Salam Rida
Salam Rida is a designer, educator, and lecturer recognized for her commitment to advancing spatial justice and equity through design. Currently serving as the co-director of ArcPrep, an innovative college-prep architecture program, and as a lecturer at Taubman College, Salam leverages her multifaceted expertise to inspire the next generation of architects to advocate for inclusive and community-centric design solutions. With a rich background in teaching, she infuses her design practice with pedagogical insights, emphasizing the importance of empowering students to become agents of positive change in their communities. Her classroom experiences have honed her ability to communicate complex design concepts effectively and instill a deep understanding of architecture’s transformative potential in addressing societal inequalities.
Her practice, 9XS Design, embodies this ethos by utilizing the grid as a foundation for spatial transformation and demonstrating how breaking traditional patterns can lead to more equitable and socially engaging environments. Salam is passionate about the built environment’s impact on quality of life and the crucial role architects play in engaging stakeholders during the design process. This perspective is central to her urban design approach, focusing on creating connections, unpacking contexts, and advocating for inclusive spaces.
Salam’s previous role as an urban designer for Jackson’s Department of Planning and Development under Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and her leadership in the Fertile Ground Project underscore her commitment to sustainable and equitable urban development. Additionally, her co-founding of the Ecoshed reflects her dedication to creating inclusive spaces that support sustainable infrastructure, culinary arts, and cultural production.
Born and educated in Detroit, Salam holds a Master’s in Architecture from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Urban Studies from the University of Michigan. Her educational background enriches her focus on spatial justice, blending architectural expertise with a profound understanding of social dynamics. Salam continues to push the boundaries of urban design, ensuring that DEI principles are at the forefront of her work.