The Gift of Sight
One of the many things that architects do is to observe. We are trained to look at details from the most minute building element and specific hue of color to a broader view of surrounding and place.
With this lens, we are able to quickly and deeply surmise existing conditions and their impact on how people interact and will potentially engage within spaces so that we can protect their health, safety and welfare. It is our call, professional obligation, client expectation and critical part of our DNA.
This gift of sight and seeing others is especially crucial in the aftermath of what we are experiencing as a nation. We are bearing witness to the injustice of what is happening in the public realm…in the communities that we help to craft and create. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Minneapolis has been at the crossroad of abuse of power, false narrative of the truth, racial profiling and concealing evidence of wrongdoing. After the murder of George Floyd, this community demanded and received justice. It is that same call to action where thousands showed up in subzero temperatures to peacefully march in response to the murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE.
“This display of solidarity of community gives me hope in a time when I feel so saddened, angered and in disbelief by what is being said about and done to law abiding citizens who are peacefully caring for those being targeted without care or empathy.”
Alicia Belton, Principal
The road to freedom for all is a long one…5 years later, we office in a restored building a block away from the 3rd Precinct where protestors expressed their fears, frustrations, hopes and demands for accountability and justice for Mr. Floyd. Although the building was destroyed in the uprising by rioters seeking to do wrong, it has become a beacon of hope for restoration. And yes, we still have work to do while we address the ongoing and senseless injustices that we still experience. We are not deterred from getting into good trouble.
We can be the steady witness to accurately tell the truth. We can advocate for those who are being marginalized for their health, safety and well-being in our communities. We can help immigrant colleagues with tangible care and the communities where we work and live by supporting immigrant businesses. As a person of faith, lots of intercessory prayer going on here as well.
It’s hard to focus when our community has been so senselessly disrupted but it is a reminder that we all need to be a part of speaking truth to lies and seeing humanity in each other. What will you say about what you see?
