Although attendance at Architectural Record’s 2020 Innovation Conference earlier this week was remote, one of the strongest themes throughout the two-day online event was how to bring people together. As a difficult year marked by disease and divisiveness—but also a remarkable push for social justice—comes to a close, the conference’s group of renowned speakers reflected on how the built environment—when designed with empathy—can be a healing force.
The first speaker, architect Jeanne Gang of Chicago-based Studio Gang—perhaps most widely known for her skyscrapers—focused instead on the firm’s outlook on “micro-urbanism,” a philosophy that grew from a 2008 community center project in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood. Recalling the ways in which that building served as a catalyst for the area’s transformation, Gang discussed the need for good architecture—whether it be a step street or a boat house—to strengthen underserved areas. Through observing and talking to local citizens about the deficits and assets of their urban environments, Studio Gang’s proactive block-to-block approach to engaging communities in the design process—which has led to a number of actionable projects—celebrates the idiosyncrasies and nuance within a neighborhood. “Architecture is a big part of urbanism. It’s a spark that can really get change happening,” said the architect.
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