Theodore Jojola founded the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute at the University of New Mexico, where he is a distinguished professor in the Community and Regional Planning Program at the School of Architecture and Planning. In this article, Jojola calls for a design pedagogy informed by indigenous design, an approach to development that “uses a culturally responsive and value-based approach to community development.” Jojola states, “Whereas mainstream architects tend to evaluate successful buildings on elements such as style, function, and form, indigenous architects and planners measure the form’s cultural meaning and social purpose.” Jojola’s advocacy shows how communities can influence design practice and disseminate their methodologies for adaptation in other contexts of struggle.
A Case for Indigenous Design Education
Image Credit: Indigenous Design + Planning Institute, University of New Mexico