Kounkuey Design Initiative

The community development and design nonprofit puts into practice the belief that public spaces hold the power to create healthy and prosperous communities. Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) works across the globe to transform areas into spaces that reflect the needs of nearby residents. These needs often include the transformation of vacant lots into community buildings and recreational facilities, as well as water and sanitation facilities.

KDI fosters close relationships with area residents to ensure the community's needs are incorporated into all long-term planning. Working in this fashion, the organization rejects "top-down" approaches to expanding equity and access in favor of "bottom-up" community efforts. Through a combination of design projects, research, and advocacy, KDI strives to fill the gaps between underserved communities, institutions, and infrastructure.