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Architecture is too important to beÌýleft solely in the hands of architects, developers, and builders. All have theÌýright to build, alter, and inhabit space that meets their needs and desires.ÌýFor this condition to occur, individuals must haveÌýthe psychologicalÌýcapacityÌýand socialÌýlegitimacyÌýto become active agentsÌýin spatial discourse and production. Without capacity or legitimacy, theÌýindividual will not be able to act. In this thesis, the process of anÌýindividual developing from aÌýpassive user of space into a spatial advocate,Ìýinstigator and creator is framed asÌýspatialÌýempowerment. The thesis offers strategies andÌýtactics for spatial empowerment of non-architects within three domains.
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Capacity BuildingÌýof architectural knowledge, spatial skills, and critical thinking isÌýachieved through education and reflective practice. This ensures an increase inÌýan individual’s capacity for spatial decision making.
Inclusive PracticeÌýwithin the architectural process and pedagogical approach leads toÌýsocial legitimacy of the individual. Inclusivity is achieved throughÌýparticipation and community building.

Spatial Action, the intended outcome of the spatial empowerment process, isÌýconditional on available empowerment opportunities, the mobilization ofÌýresources, and the ability to implement, monitor, and evaluate the process.
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The praxis-basedÌýthesis research, conducted through literature review and workshop analysis,Ìýculminates in a spatial empowerment guidebook.Ìý1-to-1:ÌýA Guide to Spatial Empowerment, providesÌýinformation and ‘lesson plans’ for anÌýindividual to increase their spatialÌýcapacity, foster inclusive practice, and promote spatial action. All can leadÌýthe way to a hands-on, open-ended, inclusive, and empowered spatial reality.
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