“A diversity of experience breeds new and different ideas, which end up with a better product at the end.” – Paul Bamson
Panelists:
Elizabeth Seidel, 2017-2018 National Vice President, Moderator
Paul Bamson, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Harikrishna Patel, Academy of Art University, Member of 2016-2017 Advocacy Task Force
Keshika De Saram, 2017-2018 National President
Andreea Vasile, Lawrence Technological University, 2016-2017 NOMAS Student Representative
“Get involved and meet people who are different from you” – Keshika De Saram
Ideas are formed through personal experiences, and as a society, we need to understand that these formulated ideas are reflective of one’s background.
In this month’s last Advocacy live panel, our panelists shed some light on the versatility of the term diversity and what it means to them.
Diversity continues to be an integral key to both the profession and our educational environments. It ensures that we are equipped with tools to serve individuals of ALL communities and backgrounds. As advocates in the architectural world, how do we continue to preserve this notion?
We do need to take into consideration that diversity is not only across cultures and ethnicities, but it is present among age, gender, economic status, and education level. Our panelists delve into the day-to-day steps we can take to be more inclusive and bring about change, and what role AIAS can play in supporting them.
- The introduction of architectural education to younger age groups
- Bringing different groups and voices together to gain perspective and a viewpoint that challenges the opinions of architecture as it pertains to individuals, communities, education and the profession.
- Exposing issues about diversity and challenging views of existing hierarchies in firm culture.
“This profession is not about the individual, it’s teamwork” – Andreea Vasile
If you missed it, watch the panel on our Youtube Channel or watch the video below!
