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Trung Le
Co-Founder of 180 Studio
Professional Background
Trung Le is a prominent architect and thought leader with over 25 years of dedicated experience in the field of architecture and design. His innovative work has garnered numerous accolades, including awards from both the Chicago, Illinois, and national chapters of the American Institute of Architects. His exceptional projects have been featured in esteemed periodicals such as Architectural Record, World Architecture News, and Edutopia. Trung has significantly contributed to changing the landscape of educational architecture through his unique philosophy that integrates design with learning methodologies.
One of Trung's notable collaborations was with renowned designer Bruce Mau, resulting in the publication titled "The Third Teacher." This pivotal work explores how design can revolutionize the ecology of learning, making a profound impact on educational spaces globally. Trung's expertise in this area has positioned him as a sought-after speaker, presenting at numerous national and international conferences, including TEDx events. His involvement in these discussions demonstrates his commitment to advancing the dialogue on the future of learning and its intersection with design.
In 2010, Trung founded The Third Teacher +, a multidisciplinary design think tank. This organization is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to education, viewing the evolving dynamics of teaching and learning as an ongoing inquiry. This foundation has enabled Trung to collaborate with educational institutions, encouraging them to embrace transformative design practices that align with contemporary educational needs.
Education and Achievements
Trung Le's academic credentials lay a strong foundation for his professional endeavors. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies. Additionally, he studied at the Ecole d'Architecture de Versailles, where he deepened his understanding of architecture and urbanism. His educational background equips him with a robust theoretical and practical knowledge that he applies in his projects and collaborations.
In addition to his teaching and speaking engagements that highlight the importance of design in educational contexts, Trung co-founded WONDER, by Design in 2014. This innovative organization focuses on creating adaptable design solutions that meet the needs of evolving educational environments. Together with Sam Chaltain, Trung founded 180 Studio in 2018, which strives to partner with forward-thinking organizations ready to embrace bold transformations—what they term as their “Moonshot Moment.” This philosophy reflects Trung's vision of preparing educational institutions to engage with the challenges of a rapidly changing world through innovative design.
Notable Speaking Engagements
Trung Le has shared his insights and expertise at various prestigious events over the years. His speaking engagements include:
- TEDxNYED, where he discussed "The Future of Learning" in New York City in June 2013.
- TEDxIndy, delivering a talk on "The Learning Ecology" at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in October 2012.
- TEDx Reset, sharing his ideas on "New Spatial Language for Learning" in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2011.
- The CUSP Conference in Chicago, where he presented "The Design of Everything" in September 2011.
- Big Ideas Fest in Half Moon Bay, California, where he explored "The Entanglement Between Learning and Design" in December 2010.
- a better world by design at RISD/Brown University in Providence in September 2011.
- The London Think Tank in March 2008, focusing on "Reimagining 21st-Century Learning: Environment as the Third Teacher."
- Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where he engaged in dialogue about "Pedagogy and Architecture."
Through these various platforms, Trung not only disseminates ideas but also inspires a new generation of educators, architects, and designers to think critically about the environments in which learning occurs.
Conclusion
Trung Le's visionary approach to architecture highlights the fundamental link between design and education, shaping not only buildings but also the learning experiences of countless individuals. His work exemplifies a commitment to fostering innovation within educational contexts, underscoring the notion that architecture is a key player in transforming learning environments for future generations. As a founding partner at 180 Studio and former managing partner at previous firms, Trung continues to influence the architectural landscape, championing design that meets the nuanced requirements of modern education. Beyond projects and publications, Trung Le is a passionate advocate for a brighter future through thoughtful design, serving as both a mentor and leader in the architectural community.
