Allison Arieff

Principal/Writer/Editor Modernhouse

  • San Francisco CA

Expert on design & architecture with a particular focus on the future of cities and suburbia

Contact

Social

Biography

Allison Arieff is Contributing Columnist for the New York Times and Contributing Writer, Design for The Atlantic Cities. She also edits The Urbanist, the magazine of SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association). She consults on architecture, design and sustainability, most recently for IDEO, Urban Revision, and Build a Better Burb. The former Editor in Chief (and founding senior editor) of Dwell magazine, she is the author of the books "Prefab" and "Trailer Travel: A Visual History of Mobile America." She is former Editor at Large for Sunset and GOOD magazines. She is Chairman of the Board of FERN (Food and Environment Reporting Network) and also serves on SPUR's Food Systems & Urban Ag Policy board.

Industry Expertise

Design
Media - Online
Writing and Editing
Housing
Architecture and Planning

Areas of Expertise

Prefab's Potential
The Future of Suburbia
Tactical Urbanism (Temporary is the New Permanent)

Accomplishments

National Magazine Award for General Excellence (Dwell, 2005)

Education

UC Davis

MA

Art History

1991

New York University

PhD Coursework

American Studies

1996

UCLA

BA

History

1988

Event Appearances

Title

Motopia  USC

2011-11-02

Title

From Derrida to Dwell to DIY Urbanism  D-Crit, School of Visual Arts

2011-10-04

Title

Sustainability and the Beginning Design Student  University of Nebraska School of Architecture

2011-04-01

Sample Talks

Tactical Urbanism

Cities are starved for cash, their workers weary of bureaucratic obstacles and the word "no." So in the last couple of years, they've welcomed the creative, energetic, and financially prudent efforts of grassroots organizations that have seen opportunity in crisis. Vacant lots, abandoned buildings, parking spaces, and even slivers of pavement, have been transformed by prudent partnerships between governments, artists, architects, and designers, and volunteers motivated to improve their own communities. We?re not talking about pop-up shops: these efforts are designed to enhance daily life not promote product. As circumstances change, how can the temporary space continue to function as effective component of the urban revitalization toolbox?

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Moderator
  • Panelist
  • Author Appearance

Fees

$1500 to $10000*Will consider certain engagements for no fee
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