SAHARA Highlights: Architecture for DEI

Considering some recent discussions on DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) policies, practices, and programs, the following selections from the SAHARA collections exemplify how architecture can create built environments and building programs that are accessible and welcoming for people from every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, culture, age, income level, etc. Today, this potential of architecture merits considerable attention to promote mutual respect, a sense of belonging, and to dismantle systemic barriers for everyone in society.

See more SAHARA content

Learn more about contributing your images. 

1. Bond Ryder James Architects, King Center for Non-Violent Social Change, Atlanta, United States, 1968-1981 (first phase, inc. sarcophagus, office building, Interfaith Chapel, Freedom Hall)

Photograph by Dell Upton, 2009

Founded by Coretta Scott King, this center aims to achieve equitable and positive social change as well as cultures of belonging.

2. Ricardo Porro, School of Plastic Arts, Miramar, Havana, Cuba, founded in 1961, project abandoned in 1965

Photograph by Gerald Moorhead, 2002

This school was designed to draw foreign students from different nations and foster creativity with a diverse learning and social environment.

3. Arnold Dunbar Smith, Cecil Brewer, Mary Ward Centre, London, England, 1895-1898

Photograph by Richard W. Longstreth

This school was designed for handicapped children and currently functions as a social center.

4. Romi Khosla, School for Spastic Children, Delhi, India, 1985-1995

Photograph by Peter Serenyi

This school design offers an education program for children with disabilities.

5. Jane Cee, Peter W. Pfau, LGBT Community Center, San Francisco, California, United States, 2001

Photograph by Lauren Soth

With its 2004 AIA SF Design Award for Excellence, this project is one of the significant examples to bridge lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in the city.

6. Erdemann (Chinese developer), Nairobi Urbanism with Chinese-backed Infrastructure, Nairobi, Kenya, 2022

Photograph by Cheng Chen

As one of the leading affordable housing projects in Nairobi, its design considers that everyone has a fair chance to live in an affordable and safe home.

7. Marc Newson, Urasando, Tokyo, Japan, 2023

Photograph by Mark Hinchman, 2024

This public toilet design features a universal and accessible toilet for its diverse users.

8. Đình Bát Tràng, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2006

Photograph by Dell Upton, 2014

This communal house currently serves mainly as a gathering place for elders.

9. Mario Torero, Rocky, El Lion, and Zade, We are Not a Minority, Estrada Courts, Olympic Blvd. & Lorena, Los Angeles, California, United States, 1978

Mural; image and original data provided by Timothy Drescher

10. Ezra Ehrenkrantz (design architect of Canaday Hall), Harvard College Women's Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, 2006

Photograph by Meral Ekincioglu, 2016

Located in the university’s Canaday Hall, this center aims to create and develop a welcoming, inclusive environment for its diverse women with its commitment to promote gender equity.