Step into the powerful narrative of how spaces shape society and uncover the untold stories behind their design.
Join us for the official launch of Jerel McCants’ groundbreaking book, The Architecture of Segregation. Drawing from his extensive travels and personal experiences, Jerel examines the hierarchy of spaces and places, revealing the deep historical and cultural implications of segregated environments.
This lunchtime event will feature a presentation by author Jerel McCant and a conversation about the book’s thought-provoking themes.
The book is available for checkout at the Library, thanks to a generous donation from William Sundquist, and the author will have copies for sale during the event. This event is made possible by The Chattanooga Public Library Foundation.
About The Book
Jerel McCants traveled to over thirty countries across six continents to research this book.
This book delves into the global history of segregation with an intriguing twist, presenting it through the lens of an architect. It’s interesting to think about how architects carefully design, plan, and build places that either bring people together or drive them apart. This perspective offers a unique and insightful exploration of the physical manifestations of societal divides.
“Spaces and places have significantly more power and psychological influence than one might imagine. This book seeks to capture the ingenuity and mastery with which structures have been built through the lens of an architect who traveled around the world exploring the meaning behind the hierarchy of spaces and places.”
“This groundbreaking work delves deep into the historical indigenous peoples of North America to the African diaspora through the Triangular Slave Trade, uncovering how architecture played a pivotal role in the subjugation of marginalized communities.”
“A well-defined hierarchy of needs is based on the function of a building that encourages communication, community, and organization. This book focuses on the function of a building but almost equally emphasizes its themes, the feelings you want to invoke, and the architect’s inspirations.”
About the Author
Jerel McCants, from Chattanooga, TN, earned a B.S. in architectural engineering from Tennessee State University in 1996. University of South Florida, Tampa awarded him a Master of Architecture in 2001. He was privileged to be a Dwight D. Eisenhower “People to People for Understanding” Student Ambassador to the Soviet Union in high school in the summer of 1990. In 1999, he went abroad to Paris, France, through the USF Overseas Study Program, continuing his love of learning about various cultures. With this passion, he has traveled to over 30 countries and volunteered at his church with a Haiti Relief Mission to build shelters following the 2010 earthquake disaster.
Working for Nashville, Atlanta, and Tampa architectural and construction firms shaped his career. He rose to Project Manager by working on high-profile projects.
Jerel founded Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. during the Great Recession. A full-service boutique architectural business serving municipal, educational, cultural, residential, and federal markets. USF Florida Institute of Development awarded him a Community Real Estate Development certificate in 2010.
Jerel has served on the American Institute of Architects, Tampa Bay Chapter President. He is a member of Plant City Lodge #206 of F&AM, Prince Hall, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was elected as a Delegate to the 11th Congressional District Delegate for the DNC in 2008 and was elected to Precinct Committeeman, Precinct #207, for two terms.
