How Architecture Can Solve Big Social Problems with Jeanne Gang

Architecture serves as a powerful tool for fostering community and environmental stewardship through "actionable idealism." Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang, emphasizes that buildings should move beyond mere aesthetics to actively connect people with their neighbors and the natural world. By integrating biodiversity into urban environments and prioritizing functional, human-centric design, architects can combat the rising tide of social isolation. Key projects like Chicago’s Aqua Tower demonstrate how irregular, organic forms can break up wind patterns while creating communal spaces that encourage interaction. Furthermore, the practice of "architectural grafting"—the thoughtful repurposing and upcycling of existing structures—offers a sustainable path forward, reducing embodied carbon while honoring historical context. This approach challenges the traditional "architect as God" model, advocating instead for collaborative, community-engaged design that addresses the urgent realities of climate change and modern urban living.