Queering architecture: How architect Michael Jones is uplifting LGBTQ+ architects and designers

What do you believe is the value of queer walking tours and of highlighting the LGBTQ+ history and heritage of neighbourhoods and their architecture?
Highlighting queer history is essential for acknowledging the resilience and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout our history and progress as a society. It provides a critical lens through which we can understand the diverse experiences that have shaped our communities at large.

Places like the Stonewall Inn or Christopher Street in New York City are not merely historical landmarks but living testaments to the ongoing LGBTQ+ movement. By documenting and sharing these stories, we ensure that future generations recognise the significance of these spaces and continue to advocate for inclusivity and equity.

And the truth is that not all buildings must have beautiful architecture to be of historical significance. It’s important to save these buildings and to pass down their stories to future generations. Queer history has often gone unrecorded, and while I grew up around some of it, many of our younger designers in the field don’t know this vital history.

Do you have any personal highlights from your walking tours or other meaningful encounters with queer architecture?
I’ve had some truly memorable moments from our walking tours, discovering corners of cities where LGBTQ+ history comes alive. Learning about places like the Stonewall Inn later in life was a profound experience, reminding me of how important it is to preserve and share these stories. Many people, even with access to the internet, remain unaware of the rich tapestry of queer history and the struggles endured by the community. It is a reminder of the ongoing need to educate and advocate.

On a personal level, my travels have uncovered surprising gems, like Sissinghurst’s renowned garden, discovered in recent years, which was designed by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.

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How have you noticed that spaces change as different communities inhabit them?
The types and degree of queer spaces vary depending on how accepted LGBTQ+ individuals are in a given city. From my experience in New York City, historically, it was very common for LGBTQ+ communities to congregate on the fringes of cities, carving out spaces like bars in idiosyncratic neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village and Fire Island. Places like Christopher Street and Stonewall in the 1960s were critical safe havens. As societal acceptance has evolved, so too have queer spaces.

Today, my experience is that in large cities like New York City, there is generally less of a division between private and public spaces. We’re no longer as isolated as we used to be. An interesting observation I’ve made about this is the shifting of so-called “gay villages” throughout New York City—first Greenwich Village, then Chelsea and now Hell’s Kitchen.

In cities like Berlin, where bars and stores are openly integrated into the streets, there’s a sense of openness and acceptance that can also inspire how we design spaces for all communities.

How can architects and designers work on retaining the ground-up community spaces that paved the way? Are these buildings worth saving—and how can they be adapted and transformed without losing their significance?
My advice is simple: instead of tearing down these critical spaces, find creative ways to celebrate and enhance their legacy. By doing so, we can continue to honour the past while building a better future for all. These buildings cannot be overlooked—they need to be saved because they hold memories and represent important moments in history.

To adapt these buildings without losing their significance, it’s crucial to involve the community in the process. Listen to their stories and understand what makes these spaces special. Incorporate modern needs while preserving the original character and purpose.

What’s one tidbit of information you want everyone to know about queer spaces and architecture?
One important thing to know about queer spaces and architecture is that they go beyond physical structures— it’s not about a particular style but about creating environments where the community feels safe, respected, and free to express themselves.

Design plays a crucial role in providing agency, whether in physical or virtual spaces. It means designing for visibility and inclusivity, ensuring that marginalised voices are heard and represented. Ultimately, designing with accessibility, equality, and freedom of choice in mind helps build a world where everyone can thrive.

In your opinion, is there such a thing as a “queer aesthetic”?
A singular “queer aesthetic” in interiors and architecture isn’t something that can be easily defined. Looking at famous LGBTQ+ architects and designers, their styles vary widely, showing diversity rather than a uniform aesthetic.

From an architectural perspective, spaces like the Leslie-Lohman Museum in New York City—a museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists and art—have grand white walls and a simple design, reflecting the idea that queer culture transcends any specific aesthetic. The museum, in its simplicity, is an example of how LGBTQ+ spaces don’t need to conform to a specific visual identity.

As society evolves, so too does our approach to architecture and interior design, aiming for spaces that embrace individuality and accommodate different lifestyles and identities.

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