S2 Ep9 - Gordon Gill: "Collision"

This week, the Half Hour team sits down with Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the architects behind the newest additions to Steppenwolf's campus: the Arts and Education Center and a 400-seat Round Theater. Ensemble member James Vincent Meredith leads a fascinating conversation with Gill, exploring the similarities between the seemingly disparate disciplines of architecture and theatre. Listen, too, for a sneak peek into what to expect when the new building opens its doors this fall.

Interview begins at 3:46

Gordon Gill FAIA, is a founding partner of the award-winning Chicago design firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. His work includes the design of the world’s first net zero-energy skyscraper, Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China; the world’s first large-scale positive energy building, Masdar Headquarters design for Abu Dhabi, UAE; the world’s tallest tower, Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Al Wasl Plaza, an open space that will be the centerpiece of Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring an intricate domed trellis that will be the world’s largest immersive projection experience. Gordon also designs smaller, more intimate spaces like the recently completed The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Architecture Center, and the soon to be completed Steppenwolf Theatre Expansion. Gordon’s work is driven by his philosophy that there is a purposeful relationship between formal design and performance; and that there is a Language of Performance, which is the basis of his practice: Form Follows Performance.

Learn more at Steppenwolf.org
Want to get in touch? Email halfhour@steppenwolf.org

A transcript of this episode can be found HERE