October marks the start of UK Black History Month 2024, with the theme Reclaiming Narratives. By emphasising this theme, we're shining a brighter light on the stories and histories that underscore our commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold successes of Black architects and the wider community.
Decolonising Architecture: Re-interpretation and intervention with Giles Tettey Nartey
In this film, architect, artist and educator Giles Tettey Nartey shares insight into his artwork Assembly. This critical and creative intervention challenges the colonial legacies embedded within our cities by providing new ways to read and interpret these histories.
His work invites viewers to think more broadly about the themes used to describe and represent culture and architecture. As part of the Raise the Roof exhibition, Assembly invited visitors and groups to engage and question the meaning behind the images displayed within the Dominion Screen. As seen in the film, Giles explored ideas around home, rituals, and representation as part of a youth forum workshop.
Demonstrating just one of many ways to address decolonisation in the built environment, Giles draws from his own cultural heritage and introduces a new panel that integrates the ideas explored throughout the development of his commission.
Film produced by RIBAJ Rising Star Dion Barrett.
Building for Change: how an exhibition is paving the way for conversations around decolonisation in architecture
RIBA Curator Margaret Cubbage explores how the Raise the Roof exhibition is providing the first steps for conversations around decolonising the institute, its building, and architecture more broadly.
Read Margaret's blog on decolonising architecture with the Raise the Roof exhibition.
Decolonising Architecture: Reimagining spaces and histories - symposium findings
Explore the findings from RIBA's Decolonising Architecture 2024 symposium where architects, historians, and academics shared strategies for transforming architectural practices and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future in architecture and urban planning.
Watch the Decolonising Architecture symposium recordings and learn more about the event.
Black History Month: how principles of improved communication can lead to a more inclusive workplace
Learn how Dian Small, former Director of RIBA London Region and now of The Cultural Architect, uses innovative techniques to get people talking about inclusivity and diversity.
Rising Stars revisited: catching up with Bongani Muchemwa and Betty Owoo
As part of Black History Month and ahead of the announcement of this year’s RIBAJ Rising Stars, we talked to two recipients of the 2022 awards, Bongani Muchemwa and Betty Owoo, about their experiences during the past two years.
Read the full interview in the RIBA Journal.
RIBA Chief Executive Valerie Vaughan-Dick speaks at Black Women in Real Estate's Black History Month event
RIBA Chief Executive Valerie Vaughan-Dick's keynote speech set the tone for a day filled with deep reflections and meaningful connections.
Find out more about the Black Women in Real Estate event.
Architecture and Black History: a reading list
Our library and publishing teams have selected books and resources highlighting the experiences, contributions and achievements of Black professionals in the built environment.
All the books and journals are available to browse and read for free through the RIBA Library.
Featured titles from RIBA Books
Discover some of the latest titles from RIBA Books with a focus on reclaiming narratives and Black history in the United Kingdom and across the world.
Reclaiming Colonial Architecture
A guide to understanding and addressing colonial inheritances in the built environment, this book aims to build confidence in practitioners, students and communities grappling with a seemingly vast and complex terrain of debates and approaches around colonial landscapes, urban areas, buildings, monuments and material culture.
Pre-order Reclaiming Colonial Architecture from RIBA Publishing.
Black History London Map: Guide to Black Historical Landmarks in London
This map features 50 locations, original photography and an introduction to the history and impact of Black people in London. Locations range from the Roman era to contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter.
Black History London Map available from RIBA Books.
Additional RIBA Books with chapters or content highlighting Black history and Black architects in the UK and around the world:
- 100 Women: Architects in Practice
- Protest Architecture: Structures of civil resistance
- Queer Spaces: An Atlas of LGBTQIA+ Places and Stories
Who was the first Black RIBA Member?
This is a question we think we should be able to answer more definitively. In this article, our RIBA Collections team share their approach to answering it and explore why some questions remain unanswered.
Are you a RIBA Member with an event, feature or resource you'd like us to share for UK Black History Month? Please get in touch with inclusionanddiveristy@riba.org.
