ABIMBOLA ASOJO
University of Minnesota
SAY IT LOUD - Minnesota Exhibitor
Minnesota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I find inspiration as an academic in writing about and creating inclusive design pedagogy for my students from using design precedents from minorities and underrepresented designers to showcase diverse contributions to the built environment.
ABIMBOLA ASOJO
Bio:
The great architect, Dr. Asojo is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research in College of Design, University of Minnesota. Her research areas are cross-cultural design, architectural lighting, African architecture, computing and design, K-12 design education and post-occupancy evaluation. Her work has been widely published in international journals and books. She is a licensed architect, LEED Accredited Professional and NCIDQ certified. Asojo was named US DesignIntelligence top educator in 2010 and 2017
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a high school student at the International School Ibadan, Nigeria I was inspired to study architecture by two female Nigerian architects who spoke at my high school 38 years ago. This personal experience has reinforced my belief in role models.
What do you do?
I am a Professor and my teaching areas are architectural lighting design; human factors; computing and design; corporate design; and commercial design. I actively engage college design students in community based service learning projects.
What excites you in the work you do?
My motivation for the Diversity and Design program comes from personal experience and a passion to contribute to creating a more diverse design profession. It is rewarding to create and implement programs to offer K-12 students design experiences.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I find inspiration as an academic in writing about and creating inclusive design pedagogy for my students from using design precedents from minorities and underrepresented designers to showcase diverse contributions to the built environment.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I have several. I would say my four degrees and credentials. I am a licensed architect and also NCIDQ certified. I hold a Bachelor and Master in Architecture from OAU, Nigeria, a Master from UEL, UK and a Ph.D. from University of Oklahoma.
Featured Project Name:
Diversity and Design program
Featured Project Location:
Minneapolis, MN
Featured Project Completion Date:
Ongoing
Role in Featured Project:
Project Leader
Featured Project Description:
The Diversity and Design summer camps and after-school programs for BIPOC youth in Minnesota focuses on hands-on design activities such as sketching, 3D modeling, making and digital fabrication. Lectures and panel discussions help students learn about global design history, multicultural design perspectives, and contributions of BIPOC designers to the built environment. Since 2013, program alumni have enrolled in design schools and internship programs in design firms for further education.
