Join us for a conversation with Robert A. Clarke, scholar, design theorist, and faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona, exploring Afrofuturism, Black Aesthetic Design, and culturally grounded approaches to architecture and urbanism. A collaborator on Albina Vision Trust’s Community Cultural Master Plan and co-founder of Black Aesthetic Studio with artist Cleo Davis, Clarke examines how Black cultural histories, experiences, and identities can shape new visual and spatial possibilities. His work connects architecture, community, and speculative futures, inviting students and the PSU community to consider how overlooked narratives can inform the built environment.
About the Speaker
Robert Alexander Clarke is a scholar, educator, and design theorist whose work explores the intersection of memory, identity, and aesthetics. Through the recovery and reimagination of Black design narratives, he examines how overlooked histories can reshape contemporary architecture, visual expression, and spatial design.
As co-founder of Black Aesthetic Studio with artist Cleo Davis, Clarke develops design approaches rooted in African American culture, experience, and identity. The studio challenges established design methods and expands how Black cultural perspectives are represented and valued within the built environment.
Clarke is a faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona. Previously, he served as the Wilson Smith III Design in Spatial Justice Fellow at the University of Oregon and as a Research Fellow at Newlab under architect Mitchell Joachim. His experience at HOK, Terreform ONE, Gensler, and Archi-Union informs his commitment to socially engaged, experimental, and culturally grounded design.
What is Friday@1?
On most Fridays at 1 p.m. during the academic term, PSU School of Architecture students and faculty gather to hear from professional designers and architects, academics, visiting artists, innovators, and students in the program. Friday@1 is a perfect way to wrap up each week of intense creativity in the studio and get inspired for the productive weekend ahead.
Free and open to the public. All are welcome.