March 4, 2025 | Talk: 1:30 PM | Workshop: 3:00 PM @ Gibbs College of Architecture Gallery Room 130
Join us for an inspiring talk and hands-on workshop with internationally renowned designer Satyendra Pakhalé.
Satyendra Pakhalé is a globally recognized designer whose pioneering work bridges industrial innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural narratives. With a career spanning decades, his multidisciplinary practice has redefined design across industries, from industrial design to architecture. His work is known for pushing the limits of materials and technology while maintaining a deep connection to human experience and sensorial design.
Chairs designed by Satyendra Pakhalé.
In the talk, we will delve into his design philosophy, cultural background, and key themes from the recently published monograph, Satyendra Pakhalé: Culture of Creation (nai010 publishers, Rotterdam). The book examines his body of work through topics such as the culture of making, poetic analogy, plurality of expression in design, social justice, and secular humanism. Our discussion will offer insight into how these themes shape his practice and the broader field of design.
Satyendra Pakhalé: Culture of Creation
Immediately following the talk, the Shifting Scale. Sensing Space. workshop invites students to explore the dynamic relationship between object and space. Through an in-depth study of a selected design object—analyzing its morphology, materiality, cultural significance, and historical context—participants will generate spatial designs that are inspired by but do not directly house or display the object itself. This hands-on session, co-led by Satyendra Pakhalé and Tiziana Proietti, will challenge students to think beyond conventional spatial design.
Shelf designed by Satyendra Pakhalé.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the leading voices in contemporary design thinking!
For more information, please contact Tiziana Proietti: tiziana.proietti@ou.edu
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
