specific design methods and implementation mechanisms. It involves various research methods such as the interviews with project participants and a review of the relevant spatial plans. As revealed by analyzing the challenges posed to the DVRC pedestrianization initiative led by professionals, design professionals take several measures to address the above problems. The research results provide guidance on how architectural (or urban) design professionals can transform their roles (or identities) and deeply participate in engagement and design activities.