built environment
Explore all Topics
Perspectives
Claiming Open Spaces
By Michael Bryan II
"Claiming Open Spaces" unearths the hidden stories of urban parks in African American communities—places of cultural identity, expression, and unexpected struggle. Through the voices of community members and the lens of history, Austin Allen reveals both the beauty and the battles behind spaces like Franklin Park. But what happens when these cherished places are threatened by powerful interests?
Perspectives
First of Her Kind: The Trailblazing Life of Beverly Lorraine Greene
By R. Kofi Bempong
Beverly Lorraine Greene, the first African American woman licensed as an architect in the U.S., broke barriers in a field dominated by exclusion. From Chicago to Paris, her groundbreaking work on projects like UNESCO Headquarters and Stuyvesant Town paved the way for future generations.
Perspectives
Hilyard Robinson: A Visionary Architect of Social Change
By R. Kofi Bempong
Hilyard Robinson, a pioneering African American architect, reshaped public housing in the United States with his innovative, community-focused designs. His notable projects, including the Langston Terrace Dwellings and Aberdeen Gardens, exemplify his commitment to social reform and architectural excellence. Robinson's enduring legacy continues to influence and inspire future generations in the field of architecture.
Perspectives
The Rosa Parks of Architecture: Norma Merrick Sklarek
By R. Kofi Bempong
Explore the inspiring journey of Norma Merrick Sklarek, the 'Rosa Parks of architecture,' in this compelling narrative. From her early days in Harlem to becoming the first African American woman licensed as an architect in New York, Sklarek's story is one of resilience and brilliance.
Nexus Podcast
Ama Gisèle and RESOLVE Collective
Season 3, Episode 3: Ama Gisèle and Resolve Collective’s Akil and Seth Scafe-Smith offer a candid exploration that challenges traditional boundaries in art, architecture, and filmmaking, all while pondering the future of design and its impact on inclusive spaces.