September 2021
36
J.E.D.I.
The J.E.D.I. section is designed to highlight the people, companies and organizations that are implementing principles to further justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and communities.
Justice by Community
Reflecting Community and Compassion in Detention Facility Design by the JLG Architects Justice by Community (JxC) Group
“You are not a profession that has distinguished itself by your social and civic contributions to the cause of civil rights . . . You are most distinguished by your thunderous silence.” – Whitney Young, civil rights leader, 1968 AIA National Convention in Portland, Ore. The number of prisons in the U.S. have nearly quadrupled, from about 500 in the 1970s, to almost 2,000 today. For some architects, the building typology has become a matter of specialization and revenue, while others debate the ethical role of our profession in the design of jails and detention facilities. The hot button is whether to be involved in a design that may serve to confine prisoners or end
human life via execution. As architects, we have a duty to uphold human rights, as well as protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. According to new rules in the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, adopted on Dec. 11,2020, designing spaces intended to end human life is prohibited and inconsistent with its member’s professional conduct. But that doesn’t mean the AIA has abandoned this typology – the organization also encourages members to remain committed to promoting criminal justice reform, promoting rehabilitation to address issues impacting recidivism, and to ensure that the needs and dignity of all who come in contact with the justice system are fully respected. To ensure these values stay in focus, a contingent of JLG’s employee-owners established Justice by Community (JxC), a diverse blend of individuals ranging in backgrounds, roles, and professional and personal interests. We created this group to educate ourselves on the issues facing underrepresented populations, ultimately recognizing those populations are
MA Lic 4536 A1 MA Lic 8999 A
Catherine Dekkenga
Craig Anderson
Haley Holzwarth
Isaac Karley
Jonathan Holth
Meaghan Hawley
Patri Acevedo Fuentes
Shauntel Fett
Catherine Dekkenga, AIA, NCARB is architect; Craig Anderson is director of business strategy; Haley Holzwarth is architectural associate; Isaac Karley, Assoc. AIA is architectural associate; Jonathan Holth is community & client development manager; Meaghan Hawley, Assoc. AIA is architectural associate; Patri Acevedo Fuentes, AIA NOMA is architect; Shauntel Fett, AIA is architect; and Shelley Vang, Assoc. AIA is architectural associate at JLG Architects. Shelley Vang
CT Lic ELC.0201601-E1
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