Bias in Design Discussed at Department of Architecture Lecture
On November 6, Bilkent's new Department of Architecture held its first guest lecture. It was given by Prof. Kathryn H. Anthony of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prof. Anthony holds the lifetime title of Distinguished Professor from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and has received national awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the ACSA, and the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). She holds a PhD in architecture and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California at Berkeley.
The author of “Designing for Diversity: Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in the Architectural Profession” (2001, 2008), “Design Juries on Trial: The Renaissance of the Design Studio” (1991) and over 100 other publications, Prof. Anthony has served as a catalyst to challenge and change architectural education and practice. Her teaching, research, writing and service have educated hundreds of architecture students, faculty and practitioners -- and the public -- about the critical importance of designing for diversity and designing spaces for people.
Titled "Are You Disadvantaged by Design: How Hidden Gender, Age and Body Biases in Fashion, Product and Building Design Influence Your Everyday Life," Prof. Anthony's talk addressed the issue of how secret biases in design can advantage or disadvantage us in different ways.