The principal and co-founder of the award-winning Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA) and frequent instructor at McGill’s School of Architecture has much to say about the role of design in equity, diversity and inclusion.
“Buildings display our history. Many are reflective of the privilege, power and wealth of individuals. Furthermore, their designs were imposed on communities, a model that we’re working to flip.”
The messages of buildings and neighbourhoods
Those who attend Laptiste’s keynote will have a chance to see some of McGill’s spaces in a new light.
“Given the historical dynamics behind campus spaces like the Roddick Gates, the various buildings built from Redpath family’s sugar wealth, and the overall university being established by someone who held slaves, the physical spaces of McGill have been shaped by, and have shaped Black communities.”
Laptiste also wants people to consider the role of neighbourhood spaces and buildings, and what they say about the communities and individuals that occupy them.