Design x Technology Lecture: Elizabeth Wittacker

Elizabeth Whittaker is the Founding Principal of Boston based MERGE Architects, a practice aimed at developing contemporary craft, transforming type, and addressing social ecologies across all program. For this talk Elizabeth will share how the work of her practice has evolved from small-scale material explorations to transforming Housing typologies in Boston, Detroit, and throughout the US. The presentation will explore contemporary interpretations of varying contexts, as MERGE reimagines the vernacular of each unique site and region at the missing middle scale of Housing.

The need for more modest scale multi-family housing in particular offers immense opportunity for experimentation and the revitalization of many neighborhoods throughout the country. As the housing crisis in the US has reached a fever pitch, we can no longer rely on Big Development to satisfy all of our collective housing needs and changing lifestyles. This lecture will discuss how MERGE is translating known residential building types in both form and material to address this demand for diversity through their research and built work on the flat, maisonette, duplex, townhouse, triple-decker, and Chicago 6-flat.

CEU: This lecture equals 1 professional architecture credit. This lecture is free and open to the public. As part of CoAD’s Design x Technology Lecture Series, guests may watch online or on campus. Register for the location/viewing details.