Practicing Optimism: Architects In Their Communities

The Hammons School of Architecture is set to host a symposium this Friday, April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the architecture building’s multi-purpose room. The symposium is called “Practicing Optimism: Architects in their Communities.”

Dr. Robert Weddle, professor of architecture and dean of the Hammons School of Architecture, helped organize the event and select the guest speakers. Weddle is ecstatic to have such a talented group of people visiting campus. These individuals will teach students about the importance of benefiting their communities.

“This symposium is a key event in our annual lecture series, which this year is titled ‘Optimism.’ The premise for this theme is that, given the number and range of challenges facing communities throughout the world, it is useful to see how designers, researchers and academics are taking on these challenges with attitudes of hopefulness and optimism,” said Weddle.

A special part of the first lecture is that the audience will hear stories and experiences from Drury alumni in the building that helped spark their passion for architecture.

The presenters will include three Drury architecture alumni as well as an invited keynote speaker: Dr. Georgeen Theodore. Dr. Theodore is the professor of architecture at New Jersey Institute of Technology and founding partner of the design firm Interboro, based in Brooklyn, Ny.

“Professor Theodore will discuss the work of her firm as well as her research efforts—emphasizing how her work and interests connect with public and social issues that can be revealed and addressed through design,” said Weddle.

The three alumni (Jay Reeves ’00, Shane Hood ’02 and Olivia Snell ’16) will each present examples of how their professional and personal lives are committed to connecting with communities in order to improve them.

Aluma, Olivia Snell, associate designer at MWA Architects in Portland, Or., is excited to be back on campus as a co-speaker at the symposium.

“I graduated from the Hammons School of Architecture (HSA) in 2016, and this is my first time returning to join their lecture series. I spent my fifth year of architecture school assisting the Lecture Series Committee at HSA, so it’s an honor to be asked back and participate in this way. I love that the lectures inspire students and provide opportunities for them to hear about unique work in their future profession,” said Snell.

Architecture is much more than blueprints of magnificent buildings. Olivia Snell will be discussing the many impacts that architecture has within the communities it serves.

Olivia Snell, alumna and guest speaker. Photo via Snell.

“We are taught that architecture is a form of art, but it also has the power to affect people’s social experiences, environmental impacts and economic well-being. This series aims to look at those influences in positive ways,” said Snell.

One must be able to find the happiness in every situation. This lecture series will help people stay inspired and encourage people to work together to make something both beautiful and beneficial.

“There are many challenges facing us in today’s world, some of which feel ‘too big’ to tackle on our own. It’s important to find optimism and good work wherever we can, including through the profession of architecture. Design and construction already have a huge influence on how we experience the world. We should use our projects to solve complex problems and challenge what’s possible. Together, I hope we can inspire students and give them the fuel to test how they think about architecture,” said Snell.

Article written by Kate Bequette.