2016 Architecture Innovator: Snøhetta

Summary

The speaker discusses the role of architecture in society, emphasizing its potential to create meaningful spaces that foster a sense of community and civility. They highlight the importance of designing with the community in mind rather than solely for the architect's vision. The talk covers various projects, including Times Square, the National September 11th Memorial Museum, and the SF MOMA, showcasing how architecture can address social issues, enhance cultural experiences, and create spaces that resonate with people on a deeper level. The speaker also touches on the challenges of maintaining innovation and avoiding the pitfalls of overbearing leadership as a company matures.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The built environment plays a significant role in societal issues, and architecture with authentic meaning can foster a more civilized society.
• 🛠️ Architecture should be utilized for human development and serve communities, not just the architect's vision.
• 🏗️ The speaker's firm has a diverse portfolio with 14 projects under construction and 60 on the drawing board, including high-profile projects like the Times Square renovation and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• 🎨 The firm is working on projects with cultural significance, such as a library in Philadelphia, an opera house in Busan, and a winery with Francis Ford Coppola.
• 🌍 International work includes the first project in Beirut and collaborations in Saudi Arabia and Toronto.
• 👴 Aging can bring both positive and negative aspects to a design-focused company, with experience potentially leading to over-reliance on past successes.
• 🔄 The firm values regenerating new types of thinking and integrating fresh perspectives to avoid stagnation.
• 🤝 Collaboration is key in complex projects like Times Square, requiring coordination among various stakeholders.
• 🚶‍♂️ The Times Square project aimed to improve safety and reduce crime by creating more pedestrian space and reducing air pollution.
• 🏛️ The National September 11th Memorial Museum was designed to embed culture and provide a sense of presence, aiming to evoke positive emotions.
• 🎨 The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's redesign focused on expanding audience engagement and creating communal experiences.
• 🔍 The firm pays close attention to the psychological context and invisible elements like acoustics and light that significantly affect people.
• 📚 The Alexandria Library project exemplifies the firm's socially engaged approach, with the building becoming a symbol of community ownership and protection.

Q & A

What role does the built environment play in today's society with its sensitivity and polarity?

The built environment plays a crucial role in shaping society's behavior and attitudes. By creating spaces with authentic meaning and value, it can foster a more civilized existence within the communities it serves.

How does architecture contribute to human development according to the transcript?

Architecture, when used to its full potential, serves as a tool for human development. It should be designed not just for the architect's glory but in the service of the communities it is meant to benefit.

What is the significance of creating an authentic memory through architecture?

Creating an authentic memory through architecture means designing spaces that hold personal and collective significance, which can potentially make people feel more connected and responsible towards their environment.

How many projects are currently under construction and on the drawing table according to the speaker?

There are 14 projects under construction and 60 projects on the drawing table.

What is the philosophy behind the design approach of the company mentioned in the transcript?

The company's design philosophy revolves around integrating fresh perspectives and new types of thinking, valuing the input of each person and ensuring their relevance is part of the design process.

What was the primary goal in designing the Times Square project?

The primary goal was to create a safer, more people-friendly space by reducing vehicle traffic, improving air quality, and lowering crime rates while maintaining the street's character.

How did the speaker describe the impact of the National September 11th Memorial Museum on visitors?

The speaker aimed to create a sense of presence rather than absence, hoping to make at least one person feel good about themselves in a different way than through solitude.

What is the significance of the stairs in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MoMA)?

The stairs in SF MoMA are designed to be a seamless transition between floors, creating a horizontal museum feel despite its vertical structure, and encouraging social interaction among visitors.

How does the speaker address the challenge of balancing experience and innovation in a design-focused company?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of regenerating new types of thinking with fresh eyes and being open to it, to avoid overdoing one or two types of thinking that might limit the company's growth and innovation.

What does the speaker mean when they say their work has been focused on the subconscious?

The speaker refers to designing spaces and experiences that impact people on a deeper, often unacknowledged level, influencing their feelings and behaviors without necessarily being at the forefront of their conscious thoughts.

How did the Alexandria Library become a symbol of social engagement for the company?

The Alexandria Library became a symbol of social engagement when the public of Alexandria protected the building during the Arab uprising, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and connection to the space.