Amber Book’s Post

Taking place on the eve of what would have been Stephen Lawrence’s 50th birthday, the launch of “Building Inclusion: A Practical Guide to EDI in Architecture and the Built Environment” by Marsha Ramroop FRSA FIEDP, comes at a significant and fitting time for the sector. Acting as a call to action for leading experts, industry professionals, advocates, postgraduate students, academics and EDI networks to gather, reflect and move forward to bring about tangible change in the sector. The SLRC honour the profound impact that Stephen’s legacy and the Lawrence family’s fight for justice and equity have made within this sector and continues to do. By highlighting the deep-rooted structural inequalities and taking action to help aspiring, yet underrepresented architects to overcome barriers to unleash their potential. Building Inclusion: A Practical Guide to EDI in Architecture and the Built Environment is a combination of advice and frameworks for inclusive behaviours, as well as the policies, procedures and practices to deliver these outcomes. The book will be available to buy on the evening with a percentage of the proceeds from the book going to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. #buildinginclusion #architecture #stephenlawrence #stephenlawrenceday #diversity #inclusion

What a beautiful story about forging your own path in life. And a solid testament to how critical CTE programs are in serving a variety of learning styles.

Though Julia Morgan was one of the first licensed #womenarchitects in California and the nation, there are many more today who are front and center and behind the scenes of many projects, #residentialdesign #residentialarchitecture #commercialarchitecture   

https://lnkd.in/dUCyrDqU My thoughts and voice in the first article for the Urban Design Lab. - Exploring Urban Complexity - Ali Madanipour’s “The Public and Private Spaces of the City” is a masterful journey through the structure and morphology of urban spaces, illustrating how they shape the complexity of human psychology. His profound analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how cities evolve, function, and influence human behavior, offering a fresh perspective on spatial organization. As an eminent figure in urban planning, Madanipour (2023) enables a deep exploration of how cities evolve, function, and influence human behavior through a breakdown of spatial organization, in a way quite different from “the archetypal elaboration of typologies of public space that we are accustomed to in the works of Camillo Sitte” (Khachatryan, 2020). Spanning history, geography, and cultural diversity, Madanipour’s narrative delves deep into the dynamic interplay between the public and private realms in cities worldwide, shedding light on the multifaceted layers of urban form.

I am deeply grateful to Professor Bryan Bell for including my work in one of upcoming book. This opportunity marks my first step into Architecture Writing and Design Activism, and I am excited to share this journey with you. "Value Beyond Building: A Case for Justice through Architecture" By Bryan Bell, Emma DeMagistris and Devesh Balakrishnan. “Architecture has the power to shape our physical environment and, through it, our lives. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, it holds the potential to address critical challenges and inequities in the world. In this chapter, we explore the concept of justice through architecture. Drawing insights from the philosophy of John Rawls, we highlight the importance of designing spaces that heal historic injustices, empower communities, and foster social equity.”

Function and Beauty are important to the place we inhabit. 2021 AIA Iowa Impact Award Winner, Unitarian Universalist Society is a wonderful example of elegant spaces helping serve the mission of the people that use them. Deb Schoelerman of UUS says, "Persons with mobility challenges, hearing deficiencies, or other impairments are now able to participate in the activities of the UUS in ways that were not possible or convenient until we built our new building." Read more about the impact of Iowa Architects at https://lnkd.in/gwDsQkVe #IAArchitectureMonth

Great study on biophilic architecture and the relationship to people’s health. Congratulations Cleo Valentine et al on this paper!  🏦 🌿 With increasing research and evidence on the profound impact that places have on people, it’s clear that urban health and wellbeing should be central to the way places are being designed and shaped today. There is so much potential for positive impact, with biophilic approaches bringing benefits for both people and ecological wellbeing. And really exciting to see this convergence of architecture and neuroscience happening at my alma mater University of Cambridge! “Biophilic design refers to spatial designs that either integrate live organic material or imitate patterns found in nature. Biophilic design has received increasing attention in the architectural design and health fields due to its positive associations with stress reduction. A number of studies have measured the impact of biophilic design on physiological stress using clinical biomarkers such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate increases, skin conductance and body temperature, salivary cortisol, and neurological activity “ #CompassionatePlaces #Neuroarchitecture #Designforwellbeing #HealthyCities #BiophilicDesign #UrbanHealth

At Perpich, we believe in the power of the arts. Why is arts education important? Here's one reason. #WednesdayWhyArtsEd According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, less than 1% of licensed architects in the United States are Black women as of 2023. Although the statistics speak for themselves, the number of Black-led design firms and minority-owned studios is noticeably growing by the day, and more resources are becoming available. Even though short-term progress is certainly being made, the design and architecture industry still has so much room for improvement in the long run. Architectural Digest spoke to 21 designers and architects who are currently breaking barriers. Not only have these women infiltrated a world that has historically excluded them, but they are also taking up space and sharing it for future generations of BIPOC to follow. https://lnkd.in/ddG9hm9t

The second season of the URBINARY podcast is out and today is published the episode on the housing policy-making process of Berlin in which I intervened! #Podcast #Urbinary #Polimi

Learn the benefits and practicalities of designing inclusive restrooms and locker rooms, highlighting their role in promoting equity, accessibility, efficiency, and student health. Don't miss out on this The American Institute of Architects (AIA) webinar from NAC's own Cheryl Jacobs and Benjamin Fields of McGranahanPBK! https://lnkd.in/g2NssEPy