054: Winka Dubbeldam: Leading Innovation and Technology in Academia and the Practice of Architecture

On today’s episode we share a conversation with Winka Dubbeldam. Winka is the founder and partner of Archi-Tectonics, a New York City firm widely known for their award-winning work, use of smart building systems, and innovative structures. 

Winka is also a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and was the Chair of the Department of Architecture from 2013 to 2023 where she gathered an international network of innovative research and design professionals. Winka serves as the RIBA External Examiner for the Architectural Association, is a member of the editorial board for the PLAN Journal Italy, is an advisory board member for Collectible and is one of the creative directors for CityX at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

We talk about: 

- The origin story of Archi-Tectonics and how in 1994, Winka founded the firm with an emphasis on research-driven, innovative design, and pioneering 3D modeling and computational design.

- Winka next discusses her transformative 10-year tenure as Chair of the Department of Architecture at Penn, where she expanded faculty and research initiatives, questioned the “New Normal” in Architecture, and encouraged her students to prepare not just for graduation, but for the next 25 years of practice. We get into all the details including what she looks for in faculty hires and how she split her time between NYC and Philly. 

- We also explore Archi-Tectonics’ groundbreaking designs for the 2023 Asian Games which featured an adaptable stadium and ‘earth buildings.’ Winka shares what rules her team broke in entering the project competition and how taking this risk led to success.

- Winka’s interview will inspire you to think more boldly. Grab inspiration throughout the episode with her thoughts on AI, modeling softwares, product innovations, sustainable initiatives, lessons learned from teaching, and more.

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Links: 

Website: https://www.archi-tectonics.com/

Instagram: @architectonics2129

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/archi-tectonics

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