Nordic Influences in America, the Last 25 Years | Peter MacKeith, Thomas Phifer, Tod Williams

Se a panel on "Nordic Influences in America, The Last 25 Years" in the ASF series "Nordic American Connections: Conversations on Architecture and Design. Held at Scandinavia House on November 18, 2025, the panel featured architectural historian and urbanist Rosalie Genevro as moderator, with Peter MacKeith, dean of Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas; Thomas Phifer, founding partner of Thomas Phifer and Partners; and Tod Williams, co-founder of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners. Organized by ASF with Susan Chin of DesignConnects, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects New York, and American Institute of Architects Continental Europe, Nordic American Connections: Conversations on Architecture and Design is a four-part series that presents prominent architects, critics and scholars to reflect on Scandinavian and Nordic design’s enduring impact in shaping modern American design since the 19th century. With renewed interest in the Nordic tradition and its resilient building strategies for climate action and wellbeing, contemporary architects and designers, both Nordic and American, remain strong contributors to the American landscape with award-winning projects reflecting cross cultural influences. The panel focused on the historical perspective on the Nordic design approach and emphasis on ‘complete design’—human comfort, social equity and welfare, environmental responsibility, natural material and handcraft–and ties to the Homeland: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden. Most importantly, the panel highlights Nordic design’s pivotal role in Modernism in America. "Nordic American Connections" is presented in coordination with the 25th Anniversary of Scandinavia House, alongside other programs in 2025-26. The opening panel will be followed by the panel "Nordic in New York City, Established and New(er)" (January 15, 2026); "Women in Nordic Architecture, Crafts Meets Design" (March 19, 2026); and "Next in Nordic American Architecture: Resilience Meets Wellbeing" (May 14, 2026). Learn more about programming at Scandinavia House at https://www.scandinaviahouse.org/ #architecture #architecturaldesign