Episode Description

This episode from the Beyond Surface features Chana Haouzi, an architect, educator, and founder of Architecture for Public Benefit. Chana explores the mission-driven nature of her work, emphasizing how architecture should transcend traditional practice to serve the public good by addressing social and cultural challenges through thoughtful design.

Listen and learn about the philosophy and objectives behind Architecture for Public Benefit, a practice committed to creating equitable and inclusive environments that improve communities’ quality of life. Chana discusses the vital role of advocacy, community engagement, and inclusivity in mission-based design, highlighting the skills and mindsets required to succeed in this approach.

The episode delves into the broader responsibilities architects carry beyond aesthetics, underscoring design’s capacity to empower underrepresented voices and foster social equity. Chana reflects on the practical and ethical challenges faced when pursuing socially conscious design within an industry often driven by commercial interests.

Her stories and experiences inspire architects, educators, and design professionals to reconsider the power of their work in shaping public spaces that serve diverse communities and address systemic inequalities. The conversation is both a call to action and a reminder of architecture’s potential as a transformative tool for positive social change.

Overall, “The Power of Design” offers a compelling exploration of how mission-driven architectural practice challenges conventional norms and expands the impact of design far beyond buildings — urging those in the field to harness their creativity and expertise for the public.