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Position Title The Democracy & Design research team seeks 2 Graduate Research Assistants from Architecture, Urban Design, or Urban Planning.. How to Apply A current resume, brief letter of interest, work sample (eg., an abbreviated portfolio (10-pg max) and a class project and/or writing sample that demonstrates research and analysis capacities), and interview are required for consideration of this position. The letter should outline your specific interest in the position and your related skills/experiences. Submit your application by filling out this form. Name your PDF file "Lastname_DDRA.pdf”. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 6th at 11:59pm. If you have any questions about this position, please email Professors Sirota (asirota@umich.edu) or Haar (haar@umich.edu) . “Democracy & Design” The project Democracy & Design asks how architecture and design can reimagine and invigorate the structures of democracy in a time of intersecting crises—social, ecological, and institutional. Framed as an exhibition accompanied by a catalogue and public programming, this project examines the architectures that underpin democratic life. The project seeks to envision new arenas for collective engagement, foster debates that embrace plurality, and weave governance into the rhythms of everyday life. The aim is to reimagine democracy—spatially, materially, and structurally—as more inclusive, adaptive, and responsive. The project draws on a global lineage of democratic experimentation. U.S. democracy in particular has historically been shaped from the ground up, with small-scale experiments playing a central role in redefining governance. Building on this legacy, Democracy & Design proposes to: Investigate the historical relationship between design and democracy, situating current challenges within a broader trajectory. Prototype new democratic architectures, integrating deliberation and decision-making into everyday spaces and practices. Create a traveling exhibition and catalogue to share findings and provoke public dialogue
Job Summary The Democracy & Design project led by Anya Sirota (PI), Sharon Haar (co-PI), and Ishan Pal Singh (co-PI) is seeking 2 Graduate Research Assistants. RAs will be responsible for working with the 3-person faculty team on research into experiments in spaces of democratic engagement with related analysis, and development of written/graphic materials. RAs should also have strong project administration skills. RA’s will be expected to work up to 30 hours/week, working independently under the close supervision of the faculty team with regular check-in meetings. |
