Universities often sell themselves as spaces for self-discovery and self-expression. But for many of us, the moment we crossed that line into higher education we stumbled into a web of new and often hidden social codes that force us to alter the way we speak, how we move, dress, eat and think. Often, especially for those who are among the first in their family to go to University, we leave much of our personal identity and culture at the door.
Well regarded academic institutions espouse freedom of expression and creativity in artistic disciplines, but nonetheless uphold invidious codes of conformity on campus. Many claim to be inclusive of class and cultural diversity but impose their own internal orthodoxies, which can stifle both. We’re trained to think progressively but encouraged to embrace conformity in an etiquette-dominated and often self-referential world, where jargon and buzzwords bounce around crits like cryptic memes.
The aesthetics of architectural professionalism are often feel rooted in the norms of tasteful wealth – Negronis, French work jackets, cortados, roll top backpacks – setting narrow and expensive standards for the way we dress, drink and interact.
Are universities truly places of expansive diverse thought or will they always tend towards producing cookie-cut individuals with comparable worldviews, cultural touchstones and tastes? Are we thinking for ourselves or all acting out archetypes handed down from wealthier trend-setters?
What would the industry look like if some of these barriers were broken down? Which voices would rise to the top if the sector was genuinely more inclusive and accommodating of our differences?
Debate
In this Accelerate Debate we will be joined by a panel of guests prepared to pick apart the invisible boundaries and cultural norms, and will fight for which codes to abolish in order to level the playing field.
Join us in February to help change the rules of the game.
Time and Location
Thursday, 23rd February
7.00pm – 9.00pm (doors: 6.30pm)
Rich Mix, Shoreditch
Tickets
Standard: £12.00
Concessions: £8.00
Guests
Hosts
