A collaborative workshop and awareness initiative that explored how design could drive social impact, empower communities and create meaningful change through empathy-driven creativity.

Design for Dignity was a collaborative workshop and awareness initiative developed in partnership with Dana Al Sharif and Charity Schools, with creative direction from Zaro Architects. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the vital role of design in driving social impact and community development, bridging the gap between creative professionals and underserved communities. It explored how thoughtful design could uplift, educate and empower individuals in remote or disadvantaged areas through architecture, space-making and aesthetic interventions.

The concept centred on a hands-on design workshop where designers, students and enthusiasts collaborated to address real challenges sourced from Charity Schools projects. Participants developed small-scale interventions such as activity or learning pavilions, playground and landscape enhancements, aesthetic upgrades for school façades and fences, and modular furniture or shading prototypes. These outputs served as fundraising assets to attract donors, sponsors and collaborators for future implementation.

The initiative promoted empathy-driven design thinking, provided visibility to Charity Schools’ ongoing educational and social initiatives, and engaged the public in social responsibility through design. It also created tangible, replicable models for future community projects, reinforcing the value of participatory design as a tool for empowerment.

Co-led by Dana Al Sharif, an active volunteer and advocate of Charity Schools, and guided by Zaro Architects, the programme combined community insight with professional mentorship to ensure an inclusive and impactful experience.

The event concluded with an exhibition of proposals and the launch of a fundraising campaign to support implementation.

At its core, Design for Dignity carried a clear message: design was not a luxury—it was a language of dignity. When directed towards communities in need, it became an act of compassion that restored beauty, function and hope.

Location: Building 3, Office 336