Architecture’s relevance too often goes un-questioned by those within the discipline, even as it is increasingly marginalized in public discourse and private experience. While we argue that there is no realm of human activity untouched by architecture, there is a clear need to more explicitly demonstrate architecture’s contribution to our environment, broadly defined. How can we more convincingly, authentically, and directly respond to the questions: Why does architecture matter? What is its value and its cultural weight? And how can the relevance of architecture be leveraged, expressed, and experienced?
Architecture enters into a civic discourse with those who inhabit and shape our neighborhoods, cities, nations, and planet. It can provide the social infrastructure for equity, inclusion, justice, and responsibility, making a significant material impact on the complex and urgent issues that define public life. It can be aspirational, making space for questions, ideas, and creativity. Form, material, composition, representation, and production are not only aesthetic concerns; they are also mechanisms for heightening awareness of and engagement with contemporary and future cultures.
All lectures will take place in the HSA auditorium at 720 N. Washington Ave, Springfield, MO.
