VIDEO: ‘Farmitecture: Good Design for All’ by Kate O’Connor at TEDxScranton
TED Talks, or conferences that follow the motto “ideas worth spreading,” have become a global phenomenon since the nonprofit organization began posting them online for free in 2006. With the introduction of TEDx, which supports independent organizers who want to create TED-like events in their own communities, it was only a matter of time before these intellectual and inspirational talks came to Scranton.
Organized by Jessica Meoni, TEDxScranton was held on Aug. 16 at the University of Scranton under the theme “Revitalize This!” and revolved around the concepts of urban renovation, new urbanism, eminent domain, artistic renaissance, and community building.
The talks are now posted online, so read more about this one below:
Description: Kate O’Connor takes us back to basics: shelter. She shows us how to design for those who can’t always express their needs.
Bio: Kate O’Connor is an assistant professor at the Marywood University School of Architecture in Scranton. She strongly believes 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. Socially responsible architects must serve as a bridge across borders, to develop architecture that responsibly serves people and their communities, and understand real human (and animal) needs, including economic stimulation and social consciousness. With her supervision, Kate and her students continue to practice this philosophy by designing and building holistic sustainable structures and to develop ecologically friendly strategies for the expansion of Indraloka Animal Sanctuary.
Kate received her Bachelor of Architecture from The Catholic University of America and her Master of Architecture from Tulane University in New Orleans. She is the director of the “Design Your Future” high school immersion program at Marywood University and co-coordinates the foundation and second year studio sequence as well as develops the Structures curriculum. She lived in Colorado’s Vail Valley for 15 years where she was principal of her own design firm and worked as a project manager in a construction company.
Watch more TEDxScranton videos here.
