The present usage of the English word “diversity” has two meanings: variety and difference. It came into Middle English via Old French from Latin. Originally, the Latin diversitas, which is rooted in dis (away) and vertere (to turn), likewise meant variety and difference. But metaphorically, it also connoted diversity and opposition of opinion. It is difference of opinion, which gender parity and cultural diversity imply, that is essential for a liberal design education. In an atmosphere of respect and support of diversity, the opposition of ideas is often the catalyst for creativity.

“Diversity is our identity at Florida International University. We serve South Florida, therefore the Caribbean and the Americas,” says architectural history professor Gray Read. At the School of Architecture, we benefit tremendously from gender parity and cultural diversity, but we still have much to achieve.

Although over 50 percent of architecture students are Hispanic, only seven percent are black. Our racial diversity is not representative of our regional, national, and international communities. Native Americans and African Americans, as well as Africans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders are still under-represented at FIU and in our professions. Although it has not been achieved in every architecture program (only in landscape), we are fortunate that overall gender parity has been virtually attained at the school. Forty-nine percent of our students are female. Davina Bittner, Guyanese graduate student, said about the importance of parity for women at the school, “Being a successful female in a mostly male-driven profession gives you more self-confidence. You feel that you can compete.”

Almost 40 percent of architecture students are not from the United States. The students represent 40 countries from Argentina to Vietnam. It is not uncommon in small seminar classes for every student to have a different nationality. In my seminars, the open exchange of opposing diversity also has a common ground. Damir Sinovcic, Croatian graduate student, appreciates the support that diversity brings. “I feel at home as an international student at the FIU School of Architecture. I am surrounded by people who are similar yet very different from me. They understand what it feels like to be a foreign student and are very supportive. Diversity adds a dimension to the learning environment that many institutions cannot offer.”

“Another positive aspect of developing your skills in a diverse community is the connections that you make while in school,” adds Damir. These friendships can later lead to professional relationships on a global scale.

Our graduate programs also offer a different kind of diversity–different educational backgrounds. These professional programs admit students with undergraduate design degrees, as well as with graduate and undergraduate degrees in other disciplines and professions. In addition to architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, 30 other disciplines and professions from the arts, humanities, sciences, education, business, and engineering are represented among the 75 graduate students.

Although it provides ample opportunity for interdisciplinary work, this educational diversity is not without challenges. Gianpaolo Schiavo, graduate student with an undergraduate degree in anthropology, said, “It was difficult to get into architecture without being trained in the field. I was lacking some basic skills to express my ideas. However, I feel that I have the opportunity to develop my own perception from a point of view different than architecture.”

At the core of a design education is the design studio. In this open setting, ideas are shared and challenged by classmates, instructors, and practitioners on a daily basis throughout the entire process of each design project. This is where diversity plays its most significant role in a design education. The roots of the word provide a clue to its significance.

Professor and assistant dean Nat Belcher is certain that “... the creative energy of a diverse student population is beneficial to the overall discussion of design.” To which Read adds, “Innovative ideas often leap between diverse points of view. Diversity is a wonderful source for creative thinking.”

Juan Antonio Bueno, MLA, is dean of the School of Architecture at Florida International University. (The assistance of Damir Sinovcic with the interviews for this article is greatly appreciated.)

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