Emmanuelle Amina Kikaya on A Constant Shift

Bachelor of Architecture ‘22 - Syracuse University

Emmanuelle Kikaya is a fourth-year student at Syracuse University from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she has lived most of her life. Her understanding of architecture has shifted since she first started pursuing her degree as she learns how multifaceted it can be and the lasting impact it has on people and communities. Her goal is to eventually establish a career in Congo, where she aspires to contribute to its rapidly changing urban fabric. At Syracuse, she is a part of NOMAS and is an International Student Mentor. She is passionate about discovering new possibilities and learning new perspectives within the discipline.

A Constant Shift

What inspired you to pursue architecture?

I initially decided to pursue architecture because I always loved art and design and was interested in the more technical aspect of architecture. Being from Kinshasa, I also saw how quickly the city was developing and wanted to be a part of it. I would say that my perception of architecture was rather superficial at the beginning and that a real passion for it didn’t begin to brew until recently. I have become more aware of how much agency architects have when it comes to the built environment. More importantly, I started to see how architecture can be complicit in many injustices that communities face but also how it can play a role in solving these issues. As I learn more about the role of architecture in minority and marginalized groups in America, I start to draw parallels with conditions in my home country. Now, the different multidimensional possibilities within the discipline are what continue to inspire me.

First Year studio final review. - Photo courtesy of Emmanuelle Anima Kikaya

What is the most important thing that you learned in the past year?

In the past year I learned to look at architecture through a social justice lens. I’ve learned the importance of design justice and community-based design. I feel as though these weren’t principles that weren’t emphasized at the beginning of my education but has suddenly become what continues to inspire me. Architecture has the ability to tell stories and I think it’s important that it reflects the culture of its constituents. I’ve been made aware of the implications, both positive and negative, the built environment has had in certain communities and how it can be used to empower people. This has taught me how nuanced and extensive of a process design can be rather then two-step process – conception to realization – I initially thought it would be.

Second Year studio final review. In collaboration with Zachary Kobi and Shelby Ward. - Photo courtesy of Emmanuelle Anima Kikaya

What are some architectural organizations (or specific person/role model) that helped you learn to overcome an obstacle? How did they?

Syracuse University is predominantly white, and from what I’ve learned since my first year, architecture is a very white male dominated field. My biggest issue was representation, both in what was taught and by whom. Although the school has a lot of great instructors and there are many opportunities to make connections, I still struggled to see myself. In the last couple of years, I’ve started to become more involved with the National Organization of Minority Architecture students, which recently started up again at Syracuse. Through the organization I was able to meet other minority students and be involved in projects both within and outside of NOMAS. The organization has also allowed us to interact with black/POC professionals and has provided the opportunity to hear from people that we normally wouldn’t hear from in the normal curriculum.

If you were given the opportunity to repeat the year, what is one thing you’d do differently?

If I could repeat the year, I would go out of my way to form connections and step out of my comfort zone more. I was lucky to study in NYC for a semester and was exposed to so many inspirational people. If I could repeat the year, I wouldn’t shy away from interacting with them and establishing connections. I used to feel as though I needed to have a level of prestige before interacting with certain professionals, but I quickly realized that they could potentially be people I could learn from.

Third year final project. Affordable housing in Mott Haven, Bronx. In collaboration with Anusha Shikre. - Photo courtesy of Emmanuelle Anima Kikay

As you reflect on the past year, what did you discover as your biggest strengths?

The past year has been instrumental in shifting my perception of architecture, and through that I was able to learn different modes of expression and representation. One of my strengths has been being able to pick up new technical skills quite quickly, which has enabled me to be versatile in my representation. For example, I’ve experimented with and developed skills in film making, and collage, which I didn’t know could relate to architecture, as well as additional rendering and modelling software. I’ve also discovered that I work well collaboratively because I take the time to listen to what people have to say and I am willing understand different interpretations and perspectives that concern the same matter.

In terms of rising concerns and problems (in the architectural profession) over the past year, what is one change that you wished would happen and it did not? This can be in an educational or work atmosphere.

I wish more was done in the educational realm to support black students and POC, especially in the country’s current climate. Current initiatives put in place seem to be band-aid solutions that will probably be forgotten about once things seem to have settled.

EMMANUELLE AMINA KIKAYA

A Constant Shift

TIFFANY XU

NURIYAH MALIK