Culture of Place: A conversation with Farida Abu-Bakare (WXY), Curry J. Hackett, and Tura Cousins Wilson (SOCA)

A neighborhood’s future depends in part on the organizations that give people a place to gather and a voice in what happens next. How can architecture support that work? Join architect Farida Abu-Bakare in conversation with designer, artist, and educator Curry J. Hackett, and architect Tura Cousins Wilson of Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA) to explore how community organizations can shape stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Drawing on the participants’ respective practices, the discussion will consider how design can sustain local cultural life while responding to changing community needs. The participants bring distinct perspectives on Black cultural memory and the relationships between communities and the spaces they inhabit. Together, they will examine what architects can learn from the people already doing the work of building community, and how those relationships can give residents a greater role in shaping the places they call home. This event is presented by the Van Alen Vanguard, a dynamic network of emerging design leaders. Farida Abu-Bakare and Curry J. Hackett are among the inaugural cohort developing public programs and exhibitions that reimagine designers’ roles in civic life and center equity, resilience, and local knowledge. ​​​​Notice of Access, Filming, and Photography Van Alen is committed to ensuring that all of our events are inclusive and accessible for all participants. Van Alen Institute is on the ground floor and ADA-accessible. If you require accommodations or have any questions about access needs, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to support your participation. When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction.