Talks

Sport Spaces: The Global Stadiums of Populous (EN)
Thursday | 7 November 2024  
6:30 pm, Vitra Design Museum 

Many of the world’s most famous sports arenas were designed by male architects for male athletes and remain empty six days a week. What does contemporary stadium architecture look like when integrated into the urban landscape and daily life? In her lecture, renowned architect Maria Knutsson-Hall will explore how modern sports venues must cater to the needs of a diverse society, while considering the physical requirements of all athletes. As a lead architect at Populous, one of the world’s foremost architecture firms specialising in sports and entertainment facilities, Maria Knutsson-Hall has played a pivotal role in designing iconic buildings since 2013. In 2019, she was recognised as a »Rising Star« by the RIBA Journal, a testament to her visionary work. With her extensive experience in addressing the needs of fans, teams, staff and partners, Maria has contributed to the design of several Premier League stadiums in the UK.  
Discover in this talk how Maria Knutsson-Hall is redefining the boundaries of stadium architecture and shaping the future of our sports facilities.  

The talk will be held in English.  

Free admission; please register at events@design-museum.de

Barragán Lecture #4: Fernando Laposse (EN)
Thursday | 20 March 2025
6:30 pm, Vitra Schaudepot 

Luis Barragán (1902–1988) is regarded as the most important Mexican architect of the twentieth century. Renowned for his minimalist yet sensitive approach to space, colour and landscape, he masterfully combined the international avant-garde with local tradition. The significance of regional materials and cultural contexts characterises the work of Barragán, as well as that of Mexican designer Fernando Laposse. In his lecture, Laposse explores the uniqueness of Mexican design. Drawing on his projects, he will discuss the impact of agriculture, environmental protection, indigenous rights and crime on Mexico's social structures, and how these factors impact the language of his designs. 

Free admission, please register at events@design-museum.de