Overview Educators and curators Mpho Matsipa and Antawan Byrd delve into Pan-Africanism, counternarratives, and the transformative power of art and archives. Matsipa’s “African Mobilities” challenges conventional representation, while Byrd explores diaspora narratives. They discuss the impact of mobility and knowledge, innovative archiving, and the broader implications of Pan-Africanism in shaping diverse voices within the art and architectural archive.    Mpho Matsipa, an educator, researcher, and curator, and Antawan Byrd, an Assistant Professor of Art History and Associate Curator ..read more

Overview The practices of Akil and Seth Scafe Smith from RESOLVE Collective and filmmaker Ama Gisèle explore the fascinating realm where design transcends boundaries, drawing inspiration from a myriad of artistic disciplines and visual cultures. As they redefine ‘local’ in architecture, they engage with profound questions of identity and representation.  Through Gisèle’s experimental documentary, “Convergence,” and Akil and Seth’s distinctive approach to community engagement, their creative processes place a strong emphasis on inclusivity and representation, pushing designers to engage th ..read more

Overview Kennedy Yanko, a sculptor, and installation artist and Camille Bacon, a Chicago-based writer, explore the intersections of art, spirituality, and abstraction. Kennedy’s innovative use of found metal and paint skin pushes the boundaries of visual perception, while Camille’s writing delves deep into the world of Black feminist practices and their connection to aesthetics. Join them They discuss the transformative power of abstraction in art and design pushing artists and designers to explore the complex relationship between creative process, cultural heritage and spirituality within the ..read more

Overview Nifemi Marcus-Bello, an industrial designer known for his community-led approach and Curry J. Hackett, a transdisciplinary designer, and public artist, explore the intricate relationships between culture, narrative, and place in design. They delve into the significance of mobility and its connection to Black identities, while also discussing their engagement with urbanism, landscape, and materiality. Through the lens of history and narrative, they share their methodologies and inspirations, shedding light on how their work contributes to reimagining Black experiences and fostering emp ..read more

Overview Sean Canty’s architectural practice is deeply rooted in and draws from other artistic disciplines and visual cultures. By expanding his source of references beyond the field of Architecture, Canty draws from visionaries like Basquiat to integrate questions of identity and representation in subtle ways. His work pushes us to ask how we can create spaces that honor and reflect on tragic moments in the past while bringing joy to and benefitting hurting communities today. About Sean Canty Sean Canty is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Desig ..read more

Overview Lesley Lokko questions the efficacy of a problem-based architectural education and suggests a new pedagogy that liberates the students’ relationship to design. Looking to fiction, metaphor, analogy, Africa, and industries in the larger design sphere, we discuss the possibilities to expand the bounds of the field of Architecture. About Lesley Lokko Lesley Lokko graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, with a BSc(Arch) in 1992, and an MArch in 1995, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of London in 2007. In 2004, she publi ..read more

Overview Dana McKinney describes her time at the GSD as a balancing act of being a student and an activist. She shares the journey that started the African American Design Nexus, the Black in Design conference, and other initiatives she was essential to founding at the GSD. We learn how she has continued her work as an activist in her architectural practice. About Dana McKinney Dana is an architect and urban planner, who is an outspoken advocate for social justice and equity through design. During Dana’s time at the Harvard GSD, she helped to establish the inaugural Black in Design Conference ..read more

Overview This conversation is a collaboration between The Nexus and the 2021 Black in Design Conference. On October 9th, we joined attendees of the Black in Design conference to reflect on two panels held earlier that day: “Everyday Portals to Black Cultural Pasts, Presents, and Futures” with Emanuel Admassu, Felecia Davis, and Dorothy Berry and “Designing for Black Queer Pleasure, Joy, and Intimacy” with Ashon Crawley, Adam R., Leslie Wilson, Aneesah Ettress, and Malcom Rio. Topics ranged from accessible archiving, temporality, memory, and so much more. About Black in Design The Black in Desi ..read more

Overview Sekou Cooke reveals how Kanye West’s 2013 invitation to the Harvard Graduate School of Design by members of the African American Student Union was a catalyst for the Black in Design Conference in 2015. In discussing his latest book, Hip-Hop Architecture, Sekou draws parallels between Hip-Hop and the built environment. Through conversation ranging from sampling and notions of property to grids and scaffolding, we discuss how vocabulary can be transferred across the two fields to share a common mode of production. About Sekou Cooke Sekou Cooke is an architect, researcher, educator, and ..read more

Overview Through digital design and 3D printing technology, ICON’s work has increased the efficiency of the home construction process, while decreasing costs. With major involvement and input from the community, they built the world’s first 3D printed neighborhood in Tabasco, Mexico. In our conversation with Dmitri Julius, we explore how ICON’s projects with NASA and their projects in vulnerable communities intersect through their designs for an idyllic future that addresses current environmental concerns. The conversation weaves through topics of education and representation as ways to promot ..read more