FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Jaliyah Nelson—Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award
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Jaliyah Nelson—Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award
About the Award
Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award:
This award is intended for students who identify as BIPOC who are enrolled in any year of study in the undergraduate architectural science program, and who addresses the role of architecture in creating and promoting equitable and diverse communities.
Architecture as a Medium for Promoting Equity and Diversity
In my most recent endeavor, I participated in the reconstruction process of a local children’s playground. My involvement in this process was an enriching experience, one that reinforced my belief in the power of design to create inclusive spaces for all. The project was about more than just adding new equipment—it was about ensuring that every child in the community has equal access to a safe, welcoming place to play and grow.
As I lead the group responsible for filling the base of the playground, I was eager to maintain a strong, dedicated attitude and encourage other volunteers to persevere through the physically demanding task at hand. My motivation was carried by the positive impact that I would leave and the influence of safe and inclusive play that this park would encourage among the children in my community.
The original playground had run its course and its safety and accessibility was compromised. Overcoming these limitations, Hermitage Park, located in Ajax, Ontario, is now a renewed site that is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
The park now offers a variety of play areas that encourage interaction, creativity, and physical activity all while being inclusive. It is a space where all children can experience the joy and freedom of play, a basic right that should never be limited by socioeconomic background, culture, or circumstance.
This new park project reinforced my belief that Architecture should serve everyone. By participating in the creation of a diverse space where children can freely explore, connect, and express themselves, I contributed towards providing them with the foundation for an equitable childhood experience.
As I move forward in my Architectural career, I am more determined than ever to design spaces that foster diversity, break down barriers, and ensure that every person, regardless of background, has access to the same opportunities for growth and connection. This is my mission, and this project is just the beginning.
As I have embarked on my first semester in the Architectural Science program, my passion for Architecture, especially in learning how to use it as a medium to influence quality of life, continues to flourish.
I am deeply motivated by the realization that Architecture has the potential to be a powerful tool for social change. As I continue to grow in my studies and career, I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I gain throughout my academic journey and service to my community to create spaces that not only meet functional needs but also promote inclusivity and equality.
Each project I take on will be a step towards designing spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered. I am driven by the vision of a world where every space is a reflection of our needs, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of external factors. This is the future I am committed to building and plan to dedicate myself to.
Understanding the realm of Architecture is not about searching for solutions to problems, but rather it consists of a process of considering people, their social circumstances and the collective needs of a community.
By using Architecture as means to promote equitable and diverse communities, it is crucial that it is able to respond to social contexts to foster environments that support diversity. I like to think of Architecture as a powerful medium to reflect, shape and uplift the lives of the diverse communities that it serves. It is equally a medium to unite people by offering spaces that not only respond to function but also provide equal experience and welcoming people of diverse backgrounds.
I believe that an essential step in the design process is whereby the community is consulted about their specific needs and information is gathered in order to relate spaces to their users. This avoids any potential neglected areas or reasons for the design to exclude or not meet the specific needs of community members.
With these intentions in mind, I can design influential spaces that resonate with the people that it serves and by doing so, I will prioritize inclusivity.
I am committed to connecting the community to the design process and will continue to strive to prioritize community interests in my future work.
Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award:
This award is intended for students who identify as BIPOC who are enrolled in any year of study in the undergraduate architectural science program, and who addresses the role of architecture in creating and promoting equitable and diverse communities.
Architecture as a Medium for Promoting Equity and Diversity
In my most recent endeavor, I participated in the reconstruction process of a local children’s playground. My involvement in this process was an enriching experience, one that reinforced my belief in the power of design to create inclusive spaces for all. The project was about more than just adding new equipment—it was about ensuring that every child in the community has equal access to a safe, welcoming place to play and grow.
As I lead the group responsible for filling the base of the playground, I was eager to maintain a strong, dedicated attitude and encourage other volunteers to persevere through the physically demanding task at hand. My motivation was carried by the positive impact that I would leave and the influence of safe and inclusive play that this park would encourage among the children in my community.
The original playground had run its course and its safety and accessibility was compromised. Overcoming these limitations, Hermitage Park, located in Ajax, Ontario, is now a renewed site that is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
The park now offers a variety of play areas that encourage interaction, creativity, and physical activity all while being inclusive. It is a space where all children can experience the joy and freedom of play, a basic right that should never be limited by socioeconomic background, culture, or circumstance.
This new park project reinforced my belief that Architecture should serve everyone. By participating in the creation of a diverse space where children can freely explore, connect, and express themselves, I contributed towards providing them with the foundation for an equitable childhood experience.
As I move forward in my Architectural career, I am more determined than ever to design spaces that foster diversity, break down barriers, and ensure that every person, regardless of background, has access to the same opportunities for growth and connection. This is my mission, and this project is just the beginning.
As I have embarked on my first semester in the Architectural Science program, my passion for Architecture, especially in learning how to use it as a medium to influence quality of life, continues to flourish.
I am deeply motivated by the realization that Architecture has the potential to be a powerful tool for social change. As I continue to grow in my studies and career, I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I gain throughout my academic journey and service to my community to create spaces that not only meet functional needs but also promote inclusivity and equality.
Each project I take on will be a step towards designing spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered. I am driven by the vision of a world where every space is a reflection of our needs, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of external factors. This is the future I am committed to building and plan to dedicate myself to.
Understanding the realm of Architecture is not about searching for solutions to problems, but rather it consists of a process of considering people, their social circumstances and the collective needs of a community.
By using Architecture as means to promote equitable and diverse communities, it is crucial that it is able to respond to social contexts to foster environments that support diversity. I like to think of Architecture as a powerful medium to reflect, shape and uplift the lives of the diverse communities that it serves. It is equally a medium to unite people by offering spaces that not only respond to function but also provide equal experience and welcoming people of diverse backgrounds.
I believe that an essential step in the design process is whereby the community is consulted about their specific needs and information is gathered in order to relate spaces to their users. This avoids any potential neglected areas or reasons for the design to exclude or not meet the specific needs of community members.
With these intentions in mind, I can design influential spaces that resonate with the people that it serves and by doing so, I will prioritize inclusivity.
I am committed to connecting the community to the design process and will continue to strive to prioritize community interests in my future work.
