RIBA+VitrA Building Empathy: Unity of Place

How can architects design places that create a sense of place?

In this panel discussion, you’ll hear from three leading voices in participatory design including Takeshi Hayatsu, Director of Hayatsu Architects; Lee Ivett, Head of the Grenfell-Baines Institute of Architecture; and Anna Mansfield, Director of Publica.

Drawing on their own experiences and case studies, the panel will explore how empathy, craftsmanship, and community participation can shape lasting and inspiring spaces.

You will gain insights into the importance of designing spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant, creating a sense of belonging and pride.

The 2025 RIBA + VitrA Talks Programme explores the power of design to create positive change in communities. This year’s theme, Building Empathy: Design for our time, highlights the role of architects in shaping environments that are accessible, meaningful, and responsive to the people who use them.

Takeshi Hayatsu, Director of Hayatsu Architects

Takeshi Hayatsu is a Japanese architect practicing in London. He studied architecture at Musashino Art University in Tokyo and at the Architectural Association in London. He worked at David Chipperfield Architects, Haworth Tompkins and 6a architects before establishing his own practice Hayatsu Architects in 2017. Alongside his practice he is a senior lecturer and teaches postgraduate architecture studio at Kingston University, and an external examiner for MArch course at University of Westminster. He also conducts annual experimental building workshops in Japan and the UK with Grizedale Arts. He is a member of the Design Review Panel at Harrow Council.

Anna Mansfield, Director of Publica

Anna Mansfield is responsible for overseeing Publica’s projects and the strategic direction of their work and research. Anna has over 15 years of experience in urban design and architectural practice, both in the UK and internationally, and has held a senior position within the company since its establishment.

Anna has played a key role in developing strong relationships with clients and collaborators, advising organisations from across the spectrums of architecture, development and planning, including the City of London, the City of Westminster, Transport for London and many of the UK’s leading developers. Anna has recently led major research projects on housing regeneration and renewal; the future potential of neighbourhood planning; child friendly cities and children’s independent mobility; and research for the National Infrastructure Commission on the integration of urban design and infrastructure.

Lee Ivett, Head of the Grenfell-Baines Institute of Architecture

Lee Ivett is an architect and Head of the Grenfell-Baines Institute of Architecture in Preston. His mode of practice is based around the establishment of durational projects that utilise acts of participatory making to conceive, test and establish new forms of community owned amenity and activity. Lee’s work has been published and exhibited nationally and internationally and he is currently building open these experiences by working with academic colleagues to establish a new live action research office and Master of Architecture studio called Other People’s Dreams. OPD engages in a critical and situated way with community organisations in the north west region to rethink the potential of people and place. They explore that which is often 'unseen' within architectural education; everyday life as experienced by everyday people, born and often made peripheral through birth, migration and circumstance. OPD proposes an alternative purpose for architecture and indeed architects, re-evaluating the role of an architect as facilitator for other people's dreams.

Lead Image: British Museum welcome pavilion proposal by Hayatsu Architects

A series of talks featuring emerging and established international architects delivered in partnership with VitrA Bathrooms, now in its seventh year.

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