The Midday Talks lecture series is coordinated by Assistant Professor Wei-Han Vivian Lee. These lectures are open to the public and registration is not required.

Introduction by Adrian Phiffer.

Eiri Ota with Irene Gardpoit founded the multidisciplinary architecture studio UUfie in 2009.  The practice celebrates experimentation, diversity, and site-specific — often inspired by nature — and aims to create “experiences of transition” in all of its work.

Every project is unique, yet unified by working in a highly participatory and collaborative method, with clients, engineers, fabricators, and specialist consultants all contributing from the beginning of a project to completion.  While continuing to push for innovation and experimentation, the studio addresses the specific features and potential of a particular situation, embracing them into the project while responding to the requirements of the program.

Standout architectural projects include Ports 1961 Shanghai; Printemps Haussmann Verticalité; and Lake Cottage, a two-story family home along the lake that references of being in a tree house.  Notable furniture and object designs include Yin-Yang; Echo; Whiteout; and Peacock, a set of chairs embodying the frozen moment of the plumage of their namesake.

The studio's work is recognised with numerous awards including the American Architecture Prize and OAA Design Excellence Award.  In 2017, UUfie received the esteemed Design Vanguard from Architectural Record which showcased emerging architects from around the world.