John Cary
Design Thought Leader | Advocate for Inclusive, Sustainable Cities
About
John Cary is a design and architecture critic, speaker, and the author of books including 'The Public Option' and 'Design for Good'. He has written for publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Architectural Record.
Cary's work focuses on the built environment and how design can create more equitable, sustainable communities. As the former Executive Director of the non-profit Public Architecture, he collaborated with global firms to provide free design services to nonprofits.
Cary's keynotes inspire audiences to rethink urban spaces through the lens of accessibility, resilience, and human-centered design.
Featured1 with video
How architecture can create dignity for all
If architect and writer John Cary has his way, women will never need to stand in pointlessly long bathroom lines again. Lines like these are representative of a more serious issue, Cary says: the lack of diversity in design that leads to thoughtless, compassionless spaces. Design has a unique ability to dignify and make people feel valued, respected, honored and seen -- but the flip side is also true. Cary calls for architects and designers to expand their ranks and commit to serving the public good, not just the privileged few. "Well-designed spaces are not just a matter of taste or a questions of aesthetics," he says. "They literally shape our ideas about who we are in the world and what we deserve." And we all deserve better.
| Event | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TED | 2017 | 🇨🇦Vancouver, Canada |
At a Glance
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Similar Speakers
Related by topic and shared stages
Explore related directories
Conferences, directories, and industries connected to John Cary