Architecture and the Resegregation of America

This seminar examines the critical relationship between architectural practice and the growing threat of resegregation in America. Participants will explore how historic design and planning practices like redlining, urban renewal, and exclusionary zoning have contributed to racial and economic segregation. The session will analyze current challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and how these challenges may accelerate spatial inequities in housing, education, and public spaces. Using case studies and historical examples, the presenters will demonstrate how Design Justice principles can be applied to counter resegregation through intentional design interventions. The seminar will address community engagement methodologies, advocacy approaches, and specific design strategies that promote spatial equity. Participants will examine the ethical responsibilities of architects in creating built environments that either perpetuate or disrupt patterns of segregation, and develop practical tools to advocate for more equitable communities.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify specific architectural and planning practices that have historically contributed to racial and economic segregation, and recognize similar patterns emerging in contemporary design to prevent inequitable access to safe and healthy environments.
2. Analyze how current policy and design decisions impact access to equitable built environments for marginalized communities, particularly in housing, education, and public spaces, considering implications for public health and safety.
3. Apply Design Justice principles to evaluate existing projects and develop strategies that prioritize community self-determination and spatial equity in the design process, ensuring environments that enable equal access by users of buildings and sites.
4. Demonstrate effective advocacy methods architects can employ to counter resegregation trends through policy engagement, community-centered design practices, and ethical professional standards that directly address issues of public welfare and safety.