From September 27–29, 2018, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture hosted Shifting the Landscape: Black Architects and Planners, 1968 to Now, a symposium examining the activism, influence, and achievements of Black architects and planners over the past fifty years.

Dr. Harris participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Shifting the Lens: Diaspora Perspectives on Architecture and Design.” Moderated by Mabel O. Wilson, the panel also featured Sara Zewde, Joe Addo, Olalekan Jeyifous, and Mario Gooden.

As the roundtable’s discussant, Dr. Harris challenged the panelist to reimagine architecture as a foundation for “building health”, extending its impact beyond the traditional focus on form and function. This landmark convening served as the debut of Dr. Harris’ Arkitetcure of Self philosophy.