Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture
| Panel Discussion:

[RIBA x the [204] design collective]

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Following the success of our project Decolonizing Architecture at the London Festival of Architecture, The [204] Design Collective was invited on behalf of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, to co-curate the 25th Annual Stephen Memorial Lecture in collaboration with The Royal Institute of British Architects [RIBA].

The Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture is held every year to help to raise vital funds for the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust. This organisation was established to honor Stephen, a young aspiring architect who was the victim of a racial murder in 1993. The Trust reflects his love for architecture in its work to support young and aspiring architects from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds to study and qualify. This year alone the Trust’s Building Futures programme is supporting over 250 young people through bursaries, work placements, industry workshops and mentoring. This event is aimed at promoting equality and celebrating success, past speakers include acclaimed architects Francis Kere, Daniel Libeskind, Dame Zaha Hadid and Sir David Adjaye.

This year’s lecture was particularly significant as 2018 marked both twenty-five years since his murder and twenty years since the founding of the Trust.

This year’s lecture followed the theme of ‘Voice of Youth’ and as such, a panel discussion comprised of young creatives was held. Participants were invited based on their contributions to architecture and design, showcasing the spatial application of their work. This conversation between various disciplines explored alternative methods of practicing and engaging with architecture, in an effort to promote and encourage a more accessible and inclusive discipline.

Participants were invited to share their work demonstrating how the creative community explores, challenges, and redefines traditional architectural practices. On behalf of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and in partnership with RIBA, we strive to move conversations surrounding diversity, identity, and inclusion towards establishing a more equal, collaborative, and interdisciplinary practice.

Thank you to The Royal Institute of British Architects, The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, and to all panellists and participants.

If you were unable to attend the Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture you can watch it back here: bit.ly/2QLpBwf