Germane Barnes: Embracing Identity, Culture and Joy in Architecture Design

In this episode, MINDED welcomes Germane Barnes, an architect known for his ability to simplify complex ideas and relate to his audience. Germane shares his journey of overcoming a speech impediment and discovering his passion for architecture. He discusses the influence of his family and upbringing on his work, as well as the importance of embracing joy and color in design. Germane also emphasizes the significance of listening to and involving the community in his projects, sharing examples of how he incorporates their stories and experiences into his designs. The conversation touches on the gentrification of neighborhoods like Wynwood in Miami and the need for artists and designers to advocate for themselves and the communities they work with. The conversation explores the themes of affordable housing, homelessness, and the intersection of architecture and social issues. Germane discusses the unaffordability of housing in Miami and the lack of accessible public amenities. He emphasizes the importance of affordable housing in providing people with discretionary income and the need for more inclusive public spaces. The conversation also touches on the activism and social consciousness of the younger generation in the field of architecture and design. Germane shares his influences, including his professors and his personal experiences with race and space. He highlights the significance of rituals and the power of architecture to create meaningful experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Germane's Journey 05:04 Embracing Joy and Color in Design 11:14 Involving the Community in Design Projects 26:37 The Unaffordability of Housing in Miami 27:33 The Importance of Affordable Housing and Accessible Public Amenities 30:15 The Militarization of Public Space 31:44 Understanding Homelessness 35:42 The Activism and Social Consciousness of the Younger Generation 43:36 The Influence of Personal Experiences with Race and Space 48:44 The Power of Rituals in Architecture and Design Experience the world of art, design, and culture through MINDED Podcast. Engage with groundbreaking artists, visionary designers, and cultural influencers, and delve into their creative processes. Expand your horizons, spark your imagination, and fuel your curiosity. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive insights into the world of design, where aesthetics meet functionality, and creativity knows no bounds. Be part of a community that appreciates the transformative power of design and celebrates the individuals behind it. JOIN THE CDA: https://www.createursdesignassoc.com/ 🎧 Listen/Watch Now: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@createurs_design_association Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/MINDEDpodcast Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minded/ MINDEDpodcast.com MORE EPISODES: https://www.mindedpodcast.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mindedpodcast