Unpaid architecture interns in Japan are exploited by their employers, according to humanitarian architecture pioneer  Cameron Sinclair.
"I've met many young designers in Japan and they are used and abused by firms," said Sinclair, who co-founded Architecture for Humanity and set up Airbnb's humanitarian programme.
Sinclair made the comment in response to a tweet from Dezeen that quoted an article about unpaid internships in Japan.
The article, published in April, explored the Japanese "open desk" culture that sees young architects gain work experience in studios, often working long hours for no pay.
In the article, LABtokyo founder Nicholas Raistrick stated: "Voluntary work here is really quite common and people do make sacrifices without expecting immediate reward." Intern culture "rewards wealthy, privileged designers"
Sinclair replied: "'Voluntary work' is radically different than unpaid internships (aka digital slavery)," he tweeted.
Sinclair made the comment in response to a Dezeen tweet about an article where designers defended the culture of unpaid internships in Japan.
In response to this comment, Sinclair said that he had first-hand knowledge of many young designers that had been taken advantage of in Japan.
"This culture rewards wealthy, privileged designers and pushes out those with economic or social challenges," his tweet continued. "I've met many young designers in Japan and they are used and ...