We hold an annual debate series exploring a theme related to the design of the built environment, and looking at the issue of community participation in the design process. We hold these debates in various centres throughout the UK in order to explore common themes and regional/local differences, and to develop a deeper understanding of the topic. For these debates, we assemble a mixed panel of design and regeneration professionals, community project leaders and social commentators and encourage lively debate among panel members and those attending. These events are for anyone interested in the topic who would like to explore the issues further and gain insight on other people's perspectives. Our debates generally attract a mixed audience of professionals, community representatives, students, commentators and so on. We welcome and hope for as diverse an audience as possible. Glass-House debates are FREE, but places are limited. To ensure a place, please complete the on-line debate registration form. Places are on a first come, first serve basis. The Duty to Involve debate series for 2009/10 has recently ended but proved to be lively and engaging with the audience members and guest speakers sharing their diverse views and perspectives on the topic. The different regions where the debates were held (Bristol, Southampton, NewscastleGateshead and London) ensured that we were able to hear the concerns from community members with relevant experiences of how the duty to involve mandate has affected them and their community. A full write-up is under way and will be posted shortly. This debate series will explore the opportunities and challenges that community organisations face when they take on management and/or ownership of a building, comparing the contexts of new builds and refurbishments. The debate will go on to consider the impact that design decisions have on the long-term sustainability of the building, the organisation(s) and activities housed within it, and the communities that they support.

Our previous debate topics include: