Jul 1, 2026
Designing cities for community
Discover how SOCA architect Shane Laptiste uses community-informed design to build inclusive cities, celebrate culture and foster belonging.
TELUS Business
Architecture is often seen as just concrete and steel, but for Shane Laptiste, designing a space is about something much deeper: culture, connection and belonging.
In this inspiring episode of the TELUS Business podcast, host Lisa Afundu sits down with the co-founder of Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA). Born and raised in Montreal, Shane shares how his passion for city exploration evolved into a career dedicated to inclusive, community-informed design. From researching historic Black neighborhoods like Little Burgundy to contributing to international platforms like the Venice Biennale, Shane is helping reshape conversations around how cities are built and who they are built for.
This conversation offers a fresh perspective on how business leaders and creators can design physical spaces that celebrate culture, preserve memory and ensure everyone feels they truly belong.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Community-centered design: Why local voices are essential in shaping the physical spaces around us.
- Culture and identity in architecture: How thoughtful design can honor history, celebrate heritage and build spatial memory.
- Designing for true belonging: What it takes to build cities and environments where diverse communities thrive.
