PSI recent research

Study of Racism in the Architectural Profession

Project Leader: Helen Barnes

Sponsor: Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)

Period: December 2001-February 2002

Background

Policy Studies Institute was approached by the Society of Black Architects, following a seminar on cultural diversity held at CABE in October 2001, to explore the potential for a research study into ethnicity and careers in architecture. Following an initial discussion with interested parties, it was agreed that CABE would make funding available for a scoping study. The purpose of the study was to:

• identify existing research and data sources on ethnicity and careers in architecture;
• identify research and data relating to ethnicity and careers in comparable professions; and
• identify possible areas for future research into ethnicity and careers in architecture and their cost implications.

Publications

Minority Ethnic Students and Practitioners in Architecture: a scoping study for the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (2002) by Helen Barnes, Dorothe Bonjour and Melahat Sahin-Dikmen is available at www.cabe.org.uk