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Creating Environments Anchored In Unique Social & Cultural Contexts | James Christian | TEDxFrensham

1,406 views · Published 23 October 2018 · 14:18 · Indexed 3 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Architect James Christian shares his forward-thinking design process, touching on user-centred design and design for children's​ mental health facilities. Working under the ethos of ‘fantastic pragmatism’, Projects Office embrace user engagement, storytelling and the use of narrative to create environments anchored in their unique social and cultural contexts. 
Since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2011, James has been involved in teaching at several universities, lately as a lecturer in design at Middlesex University. He is fascinated by the notion of ‘bad’ design and how previously condemned ideas can be subverted to inform and shape the built environment for the better. As 2014 Designer in Residence at the Design Museum, he examined whether slum typologies from London’s past could inform the future direction of housing design in the city. Currently, much of his work is within the mental health sector and includes the interior design for the CAMHS unit at a new children’s hospital in Edinburgh. He also explores design for mental health in an arts context, most recently as part of the Wellcome Collection’s Bedlam exhibition. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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