This paper discusses empathy exercises used in design studios and support courses and how they can support a more ethical and empathetic mindset in education that can then influence the profession through the education of these future architects. Architectural education impedes women and BIPOC students by creating a toxic and inflexible environment that discourages BIPOC and women students. (Groat and Ahrentzen 1996) The “Hidden curriculum” confuses and discourages BIPOC and women students and reinforces structural racism and poverty through continuing to privilege the white experience and Eurocentric narrative in architecture education. (Groat and Ahrentzen 1996, Dutton 1987) The profession has similar problems as the women and BIPOC students graduate and move into a profession with little, if any, empathy to the financial and cultural barriers that they face. The good news is that these issues have been brought to light and recent changes to office culture, such as online work and flexible working hours, are starting to help mitigate some of the problems that tend to alienate women and BIPOC students and employees. The development of empathy exercises can discourage a toxic environment by helping students see the importance of ethics and empathy not only for their potential clients, but also their classmates and peers. The research uses reflections about the empathy exercises to gauge the impact on student thinking and design choices using ethics and empathy. Only when we bring the needs and concerns of women and the BIPOC community, which includes students, out of the dark and into the light will we be able to make these students seen and positively impact the future.

Wisconsin has long been recognized as one of the most gerrymandered states in the United States, with its historically partisan district maps disproportionately favoring Republican candidates. However, legal and political developments have introduced significant changes to Wisconsin’s redistricting process. In 2024, the state adopted new legislative maps deemed the first “fair” maps in over a decade, reshaping the political landscape, particularly in Milwaukee’s suburban periphery. While these changes remedied egregious gerrymandering of residential zones, emerging political science research suggests that gerrymandering may extend beyond residential areas to include economic sites. This theory, termed “economic gerrymandering,” posits that political mapmakers may manipulate boundaries to capture valuable economic assets such as corporate headquarters, commercial districts, and infrastructure, which can influence political representation and election outcomes.

This paper examines the implications of economic gerrymandering in Wisconsin, focusing on Milwaukee’s west, south, and north sides. By analyzing recent redistricting changes and election results, it explores how non-residential sites like Mayfair Mall (on the west side), the SC Johnson headquarters (on the south side), and other commercial hubs may have influenced boundary decisions. Finally, it focuses on Northridge Mall’s vacancy (on the north side) to speculate about future redistricting. These case studies are contextualized within the broader socio-political dynamics of Wisconsin, where the divide between urban and rural areas exacerbates partisan conflict.

This research highlights the urbanistic consequences of political boundarying, emphasizing the need for architects, planners, and policymakers to consider how zoning, density, and mixed-use developments intersect with electoral cartography. As housing prices rise and suburban peripheries grow denser, these factors become increasingly relevant to future redistricting efforts. Ultimately, this paper argues that economic gerrymandering offers a cautionary framework for understanding how political boundaries may evolve to undermine fair representation, even in the face of reforms aimed at achieving equitable redistricting.

Designing for quality in the built environment requires addressing emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs alongside aesthetics and functionality. Recognizing the limits of focusing on appearance and form, the authors advocate for a broader definition of quality that includes community integration, holistic design, and positive impacts on well-being. As part of a larger 5-year pan-Canadian, “Quality in Built Environment" initiative (Author 7, 2023), this paper examines the successes and shortcomings of the new Calgary Central Library (CCL). This innovative intersectoral partnership brings together community members, government officials, professionals, and scholars from 14 Canadian sites to collectively re-examine what constitutes quality Canada’s built environment. This paper studies how the CCL transcends its traditional role as a library to exemplify human-centered design in a public facility. This library has become a benchmark for creating inclusive, diverse, and wellbeing-centered spaces, cultivating a sense of belonging while proving to be a dynamic hub for learning, culture, and social cohesion. However, challenges such as increased police presence, heightened surveillance, and potential social segregation, raise concerns about balancing security, privacy, dignity, accessibility, and fostering social inclusivity within public spaces. The paper examines this case study through the collaboration of architecture, landscape design, sociology, social work, and public health, highlighting how this building redefines quality. The authors present a holistic framework to inform future designs and expand the definition of quality. This interdisciplinary analysis combines professional insights, informed observations, and data collected during site visits. The outcomes offer novel perspectives for architects, designers, and policymakers, to replicate the success of the CCL in fostering inclusive and dynamic environments in cities. This paper aims to shift the needle in design by moving beyond physical and aesthetic priorities to focus on inclusion and social cohesion, promoting built environments that enhance human experience, foster belonging, and improve quality of life.