Knowledge exchange events
Public events offering support and advice to those looking to progress within the industry through increased exposure and by addressing the lack of opportunities and networking.
Image: Croydon Ideas Shop and ‘Urban Pioneers’: Through workshops with architects, artists, musicians, designers and writers a group of 10 young people from Croydon examined the area’s built environment and the issues it faces. Here they tell us what we should learn. © Jim Stephenson
PUBLIC EVENT: Tackling architecture’s diversity problem
What did we learn? What next? What can you do?
RE—SET—GO has been tackling the lack of diversity in architecture by making space for excluded voices and piloting ways to build more progressive and representative architectural communities.
In its initial phase, the programme has provided paid work experience, participative workshops and 1-to-1 mentoring for Black, Asian and multi-ethnic individuals, non-binary individuals and women from the boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth.
As the pilot year of RE—SET—GO comes to an end, join us in reflecting and celebrating with all those who have participated in the programme and helped deliver support to future generations of architects and designers.
When
Wednesday 23rd March 2022, 6.30pm – 9pm
Where
Peveril Garden Studios
140 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4GW
What
In this event we will capture, share and disseminate lessons about supporting diversity learned through RE—SET—GO, and more broadly across the built environment sector. We will turn the spotlight on the issue of under-representation in architecture and the barriers faced by Black, Asian and multi-ethnic individuals, women, and non-binary people at each stage of their career.
What can we each do to create meaningful change?
Panel discussion
Hosted by programme co-leader and architect, Nisha Kurian, we set the challenge of delivering meaningful change to a panel of experts who will share their experiences and ideas for creating a more inclusive architectural sector, including:
The participant
The educator
The public sector client
The practice boss
Drinks and networking
The panel discussion will be followed by a drinks reception and networking opportunity for those looking to access or progress within the industry, or to connect with peers and industry professionals about the next phase of RE—SET—GO.
Book now
Attendance is free and open to all, but capacity at the venue is limited so please book through Eventbrite.
The panellists
The participant
Randy Agyemang is a British Ghanaian architecture graduate whose interest lies in experiential interventions in existing spaces, in various functions and contexts. He completed his RE—SET—GO architectural placement with civic-focused practice hosts DRDH Architects.
The educator
Neil Pinder is an activist and educator and the heart and mind behind the “HomeGrown Plus” operation. He has taught in a number of inner city schools for over 25 years and is currently Head of Product Design and Architecture at Graveney School in south London, where he introduced architecture to the curriculum, inspiring many pupils to take an interest in design subjects. He is credited with inspiring a new generation of Architects and Creatives from Non-Traditional and Traditional backgrounds. He has received recognition for his work, including the prestigious 'Open House' Teacher of the Year award.
The public sector client
Zahra Haider is Regeneration and Development Architect at London Borough of Enfield and a Public Practice Alumni. In these roles she has produced and published a case study with recommendations for improving fairness and the diversity of design teams through alternative models of procurement. Zahra is also the founder of a not-for-profit mentoring organisation, OurGirls, working with young students from marginalised backgrounds to encourage diversity in various professions.
The practice boss
Russell Curtis is a founding director of RCKa, a London-based architectural practice that specialises in innovative residential, community and commercial projects. Russell is also a founding member of Project Compass CIC, a not-for-profit research organisation that campaigns for better procurement of public buildings and founder of the London Practice Forum.
The venue
The event is held with FormaHQ, a contemporary arts organisation who run Peveril Garden Studios located at Bricklayers Arms roundabout. The modernist structure is a former podium terrace and collection of garages built in the 1960s transformed by Sanchez Benton architects in collaboration with curator Aldo Rinaldi, artist Gabriel Kuri and horticulturalist Nigel Dunnett. The light-filled frame houses Forma’s office, five artist studios, a residency space for visiting international artists, a rooftop garden, an event space as well as room for a café and bookshop.
The event is funded by Stride and supported by the London Practice Forum.