Edward W. Said's groundbreaking book, Orientalism, critiques the central issues of misrepresentations of "others" outside Western Culture. Although Orientalism speaks more directly to Asian and Arab cultures, its broader theme reflects that of any culture outside Western societies–Post-Colonial and Diaspora Africans are no exception. The "education of an architect" is based on Western ideologies. To decolonize an architectural pedagogy and manifest an egalitarian global citizenry, one must recognize "others" as equally visible and relevant within modern society's built environment. Historical connections of the colonized and colonizer, as well as the en-slavers and enslaved peoples, have grown out of the African continent and must be relevant and openly discussed. These events have shaped a traditionally "male-made" environment affecting our world economies and our psychological and architectural perceptions of Western powers and, in turn, positioned "others" as inferior. Ignoring these realities leads to the stereotyping, essentializing and patronizing of global communities and their aesthetic nature.
This paper will argue that Western ideologies cannot be the rule, but rather a tool that includes the narratives and spaces of underrepresented minorities and allow for the “re-education of an architect.” Just as African Americans appropriated European musical instruments to create what is known worldwide as jazz and hip hop today, the creative "others" must have a voice in designing our built environment.

Authors:
Coleman A. Jordan, Morgan State University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Coleman A. Jordan is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Morgan State University's, School of Architecture & Planning. His research examines the implications, both past and present, related to the spaces the Black Atlantic Slave Trade.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colemanajordan

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