Conversation With Daniel Libeskind

Had an incredible two days during our commencement with the humble, authentic, and exceptionally talented Daniel Libeskind. His life stories, as rich and complex as his iconic architectural designs, weave a narrative of struggle and triumph that leaves you moved and inspired.

On an episode of ‘BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas’, we had a lively chat around the theme of “origins”. Our conversation was brimming with humor, humanity, and recollections from a well-lived life. A sincere thank you to Daniel for his captivating anecdotes and insights!

It was particularly touching when he mentioned (I’m paraphrasing here) how unique and palpable the spirit of the Boston Architectural College and its students is. Of the many honorary doctorates he has received, this one holds a special place in his heart.

Stay tuned for this engaging, candid conversation that links his personal experiences with his world-renowned work. An episode not to be missed!

Robotic Architecture with Mahesh Daas

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Vikramaditya Prakash for his insightful podcast, ArchitectureTalk. Our conversation delved into the unfolding paradigm shift in the intersection of robotics, AI and architecture.

Throughout our dialogue, we engaged in deep discussions ranging from the innate evocative nature of robots to questioning if robots should be viewed merely as machines. We also tackled the intriguing concept of ‘personhood’ within the context of robotics.

As we navigated through the superhuman aspects of robots, their potential to surpass human capabilities, and the possibility of their integration into our biological make-up, we painted a fascinating picture of the future.

The conversation was further enriched as we explored the transformative power of robots and AI in reshaping architecture and construction. We touched upon subjects like niche technologies, AI-generated designs, and the human implications of these advancements.

Join us as we navigate this exciting journey towards a robotic architectural era on ArchitectureTalk. Feel free to tune in and share your thoughts!

https://www.architecturetalk.org/home/143md

MIT President Sally Kornbluth’s Inauguration 

It was an immense pleasure and honor to congratulate MIT President Sally Kornbluth on her inauguration as the 18th president of this prestigious institution. I had the opportunity to connect with dignitaries from around the world and learn about President Kornbluth’s vision for the future of MIT.

During our discussions, I also had the chance to mention my 2015 book that provides a unique perspective about MIT’s President Chuck Vest (1990-2004), “Leading with Aesthetics: The Transformational Leadership of Charles M. Vest at MIT.”

As we explore partnerships to tackle the existential and urgent challenges facing our world, I am confident that under President Kornbluth’s leadership, MIT will continue to be a beacon of innovation, progress, and hope. Let’s forge ahead and make a difference together!

Book Chapter in a New Book by Thom Mayne

Heartfelt congratulations to Thom Mayne on the publication of his latest 1008-page epic book “M(3): Modeled Works [archive] 1978-2022”. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute a chapter, “Moderials and Their Existential Discontents”, written as a poem.
Writing about the life and death of architectural models was a unique experience, and I am honored to be featured alongside many noteworthy luminaries in the world of architecture including Sir Peter Cook, David Adjaye, Stan Allen, Tadao Ando, Neil Denari, Liz Diller, Steven Holl, Kengo Kuma, Daniel Libeskind, Greg Lynn, Jean Nouvel, Wolf Prix, Nader Tehrani, Anthony Vidler, and Kenneth Frampton among others.
Thank you, Thom, for inviting me to participate and encouraging me to write in a creative and unconventional manner. Your passion and expertise are truly inspiring.” #ThomMayne #M3 #MorphosisModelMonograph #Architecture #Creativity #MaheshDaas

Moshe Safdie in Conversation with Mahesh Daas

Fearless, experimental, revolutionary, earth shattering—all words that could be used to describe Moshe Safdie. As the host of the original exhibition of his unbuilt work, I recently had the opportunity to speak with this legendary architect, urbanist, thinker, teacher, and author at his office in Somerville, MA. Safdie is an honorary doctorate recipient and long-time friend of the Boston Architectural College.

I invite you to join me for this candid and thoughtful conversation with Moshe Safdie about his career spanning 50 years, the lessons he has learned, his utopian ideas, his legacy, and his newly released memoir. We will also discuss what comes next for him in his career. This is a unique opportunity to get to know this renowned architect and thinker on a deeper level. Please visit the following page for the video, photos, and more information about this delightful, insightful, exciting and inspiring conversation!

https://youtu.be/X4f-BB5GuwQ

Mayor Michelle Wu

Feeling grateful and inspired to have met @mayorwu Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and start a conversation about how we at @thebacboston can join forces to shape the future of Boston with a socially just and human centered design-approach. Let’s work together to create a brighter tomorrow for K-12 design literacy, social entrepreneurship, and urban development 💡 #boston #education #designthinking #partnership #leadership”

BAC Commissions Doshi Exhibit at the BAC

https://youtu.be/VijlGP3RF3A

An original exhibition commissioned by The Boston Architectural College and curated by Khushnu Panthaki Hoof. This exhibit reveals Doshi’s emerging sense of architecture as a platform for living with dignity and joy and evolution. Doshi’s illustrious work spans over 60 years at multiple scales and exemplifies the crucial role architecture plays in connecting society and promoting wellbeing, a sense of identity, and communal spirit. This exhibit, along with complementary programming provided by the BAC, brings to the forefront the need for social, economic, gender, and racial diversity in architecture and allied design fields. This exhibit will be open from January 11 – May 9, 2023.

Medellin and Bogota Partnerships Forged

This week, I’ve returned to Colombia, South America after a decade to build on the strength of our long-standing relationships. Along with Boston Architectural College Dean of Landscape Architecture María Bellalta, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with President Julio Jairo Ceballos, Dean Beatriz Elena Rave, Director of Architecture Lina Maria Escobar Ocampo, Director of International Relations Miguel Ángel Betancur, and other faculty at Colombia’s top-ranked and mission-driven Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana Medellín to solidify our partnership for education and research on climate change and urbanism. Global partnerships are a cornerstone of BAC’s strategy to offer distinctive educational opportunities, expand access to diverse communities, and collaboratively address big problems of the world. I am grateful for the hospitality and enthusiasm of everyone at UPB! I am excited by the BAC’s emergence as a global leader in innovative design education!

Forging new partnerships in Bogotá: It was a pleasure to meet Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano’s visionary President Carlos Sánchez Gaitán, Dean Felipe C. Londoño of the Faculty of Arts and Design, Diego Julián Bautista, Chief of National and International Affairs of the University, Ricardo Miranda and Jorge del Castillo, Media Manager of the Faculty and other faculty, staff and students.

Joining Hands with Anant National University, India

I am excited to share the Boston Architectural College has joined hands with the innovative Anant National University, Ahmedabad, India—two extraordinary institutions dedicated to expanding access to design education. Last week, I hosted Dr. Anunaya Chaubey, Provost of AnantU and signed an MoU between our innovative institutions.

Senator Elizabeth Warren


It was an honor to meet US Senator Elizabeth Warren this morning and briefly share the BAC’s vision with her. She spoke about the infrastructure bill, which includes provisions to expand broadband access to underserved communities, address climate change initiatives, support the National Science Foundation (NSF), and address gaps in public health affecting minority communities. These issues are all closely aligned with the mission and vision of the BAC, which has launched strategic initiatives such as building cloud infrastructure, programs in design for human health, using geothermal energy to support our operations, and innovation incubation. The BAC now has the potential to reach 85% of the world through our partnerships with governments, NGOs, and corporations to expand last mile access. This allows us to bring design education to learners wherever they are.

BAC Mixed Reality Master Planning (TM)


It was a pleasure to present the BAC’s Mixed Reality Master Planning (MxMP) initiative at the Society for College and University Planning Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA on July 26. I was honored to speak about this innovative initiative in partnership with Janette Blackburn, FAIA, Principal at Shepley Bulfinch, and Peter Atwood, Faculty and Director of Digital Media at the BAC. The MxMP process is a revolutionary approach to master planning that integrates physical, augmented, virtual, and mixed realities, physical and cloud infrastructures, and curricular strategies into a single process. This approach fundamentally transforms traditional master planning processes.

Partnering with Rep. Stephen Lynch

It was an inspiring experience to meet US Representative Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts’s 8th Congressional District. We look forward to partnering with him to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and address climate change. Thank you for your excellent and long-standing work, Representative Lynch. We are excited to work with you and the BAC to make a positive impact in these important areas.

Power Players: Boston Common June 2022

Recently featured in Boston Common magazine’s June edition of “Power Players,” I said, “Power is about empowering people to accomplish a shared vision and fulfill a common purpose. It is with joy, hope, and uplifting the most vulnerable people in our community that the power entrusted to me is best utilized.” In the feature, I discussed my experience and the positive impact of higher education. Read the entire feature to learn more about my perspective on the importance of education in creating positive change. https://hubs.la/Q01d6Dll0

Indo-US Visioning Workshop of Presidents and Chancellors

It was a pleasure to join forces with 40 other Presidents, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Directors of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), and the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, as well as other higher education leaders from prominent public and private universities in India and the US at the Visioning Workshop 2022 and Summit. This collaborative effort was organized by the Higher Education Foundation, MIT-World Peace University, Pune, India, the Association of Indian Universities, the Indian Embassy, and UNESCO in Washington DC. The Boston Architectural College was the only independent private institution from the US at the table, alongside many prominent public research universities. The workshop was expertly led by President Suresh Garimella of the University of Vermont in partnership with Executive President Rahul Karad of MIT World Peace University, Pune, India. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Sethuraman Panchanathan and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu also addressed the distinguished gathering.

#indianhighereducation#highereducationinnovation#globalhighereducation#designeducation#bacbuzz

Meeting NSF Director Panchanathan

It was a pleasure to meet Director Panchanathan in Washington, D.C. today and discuss emerging research areas and programs for contributions from design disciplines.

Enlisting Senator Ed Markey’s Support

I had the pleasure of meeting United States Senator Ed Markey and his staff this morning in Washington, DC, with a beautiful view of the US Capitol. We met to seek his support for two key strategic initiatives of the BAC’s “BAC to the Future” vision: the BAC Geothermal Micro-district and Design-driven Social Entrepreneurship Initiatives. Thank you, Senator Markey, for your warmth, enthusiasm, and appreciation of the BAC’s impact. It was a pleasure to discuss these important initiatives with you and your staff.

Keynote: The Architecture of Construction Robotics Revolution

With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution ushered in by the proliferation of robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other sentient technologies, we are witnessing a paradigm shift radically changing not only what and how we do things, but also who we are as humans. As a result, the construction industry’s fundamental assumptions, practices, and processes are being profoundly transformed. In contradistinction to CAD, BIM, VR, and digital fabrication innovations that either arose from within or adaptively absorbed by the industry, the robotics and artificial intelligence revolution is a disruptive movement from outside the industry and led by the generation of young tech entrepreneurs originating from Silicon Valley and other startup innovation hubs from Boston to Hyderabad. How might the Fourth Industrial Revolution transform architecture, engineering, and construction industries? Why should architects pay attention to robotics and AI now? What are the prospects, challenges, and opportunities? In his tour de force keynote speech, Dr. Mahesh Daas will paint a panoramic picture of the robotics revolution’s consequences for the future of architecture and construction.

It was a special experience to deliver the keynote speech “The Architecture of Construction Robotics Revolution” at the Indian Institute of Architects National Convention on May 15, 2022 to a gathering of 1800 delegates from all corners of India.

 

We Gather In Gratitude

Thank you so much for joining us on Wednesday, May 4 evening for the Boston Architectural College’s inaugural “Gather in Gratitude” program. We are incredibly grateful for your support and we hope that our celebration showed you the enduring impact of your investment! Our host, Shawmut Design + Construction, was a major component in making this event possible – thank you again to Trustee Kevin Sullivan for your leadership and generosity.

Reconnecting with Labor Sec. Marty Walsh

It was great to reconnect with US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh last week on his first trip back to Boston since he joined the Biden administration!

Honored to Meet AG Maura Healey

Honored to meet Massachusetts Attorney General @maura_healey and hear her leadership and commitment to housing equity, social justice, workforce development, and climate resilience. @thebacboston looks forward to continuing to contribute to the region on all those fronts with our BAC to the Future Vision. #

BAC Channel With Mahesh Daas Launched

BOSTON, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Boston Architectural College (BAC) announces the launching of its newest video venture, BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas. This ongoing program will offer a series of exclusive, insightful, and one-on-one conversations between President Mahesh Daas and thought leaders from around the design professions and related industries.

Renowned international architect, urban planner, educator, and Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Balkrishna Doshi. Pratik Gajjar.Image(c)Vastushilpa Foundation.
Renowned international architect, urban planner, educator, and Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Balkrishna Doshi. Pratik Gajjar.Image(c)Vastushilpa Foundation.

The BAC is honored to kick-off its inaugural episode of BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas by featuring Professor Balkrishna Doshi—India’s first and only Pritzker prize winning architect, educator, guru, and the BAC’s 2021 honorary alumnus. As President Daas noted, “While the number of his projects might be measurable, the impact of his influence is immeasurable.”

Watch this unique conversation during the inaugural launch of BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas—experience a candid discussion, and delve into the prodigious life of a leading architect, guru, and educator of our time, Professor Balkrishna Doshi.

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming episodes of BAC Channel with Mahesh Daas by visiting our website.

The Daas-Langley Fundraising Framework

I have had the pleasure of collaborating with James Langley of Langley Innovations who taught me Advancement and Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania and developed this radically innovative framework. Guided by this framework, we have exponentially increased philanthropic giving at the Boston Architectural College.

“Propelling Innovation in Higher Education”

The Penn GSE Magazine interviewed me in 2020 about how the BAC innovated in response to the pandemic:

Adapting in Times of Change: Penn GSE Alumni Shape Education’s Future

October 22, 2020

Headshot of Mahesh Daas

Despite the challenges of current times, Mahesh Daas, GRD’13, president of Boston Architectural College (BAC), sees opportunity for higher education innovation in both the need for social justice and the impact of the coronavirus.

Appointed to his current role in 2019, Dr. Daas has presided over a mission that has only increased in relevance—in his words, to “provide diverse communities access to professions that are acutely in need of better inclusion and diversification.” Consider, he says, that only 2 percent of licensed architects are African American, and a fraction of a percentage point are African American women. “That is how anemic the professions are in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

The 675-student BAC largely meets its goal, Daas says, through an education model in which students work a practicum from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at one of eighty-one partner firms and then attend classes, sometimes until 10 p.m., getting assessed on both fieldwork and academics. Students (Daas reports an average age of 28.5 years and 45.8 percent people of color) earn while they learn, which can make college more affordable, and an open admissions policy helps reduce barriers of access.

“We were talking about social justice well before all these issues became national and international discourses,” he says. “That is why our mission is what it is.”

“When the protests began to happen, or even when the pandemic broke out, in a way our vision and strategy aligned with what we saw emerging. We just had to accelerate, invest more.”   —Mahesh Daas, GRD’13Click to Tweet

When COVID-19 struck, the college already had 43 percent of its programs online, which made for an easier transition, he says, noting that BAC also has the first primarily online master’s program to earn accreditation. Most students continued their practicum placements remotely, but those laid off were assigned to community-based projects, such as developing site proposals.

Soon after his arrival, Daas began a strategic plan, often seeking advice from his cohort in Penn GSE’s Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management program. The plan includes social justice, which encompasses diversity, equity, and inclusion, as one of six tenets of BAC’s “Vision Hexagon.” He envisions social justice initiatives cutting across all aspects of the college—the curriculum, extracurricular activities, research, and institutional structures—supported by the resources to make a difference.

“When the protests began to happen, or even when the pandemic broke out, in a way our vision and strategy aligned with what we saw emerging,” he says. “We just had to accelerate, invest more.”

Daas also has emphasized nonviolent communication developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg as a way to improve organizational culture, implementing faculty and staff workshops on the approach that puts empathy at its center.

“The world has shifted,” he says. “Our way through these times is through innovation, and not by managing the crisis to go back to models and paradigms from before the pandemic.”

This article appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of The Penn GSE Magazine.

The BAC Commencement 2021 With Pritzker Prize Laureate Balkrishna Doshi as the Keynote Speaker

Legendary architect, urban planner, educator, and the 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Balkrishna Doshi has been chosen to receive an honorary doctorate from The Boston Architectural College, and deliver the commencement speech on Friday, May 28.
Professor Doshi was the first and only Indian architect to receive the Pritzker Prize. His illustrious work has made outstanding contributions to the world culture, transformed communities, and inspired generations of designers, including me.
I invite you to join us in celebrating our graduating classes, awarding Professor Doshi, and participating in the virtual festivities.

https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/pritzker-laureate-balkrishna-doshi-to-deliver-primary-speech-at-the-boston-architectural-college-s-2021-commencement-856465637.html

https://lnkd.in/eQ2VAeh#architecture#innovation#pritzkerprize#balakrishnadoshi#bostonarchitecturalcollege#bacbuzz#honorarydoctorate

https://lnkd.in/eQ2VAeh#architecture#innovation#pritzkerprize#balakrishnadoshi#bostonarchitecturalcollege#bacbuzz#honorarydoctorate

Why the design industry lacks diversity and how it will change

PRESIDENT MAHESH DAAS AND DEAN OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE DENISE RUSH SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS IN ARTICLE BY INTERIORS+SOURCES

https://the-bac.edu/experience-the-bac/news-and-events/news/interiorssources-news

Conversation with Senator Elizabeth Warren

It was a special experience to speak with Senator Elizabeth Warren last Friday.
She joined a group of Massachusetts presidents and held wide-ranging discussions about the state of higher education during these challenging times: The next federal relief funding for higher education, access to and affordability of testing, and special issues impacting international students to name a few.
I particularly stressed the multi-dimensional challenges faced by smaller colleges dedicated to the mission of educating diverse students.
Thank you, Senator Warren, for the extraordinary work you do! #bacbuzz@thebacboston 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBfifSpJxcj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

CASCIERI 28 LECTURESHIP IN THE HUMANITIES

The Boston Architectural College was pleased to present the 28th lecture in the Cascieri Lectureship in the Humanities series featuring Dr. Mahesh Daas on April 2, 2020. Dr. Mahesh Daas, President of the Boston Architectural College hosted the Cascieri Lecture in its first-ever webinar format! 

The lecture looked at a central question for years to come: How humans and robots could live together? A question that architects and designers need to proactively ponder in order to design buildings, neighborhoods and cities for decades to come. Based on his recent book Towards A Robotic Architecture, President Mahesh Daas will examine robotics and its architectural implications from phenomenological perspective.

Boston Magazine Article

“Boston Architectural College’s Mahesh Daas Is on a Mission to Reshape Design Education. In his new role as president, Daas seeks to help foster increased empathy, diversity, and creativity.”

Article by Rachel Kashdan. Portrait by Cody O’Loughlin

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2020/02/19/mahesh-daas/