Taking Action: Eliminating Forced Labor in Supply Chains

Improving human rights conditions in the procurement of architectural and construction materials

“Eliminating Forced Labor in Supply Chains: Taking Action,” was the third and final event in a series convened by the AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee addressing how architects and designers can source building materials more ethically.

MBB Partner Sara Grant joined distinguished panelists Pins Brown, Billie Faircloth, and moderator Melissa Marsh in discussing small and large steps toward improving human rights conditions in the procurement of architectural and construction materials.

“It really gets back to the idea of designing for people, and who is it that we’re considering when we’re designing,” Sara said. “Part of what my involvement in the AIANY Social Science Committee has taught me is the importance of naming our own perspective and our own prejudices that we [as architects] bring to the table. But in every way, this work is about broadening who we are designing for.”

In a globally networked supply chain, architects don’t have the ability to meet with each group involved with material production. However, Sara said, “What is realistic is making use of the resources that are out there,” including certification systems, toolkits, and allied organizations like Design for Freedom. “And then it really does become our responsibility to use those resources.” She also shared how MBB Architects supports staff members’ work on this and other social/environmental initiatives through our firm’s longstanding Initiatives Committee.

Integrating human rights in design, construction and post-occupancy

This diagram by MBB suggests how the traditional procurement process focusing on material supply chains should be integrated with a people-centric view of labor and human rights, extending from extraction and manufacturing through construction and post-occupancy.

Watch the event video here.