Welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we delve into the minds shaping tomorrow’s design landscapes. In our this session, joining us is Maria Lorena Lehman, an acclaimed futures architect and award-winning author.
Lehman’s expertise bridges architectural design, scientific exploration, emerging technology, and human potential. Recognized for her innovative work in smart building design, she holds a Master’s in Design from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture with Honors from Virginia Tech.
Join us as Lehman shares insights from her groundbreaking journey, exploring the intersections of architecture, technology, and neuroscience, all aimed at fostering environments that empower individuals to thrive.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a glimpse into the symphonic realms of design.
Learn more about Maria Lorena Lehman and her visionary work at www.MLLatelier.com.
RTF: Hi Maria, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. Tell us about MLL Atelier LLC.
Maria: Thank you for the invitation to participate in Future Talks. MLL Atelier LLC is an award-winning studio which I originally founded as a platform for the research and dissemination of my vision for adaptive sensory environments. For over a decade, MLL Atelier has served this purpose well by showcasing my architectural design prototypes, featuring my internationally published books, hosting my 500+ essay blog, and by serving as my teaching platform through the Architectonomy Academy.
Yet, MLL Atelier is also a platform that evolves to mirror the evolution of my own research as it leads me toward new interdisciplinary pathways. For example, MLL Atelier is currently undergoing an expansion to reflect a new direction that parallels music composition with architectural design. With this new direction, I offer not only findings about the future of adaptive environments, but also architectural soundscape design which also leads me to film and concert music composition. Since architecture, film, and concert performances all rely on narrative, I use my “creative advantage” as a multisensory design specialist to score musical and sonic narrative experiences that illuminate the soul. Thus, MLL Atelier is truly a studio platform that invites me to push boundaries within and beyond the architecture discipline.
RTF: Can you track your architectural evolution to give us an idea about how crucial it is for architects to keep an open eye on innovations in the industry?
Maria: Yes, it is imperative for architects to not only monitor innovations in the industry, but to also be part of the innovative evolution of the industry. For this, an interdisciplinary approach to architectural design is vital. For example, discoveries in fields like neuroscience and physics can help architects to see more deeply and innovatively into their design projects, process, and results. Since my practice at MLL Atelier has been significantly driven by an innovation-mindset, I am able to find new ways for built environments to help those people they serve by consistently exploring within architecture, and beyond its disciplinary boundaries. My research has led me into other fields and specializations as: neuroscience, captology, biomimicry, medicine, philosophy, fine art, physics, and even spirituality. This way of working helps architectural practitioners to gain a creative advantage while also helping to make a better world.
RTF: After practising architecture for 10 years post-graduation, you came up with your architectural teaching practice. What reasoned it?
Maria: I began teaching through the Academy I founded because it was the best way to help architectural designers evolve and improve their practice by applying my vision and research findings. Over the years, architects have read my books, blog, and journal articles; yet I needed a way to more interactively teach. Hence, the Academy.
RTF: How challenging it is to start one’s architecture firm?
Maria: Like many things in life, starting can be viewed as either a daunting hurdle or the start of an exciting adventure. The start of my practice with MLL Atelier was an exciting adventure that grew from a seed, planted because of my desire to help create a better world. My advice to those seeking to start their architecture firm is to know your “why”. Your answer to why you want to start a firm will shape its direction, branding, company culture, and project results.
RTF: What has been the most rewarding project with MLL Atelier LLC? What made it so?
Maria: My most rewarding project is always the one I am currently working on. However, I also love to experience my previous projects, as they capture an evolutionary moment along the journey of my practice. Each project I do invites one to experience architecture in a new light, so each time I revisit these projects I see new things within them, within myself, and even within my current projects.
RTF: How important is it for material development and innovation teams and the architects to be on the same page to build materials that would aid the much-required and anticipated sustainable future?
Maria: To help design and build a sustainable future, it is important for material development and innovation teams and architects to have open communication. I believe each can guide the other in their own respective ways as they design inventions, discover findings, and create new methods. The key is for such teams and architects to create bridges that foster interaction, communication, and opportunities for application. Doing this will leverage knowledge and innovation, while saving time, so we can usher even better solutions for a sustainable future.
RTF: How do you look at the work beyond designing for young architects, such as the likes of involvement in publishing, handling media and building an online presence?
Maria: I see the work of publishing, handling media, and building an online presence as an opportunity for self-reflection and deep thought that can make a profound difference in how one approaches not only architectural design, but also their career. Yet, one should note that these mediums invite response, so one should be prepared for dialogue about one’s work. This can be very enlightening.
RTF: How do you tailor your communication and publication strategies to resonate with different target audiences, whether it’s clients, peers, or the general public?
Maria: To tailor my communication to resonate with different audiences, I create resources that speak to those audiences differently. For example, I have authored an introductory book and a more advanced book to help one progress through my teachings at different levels. Also, different mediums can be used in unique ways to cater to different audiences. For example, pre-recorded video can be used to teach advanced design courses, while live video can also be used to converse with clients. To enable best understanding, I find that being creative with how one communicates is important.
RTF: How do you approach the interplay of pragmatism and subjectivity in your designs?
Maria: I find that during the creative process there are times when I lean more toward subjectivity such as during initial concept stages, and there are other times where I lean more toward pragmatism such as during design development stages. However, by the end of a project, both pragmatism and subjectivity converge. To me, a project achieves success when it is truly poetic – by achieving transcendent function, beauty, and meaning.
RTF: What is your perspective on the evolving role of architectural criticism and the influence of architectural critics in the digital age?
Maria: It is important for the architectural critic to help the discipline into its next best evolution. For this, I will leave you with the following quote:
“If the solution is not beautiful, I know it’s wrong”. – Buckminster Fuller
Thank you so much for doing this interview with us. It has been a pleasure getting to know about you and your work. We’re sure that your insights will be highly valuable to our audience which includes architects and design students. We look forward to publishing this interview on our website soon.
