Who ever thought we’d still be (semi)isolating!?

The majority of us are still working from home or remain furloughed until further notice…

We’ve been given the chance very recently to have a socially distanced BBQ, have a McDonalds and visit with a single-person household. It also appears like some sort of social distancing measures will be in place for the inevitable future with more city roads becoming pedestrianised and a more organised shopping experience… All of these still come with rules and regulations of course, like the obligatory face mask on public transport, but all to protect us in the long run.

But what has been happening in the wider world has caused a very necessary ‘stir’ for many communities. I think one of the main things that being in lockdown has shown us it that we have thoughts about what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ however don’t often speak out. Now the masses are showing strong solidarity through free-speech.

Over the past month we have seen an MP be called out for not following Government rules, people questioning whether or not its is in the country’s best interest to open up non-essential shopping and of course the Black Lives Matter movement that rapidly awoke the world after the death of George Floyd.

So on that note, take a moment to absorb the information in these links and infographics on the BLM movement + the architecture industry…

1. Black Lives Matter

2. Architects and designers declare that ‘black lives matter’ and call for racial justice after George Floyd’s death

3. ‘Stop working on spaces that disproportionately impact African Americans’ says architectural designer Michael Ford

4. Graphic designers share illustrations and resources in support of Black Lives Matter

5. National Organisation of Minority Architects demands end to ‘deadly and pervasive virus called racism that has plagued America’

6. The Cass Architecture and Design School will be renamed to remove slave traders name

7. ‘As a predominantly white profession, we recognise that we contributed to this pain’

8. AJ100 - Proportion of BAME architects

9. Racism in the profession is getting worse, AJ survey indicates

10. Our response to Black Lives Matter must go deeper than social media

This is obviously just the tip of the iceberg but it does allow us to see where things need to change within the architecture and design industry alone… yet alone the rest of the world.

So remember to continue following social distancing rules as we gradually return to the ‘new normal’ and continue to recognise and learn from the BLM movement as it is not a one week thing!