Guillaume Othenin-Girard is an ETH Zurich alumnus, assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong, and co-founder of the Architectural Land Initiative. He delves into how architecture bridges history and social impact, sharing his experiences working on a Dezeen Award-winning project in Peru that emphasizes community and sustainability. He also discusses the challenges of teaching design during the pandemic, the significance of traditional construction methods, and the importance of interdisciplinary learning in shaping future architects.
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Serendipitous Hong Kong
Guillaume Othenin-Girard's journey to Hong Kong was serendipitous.
A layover, a lecture, and encouragement from faculty led to a job offer.
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Hong Kong During COVID
Guillaume arrived in Hong Kong just as COVID-19 emerged.
He experienced lockdowns, border closures, a small wedding, and the birth of his child during the pandemic.
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Teaching Design Online
Teaching design online during COVID-19 presented challenges.
Digital whiteboards like Miro helped bridge the gap and are still used for archiving and space management.
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ETH alumnus Guillaume Othenin-Girard, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong and co-founder of the Architectural Land Initiative, explores how architecture connects history, sustainability, and social impact. From a Dezeen Award-winning project in Peru, where he led ETH and Peruvian students in designing a community-focused structure at an endangered archaeological site, to his ongoing work in Armenia, Guillaume’s journey spans continents and cultures. He shares insights into traditional construction methods, the role of local materials in modern architecture, and the challenges of teaching design in a digital world. Reflecting on his time at ETH Zurich, he highlights how interdisciplinary thinking and hands-on learning have shaped his career. This episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of architecture, heritage conservation, and global collaboration.
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