In Conversation with the Land: Two Indigenous Practices

Elisapeta Heta (Ngātiwai, Waikato Tainui, Sāmoa from Aotearoa New Zealand) and Chris Cornelius (citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, North America) will discuss their experiences as Indigenous designers, comparing and expanding upon their practice and the methods by which they’re seeking to change the built environment and embed a stronger relationship to place through their Indigenous worldviews. Heta and Cornelius will share case studies to present an overview of each studio’s philosophy and material propositions, and explain how their philosophies are translated across different tectonic terrains and environments.

Following their presentations, Heta and Cornelius will engage in a conversation moderated by emerging practitioner Zoë Toledo (Diné Navajo), that compares and expands on their experience and aspirations for the future. Following this initial moderated conversation, the event will be opened for Audience Q & A .

Organized by
AIANY Diversity and Inclusion Committee; AIANY Global Dialogues Committee; Rafael Viñoly Architects