The capability approach as a framework for the assessment of policies toward civic engagement in design

If communities are to have a substantive role in the design and planning of their physical environment, then they must have the capability to do so. In this article, the meaning of capability is defined in terms of a normative framework for the evaluation of well-being known as the capability approach. A capability set for design is theorized from the field of design studies. This set serves as the informational basis for the assessment of government policy and practices toward participatory design. Illustrating the use of the capability set for design, the article compares policies surrounding Sydney's Kurnell desalination plant and the San Francisco Octavia Boulevard project. The comparison highlights differences in policy influencing capability to design.

► We model capability to design to assess policy and practice in design and planning of physical environment.
► The research is grounded in the capability approach, a normative framework for the evaluation of well-being.
► We compare two large-scale public infrastructure projects in Sydney and San Francisco on capability to design.
► Limitations in capability to design dimensions of authority, information, and evaluation decrease civic engagement.