Architecture as a Profession has a lot to deal with Psychology along with the spatial functionality and the engineering of a design. The purpose and ambience of space give us branches of architecture specifically dealing with the scenario. The architecture enables experimentation through a variety of possibilities not only in space but also in connections. Architecturally designed rooms offer places to work, live, relax, connect and reflect.
In the course of history, places like this have become rooted in the community and have had a decisive influence on life. It applies in all aspects of culture, including the LGBT community. It is important to reflect on the history of self-expression through architecture and urban design to understand these complex and sometimes delicate connections between the built world and sociology.
Queer spaces in Architecture
Many LGBTQ architects around the world have made notable contributions to the design and construction of iconic buildings and homes. Each has used their own design elements and style to create unforgettable architectural wonders. Many have used their architectural skills on other projects such as painting and furniture design.
When we think of queer space, we may first be drawn to architectural metaphors that have long been woven into non-heterosexual identity. The paradigm of an LGBTQ architect would be to design a building for a specific use by the community itself, including community centers, homeless centers, medical facilities, and more.
Let’s look at some of the LGBTIQ-inclusive projects here.
- Hudson River Memorial NYC
Hudson River Park offers a canvas for Art Installations. The park proudly houses two public monuments carefully planned to blend in with the park’s landscape, as well as other permanent installations that add value to the park’s surroundings.
The site-specific design of the artist harmonizes with the existing attributes of the Hudson River Park and encourages reflection and reflection as well as coming together in a communal environment. It is made up of nine modified rocks. Some of which are split into two with clear, laminated borosilicate glass with refractory components, which act as a prism to create subtle rainbow patterns on the surrounding grass and nearby objects.
- A Space for All, London
This project by architecture studio Hawkins\Brown was the winner of a competition organized by the London LGBT + Architecture and Architecture Festival that asked architects to design a float to represent LGBT + architects in the London Pride Parade. ‘A Space for All’ has a simple sloping roof construction made of brightly painted scaffolding poles with graphic displays and transparent screens, which are animated by architects during the parade as the LGBT + identity is generally more pronounced in the construction industry.
- Firodia Centre, Ahmednagar, India
The Firodia Center in Ahmednagar, India brings color and comfort to an administrative center of an organization that supports women, children, and LGBT people affected by poverty, disease and violence. The warm colors and materials bring calm to the center and its relaxed arrangements testify to its openness to a large number of communities. The walls are painted in a variety of bright block colors, creating bright and fun areas for exploration and discovery.
An inner gallery is placed inclined towards the existing building, which opens a small room in the courtyard between the two. Kotah floors help maximize natural light. “Too detailed” interiors are avoided to emphasize the “simple dignity of the quiet architecture”. The dome itself has been completely renovated and serves as a space for lectures, presentations, and performances.
- LGBT Community Centre, Cleveland
The new home of the Greater Cleveland LGBT Community Center complements its mission to “enrich the lives of the diverse LGBTQ + community through advocacy, support, education and celebration. The new LGBT building, completed in summer 2019, fits into the context of the neighborhood. It is indeed a nod to the use of materials, colors and scales / proportions of the historic district with a contemporary yet timeless touch.
The transparency of the facade of the building connects the interior of the building with the street and vice versa. Daily natural light fills the room. Lobby and highlights the unique monumental open staircase which is designed as a fully self-supporting cantilever. At night, the lighting enables dynamic color accents and graphics from the 10 ‘high “LGBTQ +” windows to activate the street.
The changing Vision
With people all over the world celebrating Pride month in June, Architects are coming up with projects blending in with the changing perspective. Public and community spaces are designed with an extraordinary thought reflecting the new Ideas of the world. With stronger designs, the boundaries are being blurred and newer definitions are proposed enhancing Freedom, Expression, and Love amongst people.
References
https://queerbio.com/wiki/index.php/LGBTQ_Architects
https://www.hawkinsbrown.com/news-and-events/news/hb-designs-and-builds-the-inaugural-lgbt-architecture-float-for-london-pride
