Chicago is recognized for its iconic architectural history, however, there are some areas of this beloved architectural haven that have not found a voice until now. Writer and photographer Lee Bey has documented buildings located in Chicago's South Side for several years. With the hopes to expose their architectural and cultural influence within the city Bey showcased these photographs in an exhibition, Southern Exposure, during the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial. Since then Bey has published the book "Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side" 

Recently Bey sat with Iker Gil of, director of MAS Studio to discuss the book and the project's origin. According to Bey he explains "The exhibition and the book grew up together [...] The idea was to not make the book an exhibition book, but to use the exhibition as inspiration and to go beyond the show and showcase more buildings and places, and have the text delve deeply into the South Side’s—and Chicago’s—historic issues of race and racial prejudice against black people. That prejudice shapes the South Side and the city’s perceptions of it to this day. And I mean the South Side’s architecture and its people."

Documenting and presenting the work of forgotten or underrepresented architects is an ongoing focus for many. Especially women and architects of color, the individuals and organizations who have dedicated time and effort to create ways for others to learn more about these skillful and impactful architects brings a new hope for preserving and honoring their work. 

To view more of Archinect's regional coverage on Chicago check out our tag Spotlight on Chicago.