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Equity and Inclusion

FRI-D06: 'Parques' Are Not Parks: Challenging Linguistic Bias and Erasure in Design Practice

Friday, September 18, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM PT
1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW

When we treat "Parques" as a literal translation of "Parks," we erase the testimonio (lived lessons), convivencia (coexistence), and Indigenous stewardship that shape how communities inhabit space. Led by two immigrant designers, this session unpacks linguistic bias in landscape architecture and offers tools for language justice and reparative design.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Distinguish between literal translation and cultural interpretation, understanding how language choices shape trust and connection with immigrant and Indigenous stakeholders.
  • Evaluate a three-step protocol for scoping and budgeting professional cultural consultation within project fee structures to honor labor equity for bilingual staff.
  • Identify how Indigenous concepts of land (e.g., Awakatek perspectives) challenge Western design frameworks and require alternative engagement approaches.
  • Implement visual and spatial communication strategies that transcend language barriers while respecting cultural specificity in multilingual community engagement.