Architects Lori A. Brown and Cynthia Shonaiya in conversation about alternative spaces for birthing and aging

Join Cooper Hewitt to learn more about how designers and architects are creating safe alternative spaces, including at home, for birthing and aging. Through two installations in Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial , architects Lori A. Brown and Cynthia Shonaiya explore new approaches to spaces for medical care. In this program, they will discuss the statistics, procedures, and hurdles faced when choosing to birth or age in alternative spaces during vulnerable stages of life.

Brown will discuss the “Birthing in Alabama: Designing Spaces for Reproduction” installation, which explores the history of birth in Alabama and centers on the efforts of obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Yashica Robinson to provide access to a new and expanded network of home healthcare services and alternatives to hospital births.

Shonaiya will speak about Hord Coplan Macht’s “Aging and The Meaning of Home” installation, which recreates a supportive living environment designed to support seniors with physical and mild cognitive impairments. The furnishings and lighting show how design can positively impact people’s comfort levels and enhance their abilities as they grow older.

The conversation will be moderated by writer, internist, geriatrician and palliative care physician Rachael Bedard.

SPEAKERS 

Lori A. Brown’s creative practice examines the relationships between architecture and social justice with particular emphasis on gender and its impact upon spatial relationships. Brown is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a distinguished professor at the School of Architecture, Syracuse University, and a registered architect in New York State.

Cynthia E. Shonaiya, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is the Principal, Senior Living & Affordable Housing Market Sector Leader at Hord Coplan Macht. Shonaiya has 30 years of professional experience spanning three continents and has been team leader and principal-in-charge on a number of award-winning senior living, multifamily, and affordable housing projects at HCM.

 

AccessibiliTy & What to Expect

  • Format: The program will begin with a brief welcome, then the speakers will engage in a moderated conversation. 
  • About the space: This program will take place in Cooper Hewitt’s Lecture Room on the ground floor of the museum. It is fully wheelchair accessible. Theater-style seating is available. There is an accessible restroom on the same floor. Read more about  accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
  • Accommodations: The program will have live CART captioning. If we can provide additional services to support your participation, email us at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when you register. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date.

Support 

Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial is presented in collaboration with Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. This project received federal support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum; the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino; the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center; and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Generous support is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation and the Terra Foundation for American Art.

Support is also provided by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation; Edward and Helen Hintz; re:arc institute; the Keith Haring Foundation; the Lemberg Foundation; Maharam; and the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts.