SHoP Architects

GIVING: SHoP ARCHITECTS

Gift Supports Efforts to Diversify Architecture

NEW YORK-BASED SHoP ARCHITECTS has committed a generous lead gift to Taubman College to bring a greater diversity of talent into the field of architecture.

SHoP Architects has made a name for itself for largescale projects that transform neighborhoods. Named in 2014 by Fast Company magazine as the “Most Innovative Architecture Firm in the World,” the firm also embraces the importance of transforming the profession, starting with access to education necessary to succeed in practice. “By investing in education, we aim to evolve the profession of architecture, and our firm, to better reflect the world around us,” says Gregg Pasquarelli, one of four founding principals of SHoP Architects. “We recognize that any attempt to do so starts with introducing young talent to the discipline.”

SHoP Architects challenges long-held conventions within the architecture community. This predilection for changing perceptions and solving problems aligns with Taubman College’s goal to do the same as a leader in architecture and planning education.

“We are pleased to partner with SHoP Architects in our pursuit of equity innovation: academic innovation that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by making education more accessible to a broader range of learners,” says Dean Jonathan Massey. “Their support will help create a ladder of opportunities to invite a diversity of talent into the study and practice of architecture.”

Michigan Architecture Prep introduces Detroit high school students to architecture. Over five years, the college will use the gift to integrate and strengthen programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds to learn about, engage with, join, and transform architecture and related fields. “One of the ways we address the disparities within our discipline is through pathways and mentoring programs at every stage, from high school through entry into the profession and beyond,” says Massey.

A portion of the gift will support the online teaching materials for Michigan Architecture Prep (ArcPrep), Taubman College’s semester-long program that introduces juniors in Detroit public schools to architecture and urbanism. This will allow Taubman College to transition elements of this successful program into a scalable format adapted to online and hybrid educational delivery, thereby making the experience accessible to more students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. “Michigan ArcPrep was the first program at the national level to offer a fully embedded, tuition-free, for-credit studio experience to public school students. At this critical inflection point, where the challenges of distance learning have ushered in new opportunities for growth and advancement, this gift will help us extend the impact of our goals,” says Anya Sirota, associate dean for academic initiatives and associate professor.

The gift also will support efforts to create a continuum of engagement by connecting ArcPrep with ArcStart, the college’s on-campus summer program for high school students. By supporting ArcStart enrollment for some ArcPrep graduates, more students will experience firsthand how a design education prepares them to engage the world around them and continue their exploration of architecture and the built environment.

Additionally, the gift will enable Taubman College to work with its chapter of NOMAS and other student groups to expand peer mentoring activities, as well as to expand career opportunities via workshops, externships, and internships. Taubman College students are leading the way in expanding opportunities by calling upon leadership to establish more resources that provide improved access to career opportunities, especially for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and undocumented students, in their formal education and post-graduation. “Our fervent hope is that this gift and our partnership with Taubman College will motivate others to join us in making a difference for many young students and our profession as a whole,” says Pasquarelli. “Imagine the impact we can have if we all join together.” — Kent Love-Ramirez