Profile
Alice Berman
Why is design an important part of revitalizing communities?
Everyone deserves good, intentional, responsive and effective design. By engaging communities in the design process, the improvements most important to them can be identified. This enables the development of the best, most equitable and inclusive design solutions that will positively impact the health, safety, and welfare of everyday citizens in their neighborhoods.
What has been most surprising, rewarding, or fun about your Collaborative experience?
The talent, camaraderie and generosity of the Collaborative volunteer teams never ceases to amaze and inspire me. The Design Aid teams truly exemplified this. Volunteers from many disciplines work virtually together, with a very short timeframe, to provide a fully developed graphic package for COVID-19 related solutions. These include physical construction; mechanical and furniture adjustments to circulation, distancing, shielding and sanitizing; as well as multilingual/graphic signage communicating critical information; and more. The need for our services has never been greater than during the pandemic, when there has been a squeeze on non-profit funding and a surge in the need for the social services many of them provide. The Design Aid projects, specifically targeted at finding quick solutions to help these non-profits safely and cost effectively continue to provide their critically needed services, were particularly rewarding.
What do you love most about Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is a passionate city of strong diverse neighborhoods. The city boasts an array of world class historic and contemporary architecture, cultural institutions and open spaces serving its many communities.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
I am one of the founders of the Collaborative and have remained involved ever since. I am very proud of how the organization has evolved. Seeing the impact Collaborative projects have had throughout the city, over the last 30 years, has been very rewarding. I currently serve as co-chair of the Governance committee, as well as co-chair of the Advisory Board.
Make sure to stay connected with Alice on LinkedIn.
Everyone deserves good, intentional, responsive and effective design. By engaging communities in the design process, the improvements most important to them can be identified. This enables the development of the best, most equitable and inclusive design solutions that will positively impact the health, safety, and welfare of everyday citizens in their neighborhoods.
What has been most surprising, rewarding, or fun about your Collaborative experience?
The talent, camaraderie and generosity of the Collaborative volunteer teams never ceases to amaze and inspire me. The Design Aid teams truly exemplified this. Volunteers from many disciplines work virtually together, with a very short timeframe, to provide a fully developed graphic package for COVID-19 related solutions. These include physical construction; mechanical and furniture adjustments to circulation, distancing, shielding and sanitizing; as well as multilingual/graphic signage communicating critical information; and more. The need for our services has never been greater than during the pandemic, when there has been a squeeze on non-profit funding and a surge in the need for the social services many of them provide. The Design Aid projects, specifically targeted at finding quick solutions to help these non-profits safely and cost effectively continue to provide their critically needed services, were particularly rewarding.
What do you love most about Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is a passionate city of strong diverse neighborhoods. The city boasts an array of world class historic and contemporary architecture, cultural institutions and open spaces serving its many communities.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
I am one of the founders of the Collaborative and have remained involved ever since. I am very proud of how the organization has evolved. Seeing the impact Collaborative projects have had throughout the city, over the last 30 years, has been very rewarding. I currently serve as co-chair of the Governance committee, as well as co-chair of the Advisory Board.
Make sure to stay connected with Alice on LinkedIn.
Projects
Mt. Airy Learning Tree
Our COVID19 Response: Design A.I.D.
Aid /ād/ (verb) - to help, assist, or support (someone or something) in the achievement of something
In response to the coronavirus crisis, the Community Design Collaborative is...
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