Gabriella D’Angelo, Assist. Prof. of Architectural Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

The beating heart of architecture for me has always been defined by the individual(s) that inhabit it, not only as dweller, but also as collaborator within the design/build process. From concept to implementation to function, my work often defines architecture as an interactive tool, a frame for the public to engage with in the creation of a shelter or space that is fluid and adaptive rather than hardened and defined. Enabling the individual(s) to construct environments, tangible and intangible, acknowledges a shift in the creation and ownership of the architecture or landscape, making it more democratic and in-tune with societal needs and desires. This framing, within the established narrative as well as the activation of an architecture, permits a heightened definition and focus on the people, the essence of architecture.