2024 Childs Memorial Lecture: Walter J. Hood

This lecture explores the rich heritage of the Phillips Gullah Geechee community of Charleston, South Carolina, and its profound connection to the low country landscape at the International African American Museum. Walter Hood will delve into the community's history, cultural significance, and enduring legacy within the broader narrative of African American experiences and contributions in this unique region.

Join us in person at Cascieri Hall or virtually for this year's featured Maurice F. Childs Memorial Lecture.

Walter J. Hood, a multidisciplinary designer from Charlotte, NC, is globally recognized for his contributions in art, landscape architecture, urbanism, and research. Founding Hood Design Studio in Oakland, CA in 1992, he now leads as its creative director.

Walter’s academic journey began at North Carolina A&T State University in architectural engineering. He then transitioned to their pioneering landscape architecture program, graduating in its first class in 1981. Further studies led him to the University of California, Berkeley.

His passion for landscape and urbanism emerges from its broad, democratic scope, allowing experiences beyond architectural constraints. Infusing African American cultural arts into his philosophy, he established a unique voice, reshaping spaces to reflect contemporary needs without erasing their history.

A professor at UC Berkeley and former Harvard educator, Walter penned “Black Landscapes Matter” and has received accolades like the 2019 MacArthur Fellowship, 2021 Architectural League’s President’s Medal award, and 2023 Wall Street Journal Innovator award. 

Be sure to explore Walter and Hood Studio's captivating works in the current exhibit, Native(s), now on display in the McCormick Gallery.