Lecture Title: Hybrid Landscapes

Description: Walter Hood is the Creative Director and Founder of Hood Design Studio in Oakland, CA. He is also a professor at the University of California, Berkeley and lectures on professional and theoretical projects nationally and internationally. Hood Design Studio is tripartite practice, working across art + fabrication, design + landscape, and research + urbanism. The resulting urban spaces and their objects act as public sculpture, creating new apertures through which to see the surrounding emergent beauty, strangeness, and idiosyncrasies. The Studio’s award winning work has been featured in publications including Dwell, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Architectural Digest, Places Journal, and Landscape Architecture Magazine. Walter Hood is also a recipient of the 2017 Academy of Arts and Letters Architecture Award.

Walter J. Hood (born 1958) is an American designer, artist, academic administrator, and educator. He is the former chair of landscape architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, and the principal of Hood Design Studio in Oakland, California. Hood's work encompasses architecture, landscape architecture, visual art, community leadership, urban design, and planning and research. He has spent more than 20 years living in Oakland, California, drawing on his strong connection to the Black community in his work. Hood primarily focuses on public realm and urban environments.

Early Life and Education

Walter J. Hood was born in 1958 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he also grew up. He attended North Carolina A&T State University, receiving a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 1981. Hood earned both his Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley in 1989. He also received a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2013, focusing on studio arts and sculpture, exploring the role of sculpture and urbanism.

Career

Hood established Hood Design Studio in Oakland, California, in 1992. His work spans from local, community-based projects—such as Splash Pad Park, a converted traffic island alongside Interstate 580 in Oakland, California—to large-scale garden designs like the grounds for the new M. H. de Young Museum in San Francisco with Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron (2005). Hood's public spaces embrace the essence of urban environments and their links to urban redevelopment and neighborhood revitalization.

Hood is also involved in several ongoing projects, including designing the landscape for the Autry National Center Southwest Museum in Los Angeles, creating an archaeological garden within the context of the South Lawn Project at the University of Virginia, and developing a series of monuments and markers for a six-mile waterfront trail in Oakland, California.

Hood's published monographs, "Urban Diaries" (Spacemaker Press, 1997) and "Blues & Jazz Landscape Improvisations" (Poltroon Press, 1993), illustrate his approach to the design of urban landscapes. These works won an ASLA Research award in 1996. His essay "Macon Memories" is included in "Sites of Memory: Perspectives on Architecture and Race" (Princeton Architectural Press, 2001).

In 2010, Hood won an international design competition for the Solar Strand project—a quarter-mile solar-panel array on the University at Buffalo's North Campus, financed by the New York Power Authority.

In 2013, Hood served as one of six selection committee members for the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence.

In 2014, Hood was commissioned by the Metro Nashville Arts Commission to create "Witness Walls," a commemorative sculpture celebrating Nashville's civil rights history during the 1950s and 1960s. A public dedication event for the project, Nashville's first civil-rights inspired public art, was held on April 21, 2017.

Awards and Recognition

Hood has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work:

• Fellow at the American Academy in Rome in Landscape Architecture (1997)
• Cooper–Hewitt National Design Award for Landscape Design (2009)
• MacArthur Fellowship (2019)
• Arts and Letters Award in Architecture, American Academy of Arts and Letters (2017)
• Dean's Medal, University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning (2014)

Hood's work has been featured in exhibits such as "The Good Life: New Public Spaces for Recreation" at the Van Alen Institute in New York (2006). He has exhibited and lectured on his professional projects and theoretical works nationally and internationally.

Lecture Title: Material Operations: Tactility, Failure, Play, and Found Potential in the New Design Research from Patkau Architects

Description: Mr. Wenger joined Patkau in 2013 and became a Senior Design Researcher in 2017. He runs the Patkau Design Lab, a facility for design research, prototyping and material investigation. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as a Teaching Assistant, a Graduate Student Representative, and wrote for the student journal, Issue. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2000 and, before studying architecture, enjoyed a career in the Chicago music and arts community. Mr. Wenger was the main contributing author of Patkau Architects, Material Operations; Princeton Architectural Press 2017.

Pete Wenger (born 1978) is an American architect and designer known for his work in design research, prototyping, and material investigation. He is a Senior Design Researcher at Patkau Architects, a prominent architectural firm based in Vancouver, Canada, where he also runs the Patkau Design Lab.

Early Life and Education

Pete Wenger was born in 1978. He pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, graduating in 2000. Before venturing into architecture, Wenger had an active career in the Chicago music and arts community, where he engaged in various creative endeavors.

Wenger furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. During his time there, he served as a Teaching Assistant and a Graduate Student Representative, and he contributed to the student journal, Issue.

Career

Wenger joined Patkau Architects in 2013, a firm renowned for its innovative and contextually sensitive architectural designs. By 2017, he had become a Senior Design Researcher and took the lead in managing the Patkau Design Lab. This facility is dedicated to design research, prototyping, and material investigation, reflecting Wenger's expertise and interest in the intersections of architecture and materiality.

In addition to his practical architectural work, Wenger is an accomplished author. He was the main contributing author of "Patkau Architects: Material Operations," published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2017. The book delves into the innovative material practices and experimental approaches of Patkau Architects.

Contributions and Impact

Wenger's role at Patkau Architects has significantly influenced the firm's approach to material experimentation and design innovation. His leadership at the Patkau Design Lab has fostered a culture of rigorous research and prototyping, pushing the boundaries of architectural practice.

Through his work, Wenger has contributed to the broader discourse on architecture and materiality, blending his background in fine arts with his architectural expertise to explore new possibilities in design. His contributions continue to shape the evolving landscape of contemporary architecture.

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Lecture Title: Where We Want to Live – Reclaiming Infrastructure for a New Generation of Cities

Description: Ryan Gravel is an urban planner, designer, and author working on infrastructure, concept development, and policy as the founder of Sixpitch. His master’s thesis launched the Atlanta Beltline, which through fifteen years of progress, is now changing both the physical form of his city and the decisions people make about living there. Alongside other projects at Sixpitch and research on similar “catalyst infrastructure” projects around the world, Ryan’s book, “Where We Want to Live,” (St. Martin’s Press, 2016), investigates this cultural side of infrastructure, describing how its intimate relationship with our way of life can illuminate a brighter path forward for cities.

The Atlanta Beltline was born in academia as a simple idea for a better way of life. Now, it’s a $4 billion infrastructure project in the early stages of implementation. Its original author, Ryan Gravel, will describe how this catalyst project came to life, what it means, and why it matters. Building on the title of his new book, Where We Want to Live, Gravel will expand on these ideas, sharing how similarly-transformative projects – from the Rail Park in Singapore to the concrete Los Angeles River – represent a new kind of cultural momentum that will reshape the way we build cities. He’ll conclude with current work on the Atlanta City Design, a daunting endeavor to go deeper than the Atlanta Beltline and discover the city’s civic identity. By organizing around its core values, the city will ensure that its anticipated growth will deliver the best version of Atlanta, not some other place that people don’t like or recognize anymore.

Ryan Gravel (born 1971) is an American urban planner, designer, and author known for his work on infrastructure, concept development, and policy. He is the founder of Sixpitch, a consultancy that focuses on transformative urban projects. Gravel's master's thesis laid the groundwork for the Atlanta Beltline, a project that has significantly influenced the urban landscape and lifestyle decisions in Atlanta, Georgia. His book, "Where We Want to Live" (St. Martin's Press, 2016), explores the cultural implications of infrastructure and its potential to shape cities.

Early Life and Education

Ryan Gravel was born in 1971. He pursued higher education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture. It was during his master's studies that Gravel developed the concept for the Atlanta Beltline, a comprehensive redevelopment project aimed at repurposing old railway corridors into a network of public parks, multi-use trails, and transit.

Career

In 2012, Gravel founded Sixpitch, a firm dedicated to leveraging infrastructure projects to catalyze urban transformation. The firm's work encompasses various aspects of urban planning, design, and policy, with a focus on projects that inspire cultural and social change.

The Atlanta Beltline

The Atlanta Beltline began as Gravel's master's thesis, envisioning a 22-mile loop of unused railway corridors around Atlanta repurposed into green space and transit. This visionary idea has evolved into a $4 billion infrastructure project that is reshaping Atlanta's urban environment. The Beltline project is not only changing the city's physical form but also influencing how people choose to live and move within the city. It stands as a prime example of "catalyst infrastructure," a term Gravel uses to describe projects that spur significant urban and social change.

Publications and Thought Leadership

In his book, "Where We Want to Live," Gravel examines the cultural dimensions of infrastructure, arguing that the way we design and build our cities has profound implications for our quality of life. The book discusses various transformative projects worldwide, such as the Rail Park in Singapore and the revitalization of the Los Angeles River, highlighting a growing cultural momentum toward more thoughtful and inclusive urban development.

Gravel frequently speaks about the Atlanta Beltline and similar projects, emphasizing their potential to redefine urban living. His insights extend to ongoing initiatives like the Atlanta City Design, which seeks to identify and uphold the core values of Atlanta as it grows, ensuring that development enhances the city's unique identity.

Current Work and Impact

Ryan Gravel continues to influence urban planning through his work at Sixpitch and his research on catalyst infrastructure. His efforts aim to inspire cities to adopt sustainable, community-focused development practices that prioritize quality of life and cultural integrity. By promoting projects that integrate infrastructure with civic values, Gravel advocates for a future where cities are more livable, equitable, and reflective of their residents' needs and aspirations.

Through his pioneering work on the Atlanta Beltline and other transformative projects, Gravel has become a key figure in contemporary urban planning, demonstrating how visionary thinking and strategic planning can drive meaningful change in urban environments.

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Lecture Title: Technology + Construction + Manufacturing = A Whole New Way

Description: CEO, Director and co-founder of DIRTT, has over 40 years of experience in the interior construction industry, including launching and growing SMED International into a publically traded modular interior construction company with over $300 million in annual revenue and his role as CEO of Evans Consoles, a private company providing command-control infrastructure solutions. SMED International was sold to Haworth Inc. in 2000.

Mogens Smed is a prominent figure in the interior construction industry, known for his extensive experience and innovative approach to modular interior construction. He is the CEO, Director, and co-founder of DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time), a company specializing in sustainable and customizable interior construction solutions.

Career

SMED International

Mogens Smed began his significant impact on the industry with the founding of SMED International, a company specializing in modular interior construction. Under his leadership, SMED International grew into a publicly traded company with over $300 million in annual revenue. The company became known for its innovative solutions and efficient construction processes.

In 2000, SMED International was sold to Haworth Inc., a global leader in office furniture and architectural interiors. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment in Smed's career, showcasing his ability to build and scale successful enterprises in the construction industry.

Evans Consoles

Following his tenure at SMED International, Smed served as the CEO of Evans Consoles, a private company that provides command-control infrastructure solutions. His leadership at Evans Consoles further demonstrated his versatility and expertise in managing complex projects and delivering high-quality solutions.

DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time)

In 2004, Smed co-founded DIRTT Environmental Solutions, a company focused on creating sustainable and customizable interior construction solutions. As CEO and Director, he has led DIRTT to become a leader in the industry, known for its innovative use of technology and commitment to sustainability. DIRTT's solutions allow for efficient and flexible construction processes, reducing waste and improving project timelines.

Impact and Legacy

Mogens Smed's contributions to the interior construction industry are marked by his innovative approach and successful leadership of multiple companies. His work has consistently emphasized the importance of sustainability, efficiency, and customization in construction. Through his efforts, he has helped to shape the future of interior construction, promoting practices that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Smed's career serves as an inspiration to industry professionals, demonstrating the impact of visionary leadership and a commitment to doing things right. His legacy continues through DIRTT's ongoing success and influence in the construction industry.

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Lecture Title: Design, Culture, Work + Life: People, Place and The Future

Description: As exceptional communicator, innovator, and visionary leader, Cheryl Durst has spurred progress, driven change, and encouraged the expansion of the Interior Design industry. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Cheryl is committed to achieving broad recognition for the value of design and its significant role in society through both functionality and engagement in every day work spaces and the built environment.

Cheryl Durst is a prominent leader in the interior design industry, known for her exceptional communication skills, innovative vision, and transformative leadership. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), she has been instrumental in advancing the field of interior design and promoting its importance in society.

Early Life and Education

Details about Cheryl Durst's early life and education are not widely documented. However, her professional achievements and contributions to the interior design industry highlight her dedication and expertise.

Career

International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

Cheryl Durst joined the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and quickly rose through the ranks due to her outstanding leadership and vision. As Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, she has been committed to achieving broad recognition for the value of design and its significant role in society.

Under Durst's leadership, IIDA has grown in influence and scope, advocating for the importance of interior design in creating functional, engaging, and sustainable workspaces and built environments. She has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives aimed at expanding the impact of interior design, including educational programs, industry partnerships, and public awareness campaigns.

Achievements and Impact

Cheryl Durst is renowned for her ability to spur progress and drive change within the interior design industry. Her visionary leadership has encouraged the expansion of the field, emphasizing the critical role that design plays in everyday life. She has been a vocal advocate for the integration of functionality and engagement in interior design, ensuring that spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to productivity and well-being.

Durst's efforts have led to greater recognition of interior design as a vital component of the built environment. Her work has helped to elevate the profession, highlighting the ways in which thoughtful design can improve quality of life and contribute to the success of organizations and communities.

Legacy

Cheryl Durst's contributions to the interior design industry are marked by her commitment to excellence, innovation, and advocacy. Through her leadership at IIDA, she has championed the value of design, promoting its significance in creating environments that are both functional and engaging. Her legacy continues to inspire interior designers and industry professionals, demonstrating the transformative power of design in shaping the world around us.

Lecture Title: Designing for Resilience, Equity and Democracy

Description: Underpinning her two decades of practice are a commitment to the design and planning of public places and the perpetuation of the value of landscape architecture via thought leadership, exhibitions, teaching, writing and lecturing.

Ford's work encompasses a wide range of scales and project types, from public parks and plazas to large-scale landscape planning and waterfront projects. She brings to each project a passion for the process of making vibrant landscape spaces — from the conceptual design to the details of implementation — with a particular focus on the life and use of urban, public environments.

Ford led the design of the Chicago Riverwalk, Boston's Lawn On D, Council Bluffs' Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park and Raleigh's Moore Square and strategic planning efforts including the Cedar Rapids Flood Recovery Planning, the Rebuild by Design Competition and the Changing Course Competition while a principal with Sasaki. Her work has received awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects, the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Architects, among others.

Ford is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects. She is on the board of directors for the Cultural Landscape Foundation and was the recipient of the Harvard Graduate School of Design's Charles Eliot Traveling Fellowship and Wellesley College's Shaw Fellowship.

The Oscar S. Ekdahl Distinguished Lecture Series in Architecture and Design brings the finest professionals in the design and planning disciplines to APDesign and the K-State community. These individuals are selected to avail faculty, staff, students and regional professionals to the potency of design and planning in addressing the issues we face as a global society. The series honors Oscar Ekdahl who received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University in 1933 and was a founding partner in Ekdahl, Davis, Depew, Persson Architects PA in Topeka.

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Lecture Title: Abstraction in a Landscape of Unholy Unions

Description: Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, is a practicing architect in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and serves as the E. Fay Jones Distinguished Professor at the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design at the University of Arkansas. Working outside the architectural mainstream, his architecture is based in design strategies that draw upon vernaculars, typologies, and the contradictions of place: strategies that seek to transgress conventional boundaries for architecture. His design work has received recognition with numerous national and international design awards and significant publication in books, architectural journals and magazines.