Preston H. Thomas: Junior Architects — Building Disciplinary Transformation Through Education

A symposium on early-learning design programs across the United States, examining their potential as catalysts leading to not only a more diversified group of upcoming designers but also a major shift in expectations of methodology, knowledge production, context, professionalization, cultural competence, holistic support mechanisms, and evaluation of excellence.

"Junior Architects" invites a conversation with educators, practitioners, and policymakers striving to create an enriching environment that embraces pluralism and equity in design education. Three sessions — Building Society, Pluralism & Pedagogy, and Civic Professionalism — establish a framework for a comprehensive examination and analysis of case studies of pathway programs as strategies for recruitment, institutional evolution, and bold experimentation.

Building Society discusses the state of public education in the U.S. and academic institutions' relationship with the public. Pedagogy & Pluralism will confront institutional histories of academic elitism and their established beliefs, as well as the inherent difficulties and advantages encountered in the pursuit of more emancipatory and pluralistic educational environments. Civic Professionalism will explore how diverse avenues emerging from architectural education can act as vehicles for fostering a more culturally engaged and influential practice and will explore how adopting this mindset can reshape the discipline.

Organized by Suzanne Lettieri, Assistant Professor
Coordinated by Imani Day, Design Teaching Fellow
With additional support from Neha Garg, Research Assistant

The Preston H. Thomas series is funded through a gift to Cornell's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning from Ruth and Leonard B. Thomas of Auburn, New York, in memory of their son, Preston. The symposium events are free and open to the public.