The Growing Demand for Diversity in Architectural Design

Current trends are moving toward efforts to increase diversity in the field of architecture. Diversity is not only being implemented in architectural styles, but it is also being incorporated into architecture degree programs, diversity in the architects themselves, and focusing on future ways to increase diversity in the architectural field.

Programs Focusing on Diversity

In recent years, a growing number of architecture degree programs are putting a greater emphasis on diversity of design. Although diversity is a focus of most architectural programs, there are some schools that are leading the way in diversity when it comes to architecture programs offered to students. Some areas of focus for these programs include hiring more diverse faculty, recruiting minority students, offering scholarship opportunities to minority students, and creating diverse student groups.

One challenge with diversity in architecture schools is the lower and late graduation rates for minority students. Schools are remedying this by offering more support to minority students to help them make it to graduation. More emphasis is also being placed on the study of other architectural styles from all over the world rather than just American and European styles so that students have a more well-rounded, global architectural education.

Greater Diversity in Architects

It is not only architectural styles that are becoming more diverse, but architects and aspiring architects are themselves becoming more diverse. Racial and ethnic diversity is increasing in the architectural field, and there are also more women going into the field of architecture. In 2018, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards found that there was a 3 percent increase in new architects studying to get their licenses who were of races other than white.

Also, women holding licenses in architecture increased by 1 percent, bringing the total number of women holding licenses to 20 percent. One example of a female architect is Gabrielle Bullock, who runs a firm of architects who focuses on diversity and inclusion of minorities. With an increase in diversity among architects comes changes and diversity in architectural styles.

Diversity in Architectural Design

Architectural designs are moving from a singular focus on American and European styles towards a more global approach. As Latino architects and those from other backgrounds achieve professional success and diversity in architecture increases, buildings are now more likely to reflect the diverse styles of the community in which they are built rather than focusing only on one type of design. Many architect firms are now focusing on the makeup of the community setting where the building is located so that the building meets the needs of that community, including the need to be diverse and appeal to all types of people.

Encouraging Diversity in the Future

There are many ways that leaders in the architectural field are implementing to increase diversity in architecture. One way is to increase leadership diversity so that leaders in the field are racially and ethnically diverse as well as including more women. Furthermore, more focus can be put toward making architectural programs more diverse and encouraging minorities to apply and complete the programs. Architectural firms can also hire a more diverse talent pool to ensure that the field of architecture is more diverse, therefore increasing diversity in architectural design.

Overall, there is a trend toward diversity in architectural design and staffing, but more needs to be done to increase diversity in the architectural field. Doing so will result in culturally diverse architecture that will be inclusive of all and fit within the diverse setting of the greater community.