Designing for Diversity: Implications for Architectural Education in the Twenty-first Century

Abstract

This article reviews literature about the need for diversity in schools of architecture and provides statistics documenting the relative lack of diversity, especially among architectural educators. It stresses the need to go beyond affirmative action requirements in order to promote a climate that values differences and manages diversity. It proposes strategies such as writing a diversity plan, restructuring the design evaluation process, and revising the architectural curriculum. It also suggests mentoring and cross-training programs, more-flexible work environments, exit interviews, and public outreach as ways to promote diversity in architectural schools.