The Impact of Architecture by Donald Schmitt at TED x UTSC explores the influence of architecture on innovation, society, and climate. Donald Schmitt emphasizes architecture’s role in shaping daily life and communities. he highlights research on urban living, carbon emissions, and the transformative power of design. Schmitt illustrates architecture’s impact through examples like Jonas Salk’s breakthrough in a medieval building and sustainable projects like the Salk Institute and Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building. Schmitt urges architects to create spaces that inspire innovation and community engagement, promoting energy efficiency and cultural significance.
Architecture is by and for the people, serving as blueprints of imagination and thought. Carl Jung, the father of analytical psychology, likened architectural drawings to diagrams of the human psyche. People spend much of their lives indoors, and urban life shapes movement around buildings.
In a TEDTalk, Canadian architects Donald Schmitt discusses the macro impact of architecture, including its role in creating communities that foster innovation, human connection, and the ability to create and learn. Schmitt emphasizes architecture’s effects on space, society, climate, and history.
Schmitt suggests that architecture profoundly influences daily life and rituals. He advocates for design’s transformative power, emphasizing innovation, functionality, elegance, sustainability, and cultural significance.
Research indicates that 50% of the global population lives in constructed environments, with two-third expected by 2050. These statistic highlight the prevalence of urban living. While transportation contributes significantly to carbon emissions, building operations contributes equally.
Schmitt begins by revealing architecture’s continuous shaping of surroundings, behavior, and social structures. he questions whether people are content with these spaces or merely adapting to their limitations.
To illustrates architecture’s impact on mindset, Schmitt recounts the story of Jonas Salk. Salk, who invented the polio vaccine, struggled in a dim basement before experiencing a breakthrough in an inspiring medieval building in Italy. This building’s scale, natural light, landscape, and quality unleashed Salk’s creativity, leading to the Salk Institute designed by Louis I. Kahn, which remains significant for its flexible design and interplay of material and space.
Schmitt argues for spaces that inspire innovation and connection, urging architects to facilitate collaboration and interaction. He cites the University of Thompson lecture hall as an example, where well-designed shapes and acoustics enhance connections.
Schmitt also emphasizes sustainability, highlighting the Law Scholl at the University of Thompson, shaped in response to Mount Paul and A.Y. Jackson’s painting. The timber roof, harvested responsibly, aligns the structure with cultural and environmental values.
The Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building exemplifies Schmitt’s sustainable design philosophy. Its biofilter system, helical staircase, and natural light create a healthy, interconnected research environment. Inga Saffron notes that many colleges seek to emulate this design.
Regent Park showcases aboriginal communities through its iconographic facade, promoting social interaction. Schmitt’s Civic trust Award-winning design fosters community engagement.
Schmitt’s work at Ryerson Image Centre and Evergreen Brick Works explores facade flexibility, using energy-efficient systems and engaging communities.
At the University of Ontario, Oshawa, Schmitt implemented geothermal wells to recover and store heat, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints.
Schmitt’ concludes by addressing the challenges of designing energy-efficient buildings while maintaining innovation, beauty, and cultural impact. his projects reflect his commitment to these principles, offering solutions for architects and communities.
The design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.
– Robert L. Peters
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