Overall, I spoke about how institutional racism exists in the architectural profession and within schools of architecture. To fully paint the picture of why architecture needs to be decolonised, I recalled my own experience as a student of colour along with statistics.
EXCERPT:
"I first realised architecture was my passion as a teen. From what I knew of it; it answered my personality. The beauty of it, the intellect, the endless curiosity and a commitment to caring for all. It’s a mysterious degree that isn’t taught in school and so naturally, prospective students want to know more and research online.
From the first google search it’s clear what a successful architect looks like. Many students are neither white nor male, however, it seems that is what grants you the least barriers to success. In 2012, architects were 94% white and 74% male. An architects journal survey this year has recently revealed that in the past 8 years this has only dropped to 84% white.
Although unintended by individuals, this sends very clear message about who works most comfortably within the profession. Lack of representation almost present young people with the unfair situation of choosing between passion and success.
It undoubtable that this image issue may have alienated many young talents from the profession and who knows how many more architectural inventions we could’ve had throughout history if the profession was not so exclusive."