Architecture that's built to heal | Michael Murphy

Architecture is more than a clever arrangement of bricks. In this eloquent talk, Michael Murphy shows how he and his team look far beyond the blueprint when they're designing. Considering factors from airflow to light, theirs is a holistic approach that produces community as well as (beautiful) buildings. He takes us on a tour of projects in countries such as Rwanda and Haiti, and reveals a moving, ambitious plan for The Memorial to Peace and Justice, which he hopes will heal hearts in the American South.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.

[czarinaballestero]

I'm crying right now. I think I found my "WHY" on pursuing my childhood dream to be an architect. I'm already 27 years old, scared that I am too old to study architecture. BS Architecture here in PH will take a student 5 years to finish. Another 2 years of practical experience before one can take the boards. If everything goes well, I'll make it at the age of 35.


I am looking forward of my future self collaborating with passionate professionals in the industry on designing and building projects that are built to heal.


Thank you Mr. Michael Murphy for this very inspirational talk. I will take your words in my journey of becoming an architect.

[sushi-dgop]

It really makes me cry. I'm an architecture student and so many people are telling me that studying architecture is useless.. Thank you so much for making me/us realize that we are not just an architect but we heal the world..

[IsabelleMN]

this is brilliant. the concept that struck me most, was the idea of building in a way that honors the dignity of those we SERVE. because in order to do this, we have to recognize that people are experts of their own experience, and we cannot truly help without listening to them. thank you so so much for this talk

[kinsmed]

Profound. Powerful.
If America could have a Architect Laureate, I know who would have my blessing.
He should do a TED Talk every 5 years.

[IsabelleMN]

I also wanted to add that you brought me to tears, the moment you began discussing the architectural project for the lynchings in America. it really drove the point home, of architecture through healing. I haven't seen it yet, but I felt such warmth and validation as you discussed the process. thank you so much

[metagear]

It's been so long since someone came again with the intent of bringing about true meaning to architecture. This lad will be one to look out for in the coming years.

[onceever]

This was 6 years ago? This is a timeless masterpiece of wisdom.

[Journey_Around]

In my opinion, this should be one of the most viewed design talks. So inspirational and eye opening to some uncommonly used ways you can use design.

[nicoleramos]

amazing perspective on how archictecture could help people, in my opinion that was one of the best TED videos

[atifradwan]

WoW. I am moved by this video...
I hope that one day, The architects of Syria will do the same and join the rest of the free architects around the world and build memorials for peace and justice to UNITE all human-beings in the region and around the world...
Lots of thanks and love to all of you who believes in humanity, from Swaida/Syria...

[alistair]

This reminded me of the delicacy I once saw in architecture and how it is this delicate nature that holds and preserves, that represents. A truly evocative and inspiring speech!

[trahasis]

Thank you, Michael Murphy, for making me not just think about architecture, but feel about it.

It's been years since somebody made me consider again "spaces that people care about."

[lousia]

I am an Architect for 26 years and Murphy reminded me why I chose to become one. Such an inspiration! Thank you, Michael, and Ted Talks. <3

[kcdrew]

Brilliant, of course. So logical. So simple yet, for our modern times, so complicated to get back to this simplicity. We need to apply this to more things. Energy immediately comes to mind.

[damha]

This video provided a great opportunity to deeply consider social inequality revealed through architecture. The design and location of buildings can deteriorate the gap between affluent and impoverished areas. It emphasized the need for more inclusive and sustainable architectural approaches to address this issue effectively. It was a valuable video highlighting these important aspects.

[dubswifeable]

I fell in love with this talk. It resonated with my soul. Architecture can be a pathway to healing.

[juliandavidac]

Outstanding, Here in Bogotá - Colombia there is a similar project "Centro de Memoria, Paz y Reconciliación" and was built with little portions of earth of every region affected by the war, this kind of projects are real architecture, what Michael says and his work around the world is amazing and heartwarming, i learn so so much, thank you

[totakingrighturns]

I always can back to this when I need a source of inspiration.

[saynotopw]

Finally, one of those TED content worth listening to. These are getting rarer these days.

[katwoerner]

Even at 7 years ago, this is one of the best, more timeless Ted talk I have watched in a while.