KATE O'CONNOR

Bio:

Kate offers expertise in the formative factors of both social and physical structures that inhabit the public realm. She is acutely interested in design process engagement as an integral step towards an empowered community. Her human-centered design focus has proven that engagement is an agent of instilling ownership in the evolution of space. Her pedagogy investigates the activation of public space through grass roots efforts as the most accessible aspect of establishing communal design.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I entered a competition my senior year in high school to design a portable shelter for the homeless, hosted by the High School of Visual Arts in NYC. I was intrigued that architecture could address social justice issues, not only buildings.

What do you do?

I am an Associate Professor of Architecture and the Director of the School of the Built Environment.

What excites you in the work you do?

Most recently, I am excited that social justice issues have been recognized and have started to be incorporated into both academia and the profession.

Who or what inspires you professionally?

Understanding that architecture is not just a technical, but that the role of the architect can have an influential impact on society and challenges the profession to become leaders who can solve the very complicated problems of society today.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I gave a TEDx talk- "Everyone Deserves Good Design"; how students embrace a holistic approach to design, by addressing the environmental, economic, and social empowerment of design speaks to how the project should engage and serve the public good.

Featured Project Name:

Using Socio Spatial Practices to Create the Citizen Architect

Featured Project Location:

Idlewild, Michigan

Featured Project Completion Date:

Fall, 2022

Role in Featured Project:

Professor and Coordinator, Small Town Studio

Featured Project Description:

Small Town Studio addresses real-world architecture problems in social and environmental contexts. Students work with community members of Idlewild, Michigan, the largest African American resort community established during the Jim Crow Era. Idlewild is recognized as a safe space for African Americans to vacation during segregation. Students research and analyze existing conditions, client needs, and developed macro level schematic solutions for stakeholders using socio spatial principles.