Feburary 2022
NOMAS DISPATCH
Vol 01 Issue 04
Inside the Issue
NATIONAL UPDATES
COMMON Q+As
HONORING NORMA MERRICK SKLAREK “Many women are more sensitive to human needs. Some male architects—would not say all—but some are more concerned about architecture in regards to fostering egocentric concerns, rather than architecture for the ultimate user or for people... Some of these architects get a great deal of publicity and I think they're more concerned about publicity than they are about people”. CONTINUED TO P. 03
STUDENT FEATURE
SOCIAL JUSTICE RESOURCE CENTER
PLACE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We are located on the land of the Massachusett people. We come from all different places in the world- each the traditional homelands of hundreds of indigenous populations. Additionally we are at the intersection of Fenway, Roxbury and South End. We owe these communities respect and appreciation for the vibrancy they bring to our university experiences. We should all do our best in supporting, advocating for and raising up the voice of these diverse communities.
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The SJRC aspires to contribute to the common good by acting as a visible presence committed to social justice on campus; supporting Northeastern student groups focused on social justice causes; building the capacity of all students to think critically and respond effectively to social challenges; and providing a space for dialogue, collaboration, and resources to the entire NU community about social justice theory, principles, leaders and movements. The SJRC welcomes students to book spaces. Office hours are weekdays 9:30am to 5:30pm. In person walk-ins are always available, although students are encouraged to call and set up an appointment if you want to meet with a SJRC staff member. Email | sjrc@northeastern.edu Phone | 617. 373. 3917 Instagram | @sjrcneu Facebook | /NUSJRC Twitter | @sjrcneu
Feburary 2022
Vol 01 Issue 04
HONORING NORMA MERRICK SKLAREK Let us celebrate Norma Merrick Sklarek, a trailblazer, who was one of the first African American women to be a registered licensed architect in both New York (1954) and California (1962). However, we should not remember Sklarek in a sensational manner. Rather, Sklarek’s presence in the world of architecture critiqued and interrogated her built environment to effectuate structures that would serve her surrounding communities. Sklarek was a creative and technical designer. Her most notable works include Terminal One at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), Pacific Design Center (“The Blue Whale” - West Hollywood, CA), and the US Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. Sklarek was known as a brilliant collaborator with a meticulous work ethic amongst all of her colleagues. She fundamentally believed that “architecture should be working on improving the environment of people in their homes, places of work, and places of recreation. It should be functional and pleasant, not just in the image of the ego of the architect”. These core values translated into praxis when Sklarek became a mentor as an alum, in her later career, for students at Howard University and Columbia University. In October 2020, Columbia University’s GSAPP committed $1 million to establish the Norma Merrick Sklarek ‘50 B.Arch Scholars Fund, to further the path that she paved for other young, diverse peoples to pursue higher education they wish to obtain.
AIA Young Architects Forum, interview with Norma Sklarek, FAIA. May 15, 2008. Audio file. Sex, Stars, and Studios: A Look at Gendered Educational Practices in Architecture, Sherry Ahrentzen; Kathryn H. Anthony, Journal of Architectural Education. September 1993. Black Women in Architecture (BWA) Network
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As we approach Women’s History Month, this is a reminder to keep our “feminism” intersectional. We must uplift the voices of women of color—specifically Black and Indigenous women— who have founded and led revolutionary movements that have led to the inclusive spaces we experience today. Norma Sklarek at the 2008 AIA (American Institute of Architects) National Convention: “I stand here as living proof that no matter what your race or gender, architecture is one field where your hard work, perseverance, and talent can be recognized and rewarded. So don’t let anyone try to tell you otherwise. I never did!”
“I stand here as living proof that no matter what your race or gender, architecture is one field where your hard work, perseverance, and talent can be recognized and rewarded."
ARCHITECTURE Q+A Is it really that hard to study architecture? The short answer is no! Architecture is usually named one of the most challenging majors because it is very consuming, but that isn't necessarily bad. It asks for dedication and passion towards what you are studying like other majors, but it may become overwhelming when you don't truly enjoy it. Are all architecture programs the same? Even though most schools rely on the same principle, they all differ according to their teaching methods and curriculum. They can be grouped as art or technical schools or even a balance between both. While some school provides a Bachelor of Science, some give a Bachelor of Art for architecture. Can you work as an architect without a license? Yes. With an architecture degree, you are allowed to work without a license. However, an architect without a license is not legally allowed to design a building but can work on the development of structures in a firm.
What are the highest-paying architecture careers? According to a study made by Brighton College, the list starts with Landscape Architect. The top 5 follow as Architectural Technologist, Architectural Designer, Preservation Architect, Green Building & Retrofit Architect. Is architecture worth it? Architecture is a creative and dynamic subject. It constantly questions reality and tries to come up with solutions. Even though the path is challenging, it allows you to find excellent opportunities. The work field is very flexible, and there are a lot of jobs that you can do with an architecture degree. Because of its adaptability and importance, it's worth it in the long run.
FROM THE ALUM "Take lots of urban design and sustainability courses. Highly recommend taking courses outside of the major. Environmental ethics, jazz, and leadership classes were my favorite and ones that I remember most now that I am 10 years out of school." "Get Revit certified. It will help you in every job you have after school. Learn a specialty architecture software- i.e. Ecotect, DIVA for Rhino, Grasshopper, Acoustics). These will help you stand out above other candidates." "Health is crucial while you are in school. The 4am nights are great for getting things done and making lasting memories with your peers, though make sure you are spending time in either a extracurricular club, sport, or hobby that is not architecture to keep a good life balance. Make time to exercise."
"Take some time to understand yourself and what YOU want out of your career." "What you learn in classes/studio doesn't necessarily 'prepare' you for your first job, and that's okay. School and work are two completely different skillsets and experiences. You take away different knowledge from each, and that's why you need to continuously jump between both."
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NATIONAL UPDATES
The 51st NOMA National Conference has been announced, and yes, it is in person yet again(!). The 2022 Conference, titled NOMA UNplugged, will be hosted by the NOMA Nash chapter in Nashville Tennessee. For six days attendees can connect with other NOMA(S) members and unplug. In addition to being able to meet other NOMA(S) members, attendees can attend a multitude of seminars on any of the following educational tracks: Design, Technical, Community & Justice, Business Development, and Nashville’s got “it”. The Conference will be taking place from October 25th to the 30th, but registration will be opening soon! In December 2021, NOMA celebrated reaching the 3,000 member mark! This is just one step in achieving the NOMA 2030 goal of doubling the number of licensed Black Architects, and increasing the percentage of minority architects as a whole. In 2021, NOMA worked with NCARB to publish “Baseline on Belonging: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Architecture Licensing”. This publication is the second of its kind and exists as part of an ongoing initiative to examine the licensure process, particularly as it relates to the difficulties often faced by minority groups during this arduous process. This issue specifically focuses on the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and the first focuses on the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). Read them both using the links below: https://www.ncarb.org/sites/default/files/Main%20Website/Data%20%26%20Resources/ExaminationReport.pdf https://www.ncarb.org/sites/default/files/Press/2020%20Press/Baseline_on_Belonging_Overview_Report.pdf
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-ASK US ABOUT IT-
BOS NOMA
NOMA Foundation Fellowship Making + Meaning Graduate Scholarship
UPDATES Staying true to the mission, the Boston NOMA chapter is currently hosting a Professional Development Series. While the first event has passed it’s not too late to register for any of the upcoming workshops. Check out the options and register using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OvxygKiq wbxARn1WyFr8LDvpOJqtTwbYMneL64MZYBQ/ viewform?edit_requested=true
Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition
Did you know BosNOMA meetings are open to students too? Students are more than welcome to join the monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of each month. This is a great opportunity to meet professionals in the area, learn more about the profession, and potentially hear from some great guest speakers. You can register for meetings using the link below: https://www.bosnoma.org/meeting-schedule Lastly, be sure to check out the BosNOMA minority report for podcast, book and movie recommendations. The list is updated monthly so keep coming back!
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CRISTINA RODERO SALES
"I am strong, capable, and willing. I will try and succeed."
We get it. Sometimes it's hard to find time to pursue other hobbies and interests outside of studio, but you really should, not just for your mental health, but it can also improve your studio work (and vice versa)! Student and artist Cris Rodero found the pandemic to be the launching point for her career as an artist and offers some insight on balancing hobbies, passions and coursework You can stay updated with Cris' work at cristinaroderosales.com @crisrod3ro on Instagram thecubby.com/cristina-rodero-sales
STUDENT
FEATURE
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CRS
"When COVID first hit, I was doing a Global Coop in Madrid. My best friend and I decided to stay for what we thought was going to be two-week confinement that turned into three months of limited activity in the city's exterior and social isolation. As we all know, this pandemic put a lot of things to a halt, including coop and the opportunity to take classes. I decided to express my psychological trip with art made by the materials and techniques I had long had with me. This was the first big moment for me as an artist as I started reaching out to online zines and participating in design contests because of my lack of connection to the outside world.
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I hold this experience dearly in my heart as it launched my art career because it gave me the confidence and material with which to apply for side gigs. Flying back to Boston marked a period in which I started defining myself as an artist and architecture student, a way of selfidentifying and projecting my dreams into the future. I would have not been able to treat my art so professionally if it were not for past mistakes and failures. I once submitted a portfolio of drawings that had significant emotional value to me to an architecture contest. It was an error on my behalf because I had misread
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the description, but this steppingstone marked my career.
My advice to others would be to treat your hobbies as passions. Take what you learn in Ruggles and apply it to outside activities. I live my life with this motto: 'I am strong, capable, and willing. I will try and succeed.' I am in constant doubt that my artistic development will be too hard or receive too little of my time in parallel to architecture, but if we try to mash two potatoes with one fork, we might end up finding and seeking opportunities we didn't even know existed"
WHAT'S POPPIN?
Looking for things to do on and off campus? Peace & Social Justice Week (PSJW) is an annual signature week-long event hosted by the Social Justice Resource Center in collaboration with various campus partners. PSJW is an opportunity for the Northeastern community to engage in dialogue, reflection, and action. This year’s theme is “Reconnecting, Reimagining, Rebuilding” as we reflect on how the past two years have shaped our lives. How do we reconnect and heal from the collective trauma we experienced as we live through a global pandemic? How do we reimagine a world that centers the liberation of communities who have been historically marginalized? How do we rebuild and create alternative spaces where we can be our full selves, where we can support and uplift each other?
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🖤💚
BLACK
HISTORY
365
POP-UP
AK Creations by Nicole presents… We are Black History 365 days... so we celebrate when we want! Show up and show out at Nubian Square's Black Market! Bring your family and friends to come out and support your favorite local black-owned businesses. ❤️🖤💚
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