The Real Deal with Latino Architects in Dallas

Transcription

1 AIA Diversity Recognition Program Application Form Applicant name Name of firm (if applicable) Link to firm Web site (if applicable) Applicant mailing address Applicant address Applicant phone number Title of program/initiative Link to program/initiative Web site Description of program/initiative

2 LATINOS IN ARCHITECTURE COMMITTEE Working with the Hispanic population involved in Architecture in the Dallas area. Involving: Architects Landscape Architects Interior Designers Educators Students The community OUR MISSION: The mission of the Latinos in Architecture Committee, is to serve and support our local communities and strengthen relationships and networks between professionals in the field of Architecture. We will also work to be a positive influence for Latino students aspiring to become Architects, by finding opportunities to volunteer and get involved in community issues, providing guidance and expertise and participating in mentoring programs. THE REASON Why did we decide to get organized? - The reality: Growing Hispanic population in our communities. As of the American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau Hispanics made up 42.4% of Dallas' population. Hispanics are growing in population in Dallas and this growth is also creating more challenges. As architects, we see and understand this as an opportunity to step up and take a leadership role. - The reality: A current void in leadership in the Hispanic community. There are insufficient ethnic minority role models in Architecture, and it therefore does not occur to young people from such backgrounds (or their parents and teachers) as a career choice. Hispanics have been historically less represented. There is a lack of support regarding architectural guidance in the Hispanic community, and this is an opportunity for involvement, as architects to intervene and find ways to help them with our expertise. It's crucial that we mentor and create new opportunities for young Latinos to get involved in community issues. It's imperative that Latinos develop leadership roles in our neighborhoods. Florencia Velasco Fortner president and CEO of the Dallas Concilio. Dallas Morning News Latinos are culturally a tight group. They tend to socialize, to be outgoing, supportive, and generous, making friends wherever they go, and these traits are inspiring us to get active, organize and apply our architecture knowledge for the common good of our community. - The reality: Currently, there is not a committee like this in the United States. - The reality: A lack of connectivity/network between Latino architects in Dallas. Architecture projects in the areas of the city that are mostly Hispanic are often overlooked. There is a need for an organized committee that strengthens relationships between professionals and students in the field of architecture, and that helps to overcome the lack of promotion for Hispanic architecture in the Metroplex. - The reality: there is a current interest by architecture firms in reorienting their practices and expanding to the Latin American Market. A committee of this kind could help maintain international relationships and partnerships and serve as a marketing tool for architecture firms. AIA Dallas Latinos in Architecture Committee

3 OUR GOALS/COMPONENTS Professional Component/Programs: LiA seeks to serve and support our local communities by establishing a forum for celebrating Latinos in the design related professions. - Promote networking between Latino architects in Dallas Celebrating Latin architects in Dallas Proposed programs: - Tour of Dallas Hispanic registered Landmarks - LiA will also promote membership with AIA and work in our community through the AIA Dallas Chapter. - Celebrate Latino Architects, lectures and practitioners Proposed programs: - Lecture series in collaboration with the Dallas Architectural Forum, the City of Dallas and other institutions. - Celebrate the work of Latino architects: Increase the number and public visibility of images of local architects, and showcasing their work: Recognizing the heritage Latin buildings in Dallas Proposed programs: lectures, movies, tours, exhibitions, and panel discussions. - Extend our hand to other AIA chapters in developing future LiA committees with the same principles and goals Community Component/Programs: Through the identification of Latino areas in Dallas, - Foster active participation on volunteering programs, collaborating with organizations like: - The Dallas Concilio of Hispanic Service Organizations- Through an affiliate membership that will allows us to be a vehicle to reach the Latino community and serve them through our knowledge of architecture, design and art, promoting LEED concepts and principles: Proposed programs and affiliate associations: - PASE (Parents Advocating for Student Excellence): a program that teaches parents how to a take a participatory role in assisting their children to remain in school, improve their performance in class, graduate from high school, attend college or university and earn a degree. - PTA (Parent-Teacher Association classes) - The Dallas Housing Department - Home Repair program, People Helping People, Weatherization Assistance Program and Hearts and Hammers. - Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - LULAC National Education Service Centers - Hispanic Contractors Association of Dallas - Hispanic radio and television Educational Component/Programs: Create networks of support between Latino students and architectural professionals in Dallas, establishing mentor programs for students and for interns at architecture firms. One of the impediments for many younger architects in pursuing traditional architectural practice is an alleged lack of information and/or clarity about the licensure process. This will help decrease the drop-out rates of Hispanic students, raising the profile of architecture to make the profession more diverse and attractive, improving communications between students and institutions. Proposed programs : - Mentoring and support to Latino students through a big brother, big sister program of Architecture through the UTA School of Architecture and the DISD Schools. A mentorship program that would give architecture students the opportunity to work with an architect in Dallas and become part of the architectural community through a diverse curriculum of lectures, discussions, workshops, demonstrations, tours and that would help them make the transition to the professional world. This program would help launch the graduate education and Architecture career, of many Latino students, including international student participants; It would also establish important colleague relationships to carry through the years. - Presentations and assistance to Hispanic students and their families who are seeking a career path in architecture: So, you want to be an Architect? - What is Architecture and what do Architects do? - College options - Preparing for college - Life after Architecture School AIA Dallas Latinos in Architecture Committee

4 Get Involved, make a difference! CELEBRATE / SERVE / INSPIRE / PROMOTE CELEBRAR/SERVIR / INSPIRAR /PROMOVER LiA seeks to serve and support our local communities by establishing a forum for celebrating Latinos in the design related professions The mission of the Latinos in Architecture Committee, is to serve and support our local communities and strengthen relationships and networks between professionals in the field of Architecture. We will also work to be a positive influence for Latino students aspiring to become Architects, by finding opportunities to volunteer and get involved in community issues, providing guidance and expertise and participating in mentoring programs. - LiA Dallas Blog: - LiA Dallas Facebook Group page:

5 THE REASON- Why did we decide to get organized? In February, 2010, we, (Jimmy Castellanos and Yesenia Blandon) decided to start a group of Latino architects that would focus on community involvement, professional networking and educational outreach. After identifying the many reasons why this group is needed, not only in Dallas, but in many cities of the United States, we approached our own firm, Perkins+Will and ask the directives to help us support our initiative. The next step was to bring our plan for an established committee to the American Institute of Architects- Dallas Chapter. In July, 2010, LiA, Latinos in Architecture became the first committee of its kind for an AIA Chapter. The reality - The reality: Growing Hispanic population in our communities. As of the American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau Hispanics made up 42.4% of Dallas' population. Hispanics are growing in population in Dallas and in other major cities in the US, and this growth is also creating more challenges. As architects, we see and understand this as an opportunity to step up and take a leadership role. - The reality: A current void in leadership in the Hispanic community. Hispanics have been historically less represented. There is a lack of support regarding architectural guidance in the Hispanic community, and this is an opportunity for involvement, as architects to intervene and find ways to help them with our expertise. It's crucial that we mentor and create new opportunities for young Latinos to get involved in community issues. It's imperative that Latinos develop leadership roles in our neighborhoods. Florencia Velasco Fortner president and CEO of the Dallas Concilio. Dallas Morning News - The reality: A lack of connectivity/network between Latino architects in Dallas. Architecture projects in the areas of the city that are mostly Hispanic are often overlooked. There is a need for an organized committee that strengthens relationships between professionals and students in the field of architecture, and that helps to overcome the lack of promotion for Hispanic architecture in the Metroplex. -The reality: there is a current interest by architecture firms in reorienting their practices and expanding to the Latin American Market. A committee of this kind could help maintain international relationships and partnerships and serve as a marketing tool for architecture firms Jimmy Castellanos- AIA, EDAC, LEED Green Associate LiA Dallas Co-Founder and Co-chair Yesenia M. Blandón, Associate AIA LEED AP BD+C LiA Dallas Co-Founder and Co-chair

6 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Professional Networking Component Professional Goals/Programs Educational Goals/Programs Community Goals/Programs Professional Goals/Programs: - Promote networking between Latino architects in Dallas: During our opening year LiA became an AIA Dallas Chapter Committee! 2010 Networking/Informational Happy Hours: We have hosted two Networking Happy Hours, one at Perkins+Will, one at HKS: The intention of a quarterly/twice a year happy hour event to be held at a major architecture firm is to cover that part of LiA's mission statement that aims to strengthen relationships and networks between professionals in the field of Architecture.

7 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Professional Networking Component LiA - Quarterly Happy Hour Perkins + Will LiA - Quarterly Happy Hour HKS, Inc. LiA - Quarterly Happy Hour HKS, Inc. -Promote Latino Architects and Designers and their work in our community: National Hispanic Heritage Month: In celebration of Mes de la Hispanidad, LiA was pleased to present an exhibition recognizing local Hispanic architects and designers and their participation and responsibility as roles models for future practitioners. At this event, LiA wanted to motivate and inspire other Latino architects through the words of an accomplished local colleague: Myriam Camargo. A native of Colombia, Ms. Myriam Camargo, is the principal of CamargoCopeland Architects, LLP. Her recent accomplishments include an internationally recognized and five-time awardwinning Silver LEED certified project, The Bridge, Homeless Assistance Center for the City of Dallas, and extended involvement with the Texas Grow Home conversation series to fully develop the Disaster Recovery Model providing sustainable housing for Texas disaster victims. Ms. Camargo is Past President of AIA/Dallas and continues to serve on civic committees and boards in the DFW Metroplex. Image by Celia Alvarez Munoz, Orientaciones (2003). City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs / Latino Cultural Center

8 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Professional Networking Component "National Hispanic Heritage Month- Celebrating the Work of Dallas Latin Architects and Designers HISPANIC ARCHITECTURAL TRADITIONS IN DALLAS: A Photographic Celebration By Juan A. Navarro (Perkins + Will) LiA National Hispanic Heritage Month at the DCFA September 24 th, 2010 LiA National Hispanic Heritage Month- Photographic Exhibit September 24 th, 2010 LiA National Hispanic Heritage Month at the DCFA September 24 th, 2010 LiA National Hispanic Heritage Exhibition goes to the UTA School of Architecture- Nov 17 Dec 10 LiA National Hispanic Heritage Exhibition goes to the UTA School of Architecture- Nov 17 Dec 10

9 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Professional Networking Component -Extend our hand to other AIA chapters in developing future LiA committees with the same principles and goals AIA Austin Latinos in Architecture Committee: We are glad to announce the formation of Latinos in Architecture (LiA) Austin as a new committee of the American Institute of Architects' Austin Chapter! Chair: Jaime Palomo, Partner/Owner CasaBella Architects LiA Austin will have their first Networking event, on February 24 th, First-of-its kind organization seeks to support Hispanic community- The inaugural event of the newly formed Latinos in Architecture Committee, a firstof-its-kind Hispanic networking organization, kicked off with drinks, lively discussions and almost 100 people. The Latinos in Architecture (LiA) Committee launched last month with the goal of increasing the relationships between Hispanic architects, strengthening the community and inspiring Hispanic students to consider an architecture career. A Happy Hour meetand-greet served as the group s initial introduction to the Dallas community, which is composed of almost 50% Hispanic residents. LiA National Hispanic Heritage Month September 24 th, 2010 LiA National Hispanic Heritage Month September 24 th, 2010 We would like to raise the level of exposure concerning architecture as a career for minorities. We want to increase the number of Hispanic role models, said LiA Committee Co-Founder Yesenia M. Blandon, who works in Perkins+Will s Dallas office. We want to be able to help people who have an interest in architecture but might have limited English skills. We don t want Hispanic people to think this door is closed to them. It s wide open, and this committee will help keep it that way, Blandon said. The committee s success could help prevent projects that fall within predominately Hispanic neighborhoods from being overlooked, said Perkins+Will, Dallas Office, Principal Tom Reisenbichler. -June 23rd, 2010 LiA - Quarterly Happy Hour HKS, Inc. (Bottom Right) LiA - Quarterly Happy Hour Perkins + Will (Bottom Left)

10 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Community Involvement Component Professional Goals/Programs Educational Goals/Programs Community Goals/Programs Community Goals/Programs: - Foster active participation on volunteering programs, collaborating with different organizations in your city. - LiA Dallas has been collaborating with the Dallas CityDesign Studio at their West Dallas Design Charrettes; and with the ongoing Neighborhood Stabilization Overlay (NSO) of La Bajada neighborhood project West Dallas Design Charrettes : LiA volunteers serve as facilitators. Led by the Dallas CityDesign Studio director Brent Brown, AIA, these are intimate and powerful experiences with designers, public officials and the community of La Bajada neighborhood. "LiA - Words cannot begin to express how grateful we are to YOU for your support at the West Dallas charrette on Wednesday evening. We were amazed at the support from LiA members, although asked at the last minute, you came out in full force to give of your time and talent. We received numerous comments from the residents praising your efforts. The West Dallas leaders & City Design Studio team thought the evening was a huge success! And, it would not have been possible without your participation. We sincerely thank each of you. Your assistance was greatly appreciated! It's because of wonderful individuals like you, that our city is a wonderful city. Thank you. - Dallas City Design Studio Team

11 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Community Involvement Component La Bajada Neighborhood Stabilization Overlay (NSO) : LiA s most recent project in collaboration with the Dallas City DesignStudio. LiA has been participating very actively in this process, serving as translators and organizing the measurement part of the NSO ordinance, with the Neighborhood Association. The NSO is important ordinance tool of height control that will help protect La Bajada and keep it single family residential. This neighborhood has a high percentage of Hispanic population.

12 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Educational Outreach Component Professional Goals/Programs Educational Goals/Programs Community Goals/Programs Educational Goals/Programs: -Create networks of support between Latin students and architectural professionals in Dallas: Mentoring and supporting of students interested in the study of Architecture as a career path; Building relations with local schools (UTA School of Architecture and the DISD Schools) for the crafting of Architectural educational programs. Skyline Architecture Cluster Orientation: LiA members attended the orientation for the Architecture Cluster at Skyline High School and were able to speak with several students and their parents one-on-one to answer questions and give advice for those interested in pursuing architecture From an Architect s Bookshelf: In July 2010, LiA launches a book donation/library development program that would provide local high schools with books, journals and monographs that are essential the for teaching and research of Architecture but too costly for most schools or scholars to afford. LiA's goal was to collect 200 books, but our architectural community came forward to support education, create awareness of architecture and art and raise exposure of our profession as a career path, and collected 924 books and 330 architectural magazines! From an Architect s Book Shelf was envisioned as a book drive to collect books from fellow architects and distribute them to high schools that have a high percentage of minority enrollments and schools that lack an architecture program. As architects, we believe that we can inspire students to pursue a career in the field of architecture, encourage them to go to college; and, by sharing our personal experiences, motivate them to believe in themselves and overcome statistics. This collaborative effort not only became a reality but far surpassed our expectations. Our original goal of collecting 200 books proved too modest, as more than 900 books and 350 architectural magazines were collected and distributed to three local high schools. Jimmy Castellanos -Young Architects Forum -CONNECTION 2011 LiA From an Architect s Bookshelf Book donation drive and book sorting

13 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Community Involvement Component From an Architect s Bookshelf: Distribution of books: LiA's book donation program was hugely successful in distributing books to several Dallas beneficiary schools! Many volunteers helped with the sorting, organization and distribution of books at the schools. The schools selected were Skyline High School (Architecture Cluster), Williams Preparatory, and Hampton Preparatory. We had the opportunity to talk with the students and gave an informal presentation that focused on our mission, the details of the book drive program. and the committee, and the benefits of staying in school; Architecture as a career path, sharing personal experiences that led to our professional careers. At the Architecture Cluster of Skyline High school we met with students that have already been exposed to "the Architecture world". -Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for making the LiA book donation at Skyline such a success!!! It is incredible what you accomplished in such a short amount of time. The number and quality of donated books is overwhelming. Hearing your personal stories was very powerful. We appreciated the emphasis everyone placed on getting an education. The donation of the books also helped to underscore the importance of doing well in school. We look forward to teaming with LiA in the future. Your participation with the parent orientation and now with the book donation adds a unique dimension to student's exploration of the professional world. Thank you once again for all you have done. -Tom Cox, Instructor at Skyline Architecture Cluster LiA From an Architect s Bookshelf Book distribution at Skyline Architecture Cluster

14 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Community Involvement Component From an Architect s Bookshelf: Distribution of books: At Williams Preparatory, more than 98% of the student body is Hispanic. We had the opportunity to talk to more than 50 younger students that were so curios and surprised us with very clever and candid questions about our profession. LiA From an Architect s Bookshelf Book distribution at Williams Preparatory

15 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Community Involvement Component From an Architect s Bookshelf: Distribution of books: LiA From an Architect s Bookshelf Book distribution at Williams Preparatory

16 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Community Involvement Component From an Architect s Bookshelf: Distribution of books: At Hampton Preparatory, a school with more than 95% African American student population, we met with very bright and talented seniors. We chose this school because LiA s mission is to be an open resource group, not only helping the Hispanic community but the community at large. LiA From an Architect s Bookshelf Book distribution at Hampton Preparatory

17 STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS- Community Involvement Component Alberto Kalach Lecture: As a collaborative event, LiA presented architect Alberto KALACH who designed the Vasconcelos Library in Mexico City. This lecture, by one of Mexico s outstanding young architects, was done to celebrate the Bicentennial of Mexico s independence, and was presented in cooperation with Dallas Architecture Forum, the University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture, and the Dallas Office of the Consul General of Mexico. LiA would like to THANK our Sponsors for their generous support during 2010: National Hispanic Heritage Month Sponsors: From an Architect s Bookshelf Sponsor: LiA Networking Happy Hours Sponsors: