Nolen Llanes
Jordanne Swafford
Giovanna Mezzasalma
St. John's University
Charles Wankel
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BRIC has adopted a distinctive approach that emphasizes questioning conventional methods when designing schools. This approach ensures that the focus of their work is on individuals who have traditionally been underrepresented in architecture. Additionally, in the realm of education, BRIC prioritizes those facing educational and societal inequities, placing them at the center of their initiatives by using Equity Commissioning; which is a 5 step process that has been developed by BRIC.
BRIC's key innovation is the development of Equity Commissioning, which is a process aimed at identifying and prioritizing the lived experiences of those facing educational and societal inequities. This approach not only informs their design solutions but also holds the design team and clients accountable for delivering equity-based outcomes. BRIC's commitment to open-sourcing this process reflects their dedication to advancing equity practices across the architecture and education sectors. This specialized approach that BRIC utilizes works to bring and develop Quality Education, which is a UN global Goal for sustainable development. Additionally, while BRIC has developed this framework for Equity Commissioning, the firm decided to allow this framework to be open source, in order to lower the potential barriers other firms could encounter when trying to replicate or change the overall scale. Karina elaborated a little bit more by saying “we [BRIC] were intentional in creating it as an open source document because it isn't something that we believe should reside exclusively in one firm. We are constantly out promoting it both to the architectural community and to the educational Community to ensure that anyone that wants to practice architecture in this way has the tools that they need to be able to do that.”
The way that this occurs is by spearheading conversation with stakeholders, and allowing the responses drive the conversation. All and all, Equity Commissioning is a five-step process and the first step is identifying the audience closest to the center, so BRIC goes through an exercise where they meet with the client to identify those stakeholders who are facing educational societal inequity across any and all social identities. The second step is identifying and developing lines of inquiry to create a better understanding of the micro problems. The third step is analysis and identifying North Stars, which are simply key and recurring factors. BRIC next creates design applications based on those previous conversations, and the final step is accountability. Which involves creating benchmarks that are core to the entire design process.
Karina Ruiz's transformational shift in her architectural practice was profoundly influenced by a project at a community college four years ago. During this project, Ruiz engaged in what she described as "listening and learning" sessions with students who, like herself, were Latinos and first-generation college attendees. Initially, Ruiz assumed that her experiences would mirror those of the students, a perspective that soon proved to be a significant oversight. While reviewing the campus layout, specifically an academic library located on the second floor of a building, Ruiz initially thought the problem was simple wayfinding. "I just looked at it and was like, that's just really way-finding, right? You just need some signs and people will be able to find it," she recalled. However, during interviews, students expressed a different view: "They very clearly said, yeah, that's just the university trying to put obstacles in the way of our learning." This uniform response from the students was a revelation to Ruiz.
This experience highlighted a crucial lesson about the impact of systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups, influencing how they perceive and interact with architectural spaces. This realization prompted a significant shift in her approach to architecture, emphasizing the need to understand and center the voices of those traditionally underrepresented. Determined to ensure her designs truly supported the needs of these communities, Ruiz shifted BRIC's focus to prioritize equity and inclusion. "We had to shift our practice to be able to get at those stories, to be able to understand those experiences and center those voices so that our design could support them, not just my version of what they needed," she stated. This pivotal moment marked a new direction for BRIC, stressing the importance of creating learning environments that are not only accessible but truly supportive of all students, particularly those facing systemic challenges.
The overall impact of BRIC's innovation, particularly their development of Equity Commissioning in architectural practice, has been substantial in reshaping how design intersects with equity and inclusivity within educational environments. This innovation has fundamentally altered the approach to architecture by centering the voices and experiences of traditionally marginalized groups, leading to tangible shifts in project outcomes and broader industry awareness.
In the short term, BRIC's Equity Commissioning process has sparked critical conversations and heightened awareness among educators, administrators, and architects regarding the importance of equity in design. By actively involving diverse stakeholders in the design process, BRIC ensures that projects are more reflective of the community's needs and experiences. Evidence of this impact can be seen in testimonials from educators and administrators who have collaborated with BRIC, acknowledging a deeper understanding of inequities and a commitment to addressing them through architectural solutions.
Over the long term, BRIC's innovation has influenced the architectural industry's trajectory towards more equitable practices. The adoption of Equity Commissioning by other firms and institutions underscores its lasting impact on reshaping design processes. This innovation has also contributed to a paradigm shift within BRIC's own projects, evident in the design outcomes of educational spaces like Beaverton High School, which now prioritize inclusivity and reflect a more diverse student body. Moreover, the sustained growth of BRIC over six years, including securing significant projects like Newberg School District and Renton High School 3, highlights the tangible business benefits derived from their equity-driven approach.
At BRIC Architects, the adoption of the Equity Commissioning process has fundamentally transformed the firm's approach to designing educational environments. Under the leadership of Karina Ruiz, this innovative method places the experiences and needs of marginalized communities at the forefront of the architectural design process. Implemented over the past six years, this strategy has reshaped how educational facilities cater to diverse student populations and has significantly impacted BRIC's business operations throughout the United States.
This strategic shift has brought about a series of positive developments for BRIC Architects. By distinguishing itself from traditional architectural practices through its focus on inclusivity and equity, BRIC has accessed new markets and attracted projects that prioritize community engagement and social responsibility. This focus has not only expanded the firm's portfolio but also made it a magnet for top talent. Professionals who are passionate about social justice and want to work in a forward-thinking environment are increasingly drawn to BRIC, enhancing employee retention and overall job satisfaction.
Furthermore, BRIC's pioneering approach has caught the attention of socially conscious investors and clients, opening up new investment opportunities and partnerships. These relationships have strengthened BRIC's financial stability and reinforced its reputation as an industry leader in sustainable and equitable design. The success of the Equity Commissioning process demonstrates the powerful impact of integrating core social values into business practices, resulting in significant commercial and societal benefits.
BRIC's innovation with Equity Commissioning not only benefits society but also contributes positively to the environment by promoting inclusive and sustainable design practices within educational spaces. The societal impact is profound as it addresses systemic inequities in education and the built environment. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of marginalized groups, BRIC's approach ensures that educational spaces are more responsive and supportive of diverse communities. This leads to improved access and usability of educational facilities for all students, fostering a more equitable learning environment.
Furthermore, BRIC's emphasis on equity has broader societal implications beyond individual projects. By challenging traditional design norms centered on white, male perspectives, BRIC contributes to a more inclusive architectural industry that values diversity and representation. This shift towards equity-driven design practices can inspire systemic changes within education and other sectors, promoting social justice and empowering underrepresented communities.
Looking at environmental impact, BRIC's innovation aligns with sustainability goals by promoting designs that are responsive to the needs of diverse users and communities. By incorporating inclusive design principles, such as accessibility and usability for all individuals, BRIC minimizes environmental impact through efficient and thoughtful use of resources. This approach fosters a more sustainable and resilient educational infrastructure that benefits both present and future generations.
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BRIC, which stands for Building Relationships Inspiring Communities, is a full-service architecture firm specializing in sustainable and energy-efficient design. They offer a comprehensive range of services including design, planning, and construction management. The company has a diverse portfolio covering all sorts of institutional projects, as BRIC primarily focuses on building schools.
One of the key aspects that sets BRIC apart from other architecture firms is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. They understand the impact that buildings can have on the environment, and they strive to design structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.