Listen into this conversation with architect Gabriela Carrillo discussing her team's ambitious "36 by 36" initiative—completing 36 architectural projects in 36 months in Mexico. Carrillo highlights the challenges and strategies of designing infrastructure in vulnerable communities, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and innovative use of local materials under tight budgets. The discussion explores the intersection of architectural design with social, cultural, and environmental contexts, reflecting on how these projects foster dignity and community empowerment through thoughtful spatial design. Carrillo also shares insights into balancing collaboration within a collective of architects, learning from mistakes, and adapting strategies for public spaces to meet evolving societal needs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the benefits and challenges of working within a collective to design and execute community-focused architectural projects under constrained timelines and budgets.
2. Learn how to integrate local materials, community needs, and environmental conditions to create adaptable and dignified public spaces that reflect and respect their cultural and social contexts.
3. Explore methods for adapting architectural designs in response to logistical, financial, and environmental constraints, with an emphasis on achieving efficient and impactful outcomes.
4. Examine how architecture can address pressing societal issues such as access to resources, inclusion, and sustainability, fostering dignity and resilience in underserved communities.

Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective

Speaker: Gabriella Carrillo

In this podcast, our host interviews architectural photographer Joe Fletcher. Learn about Fletcher’s journey from art school in London, where he transitioned from painting to photography, to his niche in architectural photography. Fletcher shares insights on the influence of his painting background, his aesthetic preferences, and the importance of light in capturing architectural essence. He also talks about the impact of technology and social media on the industry, noting both the democratization and the challenges it brings to the art form. The conversation highlights the collaborative relationship between architects and photographers, emphasizing how Fletcher’s work contributes significantly to architectural storytelling and firm branding.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of aesthetic principles in architectural photography
2. Examine the impact of light on architectural photography
3. Identify key elements of successful client relationships in creative fields
4. Evaluate the influence of technology and social media on photography and design marketing

Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective

Speaker: Joe Fletcher

In this episode, Tatiana Bilbao discusses her firm's approach to community-centered design and affordable housing. Bilbao discusses her "outside-in" design philosophy that involves deeply engaging with the local community and understanding their needs. She talks about the challenges of avoiding gentrification with new architectural interventions, using examples like the Hunter's Point project in San Francisco.

Bilbao also shares insights on policies and regulations that can help make housing more affordable and accessible, as well as her work on the Olive West master plan in St. Louis. The discussion covers topics like the role of architecture in providing "primary care" for people, the problems with housing as a commodity, and the need for more collective and flexible living spaces. Overall, Bilbao provides a thoughtful perspective on how architecture can address critical social and economic issues around housing.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the principles and practices of designing spaces that prioritize community engagement, sustainability, and inclusivity.
2. Identify and examine effective policies and strategies to support affordable housing and reduce barriers to equitable urban development.
3. Learn to design adaptable architectural spaces that support diverse community needs and promote long-term habitation flexibility.
4. Investigate the impact of market forces on urban planning, with strategies to mitigate gentrification and protect affordable housing.

Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective

Speaker: Tatiana Bilbao