Architectural Assistants Florence Browse and Lily Clarke discuss amplifying alternative voices and perspectives through their podcast to support a more equitable and diverse future.
“Equality in Elevation is a podcast dedicated to discussing the intersection of feminism and architecture. The aim of the podcast is to amplify voices and alternative perspectives, while challenging systemic inequalities that persist in both the professional and academic fields. Equality in Elevation seeks to empower and inspire both listeners and industry professionals to take active steps toward a more equitable and diverse future for the built environment.
“The idea for Equality in Elevation emerged from a shared frustration and desire for change. As architecture students, we noticed a significant gap in discussions surrounding gender equity and its influence on architectural practice, education, and discourse, something we’re still noticing today. Just recently, the Future Architects Front highlighted the shocking pay gap seen in several large architectural practices across the country on their Instagram page. It’s statistics like this that keep us going. Women and marginalized communities have historically been under-represented or misrepresented in architecture, and the podcast was born out of the need to challenge these problems and create a space where they could be openly discussed, explored, and addressed.
“Through candid conversations and deep dives into key issues, we aim to challenge the dominant narratives and pave the way for a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive in architecture.
“The architectural workforce faces numerous challenges, from pay gaps to gender discrimination, and lack of representation in leadership roles. These struggles are amplified for women, the disabled community, and all other marginalised groups. With the podcast we try to examine these issues in depth, highlighting the barriers that exist in the field and the ways in which these obstacles disproportionately affect marginalized groups.
“In the past, we have discussed the intersection of housing policy, gender, and the design of public and private spaces. We have looked at how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by housing instability, and how architecture and urban planning can be leveraged to create more inclusive and affordable housing solutions.
“We have also looked at how architecture plays a role in women’s sports. From stadium design to the lack of equal facilities for female athletes, we have highlighted how spaces for women’s sports are often underfunded, overlooked, or designed with outdated thinking.
“One particularly interesting topic we have delved into is queer architecture, a field that examines how the built environment can better serve queer and LGBTQ+ communities. We have explored how traditional architectural practices have often failed to consider the diverse needs of queer people and how architectural design can become a tool for empowerment and visibility for these communities.
“We envision a future where the voices of women and marginalized communities are no longer sidelined in architectural conversations. Through the podcast, we aim to raise awareness, become a catalyst for change and inspire our listeners to think a little more critically about the spaces around them.
“Ultimately, we want to ensure that the spaces we design and inhabit are inclusive of all people. By exploring the intersection of feminism, queerness, and architecture, we hope to encourage new ways of thinking about design that prioritize equity, inclusivity, and justice.
“Through thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and engaging narratives, Equality in Elevation serves as a platform for challenging the status quo and envisioning a more just and inclusive architectural profession. We hope that, through our podcast, we inspire both change within the industry and a cultural shift that elevates equality for all.”
You can listen to Equality in Elevation on a number of podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple.
TikTok: @equalityinelevation
