here & now
Words with an Incoming Student The architectural pipeline is not at the forefront of any in-class discussions. It seems that in our altruistic hopes to design for the greater sake of the public sphere, we neglect to examine the reflection of our civil position as a profession. The ethics of the field itself are seldom explored in the undergraduate experience, yet now more than ever there is an increasing exposure of the disparity in those who lead the profession, spread its pedagogy and invariably control who does and does not feel welcome. Architecture must be more forthcoming for whom it serves and those involved. This means removing an air of mystery and exclusivity that it often enshrouds, and making it accessible to all students - particularly when they are not of a legacy or have not had any previous exposure. This is one primary reason as to why certain BIPOC students are less likely to see architecture as a viable career option. And even when these designers pass this goalpost, they are then confronted by the profession’s lack of varied representation, creating a staggering retention problem. I spoke with Aashka Shah, an incoming student to the School of Architecture to discuss the social barriers of pursuing the field for her and the cultural stigma that permeates in such a decision before starting at the school.
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