In the Public Interest: Redefining the Architect’s Role and Responsibility

Public Interest Design, a growing field within the profession, is re-positioning architects to critically address the social, political, and environmental issues of the 21st century through a community engaged design process. This shift advances the notion that architecture is not only a product, but a process that instills the tools and awareness for individuals to improve their condition. As this year’s recipient of AIA Seattle’s Emerging Professionals Travel Scholarship, Garrett Nelli Assoc. AIA traveled to Los Angeles, New Orleans, rural Alabama, Haiti, Burkina Faso, and Italy to catalog how the built environment can proliferate positive societal change.

This research proposal showcases six non-traditional practices expanding and redefining the role of the architect to include social activist, engaged facilitator, environmental steward, political advocate, among others, in order to meet the complex needs of the public. The selected projects offer unique perspectives on how to promote meaningful public engagement and present new methods for the profession to design for Seattle’s communities.

Join us for related programming at the Center:

Movie Night: Design that Heals Documentary
April 26 | 5:30PM – 6:30PM

The Changing Nature of Practice: How Emerging Processes are Encouraging Social Change
May 24 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm

The Emerging Professionals Travel Scholarship is funded by generous contributions from Seattle-area Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and AIA members.

Thank you to our Exhibit Sponsors: