architecture can only embrace society and solve its most pressing problems when more of society embrace architecture. “architects must be a mirror of the rich human tapestry we serve.” -Elizabeth Chu, 91st President of the American Institute of Architects
“it is undesirable to talk to building users, they’re intellectually undeveloped.” -Gropius. bauhaus questioned: visionary or exclusionary?
ability gap
never included on AIA / Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) diversity reports
male – female gap*
architecture graduates
licensed architects
white – minority gap*
population architects
13% 6.3% black
18.5% 8.5% latinx
diversjty in architecture benefits business and the whole society
architecture’s role in the business of access consultancy
insights on transit mobility & information perception
gender balanced companies perform 15% better
statistically more likely to design sustainably
ethnically diverse companies perform 35% better
insights on design that fosters unity in conflict
bauhaus universal school of design seeks to be a melting pot of architecture students & practicioners of all ability, gender, & race through redefining bauhaus with universal design principles:
1 equitable use
2 flexible use
3 simple & intuitive use
4 perceptible information
5 tolerance for error
6 low physical effort
7 size/space for approach & use
