Challenging Practice Course
Redefining the culture of architecture and planning
When: Since 2012
Where: Global
Who was involved: ASF-International
Maya and Noor first met in 2015 at a seminar called Challenging Practice, organised by ASF-UK in London. Their shared commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable urban spaces soon set them on transformative career paths.
Noor, an architecture student, was taking a year out after her undergraduate studies. Frustrated by the lack of social impact in traditional architectural work, she discovered the Challenging Practice course and recognised it as the ideal opportunity to learn how architecture could foster social change. She hoped to rethink architecture’s role in society, exploring design approaches that address pressing social issues and encourage community engagement.
Maya, a recent graduate with a master’s in Development Studies, was passionate about discovering how cities could better serve their communities. However, during her first year at a charity focused on community-led housing, she quickly realised that her academic background left her feeling unprepared to understand the practical challenges involved in community-led planning and design. The Challenging Practice course presented an excellent opportunity to learn about participation and community organising in practice, making her a more effective advocate for community-led solutions.
The Challenging Practice programme, led by ASFUK for ASF-International, empowers students and professionals in the built environment, like Maya and Noor, to engage in inclusive and sustainable urban development. It consists of two main stages: Stage A includes preparatory readings and a two-day seminar, while Stage B offers a choice between a practical internship or participation in a live workshop. Participants can also opt for Stage C, which focuses on reflective learning and culminates in a written or visual essay.
Both Noor and Maya attended a two-day Stage A seminar in London, working on real case studies drawn from ASF-UK’s work. Through hands-on exercises, they explored community challenges and opportunities for change. Participatory visual tools such as the Problem Tree, Power Mapping, and Strategy Cycle enriched their learning, inspiring them to continue to Stage B of the course.
Maya progressed to Stage B by completing a sixmonth internship in the Philippines with a national network of community-based organisations. Her work focused on facilitating planning and design activities with urban poor communities involved in collective housing programmes. This experience deepened her understanding of community-led housing and provided practical insights into meaningful participation.
Noor followed later, linking her Stage B experience to her master’s dissertation. She received a scholarship to work with a major NGO in Cambodia, co-facilitating a project to build low-cost, low-impact homes. This immersive experience not only enriched her academic work but also solidified her commitment to socially engaged architecture.
In numbers
Since its launch in 2012, Challenging Practice has been a catalyst for change, providing free learning materials and engaging over 500 participants through ASF-UK, along with many more via our global affiliates. This initiative has empowered built environment practitioners to effectively confront and challenge unsuitable practices.
As part of Stage B, both Maya and Noor submitted detailed reports to ASF-UK, reflecting on their contributions to broader programmes and analysing the social impact of their work. This reflective framework, combined with remote support from ASF-UK tutors, helped them navigate challenges encountered in the field and deepen their learning.
After completing the Challenging Practice course, both Noor and Maya joined ASF-UK as Associates, sharing their knowledge with other students and professionals. They facilitated seminars and workshops in the UK and internationally, expanding the organisation’s influence on the culture of architecture and planning.
Now, alongside their volunteer roles at ASF-UK, they are engaged in exciting projects with established organisations in the built environment sector. The Challenging Practice programme was pivotal in shaping their careers, enabling them to integrate community-led approaches into their work. Maya has incorporated her understanding of community processes into her strategic work for an international non-governmental organisation, while Noor has embraced a socially engaged approach in her architectural practice.
Reflecting on their journeys, one remarked, “Challenging Practice was a pivotal turning point in my career. Without it and my experience volunteering for ASF-UK, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This programme truly opens doors and creates opportunities that would otherwise remain hidden.”
