Could you design a float as fabulous as this? | Photo: Instagram @kumblalawe
An LGBT+ organization is offering UK LGBTI students the chance to have their own Pride float design – made into a reality.
This week the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) and Architecture LGBT+ are announcing a design competition for their float in this year’s Pride in London parade.
They are hoping it can represent architecture industry and LGBT+ architects in it at the London festival on June 7, 2018.
The design competition is aiming to get architecture students, recent graduates, and emerging practices entering. However, you can also enter if you represent are more established practice too.
There is a £8,000 budget for design and delivery up for grabs. Furthermore, the competition is part of the London Festival of Architecture’s 2018 programme exploring ‘identity’.
An annual report by the Architects Journal shows the number of openly LGBTI architects are falling. Architects are also less likely to be out if they work outside of London.
As well as this, four in ten of those surveyed say they have experienced or seen homophobia or transphobia at work.
The group at last year’s London Pride parade | Photo: Supplied – Architecture LGBT+
What do the pride competition judges want you to consider?
Tom Guy, also the founder of National Student Pride, tells Gay Star News:
‘We can’t wait to see the designs for our first ever parade float. Moreover, we are looking forward to sharing our Pride with LGBT+ architects on 7 July as we celebrate them and their contribution to London.’
‘The competition is a fantastic platform and opportunity for students graduates and emerging practices. Additionally, this float will be seen by so many. Not only at pride itself but there will be lots of publicity in the architectural press. So this competition has so much to offer, particularly to those who want to grow their portfolio.’
Tamsie Thomson, director of the London Festival of Architecture, says:
‘Pride in London is a highlight of the capital’s calendar. Equally, it is a fabulous day promoting equality and celebrating diversity in London. LGBT+ architects make a huge contribution to their profession and architecture in London and around the world. Therefore, I’m delighted that this competition will showcase them as we celebrate “identity” in 2018.’
- Jayne Bird (partner, Nicholas Hare Architects)
- Anne Consentino (equality, diversity and inclusion manager, RIBA)
- Evan Davis (broadcaster and presenter)
- Tom Guy (founder, Architecture LGBT+)
- Danni Kerr (architect and RIBA diversity role model)
- Vinesh Pomal (architect, Tata Hindle)
- Tamsie Thomson (director, London Festival of Architecture)
- Rob Wilson (architecture editor, Architects’ Journal)
Read more from Gay Star Students:
Looking for an apprenticeship? This is what you need to know
2 in 5 LGBT students in the UK hide who they are for fear of discrimination
