Through architectural designs, Demar Matthews wants to create a built environment that reflects the culture and lives of the African American people that have been for too long denied. And his purpose extends beyond just the expression of arts, but the betterment of communities.
Demar Matthews is a Los Angeles based architectural designer,theorist, and writer. He is the founder and Principal of OffTop Design.
Born in Moreno Valley, CA, Demar received his Bachelor’s from HBCU Lincoln University of PA, and his Master’s of architecture at Woodbury University where he was awarded the Graduate Thesis Prize for his project Black Architecture: Unearthing the Black Aesthetic. His introduction to the field was through his article “A Black Architecture Education Experience” on archinect. Demar believes architecture and good design should not only be for the privileged. Every community deserves to be proud of the built environment around them, and the built environment around them should be based on the cultures of the people who live there; regardless of income, race, and gender. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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