The ISAPD logo displays the different forms of traditional homes of various tribes. The north is a tee pee, east is a longhouse, south is a hogan or simple dome structure that the southwestern tribes use, and the west is an adobe structure.
Mission
The Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning and Design (ISAPD) was founded by Indigenous scholars to advance Indigenous people and knowledge in architecture, planning, and design, and in response to challenges in mainstream academia and practice.
By building a network and living foundation of Indigenous scholars, ISAPD seeks to ensure that Indigenous architectural knowledge is uplifted, particularly in spaces that have historically failed to recognize it.
ISAPD works toward ISAPD works toward fundamentally supporting and increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations, Indigenous Australians, Māori, and other Indigenous Scholars and People in these fields.
CAPLA has only 1.1 percent representation of Indigenous students enrolled within their degree programs.
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Aims + Objectives
- Form and have access to an active network of Indigenous architects, planning and design professionals
- Promote architecture, planning and landscape architecture and sustainable built environment as a viable profession in Indigenous communities
- Foster national and local dialogue on architecture and Indigenous culture through publication
- Be an active source of resourcefulness and inspiration for Indigenous youth
- Collaborate with tribal, academic, and local community groups
- Create opportunities to spotlight Indigenous practitioners
- Curate curriculum sources and materials for all levels of education
- Educate on and encourage tribal land acknowledgements
- Foster effective communication and comradery among Indigenous architects, planning, and design professionals
- Encourage the establishment of chapters and individuals to form associate and joint venture relationships
- Speak with a common voice on public policy concerning architecture, planning, and design
- Work with local, state, national, and tribal governments on issues affecting the physical development of Indigenous communities and built projects
2024-2025 Board
Chapter President - Nathan Becenti - nbecenti@arizona.edu
Chapter Vice President/Secretary - Lescilia Panzarella – cpanzarella@arizona.edu
Treasurer - Sander Bird Bear - sbirdbear@arizona.edu
Faculty Advisor - Laura Carr - lacarr@arizona.edu
Membership
The ISAPD organization consists of both professional members and student members.
Becoming a member or establishing a chapter gives Indigenous scholars and those interested in supporting Indigenous architecture, planning, and design the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other Indigenous scholars and communities across varied lands and waters.
By building a network and living foundation of Indigenous scholars, ISAPD seeks to ensure that Indigenous architectural knowledge is uplifted, particularly in spaces that have historically failed to recognize it. ISAPD emboldens future generations of Indigenous communities across many lands and waters to access an architectural education.
Collectively, we can begin to envision a path of rekindling connections with natural environments, utilizing traditional ecological knowledge to create balance between all living elements. ISAPD supports education and ideation to expand the possibilities of the built environment and to ultimately elevate Indigenous architectural sovereignty.
ISAPD membership is free.