Archtober's Festival Itineraries offer a curated selection of festival events, hand picked by a thought leader, editor, or creative mind that we admire in New York City. Our next itinerary is from Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP. Sablan is not only an architect—she is an activist, visionary, and audacious disrupter of the status quo. As an Associate Principal at Adjaye Associates with over 15 years of experience, she is the 315th living African-American woman registered architect in the United States. Her dedication to advancing architecture for the betterment of society is unwavering, as she brings visibility and voice to the issues concerning women and BIPOC designers through her activism. Sablan founded Beyond the Built Environment to address the inequitable disparities in architecture, and as the Global President of the National Organization of Minority Architects, she is a true leader in her field. Her achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2021 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr Award and the Architectural League 2021 Emerging Voices Award. Sablan has also given lectures at colleges and universities globally and at cultural institutions such as the RIBA, United Nations, and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University, Sablan is a force to be reckoned with in the world of architecture and beyond.

Take a look at what Sablan is excited for during the 2023 festival, and plan your own itinerary!

1.  The Bronx History and Activism Project on October 10 and 24. Sablan says: 

"As someone deeply committed to advocacy and community engagement, I'm excited to attend the Bronx History and Activism Project. This bi-weekly program not only connects us to the rich history of the Bronx but also encourages us to rethink preconceptions, fostering a more inclusive and informed community." Learn more about the Bronx History and Activism Project here.

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2. Guided Tour of Little Island on October 6. Sablan says:

"As an architect deeply committed to innovative urban spaces and community engagement, I'm thrilled to join the guided tour of Little Island during Archtober. Little Island's transformation from a hurricane-ravaged pier into a thriving public park is a remarkable feat of design and resilience that truly inspires me. I'm particularly intrigued by the opportunity to hear directly from the design team, as they share their insights into this exceptional project. Additionally, knowing my son's fascination with Little Island, I'm eager to share this unique experience with him, allowing us both to explore the city through the lens of groundbreaking landscape architecture." Learn more about the Guided Tours of Little Island here.

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‍3. Building of the Day: Bronx Point on October 12. Sablan says:

"As someone who served as the project manager during my time at S9 Architecture, attending the Building of the Day: Bronx Point is a heartwarming opportunity. The Bronx Point project holds a special place in my heart, and I'm excited to see the design community come together to explore this transformative, community-centered development. Its commitment to affordable housing, waterfront connectivity, and its role as the dedicated home of The Hip Hop Museum reflect the values I hold dear. This event promises to be a meaningful journey through a project deeply rooted in both my professional and personal passions." Go here to learn more about the Building of the Day: Bronx Point.

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4. Black Curators Matter: An Oral History Project, Part Two on October 12. Sablan says:

"As a Black curator with over 45 exhibitions featured since 2017, I'm incredibly excited about 'Black Curators Matter: An Oral History Project, Part Two.' This event holds immense personal significance for me as it offers a unique opportunity to engage in an intergenerational dialogue with visionaries who have made significant impacts in the arts and cultural sphere. I'm particularly looking forward to hearing from luminaries like Aaron Bryant, Kellie Jones, Richard J. Powell, and Thomas J. Lax, who have each played pivotal roles in the art world. Their work has not only inspired me but has also paved the way for curators like myself to continue elevating Black artists' voices. This event resonates deeply with my own curatorial journey, and I'm eager to be part of this illuminating conversation about our artistic heritage and its future." Go here to learn more about Black Curators Matter: An Oral History Project, Part Two.

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‍5. Designing the Future for Kids: Family Day Architecture Workshops on October 29. Sablan says:

"As I continue my selfish mission to inspire my son to become an architect, this event presents a fantastic opportunity to immerse him in the captivating world of design. 'Designing the Future for Kids: Family Day Architecture Workshops' by Flushing Town Hall, in partnership with AIA Queens and the Queens Foundation for Architecture, offers a series of engaging workshops that not only educate families about the world being built around us but also empower us to participate in shaping it. In the spirit of New York City’s Architecture and Design Month, where design plays a vital role in solving urban challenges, I'm excited to be a part of an event that encourages creativity, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the built environment. It's a day I look forward to sharing with my son as we explore the boundless possibilities of architecture and design together."Archtober's Festival Itineraries offer a curated selection of festival events, hand picked by a thought leader, editor, or creative mind that we admire in New York City. Our next itinerary is from Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP. Sablan is not only an architect—she is an activist, visionary, and audacious disrupter of the status quo. As an Associate Principal at Adjaye Associates with over 15 years of experience, she is the 315th living African-American woman registered architect in the United States. Her dedication to advancing architecture for the betterment of society is unwavering, as she brings visibility and voice to the issues concerning women and BIPOC designers through her activism. Sablan founded Beyond the Built Environment to address the inequitable disparities in architecture, and as the Global President of the National Organization of Minority Architects, she is a true leader in her field. Her achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2021 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr Award and the Architectural League 2021 Emerging Voices Award. Sablan has also given lectures at colleges and universities globally and at cultural institutions such as the RIBA, United Nations, and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University, Sablan is a force to be reckoned with in the world of architecture and beyond. Go here to learn more about designing the Future for Kids: Family Day Architecture Workshops.