Conrad Johnson lectures at the University of Connecticut

Architect Conrad Johnson delivered 4 lectures to the Black Experience in the Arts course, ranging from the years 1978 to 1983.

In his 1983 lecture, Johnson described what it was like to be a working architect in New York City. He helped found Ifill, Johnson, and Hanchard architectural design firm. One reason the firm was established was Johnson related how hard it can be for black architect to find a permanent position. Johnson's presentations showed slides of buildings he and his firm designed. He explained the types of academic departments, programs, and internships that exist to prepare students for a career as an architect. Johnson also told students about the type of regulations and roadblocks architects typically encounter in their work.

Besides talking about his career, Johnson spoke on more personal terms about his childhood growing up in central Harlem and his sincere belief that his designs could improve the lives of the people of the surrounding communities. He specifically discussed how his firm was responsible for the then-new Harlem location of the New York State building at 125th St and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard. He asserted that its beauty, and that it was designed by a local resident, had offered a sense of pride in the surrounding area.

He closed his presentation with a hands-on project where he had students break into smaller groups and design a 20 acre residential area that could contain up to 200 homes. He then had students explain how they developed their particular design and why. The tape sounds like the students were engaged and excited about their designs.