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Design Justice in the Virtual World: Building Community with Minecraft

  • MODA 1315 Peachtree Street Northeast Atlanta, GA, 30309 United States (map)

In-person

Can Minecraft help create a more just and equitable world? This hands-on workshop explores how you can use one of the most popular video games to give citizens a voice in the design of the world around them.

James Delaney, founder of Block by Block, a foundation working in collaboration with UN-Habitat and Mojang (Minecraft’s creator) to use video game Minecraft as an urban planning tool, making it accessible for all city residents. James will share case studies of how Minecraft is used to engage residents in participatory design projects, from safe parks in Joburg to family-friendly walkways in São Paulo. Then, participants will enjoy a live demo: you’ll learn the basics of Minecraft building and try your hand at reimagining sites in Atlanta while enjoying refreshments from a gaming-themed snack bar.

MODA Design Experts will be on hand to guide you, and participants will share their designs before wrapping up with a Q&A.

Design Justice in the Virtual World is a series created by Brave Nu.


Registration Fee: Registration for this event is free, but space is limited — be sure to save your seat today!

  • James is the founder and Managing Director of BlockWorks, a collective of designers, artists, and developers from around the world with a shared passion for Minecraft. BlockWorks has grown from an informal group to a global design studio that has pioneered the use of Minecraft as a design tool with film studios, marketing firms, and educational institutions. In 2016, James published Beautiful Minecraft, a compendium of stunning artworks built in the game by the BlockWorks team.

    James graduated with a degree in Architecture from Cambridge University and pursues a particular interest in the correlation between architecture and video games. He is an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and has given talks at the International Spatial Development Forum, The Bartlett School of Architecture, and the British Library, among others. James enjoys traveling; when in new cities he looks for hidden public spaces to explore.

  • The Museum of Design Atlanta is conveniently located in the Midtown Arts District, right across the street from the Woodruff Arts Center at 1315 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309.

    Parking
    There are public parking lots located in the Midtown Arts district, as well as metered parking available along Peachtree St NE. The paid Lanier parking deck at 1337 Peachtree St NE is the closest deck within walking distance.

    Bike Riders
    For visitors traveling by bike, there are plenty of bike racks conveniently located around MODA! Don’t forget to bring a lock!

    Marta
    If visiting by train, take the North or South rail line to the Arts Center MARTA Station (N5), located directly behind the Woodruff Arts Center (accessible). Exit the Arts Center Station at the top level by the Peachtree Street exit. You will be behind the Woodruff Arts Center. MODA is located directly across the street from the Woodruff Arts Center. Use the cross-walk at the intersection of 16th and Peachtree to reach our building.

  • If you must cancel your plans, please notify us at least 7 days prior to the event start to receive a refund of the ticket. Refunds are not available if we are notified less than 7 days prior to the event start.

    Refunds are not available if you fail to notify us or attend the event.

    MODA reserves the right to cancel a program if registration for the event does not meet the minimum enrollment requirements. If MODA cancels a program, a full refund will be issued to all registrants.Description text goes here.

  • Fellow designers with different styles of learning or special needs are welcome in MODA public programs, and we will be able to most effectively help everyone learn and enjoy this experience if we know about these needs in advance of the program. Please email maryk@museumofdesign.org with questions or information.

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September 14

Minecraft Studio: Roller Coasters in Space!

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September 19

Game Design Studio: Platformer Games