I recently visited my alma mater, Florida A&M University School of Architecture and Engineering Technology, after receiving an invitation to serve as juror for 3rd year student presentations. It was nice to return to the place where “old” self would be blown to smithereens to make room for a more enlightened and educated “new” self. The visit was short but very sweet.
Tallahassee is special. It’s where I spent a few formidable years that would refine the trajectory of my life. It’s where I attended college and learned that all-nighters are the norm in architecture school. It’s where I would meet my “now” husband of 20 years and father of our two beautiful daughters. It’s where I traded my youth for the person I am today.
As I sat waiting for my plane to depart, I realized it was my first time flying since falling ill in 2014, a time when a simple walk around the block was a challenge. At thousands of feet in the air, the tune of choice was my ringtone appropriately titled “Over the Horizon” on continuous loop, my only option in airplane mode. I felt grateful for being on this side of that period of my life.
The plane touched down. I made my way to ground transportation where my former professor and now friend, LaVerne Wells-Bowie, picked me up curbside. Years ago, her knack for honesty and truth helped me to raise the bar in 2nd year studio. She was my Advisor for my 5th year terminal project, The Rosa Parks Center for Women’s Studies. It was regarded as one of the best that year (Class of 1995). I have tremendous respect for Professor Wells-Bowie.
Tallahassee International Airport had been renovated since my last plane trip which was decades prior. I loved seeing the FAMU crest incorporated in the terrazzo flooring. For too many years, I’ve found that Tallahassee “tolerated” FAMU hardly mentioning the university on area street signs, etc. Now, this crest lays as prominent as other school crests and it was a warm welcome.
Shortly after Professor Wells-Bowie picked me up, we went to Nefetari’s, a lovely restaurant located just beyond FAMU’s campus. The inspiration for the interior is a direct take on Egyptian royalty. Masks and other accoutrements adorn the walls. Most of the tables and chairs were modest but there was one table setting called the “King’s Table” set for a royal feast. The large open space accommodates many types of events including live music, spoken word and murder mysteries. The ambiance was lovely, not overdone.
The menu accommodates an assortment of diets featuring hormone-free meat and organic produce, respectful to earth and body.
The meal included a delicious salad called, “Queen Nzinga’s Salad” and “Creole Spicy Shrimp and Grits”, DELICIOUS!!! The presentation was lovely. Great food enjoys great company and soon it was time to go.
We arrived at the school where I chatted in the hallway with Dean Rodner Wright, Andrew Chin, Associate Dean and Valerie Goodwin, Professor. We chatted about percentages and statistics how much FAMU contributes to the pool of registered African American architects. The numbers are dismal but improving. FAMU contributes greatly to the pool based on recent stats. That says a lot!
The jurors and students were ready to deliberate. Jurors included Professor Rabbani Muhammad, Architect and Program Coordinator for Construction Engineering Technology. George Johnson was also a former student and is now owner of Johnson+Milner, Inc. The project was a Makerspace studio where various disciplines collaborate, design and build. It was located on a difficult site on FAMU’s campus, topography diverse with multiple entry opportunities. Getting students to free themselves from technology is a challenge that many professors of architecture face. Design is synonymous with freedom of thought which goes hand in hand with the ability to draw, at least at the start of a student’s journey to become an architect. The student with the killer project always illustrates strength in both and knows when to interject the computer to embellish and “render” the design.
I always wonder what’s appropriate to say to a student who pours their soul into their work. Comments always seem to mirror life lessons, especially when it comes to African American students. The architecture industry is interesting for us and we have to work hard to not internalize negative experiences. Professor Wells-Bowie is not a coddler but instead feels school should be the training ground for excellence without excuses, especially for people of color. Being equipped for the real world is key. Otherwise, a disservice is done. As Oprah Winfrey said, “Excellence is the best deterrent to racism and sexism.” Needless to say, I enjoyed the students tremendously.
The school was very different in many ways. To start, in 2011, the School was reorganized into two divisions, Division of Architecture and Division of Engineering Technology. In 2014, it was renamed School of Architecture and Engineering Technology which was a long time coming! Read here for more details. The following are a few areas that are distinctly different.
This area was once outdoor space with stairs extending to converge at bridge level. It is now closed off for formal and informal gatherings. Apparently, the building leaked like a sieve when indoor spaces coexisted with outdoor spaces via exterior circulation.
The Architecture Library was relocated to the lower level.
The atrium space between each wing was once an open courtyard. I spent many days watching the sunset on the bridge beyond and listening to the Marching 100 band practice at The Patch just west of the school. Their musical score would spill into every crack and crevice of the school and it was a treat, at least for me. Now, these spaces provide extended area for presentations and other gatherings.
This message board still dispenses information within and beyond the school. One more fraternity has been added. Wonderful!
And then it was over, short and sweet. I miss the old Tally. It was once my home away from home and still feels that way to a large degree. Professor Wells-Bowie dropped me off at the airport where we said our final good-byes and attempted a selfie (of which we both did not approve). The flight home was a little more turbulent. The plane landed and I made my way to the terminal, this time differently.
I found myself bypassing the place where the Plane Train, stops. I decided to walk to the main terminal which led to fanciful discoveries. First, I found this “virtual forest” between Concourses A and B entitled “Flight Paths” by Steven Waldeck. This introduction to the Airport Art Program was impressive. It reminded me of what it feels like to stand under a tree canopy with light piercing through the leaves. The exposed structure and conduit above are painted blue which hints of sky above the leaves. Delightful!
Then I stumbled into this exhibit that extends from Concourse A to the T gates and is entitled “Zimbabwe: A Tradition in Stone”. It features 12 of Zimbabwe’s finest artists depicting themes related to family and/or community.
Unfortunately but fortunately, my phone died. I was freed to be present with the artwork for true enjoyment. I lingered and loved every minute. Not sure I’ll be taking the Plane Train EVER at least on the return trip! It was a poetic way to end the day after celebrating key milestones in my life. I thought this quote summed up the day, “As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life” by John Lubbock.
Shaun Martin Architect 