Architecture Meets $cience Meets Art: Everything is Connected
THE O$ Lani Lee (aka Lan-Dogg)
TITLE Architect
FOCUS Project Management- interface with clients and help oversee projects
YEARS IN THE GAME 10 y 8 anos
EDUCATION Bachelor of Architecture
WHEREABOUTS City of Angels
You are currently working on designing research labs, right?
A new research building, actually, which will be used for mechanical engineering and material sciences. It’s an inter-disciplinary building, which will be used for biomedical engineering, bioengineering, and chemistry. We are designing experimental labs and computational labs, a makerspace, faculty offices and classrooms. We're really focusing on providing state-of-the-art facilities for the University to attract noted researchers and students, a sustainable LEED building, and have it within the Client's budget.
What factors of designing a research building are you responsible?
We are responsible for everything- interiors and exteriors, and the building top to bottom. We hire consultants for infrastructure. It’s important to realize that different sciences require different lab spaces- i.e. biology versus engineering versus chemistry. Some researchers like all open labs and others closed spaces, so we need to consider where walls are placed. Also, labs grow and shrink over time, so we want to accommodate everyone when shifts occur in the future.
What are your scientist clients looking for?
One common request is that they all like to be able to hold discussions with each other, so creating common use areas to help interaction is key. An open lab design makes idea exchange easy for introverted scientists and engineers. Laying out spaces into the design to promote collaboration is the fun part because architects think about how people move through spaces. Even though promoting how people in spaces interact is important, PI’s normally want their office to be separate to avoid being "too available". Each University has their own "culture' so we try to be sensitive to their needs, provide suggestions on maybe improving their situation, but never imposing that there's only one way to lay out their building. Besides, separate lab and office spaces are more practical because lab spaces have specific requirements and it takes away efficiency if both are together.
Has a scientist ever asked you to create a design that was the craziest thing you have ever heard?
Actually, not one has made an illogical request- they are very logical so they don’t make stupid requests.
What’s it like dealing with clients who are scientists?
So far I found that they are very interesting, open to ideas, and not stubborn. When I find out what they are doing it is inspiring. They work well with architects because they grasp concepts. Also, they’re very practical and don’t use esoteric words. They don't mess around. I wish everyone was as efficient as mechanical engineers!
Are scientists easier to work with compared to other clients?
Clients who know exactly what they are doing and able to describe it succinctly and can see things in 3 dimensions are easiest and are my favorite type of clients. Scientists are fun to work with because they are very creative people. They are changing the world. Academics are the best and the brightest. It’s great when everyone brings something different to the table- You can’t think you know more than someone when working on architectural projects. Never think you're the smartest person in the room. There is always someone smarter, especially in the sciences, some of those researchers may have received a Nobel Prize.
What’s a research building that you like?
One lab building I like is the Krishna (P.) Singh Center for Nanotechnology at UPenn designed by Weiss/Manfredi. It looks cool with all that glass and nice public spaces. The overall form of the building and how you move through the space is well thought out. Great use of materials.
What do you think of HOK’s Francis Crick Institute building design which is massive and houses multiple scientific disciplines?
Oh my God, it’s so huge. The first thing that comes to mind is “What are their exhaust stacks?” I can’t even image the amount of energy they must use. Considering the design of a research facility this big makes me think about all the pieces coming together- it all has to be just so. I’d love to do something that massive because it would be fun and cool.
What does it usually cost to design lab spaces or research building?
It varies due to size. A lot, though.
Do you loathe using cheap materials? Are you the one who decides that?
Certain standards need to be followed for interiors, but picking the best stuff for the exterior is always cool. All schools have a different aesthetic, so I need to follow that to make everything look good. Some clients let me do what I want, but I need to work within their pallet- this is often challenging.
Can you see the parallels between architecture, art, and science?
Architecture is artistic in a practical way because we think about the laws of physics. Meeting with contractors and engineers helps us learn about the entire project and design, which makes what we are designing real. Compromising design is minimized when we know more about the technical concepts.
Do you bring art into your designs of labs?
Yes. Different things can inspire me as it has other designers. Thinking about shape I refer to (Frank) Gehry and Richard Serra (the sculptor). I also picture how I want a space to feel. Everything is connected- for example, music brings ideas about designing for sound.
Where do you find design inspiration?
Music, paintings, anything that I find moving. A great example is Marfa (in Texas), which was created by Donald Judd and is filled with land art installations. It moved me on my first visit- it’s a town, but more like a museum. I can’t explain the experience, but it made me think about art and architecture in a way that stays with me. A trip to Egypt also really moved me- I’ll always remember it and it will forever impact how I think about people and things. It might be that as an architect, it impacts how you see people. Robert Smithson was a conceptual artist, but I can picture his work and know what I want a building to feel like. The Rothko Chapel’s organization is peaceful and serene- it’s an example of how art and architecture come together in a space that allows one to contemplate and think. A building by architect Le Corbusier in France Ronchamp is a chapel (Notre Dame du Haut), but is inspiring as an enlightened space and mixes art and architecture.
What do you do besides architecture?
When I have time I take classes for drawing, knitting, music, and ceramics. These are important to keep a creative flow when I am not actually designing on a project.
Why did you choose architecture?
I decided in high school or when I was younger. I can’t remember this, but my mom insists that, while I was watching a TV show about a family getting thrown out of their house, I said that I wanted to build houses for poor people. Also, maybe it was stubbornness because people said I was a girl and that I couldn’t do it. A female guidance counselor in high school said it would be too hard because architecture involved a lot of science and math. So she advised me to do something else. That’s when I became determined to become an architect. I mean, I didn’t tell her to F-off, but I was thinking it.
What are your goals for career advancement?
To be principal, which can be the same as partner depending on the firm. Any leadership role is where I am headed, which will allow me to go after a project and help realize the firms vision. I am not sure if I want to do this forever or to do something with this. Building another Marfa or founding a non-profit organization are not out of the question.
How do roles flow?
Every office is designed differently as far as designating responsibilities. Usually, a firm sets up 1-2 people to head a project, but others are more collaborative. Our office, for example, designates a leader and executers. The partner usually has an idea of the design to be executed for the client. Some clients want us to come up with the entire concept, but a lot more money goes into this because of the extra time involved. Others come in with their ideas and work with us to realize them. 85% is executing designs.
So how is your role defined right now?
On this project, I provide input, but not designing. The higher you move up the smaller the designing aspect gets because you are more responsible to get work and manage projects. Sometimes I miss design, but knowing all the pieces that go into a project is important and exciting. I must know the ripple effects of every design decision. I believe in being an all-around architect, so I enjoy doing different things on different projects. Being fluid is important and makes for a good well-rounded architect.
How do you balance work and life?
It’s a constant struggle. Sometimes something has to give because you think it’s impossible. I just plow through. When I get time off I take it. It’s hard to leave work that’s not done, but that’s my personality. I’m not comfortable leaving loose ends or putting my work on someone else to finish.
Does your company provide balance/support?
Yes, they are great. We get every other Friday, so it’s a day to re-charge. I find it hard to take those because I really care about what I am doing and if something gets done.
Have you seen differences between men and women in your field or work environment?
Totally. Not at this office, but I have seen it earlier in my career. Things have changed since I started in 1998. Also, getting older actually lessens the distinction. Women have to prove they are good, but men are given the benefit of the doubt. I find that sophisticated clients just want anyone who knows what they are doing. But contractors are a different story. Sigh. The larger contractor firms out there handle women on a job site better, based on my experience. Who knows, gender equity in our field is becoming more of a current topic, so I hope things will change for the better.
Hypothetically, how do you handle a contractor being an asshole?
The young me would get mad, but now I’m confident in my abilities as an architect. I just press on focused on my work, so all I can do is hope the other person turns around. You try to be the better person and move on. Then again, I'm not above raising my voice either if the situation calls for it!
How would you advise someone who wants to become an architect?
You must really love it because it’s very challenging, you need to have thick skin. You will constantly be criticized (hopefully constructively) on how to make whatever you're working on better, more innovative, more cost-effective, etc... Long hours. It involves a lot of problem solving, so you’re always working on making things better. Working in architecture teaches critical thinking and open mindedness. It really does help set you up to do anything. One guy I used to work with now has a brewery and helps run his family's restaurant. He learned from working in an architecture firm how to get people to do what you need done in a timely manner and have great looking menus!
SCIENCE IS BEAUTY™
EFFORTLESSLY BEAUTIFUL IN THE LAB.
