In this episode, Talking Practice host Grace La interviews Jeanne Gang, founder and principal of Studio Gang, Professor in Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and 2011 MacArthur Fellow. Gang describes the beginnings of Studio Gang and her desire to differ from traditional modes of practice, stating the importance of a supportive work environment and describing the role of design management within her studio. With the aim of creating better social and environmental relationships through projects like the Montparnasse Tower in Paris and the extension to the American Museum of National History in New York City, she discusses the emphasis on tectonic culture in her architectural and urban projects, and the essential combination of technology, craft, and material for her design practice.

Gang gives her thoughts on the future of practice, highlighting the importance of trans-disciplinary and non-traditional practices in architecture, the benefits of collaboration, and her belief in the power of public engagement as a design strategy. For more on about Gang’s commitment to the environment and comments on practice, check out her Spring 2018 studio “After the Storm: Restructuring an Island Ecosystem” and her open house lecture, “Thinking Through Practice and Research.”

Jeanne Gang is founder and principal of Studio Gang, an architecture and urban design practice based in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, and a 2011 recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship. As one of the leading contemporary American architects, Jeanne’s projects include the Aqua Tower in Chicago, the WMS Boathouse at Clark Park, and the Royal College of Art Battersea Campus in London. Jeanne is currently Professor in Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and has most recently taught an options studio on post-hurricane restructuring in the Caribbean.

Developed by Harvard Graduate School of Design, Talking Practice is the first podcast series to feature in-depth interviews with leading designers on the ways in which architects, landscape architects, designers, and planners articulate design imagination through practice. Hosted by Grace La, Professor of Architecture and Chair of Practice Platform, these dynamic conversations provide a rare glimpse into the work, experiences, and attitudes of design practitioners from around the world. Comprehensive, thought-provoking, and timely, Talking Practice tells the story of what designers do, why, and how they do it—exploring the key issues at stake in practice today.

Grace La is Professor of Architecture, Chair of the Practice Platform, and former Director of the Master of Architecture Programs at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.  She is also Principal of LA DALLMAN Architects, internationally recognized for the integration of architecture, engineering and landscape. Cofounded with James Dallman, LA DALLMAN is engaged in catalytic projects of diverse scale and type.  The practice is noted for works that expand the architect’s agency in the civic recalibration of infrastructure, public space and challenging sites.

Talking Practice is produced by Ronee Saroff and edited by Maggie Janik. Our Research Assistant is Julia Roberts. Practice Platform Support is provided by Jihyun Ro. The show is recorded at Harvard University’s Media Production Center by Multimedia Engineer Jeffrey Valade.

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