In this episode of The Architect’s Rolodex we land in the middle of a conversation featuring the incredible Harley Dubois, a co-founder and Chief Culture Officer of Burning Man who has stewarded Burning Man's rich cultural history for decades. Harley, the former city manager for over 10 years, offers a unique perspective on this pedestrian city where circles are better than angles when it comes to bringing people together.The episode explores the unique urban and community design of Black Rock City, Nevada. Each year, this desert region is where a temporary city is built for the music and art event known as Burning Man, one of community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. Harley explains how the city's circular layout evolved through trial and error, prioritizinghuman interaction and community needs over traditional architectural principles. She highlights the significance of "theme camps" as the core fabric of Burning Man, fostering participation and engagement through a low barrier to entry for creative expression. Finally, the interview touches upon the profound impact of the Temple, a central and iconic part of Burning Man, as a community-driven sacred space for healing and processing emotions.
Harley describes how Burning Man's innovative, human-centered approach to temporary urbanism and community building has inspired initiatives beyond the event, including disaster relief efforts. This isn't just a conversation about architecture; it's about how a community works, how serendipitous opportunities are designed into a city, and the profound impact of impermanence and human-centered design.
Harley’s social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harley-dubois-82150921/
Burning Man website:
Other links for more info:
8 Ways to Make Your City More Like Burning Man
https://www.governing.com/archive/gov-burning-man-takeaways.html
What Cities Can Learn From Burning Man
https://www.governing.com/archive/gov-burning-man.html
There’s a city in my mind
