Indigenous Society of
Architecture, Planning, & Design
Past
It is a privilege and responsibility to understand the architectural knowledge that has sustained Indigenous communities for a millenia.
Present
It is imperative that a new generation of Indigenous architects, designers, and planners conserve, transform, and shape the environments Indigenous people live in.
Future
Challenging the current status quo in architecture is vital to propelling Indigenous architecture and all architecture into a future of true sustainability.
Purpose
Architectural knowledge lies within Indigenous communities and within formalized education.
The Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning, and Design (ISAPD) is an organization focused on increasing international knowledge, consciousness, and appreciation of Indigenous architecture, planning, and design, inclusive of landscape architecture and environmental design, in academia and the professional realm.
ISAPD works toward fundamentally supporting and increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations, Aboriginal Australians, Maori, and other Indigenous Scholars and Peoples in these fields.
Core Sample Site Drawing, Anjelica S. Gallegos, 2020, City Renewed Studio, Yale School of Architecture
Aims + Objectives
ISAPD was founded by Indigenous scholars to advance Indigenous people and knowledge in architecture, planning, and design, in response to experiencing challenges in mainstream academia and practice.
The Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning and Design organization aims to:
Form and have access to an active network of Indigenous architects, planning and design professionals
Promote architecture as a viable profession in Indigenous communities
Foster national and local dialogue on architecture and Indigenous culture through publication
Be an active source of resourcefulness and inspiration for Indigenous youth
Collaborate with tribal, academic, and local community groups
Create opportunities to spotlight Indigenous practitioners
Curate curriculum sources and materials for all levels of education
Educate on and encourage tribal land acknowledgements
Foster effective communication and comradery among Indigenous architects, planning, and design professionals
Encourage the establishment of chapters and individuals to form associate and joint venture relationships
Speak with a common voice on public policy concerning architecture, planning, and design
Work with local, state, national, and tribal governments on issues affecting the physical development of Indigenous communities and built projects
Core Sample Site Drawing, Anjelica S. Gallegos, 2020, City Renewed Studio, Yale School of Architecture.
Membership
What does Indigenous architectural sovreignty look like to you?
The ISAPD organization consists of both professional members and student members.
Becoming a member or establishing a chapter gives Indigenous scholars and those interested in supporting Indigenous architecture, planning, and design the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other Indigenous scholars and communities across varied lands and waters.
By building a network and living foundation of Indigenous scholars, ISAPD seeks to ensure that Indigenous architectural knowledge is uplifted, particularly in spaces that have historically failed to recognize it. ISAPD emboldens future generations of Indigenous communities across many lands and waters to access an architectural education.
Collectively, we can begin to envision a path of rekindling connections with natural environments, utilizing traditional ecological knowledge to create balance between all living elements. ISAPD supports education and ideation to expand the possibilities of the built environment and to ultimately elevate Indigenous architectural sovereignty.
ISAPD membership is free.
Register to be a Student Member
Register to be a Professional Member
Core Sample Site Drawing, Anjelica S. Gallegos, 2020, City Renewed Studio, Yale School of Architecture.
Thoughts
Future
The Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning, and Design considers architecture a holistic environmental practice inclusive of architecture, planning, interior, landscape, and environmental design. Creating solutions for all communities depends on respecting places and accessing knowledge to design, construct, and build healthy environments. Architectural knowledge lies within Indigenous communities and within formalized education. It is imperative that a new generation of Indigenous architects, designers, and planners conserve, transform, and shape the environments Indigenous people and communities live in. It is a privilege and responsibility to understand the architectural knowledge that has sustained Indigenous communities for millenia. As the keepers of worldviews, knowledge bases, and cultural practices, Indigenous designers can foster a rebalance of lifeways and sustainable future for all beings.
Actions
Join Us
For Indigenous nations, architecture serves as a path to exercise and celebrate tribal sovereignty, and the advancement of traditional knowledge. As Indigenous Scholars of Architecture, Planning, and Design, we support present Indigenous students and professionals and work to empower future generations of Indigenous communities across many lands and waters to access architectural education. As Indigenous Scholars, our communities are rooted in an enriched ecological past; we will contribute toward a restorative revolution that rebuilds connections between the built and natural. The cross-pollination and mutual support of Indigenous and allied peoples is imperative to work toward a future of true sustainability. Challenging the current status quo in architecture is vital to propelling Indigenous architecture and all architecture into a future of innovation and reciprocity with the natural environment.
Participate with us. Dream with us. Build with us.
Join the Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning, & Design.