Episode Description

This episode from Beyond the Surface features Ann Lui, an architect and founding principal of Future Firm, a Chicago-based architecture and design research practice.

Ann discusses how architecture shapes life in the city and influences experiences within the built environment. The conversation explores the evolving role of architecture in urban settings and how design research can inform innovative approaches to creating more livable, responsive environments.

Listeners gain insight into Ann’s design philosophy, which combines creative experimentation with research-driven strategies aimed at addressing complex urban challenges. She shares stories from her practice illustrating how thoughtful design impacts daily life and contributes to the broader social and spatial fabric of cities.

The episode offers a nuanced look at the future of architectural design, emphasizing a balance between artistic vision and pragmatic considerations. Ann also reflects on how design can be an agent of positive change, enhancing how people interact with and experience urban spaces.

This episode will interest architects, urban designers, and anyone curious about the intersection of research, creativity, and city life, providing inspiration and practical perspectives on shaping the future of design.