Martha Thorne is dean of IE School of Architecture and Design, one of five schools that comprise the innovative, international IE University based in Madrid, Spain. She is also executive director of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, a position she has held since 2005. Her current interests focus on the role of architecture and design in making cities more liveable and the development of new teaching methods for architecture and design education.
Prior to her current role, she worked as a curator at the Department of Architecture at The Art Institute of Chicago. In her curatorial position, she undertook research, exhibition production and collection development, as well as edited books and wrote numerous articles for architectural journals and encyclopaedias.
Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design & Executive Director of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Martha Thorne shares her unique perspective on how technology will shape the future of architecture and design, and how we, in turn, will shape the technologies of the future in her thought-provoking 361 degrees lecture.
One of the main concerns she raises is the uncertainty regarding the challenges of the future. We have no way of knowing what issues the future will bring. Though science-fiction has tried to envision the future, and the cities of the future – sometimes eerily correctly, sometimes missing the mark – the one thing that is assured is the advancement of technology. So what does all this mean for the future of architecture and design?
Though skeptical of technological innovations, Martha believes that technology can be a powerful instrument to shape the future of architecture and design. However, it is contingent on architects and designers using technology creatively and responsibly, with the right intentions. These innovations have the potential of enhancing transparency and communication between collaborators in an architectural project – from designers to users, from contractors to clients. Technology in this sense can be a great leveler, bringing everyone on the same platform where information is accessible to all, efficiency is highlighted, and errors are prevented.
This story is from the April 2019 edition of Indian Architect & Builder.
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This story is from the April 2019 edition of Indian Architect & Builder.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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