Innovative Festival Bridges Community Stories and Spaces in Denver
The inaugural Denver Community Design Festival, co-developed by Leyuan Li and the Denver Mayor’s Office of Community Outreach, reimagines public spaces at the Denver Performing Arts Complex from September 24th to October 7th, 2026. Titled “Common Ground,” this pioneering festival unites CU Denver students, designers, city officials, and community organizations to explore architecture’s role in addressing public space issues.
Exploring Community Architecture at the Event
The event highlights five dynamic installations created in collaboration with groups like the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and Empower Media Exchange. These installations translate community stories into forms such as performance stages, storytelling kiosks, and mobile bookstands, reflecting the unique needs of each partner organization.
The installations translate community stories into forms such as performance stages and storytelling kiosks. Transforming Domestic Spaces in Architecture offers further insights into how design can enhance community interactions.
Flexible Designs Foster Community Engagement
Crafted from wood, ratchet straps, and metal joints, the installations feature a modular design that simplifies dismantling and setup, allowing them to travel and be repositioned throughout different community locales. During the festival, these structures host an array of activities including community performances, discussions, and workshops.
Once the event concludes, these installations will move to the areas of their partnering organizations, continuing to serve as vibrant hubs for public interaction and collaboration. This fluidity enhances their role as catalysts for ongoing community activity beyond the confines of the festival.
The initiative, co-developed by Leyuan Li and the Office for Roundtable, underscores the potential of architecture as a medium for public conversation. By integrating community insights into Denver’s architectural landscape, it reflects a collaborative approach to integrating community insights into community architecture.
This fluidity enhances their role as catalysts for community activity. How Modern Design Merges with Historic Roots delves into similar themes of integrating design and community heritage.
Project Details
- Name: Denver Community Design Festival
- Designer: Office for Roundtable | @office.roundtable
- Lead Designers: Leyuan Li and Danny Wills
- Organizing Team: Leyuan Li, Elaine Minjy Limmer, Zach Kotel, Meg Touborg
- Community Partners: Colorado Nepalese Community, Greater Denver CARES Mentoring Movement, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Empower Media Exchange, Lavender Hill Cultural District
- Student Team: Andrea Malta, Santiago Aguilera Cepeda, Camden Cramer, Esra Hima, Kevin Harris, Andrew Kauffman, and other CU Denver students
- Location: Denver, US
- Photographers: Mickkail Cain, Esra Hima, The Unfound Door
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Denver Community Design Festival?
The Denver Community Design Festival is an event that reimagines public spaces at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. It unites CU Denver students, designers, city officials, and community organizations to explore architecture’s role in addressing public space issues.
What kinds of installations are featured at the festival?
The festival highlights installations such as performance stages, storytelling kiosks, and mobile bookstands, designed in collaboration with community groups. These installations reflect the unique needs of each partner organization.
Who are the lead designers of the festival?
The lead designers of the Denver Community Design Festival are Leyuan Li and Danny Wills.