world, and our different perspectives. With that in mind, learning the human condition remains a lifelong pursuit for designers and architects – time changes needs and our understanding of what a structure can provide for a local community, or how it can impact humanity, has to stay in step with the need. Curiosity is a key ingredient for staying relevant and delivering work that impacts the human experience positively. It’s a big question for the industry, because, for example, a woman’s experience of certain spaces will be totally different for a man, be it a work environment, or a shop or even streetscapes. Our cityscape feels different to each of us. If I was experiencing a space at night versus during the day, my sense of safety would be different to that of a man. If I was an immigrant, my first time in another country would be experienced differently contextually to my previous norm – I have no references, no landmarks to anchor a feeling of knowing this space. Per project, it is important for us to keep investigating who our audiences are and what their experiences might be, what are their fears and needs. Questioning this means we as architects or designers can respond to those in a way that is thoughtful, kind and impactful for all the right reasons.


What will lead the way for more radical thinking in your/our field?


Empathy. Stepping into other people’s shoes. Recognising your experience is not the only valid experience.


When I was in San Fransico for AIA recently, there was a stark contrast between the beauty of the city and the socio-economic trauma that plays out on the streets. Even now, I ask myself: How can we do better as professionals? How can we reinvent spaces and property that lies fallow in order to make them more inclusive and supportive of all members of society? If a street is inhabited by the homeless, how do you respond and what gestures do you make as an urban designer or


Left The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasmaa


architect to make a positive impact and acknowledge all who inhabit or exist in that space? Architecture and design are integral parts of our socio-economic construct. Although we can’t solve all the problems of the world, we can wield our influence to drive change through the small decisions we make, and the way we collaborate with authorities to transform legislation. If we are thoughtful about our response to briefs, and stay sensitised to our audiences’ needs, we can effect more change than we imagine.


Could you recommend a book/article/blog that inspired your thinking? Ways of Seeing by John Berger, and Juhani Pallasmaa’s Te Eyes of the Skin – both essential reading at the start of my architectural journey – are great for learning how to observe and experience the built environment beyond what is immediately visible. It is so much fun to try to decode a narrative by spotting the layers of history hidden in our surroundings. Reading National Geographic magazines growing up broadened my view of the world; past, present and future. I could dream about being an astronaut and also imagine that I could be an archaeologist.


RIGHT: MATHILDE MAREST / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM FAR RIGHT: KIT LEONG / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM


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