Architectural education is plagued by the mentality that suffering is a necessary part of its practice. [...] The acceptance of suffering easily slips into normalizing sexual misconduct and its suppression as simply part of the practice. Cultlike worship of the star architect only exacerbates this condition, and there are plenty [...] willing to sacrifice their time and integrity because they have been conditioned to believe that this mode of production is normal. — The New York Times
The architecture world is known for many movements that have enabled architects to create iconic works. From bauhaus to brutalist, midcentury modern to contemporary, countless movements have impacted the architectural timeline. But in today's climate of inclusivity and representation is there one movement in particular that architecture is too slow to adopt?
Designing physical spaces that depict an artistic representation of form and function is something many architects strive for. However, have firms and institutions lost their way when it comes to designing a space that evokes "an equitable working environment?"
Stella Lee, architect and founding partner of the inclusive award-winning studio Bureau V, recently shared her experiences while working with Richard Meier. Having been accused of sexual misconduct it was announced early this month that Meier would be stepping down from his leadership role within his firm. Although a small victory, Lee and several other women who have shared their experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace only highlights that more steps must be taken in order to create long lasting change.
Talk of Meier's sexual misconduct has generated discussions about where firms are missing the mark when it comes to creating environments where women can feel respected and valued for their work. However, due to the size of most architectural firms, when problems like sexual harassment arise from "the top" how are matters addressed and resolved properly? Do these stories shared by women simply become headlines that are read and soon dropped, never to be thought of again, only to function as "conversational pieces" during quick chats with colleagues?
The individuals who have shared their stories thanks to the #metoo movement realize that unearthing these hard to forget personal experiences stretches beyond the office environment. Have these voices found a base to shake the legacy of these "world-famous" architects and their ongoing inappropriate behavior?
Lee states educational institutions are where the most influence can take place. Here, these places of academia can foster environments that helps students prepare for the working world by learning to value and respect their time, bodies, and overall well-being. Now architects must not only pay attention to the legacy they wish to build for themselves, but also within their working environment.
To learn more about Stella Lee and her practice click here.
12 Comments
This conversation is starting to go off the rails. Throw away Meier and the dirty old men. But this reeks of age-ism and the New York Times' anti-architecture / pro-bureaucrat agenda and narrative.
The New York Times has largely neglected the wider world of architecture for the past 25 years. Now they are complaining about the stereotypical egotistical male. it's no wonder Richard Meier, a relic from the 80s, is still their go to example
poor men
can you cite anything in the article, one thing, that is demonstrably "ageist"?
Those photos of RM are hilarious. His behavior has been awful enough to make an important point about the profession and bad conduct. Choosing cartoonish images to artificially underscore it is the stuff of school yearbooks.
maybe we should get photos of him with his pants around his ankles?
Hey, if you've got 'em, post 'em!
Note to architects: don’t let the pop media use you to sell their bureaucrat-sucking narratives
"Not long after our allegations became public, the Women in Architecture Committee, part of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects, organized a round-table discussion of sexual harassment. But a co-chairwoman of this committee is Vivian Lee, the sole female partner at Mr. Meier’s practice, creating a problematic disparity between her firm’s tone-deaf defensive statements and her committee’s declaration of support for victims of sexual harassment. How can women feel comfortable joining a local organization with this level of self-conflict, on what should be a clear voice on the matter?"
How about a movement toward social and environmental responsibility in design?
tuesday is available.
His behavior, from what little we've been told, is not only offensive, it is bizarre. Does anyone know anything about Meier? I don't, but the guy looks decrepit in recent shots. Are his offenses in the last ten years? At 83 and earlier, he's at the age when many people lose their minds and control of body functions. That doesn't justify his behavior, but it does give pause and shift the narrative. There's something simplistic, maybe opportunistic, about making him a poster boy for #metoo. I wish I shared Lee's appreciation of the good spirit of academia.
No offense, but prepare to be eviscerated here. You might want to put your affairs in order.
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