New Book Amplifies ‘Greatness’ of Diverse Design Voices
As architect and author Pascale Sablan notes in the introduction to her first book, Greatness: Diverse Designers of Architecture, “[It’s] quite contrary to our profession to even talk about an architect in an individual sense… We are built to focus on legacy because, if our work is worth its salt, the built environment will be our proof of concept.”
Still, Sablan believes that architects “should be named for the benefit of the people who live and work in the spaces they design.” She began to look toward others in the field whose contributions came before her own accolades from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows.
While exploring architectural history gaps surrounding women, people of color, and African Americans, Sablan resolved that recognizing their contributions would help to inform the evolution of architecture, bringing unique perspectives to the field and modeling the path for future generations.
Showcasing the work of 47 contemporary architects and designers through essays, case studies, illustrations, and photography, Greatness aims to move the profession beyond societal barriers. Sablan’s subjects address issues such as housing injustice, redlining, and environmental sustainability; increase the visibility of diverse architectural talents; and acknowledge the experiences that have delivered memorable architectural, cultural, urban, institutional, and residential designs.
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In a press statement announcing the book, Sablan said:
“Women and designers of color play a crucial role in realizing many of the world’s greatest architectural projects, yet our recognition is still significantly lacking. Greatness is a focused effort to rectify this and amplify the ideas and achievements of diverse designers. The book is a call to action for the industry to embrace a more equitable and inclusive definition of greatness, presenting an anthology that spans cultures, backgrounds, and typologies.”
Greatness: Diverse Designers of Architecture will be published by Oro Editions in early 2025 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.
About Pascale Sablan
Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, architect and CEO of Adjaye Associates (New York), founded the advocacy organization Beyond the Built Environment to empower women and BIPOC designers. She also serves as the global president of the National Organization of Minority Architects, the fifth woman to hold this position. Sablan’s advocacy has earned her 2021 Architectural League Emerging Voices and AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. awards. She is the youngest African American inducted into the AIA College of Fellows in 168 years.
