We began this year with an ambitious plan to host a series of conversations across the U.S., inspired by our firm’s latest book, Gathering. We’d planned to bring people together in extraordinary places – the ones that inspire and connect us. Gathering features our civic, institutional, and commercial work, specifically spaces to gather. While we cannot come together at present, we believe in the enduring power of these places. These are places that feed our souls, not only because they are beautiful, but because they allow us to connect with one another.

After celebrating the release of Gathering in person early in the year, we went virtual, hosting a range of discussions on re-envisioning outdoor spaces, adaptive re-use, art and architecture during a pandemic, and much more. At the heart of all these conversations has been our shared sense of community.

About Gathering
With Gathering, we wanted to develop a book that explores the collaborative, iterative process from which these spaces evolve and a book that celebrates our shared sense of community. The nature of people has always been a primary influence for our practice: how we move, touch, and see; our intellect, emotions, and dreams; and how we interact with one another. Our current circumstances have rewritten those interactions for the moment, but we remain hopeful that we’ll rebuild and find the place for the surprise encounter and serendipitous connection that so delight and inspire us. We look forward to the day when we can gather together again. Until then, we invite you to dream with us about all the spectacular places waiting for us.

 

Past events:

Revolutionizing Retail: Designing for Apple, Blue Bottle, and Everlane
Brooklyn, NY // February 6, 2020

Rethinking Public Spaces in Seattle
Seattle, WA // February 20, 2020

Innovation in the Face of COVID-19
Virtual // May 12, 2020

Finding Joy in Our Public Spaces
Virtual // June 23, 2020

Making Being Here Enough – Art and Architecture during a pandemic
Virtual // July 21, 2020

Extending the Life of Outdoor Campus Spaces
Virtual // August 11, 2020

Reimagining the Rust Belt — Building Authentic, Sustainable Ecosystems for Innovation
Virtual // September 29, 2020

Connecting to Community in the time of COVID-19
Virtual // October 28, 2020