How can architects embrace activism, innovation, and collaboration to create more inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic environments?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Nyasha Harper-Michon, an architect, strategist, and advocate for sustainability and inclusion, joins us to discuss the intersection of architecture, activism, and innovation. Nyasha is an 'Archtivist’. This is a term she created for architects and built environment professionals who lead environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive societal changes.

First, Nyasha explains the relationship between activism and architecture, which challenges the traditional practice and promotes innovation. She shares her strategies for implementing collaboration and integrated solutions into the practice to work towards more inclusive designs.

Then, Nyasha critiques the ‘Reference Man’ of design, explains why designers need to consider various perspectives and identities in their planning, and shares her advice for fostering a more diverse built environment. Plus, she shares how her nomadic childhood shaped her perspective on empathy and cultural awareness in the architectural practice.

I think one tangible thing that we can all do is to dismantle and challenge the idea of, of ‘Reference Man’ being the center of all that we do. I think if we do that, it will really influence our environmental work, our social work, and all of the work that we do...‘Reference Man’ is very exclusive. It doesn't represent anyone. I think that when we design for this guy, or when we think about this guy, we are creating something that is just not going to be able to address the challenges that we face today. - Nyasha Harper-Michon

To wrap up the conversation, Nyasha reflects on the transformative experience of being a new mother to twins, which deepened her commitment to creating a better future through her practice. She relates her process of training the twins to sleep through the night to how architects can be active participants in built environment issues by changing their mindset and using their agency despite feeling powerless at times.

Tune in next week for an episode about the history and enduring legacy of the Boston Architectural College.

Guest:

Nyasha Harper-Michon

Nyasha Harper-Michon is a purpose-driven architect, built environment expert, business strategist and inclusion & sustainability advocate who thrives at the intersection of cities, design, inclusion, sustainability, and technology. She is a self-proclaimed 'Archtivist'—a term she coined for architecture and built environment professionals and enthusiasts driving environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive changes in society and within the built environment sector.

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Check out Nyasha’s Website

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Archtivists Essay

Madame Architect Interview

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How can architects responsibly use AI image-generation tools in their practice while considering the ethics and concerns?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we discuss all things AI in architecture and explore the responsible use of AI image generation for design. Joining this conversation is Damon Leverett, an architect, artist, and educator at the University of Arizona. His seminar on AI has been accepted as a workshop at the AIA24 National Conference on Architecture in Washington, DC. Today, Damon shares his expert insights on how architects can leverage AI capabilities with the risks that come with it.

First, Damon addresses the common question of whether AI will replace architects or enhance their efficiency. He explains why he believes AI tools will streamline tasks and give architects more time for creativity. Damon also highlights the practical applications of AI for image creation in design as well as its limitations.

Then, we talk about the concerns and anxieties surrounding the use of AI in architecture, daily life, and literature. Damon suggests that architects should actively engage in the development of AI to ensure that their voices are heard and that it serves the field most efficiently.

I think the uniqueness of AI that sets it apart is that AI is an imagination machine. It has, sort of, this infinite potential. So, if you look at a tool, say, for creating database drafting, there are so many limitations that may seem fairly large. But in my view, the limits of AI in the context of designers and architects are infinite. There are so many things that can be created. -Damon Leverett

To wrap up the episode, Damon offers advice to young architects on integrating new tools into their practice and stresses the importance of resilience in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of architecture and technology. He also shares his vision for the future of this technology, where the demands of rapid population growth and the need for more city infrastructure can be met efficiently with the help of AI.

Tune in next week for an episode with Nyasha Harper-Michon about being an archtivist, a term she coined for architecture and built environment professionals and enthusiasts driving environmental, social, and economic reform to foster positive changes in society and within the built environment sector.

Guest:

Damon Leverett, AIA, NOMA

Damon is an architect, artist, and educator based in the southwest region of the United States. He is a former senior lecturer at the School of Architecture and a current adjunct lecturer at the College of Information at the University of Arizona, where he teaches architecture design, building technologies, installation design, and computing in the arts. Damon is also a co-lead for the University of Arizona’s Artificial Intelligence Industry Working Group, which focuses on the university’s interaction in AI education, training, and collaborative activities.

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Leverett Arts

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Artificial Intelligence Presents New Possibilities, Considerations and Challenges for Architecture and Construction

How can architects use research to advance diversity, equity, and cultural competency within the field while articulating its value to the general public?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, Kendall A. Nicholson, a licensed educator, architectural designer, and Senior Director of Research, Equity, and Education at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), joins us to discuss equity, research, and social justice in architecture. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for diversity and cultural competency in the field and highlights the value of architecture to the world.

First, Kendall opens up about his career journey, which began with studying architecture, then moving on to teaching, real estate development, and eventually back to architecture. He shares his belief that architecture and design should be viewed as a combination of art and science.

Then, he stresses the importance of cultural research and representation in the field. Kendall talks about his "Where My People?'' series, which brings attention to the challenges faced by different racial groups in the architecture industry. We also dive into ACSA's efforts to advance equity in architecture, including fellowship programs and accessible resources.

Social and ecological justice is for the betterment of everyone. When I talk about diversity, cultural competency, or implicit bias, I'm talking about the byproducts of shifting the way we understand and interact as a culture. We often describe architects as world makers or world builders. If we're literally building the world to be a permanent thing, we need to make sure that we've accounted for everyone – the systems that are in play, currently and historically, have not done that. - Kendall A. Nicholson

To wrap up the conversation, we discuss how things like climate change, artificial intelligence, racism, and sexism affect how architects understand and perform their role now and in the future. He also shares his advice for architects looking to further utilize research in their institutions and explains how we can continue to be more inclusive as designers moving forward.

Tune in next week for an episode about AI and ethics in architecture.

Guest:

Kendall A. Nicholson

Kendall A. Nicholson is a licensed educator, trained architectural designer, and an avid researcher. He works as the Senior Director of Research, Equity, and Education at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). He is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia and the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, winning the M.Des Publics award for outstanding research. His design work, Critical Architectural Practice is focused on the confluence of race, architecture, and education. He has presented research internationally and his research interests surround plantation landscapes, racialized epistemologies, as well as education and curriculum within the discipline of architecture.

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Connect with Kendall on LinkedIn

Check out ACSA

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ACSA Social Justice Shift

Where Are My People? Black in Architecture