Binding Architecture to Social Justice

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For me, architectural prizes are more than just accolades and industry recognition. They play an influential role in shaping the future of architecture by championing innovation, encouraging a fresh approach, and challenging the status quo.

The Steven Lawrence Prize is a culturally important architectural prize in the industry. ‘Founded by Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE and the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, the annual Prize was established in 1998 in memory of Stephen Lawrence, a teenager and aspiring architect who was the victim of a fatal racist attack in 1993.’ (Stephen Lawrence Prize, 2024)

‘The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust is founded by Doreen and Neville Lawrence with the aim of creating a living legacy for their son. Stephen had wanted to be an architect, and the aim of the Trust is “to make Stephen’s dreams a reality for others by opening-up the architectural professions to Britain’s most disadvantaged young people.” In the first years of operation the Trust founds the Stephen Lawrence Prize for architectural projects demonstrating creativity in response to small budgets. Bursaries are established for architecture students at universities in Britain, Jamaica and South Africa, while an education programme begins in London schools.’ (De Montfort University, 2024)

The prize honours Stevens ambition to become an architect and aims to support fairness, opportunity, and diversity in the field.

The Steven Lawrence Prize promotes accessibility in a profession often dominated by large architectural practices and elite social networks. It advocates for architects early in their careers who are creating forward thinking, progressive design but may lack resources or recognition. The prize stands for the right to dream big regardless of background, ethnicity or wealth.

The Steven Lawrence Prize does more than just champion design it serves to keep Stephen’s legacy alive by binding architecture to social justice.

Figure 3: Baroness Lawrence (Doreen Lawrence)

‘There are still too many young people who do not have a sense of hope, who just don’t get the chance to live their dreams. I want all our children and young people to feel inspired, be confident and have hope in their own future. We are building hope but there is more to do.’ (Baroness Lawrence, 2023)

‘Stephen’s story is both challenging and inspirational. He was a normal young person who made the most of everyday opportunities. Although his life was short, Stephen provides a positive role model of a life well lived.’ (Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, 2020)

We can never make up for the loss of Stephen Lawrence, but the assemblage of diverse projects, carrying awards in his memory, is composing a peaceful, symbolic and valuable memorial collected in his honour.

Now in its 27^th year, The Steven Lawrence Prize is a reminder to challenge and criticise our industry, our culture, and champion diversity and inclusion. This prize serves to create important dialogue and honour a life and legacy that changed the UK.