Andrew Matos ’23, English

Andrew Matos ’23

Major

English

Project Title

US Architects Declare

I researched legislative policy surrounding the social and environmental impacts of architecture, culminating in a white paper I wrote on behalf of US Architects Declare in response to Congress’ infrastructure plan. My research focused on affordable housing, regulations for the life-cycle carbon emissions of buildings, and the development of utilities in places where they are inadequate. The white paper identified the policies Architects Declare supports and where more needs to be done, as well as explained the built sector’s contribution to climate change. The paper will be published on the Architects Declare website and will be used as the basis for an op-ed. Another project I worked on was planning a seminar series facilitated by the organization where architects can learn best practices for ensuring community engagement in their projects. I also spent time reorganizing Architects Declare’s structure to further connect their focus groups for carbon, biodiversity and social justice. My internship helped me appreciate the link between the climate crisis and social inequity, and it allowed me to see how an intersectional approach can address both. I will carry this insight wherever my career takes me.