#306 - MICHAEL BOHN, Senior Principal for Studio One Eleven
SUMMARY
This week Architect Michael Bohn, Senior Principal for Studio One Eleven joins David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design to discuss his background; befriending case study architect Edward Killingsworth; moving to India; the mission of Studio One Eleven; their approach to community-oriented projects; integrating urban research, analysis and studies to projects; the impact of public policy on architecture and urban projects; and more. Enjoy!
ABOUT MICHAEL
As a senior principal for Studio One Eleven, Michael Bohn, AIA, helps lead architectural, landscape and urban design within the Studio. Michael is a licensed architect and urban designer with over 30 years of experience, bringing a deep passion for tactical urbanism and planning. He has led numerous public intervention efforts such as road diets, bulb-outs, traffic medians, urban farms, tree plantings, façade improvements and the first Parklets in Southern California and North San Diego County. Most recently Michael has overseen a study for Second Street in Long Beach, analyzing the most successful retail main street in the region that defies current zoning regulations. In addition, Michael leads several market rate and affordable housing projects, including many transit-oriented developments. He is a member of the Lifestyle Residential Development Council for the Urban Land Institute and is currently President of the American Institute of Architects, Long Beach/South Bay Chapter. He also was the Chair for the Queen Mary Task Force, responsible for establishing development guidelines for 43 acres around the historic Queen Mary. Michael is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, studied in Fontainebleau, France and worked for the State Archaeological Camp in Hampi India.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Michael’s background and first encounter with practicing architecture.
(15:17) The impact architecture and urban design can have on health.
“When I was younger, I was on a bike exploring, looking at buildings and just moving around. I was very mobile. I could travel with friends on packs of bikes and we just had a tremendous amount of freedom that a lot of suburban neighborhoods don't have anymore.” (15:44)
(19:06) The hybrid office culture at Studio One Eleven.
“This large room that we have is open. When we're not using it for our purposes, available pro-bono to nonprofits or the city or other community members that are interested in strengthening cities and communities. And we just ask that we can, if our staff is interested in the subject matter that they're presenting, have access and listen to it as well. And that's been something that's been really helpful and helped ingrain us into the community as well.” (26:24)
(27:35) Studying at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and moving to India.
(37:52) About Studio One Eleven.
(50:49) Investing in community-focused work and projects.
“It’s convincing your clients that there is a greater value and the area has uplifted…We’ve had some of our clients kind of snub us and say, ‘Up the street, you've got some stores that aren't as high-end as they could be.’ But those stores serve another part of the population that we want to have downtown and we want that portion of the population to enjoy downtown just like everyone else. So we like that mix, that mess, and that collision of different shops that attract different people and we want it to be comfortable for everyone.” (51:52)
(01:09:25) The impact of public policy on architecture and urban projects.
(01:19:36) The people of Studio One Eleven.
“We’re not afraid to work with limited budgets. We just want a client who if they want solution A and we want solution B and neither of us agree that we're both willing to find a solution C. Most of our clients would find us to be very flexible and creative and they see that as a strength.” (01:24:57)
(01:25:34) Maintaining design clarity throughout various types of works.
(01:34:15) What’s next for Studio One Eleven.
