10.22.24 Visiting Lecture | Hana Kassem: Resonance — Mind and Matter in Architecture

This lecture investigates the duality of experiential perception and cultural narratives through the lens of recent KPF projects. KPF Principal Hana Kassem will explore definitions of resonance and belonging in a range of contexts and cultures.
The lecture will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Nora Akawi.
Hana Kassem, FAIA, is a Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, with three decades of experience, leading the design of projects globally and in the United States. Through various typologies and scales, she investigates our effect on our environment and in turn our environment's impact on us: cognitively, socially and emotionally. Her architectural approach centers on human-centric, and sustainable design, aiming to elevate well-being and equity.
Her portfolio spans academic, research, cultural, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use projects in Brazil, the USA, France, the Philippines, and China. Notable projects in New York City are the Red Hook Houses Resiliency and Recovery for NYCHA and the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center. Kassem serves as VP for Design Excellence on the AIANY Board of Trustees and is founding chair of the AIANY annual Leaning Out | Women in Architecture panel. She also serves on the Van Alen Institute Executive Board of Trustees, where she spearheaded the initiation of the Neighborhoods Now project, mobilizing architects during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid underserved communities. Kassem has taught at Yale School of Architecture and Parsons School of Constructed Environments, and serves on academic and awards juries regularly. She co-edited the book "Architect d.b.a | On Re-defining the Roles of the Architect Today," reflecting her passion for reshaping the architectural landscape.