Archinect - Features

Black MD’s, Lawyers…and Architects; Part 2

2021-09-23T11:19:00-04:00

Black America’s need over the next several generations is for an “apostate architect” wing [to complement the budding generalist design and theory architect wings]. The apostate wing must be capable of and motivated to play a vital role in the business of wealth creation-centered community production of affordable housing and related community facilities. Given the reality that [highly motivated] African Americans who could be interested in careers in architecture are not willing to take the profession’s de rigueur “vows of [personal] poverty,” an alternative re-purposed medical doctor modeled curriculum would also solve the architect’s unacceptably low compensation issue.

Melvin L. Mitchell continues with Part 2 of Black MD’s, Lawyers…and Architects. Click here to read Part 1.

Black MD’s, Lawyers…and Architects; Part 1

2020-11-20T13:45:00-05:00

In the eyes and minds of Black America the two professions of medicine and law sit at the apex of respect, envy, and essentiality – as well they should. In my book, African American Architects: Embracing Culture and Building Urban Communities, 2020 (and several published summarizing articles) I alluded cryptically to the issue of Black architects and our subconscious wish that Black America (and particularly Black youth) see our profession as being as equally essential and prestigious as they see the medical and legal professions. I wish to explore here whether this is a viable aspiration.

Build Something Big! One Million New Affordable Housing Units, 2020-2030

2020-09-04T17:34:00-04:00

The USA has an ever-growing affordable housing problem. For Black Americans, however, this problem has been a chronic condition that desperately requires a solution. As DC-based architect and author Melvin L. Mitchell discusses in this op-ed, the work needed to fix this must involve Black individuals from every aspect of the building industry.

This essay references the second part of Melvin L. Mitchell's recently published book African American Architects: Embracing Culture and Building Urban Communities. Mitchell asserts that African American architects must catalyze a Black controlled housing industry and develop/build one million affordable new houses over next ten years.