Culture: The diverse world of Architecture.

This post is dedicated to my fellow black Architects, but not limited in any shape or form to those of others races. If anything, the more the merrier!

Differing from my previous post, which was heavily opinionated (if you haven't read it already, check it out and leave a comment). I'm using this post as an information hub to bring awareness to the increasing blackness in architecture. In my opinion as a young black female interested in the field of architecture. I'm well aware of the scarce amount of black architects in the design industry. This is not to say that there aren't any, because there are.

Take a look at this list of successful Black Architects & their practices:

• Sir David Adjaye (Ghanaian-British Architect) - https://www.adjaye.com/

Recognised for: His ethos for community-driven projects. In 2017, Adjaye was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people of the year. (Adjaye Associates, 2020)

• Francis Kéré (Burkinabè Architect) - https://www.kerearchitecture.com/

Recognised for: His pioneering approach to design and sustainable modes of construction. In 2004, his very first building, the Gando Primary School, was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. (Zintel, n.d.)

• Samantha Josaphat (African American Architect) - https://www.studio397architecture.com/

Recognised for: Her strong artistic approach to her projects. She was the 397th African American Female Architect to achieve licensure in the USA. (Yaman & STUDIO 397, n.d.)

• Kunlé Adeyemi (Nigerian Architect) - https://www.nleworks.com/team-member/kunle-adeyemi/

Recognised for: His sense of originality and innovation in his projects. In 2016 NLÉ was awarded the Silver Lion Prize for its second iteration of Makoko Floating School (MFS II – Waterfront Atlas) at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition. (Kunlé Adeyemi | NLÉ, n.d.)

• Arthur Timothy (Ghanaian- British Architect) https://www.timothy.co.uk/arthur-timothy/

Recognised for: His expertise in commercial, residential and leisure architectural designs. Alongside this, His drawings are retained in the Royal Institute of British Architects Drawings collection. (Timothy Associates, n.d.)

• Simone de Gale - (British Architect) https://simonedegale.com/

Recognised for: Her mathematical principles, in her architectural style exploring the science of rhythm, pattern and repetition. She holds the winning title of ‘Architect of the Year’ for Women in Construction in 2017. (Simone De Gale, n.d.)

Not only can we acknowledge these architects but...

Let's also celebrate the growing black excellence in Architecture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfMzBirNnok

(NowThis News, 2020)

(RIBA Architecture, 2018)

(BIPOC Studios, 2020) - *Spreadsheet of various black-owned design studios and architects.

*https://www.blackfemarc.com/

References

Adjaye Associates. (2020, July 18). Who We Are. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.adjaye.com/who-we-are/

Zintel, U. Z. (n.d.). Kéré | About Us. Kéré Architecture. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.kerearchitecture.com/about-us

Yaman, E. & STUDIO 397. (n.d.). About. Studio 367 Architecture. Retrieved 22–04-22, from https://www.studio397architecture.com/about

Kunlé Adeyemi | NLÉ. (n.d.). Kunlé Adeyemi | NLÉ. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.nleworks.com/team-member/kunle-adeyemi/

Timothy Associates. (n.d.). Arthur Timothy. Arthur Timothy | Timothy Associates. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.timothy.co.uk/arthur-timothy/

Simone De Gale. (n.d.). About Us – Simone de Gale. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://simonedegale.com/about-us/

NowThis News. (2020, February 28). How This Black Woman Is Changing the Architecture Industry | NowThis [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfMzBirNnok&feature=youtu.be

RIBA Architecture. (2018). Celebrating the next generation of black architects. RIBA Architecture.Com. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.architecture.com/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/black-history-month

Nast, C. (2020, June 25). Black-owned design studios and architects. House & Garden. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/black-owned-design-studios-and-architects

BIPOC Studios. (2020, June). Black, Indigenous and POC Owned Design Studios. House & Garden. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZiWjlfqc02OeWL4hTNZymVT_kyNnO42xG-hucO3rC0E/edit#gid=636314262