A Syracuse University professor is being recognized at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. Lori Brown, a distinguished professor from the School of Architecture, is featured in the “Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial” exhibition alongside her collaborators Trish Cafferky and Dr. Yashica Robinson.
Their installation, titled "Birthing in Alabama: Designing Spaces for Reproduction," is one of 25 newly commissioned works displayed at the museum. The exhibition focuses on design's impact on shaping homes across different regions including U.S. territories and tribal nations.
The project highlights efforts by obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Robinson to establish a network of home health care services and alternatives to hospital births. It aims to address ongoing inequities due to economic factors, racial injustice, public policy, and distance from healthcare facilities.
"‘Birthing in Alabama: Design of Reproduction’ extends two decades of research, advocacy and activism focusing on reproductive health care by Brown," states the press release. The installation explores how architecture can contribute to diverse communities while examining legal and policy influences on birthing access.
Brown's team conducted research mapping historical laws and building codes that affect reproductive healthcare accessibility. Their work offers designed solutions to mitigate these challenges.
The installation provides insight into Alabama’s maternity care history from 1865-2024, highlighting high maternal mortality rates among Black women during this period. Excerpts from interviews conducted by Brown are included to amplify voices advocating for expanded birthing access.
Lori A. Brown is an internationally acclaimed scholar whose research intersects architecture with social justice and gender issues. She co-founded ArchiteXX, promoting gender equity within the architectural field.
Brown's previous research has examined physical structures related to abortion clinics and their influence on reproductive healthcare access. Her published works include "Contested Spaces: Abortion Clinics, Women’s Shelters and Hospitals: Politicizing the Female Body."
The exhibition will be open until summer 2025 at Andrew and Louise Carnegie Museum with sections themed as “Going Home,” “Seeking Home,” and “Building Home.” Each theme presents unique perspectives on domestic spaces' roles in society.
Brown's installation features under "Seeking Home," supported by contributions from organizations like the New York Council on the Arts as well as Syracuse University's Office of Academic Affairs among others.
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