Please join us for a lecture given by this year’s Wornick Distinguished Professor, Michael DeGregorio, Principal at Hood Design Studio in Oakland California –  “Hood Design Studio, Inc. is a social art and design practice based in Oakland, California founded in 1992. The studio’s practice is tripartite: art + fabrication, design + landscape, and research + urbanism.”

Michael’s Biography:

Excited by cities’ multiculturalism and social dynamics, Michael embraces the notion of plurality in open space – from the garden to urban design scales. Through his work, he investigates how to bring meaning to public space to push against growing trends in globalism and banality. With a diverse international background, Michael is deeply invested in integrating the specifics of people and place in the public realm. As a Principal at Hood Design Studio, he leads the design process on projects such as McColl Park in Charlotte, California’s Charles Drew University, Washington D.C.’s AIA National Headquarters, and London’s Barbican Centre, bringing to life tales of present and past occupants. Michael takes pride in spotlighting overlooked voices through projects like MacGregor Park in Houston, The Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery and Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. These public endeavors stand as commemorative tributes to the rich tapestry of human experiences, showcasing his commitment to cultural diversity in the built landscape.

This talk immediately follows the Wornick Award Exhibition event from 5-6:30p and is open to the public.