Architecture that's built to heal | Michael Murphy

Architecture is more than a clever arrangement of bricks. In this eloquent talk, Michael Murphy shows how he and his team look far beyond the blueprint when they're designing. Considering factors from airflow to light, theirs is a holistic approach that produces community as well as (beautiful) buildings. He takes us on a tour of projects in countries such as Rwanda and Haiti, and reveals a moving, ambitious plan for The Memorial to Peace and Justice, which he hopes will heal hearts in the American South.
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[@czarinaballestero1226]

I'm crying right now. I think I found my "WHY" on pursuing my childhood dream to be an architect. I'm already 27 years old, scared that I am too old to study architecture. BS Architecture here in PH will take a student 5 years to finish. Another 2 years of practical experience before one can take the boards. If everything goes well, I'll make it at the age of 35. I am looking forward of my future self collaborating with passionate professionals in the industry on designing and building projects that are built to heal. Thank you Mr. Michael Murphy for this very inspirational talk. I will take your words in my journey of becoming an architect.

[@aimiecheetham]

I’d love to hear if you decided to pursuit this!

[@eddcapellan7590]

Go my friend you are not a long I Swap University and start all over at 27 and i am finishing my career and next would continue with landscape architecture! be true to yourself no matter what!

[@kematthews5476]

Girl, 35 is prime time!!

[@ailurophile345]

Hi, I'm in PH too. Currently Studying in architecture. Please don't be embarrassed about your age. There is no such thing as too old for anything! Plenty of my classmates are as old as you, some of them are in their mid 30's and no one thinks badly of them. Good luck with your dreams!

[@GBal-bd4de]

Keep going and start to take up this amazing exiting responsibility of designing where we live, work or recreate. Cheerio

[@sushi-dg5op]

It really makes me cry. I'm an architecture student and so many people are telling me that studying architecture is useless.. Thank you so much for making me/us realize that we are not just an architect but we heal the world..

[@once4ever97]

This was 6 years ago? This is a timeless masterpiece of wisdom.

[@IsabelleMN11]

this is brilliant. the concept that struck me most, was the idea of building in a way that honors the dignity of those we SERVE. because in order to do this, we have to recognize that people are experts of their own experience, and we cannot truly help without listening to them. thank you so so much for this talk

[@meta1gear4]

It's been so long since someone came again with the intent of bringing about true meaning to architecture. This lad will be one to look out for in the coming years.

[@beakalchanyalew259]

brother !!! , don't you get it ??? it's about the sentiment !!!

[@kinsmed]

Profound. Powerful. If America could have a Architect Laureate, I know who would have my blessing. He should do a TED Talk every 5 years.

[@IsabelleMN11]

I also wanted to add that you brought me to tears, the moment you began discussing the architectural project for the lynchings in America. it really drove the point home, of architecture through healing. I haven't seen it yet, but I felt such warmth and validation as you discussed the process. thank you so much

[@4trahasis]

Thank you, Michael Murphy, for making me not just think about architecture, but feel about it. It's been years since somebody made me consider again "spaces that people care about."

[@nicoleramos5176]

amazing perspective on how archictecture could help people, in my opinion that was one of the best TED videos

[@saynotop2w]

Finally, one of those TED content worth listening to. These are getting rarer these days.

[@Journey_Around]

In my opinion, this should be one of the most viewed design talks. So inspirational and eye opening to some uncommonly used ways you can use design.

[@totakingrighturns]

I always can back to this when I need a source of inspiration.

[@munzirshaikhoun5113]

Me too! I just did.. Haha! I love the part where he mentions "Famous Architects" and their "novel" works. Not to take away from the value and importance of such projects... But on the other hand, the (TRUE) more human oriented sides over architecture are truly underrated

[@samflynn6794]

Yup! I listen to this an a few other inspiring talks at least once a month. Glad to know I wasn't the only one :D

[@samflynn6794]

@just another human it's a memorial not a theme park. I don't know what you were expecting

[@lagrandearchitecte8531]

Me too

[@dubswifeable]

I fell in love with this talk. It resonated with my soul. Architecture can be a pathway to healing.

[@alistair5393]

This reminded me of the delicacy I once saw in architecture and how it is this delicate nature that holds and preserves, that represents. A truly evocative and inspiring speech!

[@lousia67]

I am an Architect for 26 years and Murphy reminded me why I chose to become one. Such an inspiration! Thank you, Michael, and Ted Talks.

[@kcdrew69]

Brilliant, of course. So logical. So simple yet, for our modern times, so complicated to get back to this simplicity. We need to apply this to more things. Energy immediately comes to mind.

[@juliandavidac]

Outstanding, Here in Bogotá - Colombia there is a similar project "Centro de Memoria, Paz y Reconciliación" and was built with little portions of earth of every region affected by the war, this kind of projects are real architecture, what Michael says and his work around the world is amazing and heartwarming, i learn so so much, thank you

[@SVisionario]

Michael, this was an incredibly powerful talk that moved my whole body and soul to tears. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing. I am in no doubt that you will have a profound impact on your country and its healing process. You made me so inspired to start with my own architectural projects that Ive been thinking about for years, and by watching your video it created the thought of possibly studying architecture. Thank you so much for sharing your story and knowledge, for your passion and for your love for the people. I will be cheering for you always

[@gollamadish]

for the first time in a long time i felt goosebumps in listening to an architecture ted talk

[@vinayseth1114]

I loved the idea of the memorial to the lynched. What I love is how sensibly it's been visualized. I've seen videos of people criticizing the 'Black Lives Matter' movement in the US- and this has included African Americans as well- and I agree with what they disagree with. What troubles them is the sentimentality with which the protests are held. This building, on the other hand, has been designed such that it is able to evoke a set of horrific acts- public lynchings- but has conveyed them in an abstract language. This abstraction, instead of muddying the waters and rendering the subject alienable, has actually ended up lending the subject a quiet dignity.

[@jacquelinemari245]

Michael Murphy I have watched your presentation several times. I found it to be fascinating and uplifting. As a social justice attorney I practised my profession, knowing it would or could not the heal wounds of our society inflicted on the poorpoor peoplebut in the belief that I could, case by case, ameliorate some of the damage, they suffered when

[@SunGoddessSpiritualGuru-Muse]

Amazing and beautiful what you’ve done and still continue to do I am at a lose for words how this touched me for the collective all around the world to heal humanity so much gratitude and love and light ❤️💯💎🌈

[@elisestrydom1081]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Absolutely visionary and making a real difference in the lives of the communities involved! This method can bring back people's pride and belonging in their own culture and circumstances. It will help with so many needs and give people a purpose. More importantly, it brings people together and allows healing on many levels. I look forward hearing more of you in future. Michael Murphy, may you be blessed on so many levels!

[@atifradwan8169]

WoW. I am moved by this video... I hope that one day, The architects of Syria will do the same and join the rest of the free architects around the world and build memorials for peace and justice to UNITE all human-beings in the region and around the world... Lots of thanks and love to all of you who believes in humanity, from Swaida/Syria...

[@smilegal90]

Great thought and super beneficial for architects worldwide. A mission that i'm looking for, I must say. Organic architecture that works well with nature. Love this quote " Architecture can be a transformative engine for change". Great talk micheal!

[@Linz5667]

This video literally made me cry. Amazing video

[@petlahk4119]

I didn't know a video about architecture could nearly move me to tears.

[@tituslhomi2834]

it really change the way of my thinking as an architect!!! thank you soo much

[@hectorl.campos994]

This HAS to be of the most moving & inspiring talks I have seen in a while - it gets right to the essence of what being human, no matter what station in one’s life, or position in society is all about - a call in service of others. I hope he and his colleagues continue this healing architecture journey and succeed every step of the way; generations to come will be grateful - thank you! | LCA

[@GBal-bd4de]

Amazing talk about how architecture always been and is a transformative engine for change in our life. Architecture and our life is inseparable at all times, remember humans started for building only for shelter at prehistoric , then added to Build for mortality like ancient times (Egypt) , then for immortality from medieval to rennaissence to modern times for humanisation.

[@DrSharifulHalim]

Just awesome, mind blowing, heartwarming

[@ik04]

Wow. Best TED ever.

[@GarciaJustinBArchPE]

Thanks for sharing.. a story with true meaning!!

[@chanjanie2229]

this is servant leadership in the context of architecture, round of applause for this. thank you WSJ for covering MASS that led me here.

[@AmericPet]

Yes. :) We can make this happen. We can heal all sorts of things, our local economies, our environment and our faith in each other.

[@mariateresavergara4090]

I thought it was just architecture. It realy made me cry.

[@RoxanKing]

#MichaelMurphy is an architect with an inspiriting, authentic vision for community spaces. Spaces that bring people together for shared experiences. Our Fisherman’s Warf in Oxnard/Port hueneme California is a lost treasure. The Warf needs major revamping, but #private apartments can be built anywhere, not harbors. Locals envision spaces for concerts/street-style vendors/ fancier food fair & Cultural get-togethers. We're in desperate need of clear bike/ scooter paths verses pedestrian paths to avoid accidents. Locals want a harbor with clear public access, and lots of parking along with fishing & environmental considerations for pollution,and traffic. #MichaelMurphy has a vision that embraces communities and all the complexities in developing a project like this. I IMAGINED A harbor that brings communities together. A travelers destination spot. I IMAGINED Something WONDERFUL. What I did not IMAGINE; A vision that serves the few. A billionaire private developers proposal for a walled-off gated community is not revitalization. A coastal land grab of land that is specifically intended for public use, not private development. The Bard family donated it in 1939 for PUBLIC USE. Our harbor is known as the Gateway to the Channel Islands. It should shine for all the local communities, and wild life who call it home. I wish I could fund #MichaelMurphy to come out to California have a look. Michael's the kind of architect the City of Oxnard, County of Ventura should be talking to. #MichaelMurphy if your reading this, I'm #DREAMING BIG.

[@hugos6444]

I am so very impressed. I see the need for healing.

[@kennethking2687]

As an architecture student, I was not initially interested in the art or philosophy of the field; however, as my student career progresses, i get more and more interested in these topics. It is now my favorite part about architecture. I’m thinking about going to Alabama to visit this structure when or if it is completed.

[@vannymurillo9141]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@bigdripnik7062]

Powerful we should all do our part to make the world our home a better place!

[@thrivingstarhealth5855]

One of the best talks . Hat off !

[@rachelk7555]

Wow. Great talk.

[@thrivingstarhealth5855]

Thank you for this video !

[@linforddias1668]

great talk michael u doing a great job the memorial for those hats off

[@alexandrae246]

Wow that's is exactly what I do. I love this thank you

[@twohusbands8480]

Thank you!

[@suecollins3246]

I was in Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape of South Africa with Hepatitis 11 years ago. I'd come from Paarl Hospital and they were considering sending me back there. Thank God my doctor pulled me back home. I got better in my little caravan at the back of an abandoned house on a beautiful farm amongst beautiful scenery. I would have _died_ in either of those hospitals...

[@TheReverendQ]

Great talk! I am truly inspired.

[@LeonidasGGG]

Beautiful.

[@jleahd01]

This is the vision of the future and I’m in full support of it ✨🏆✨

[@arar3182]

Knowing my siblings are most likely planning to be architects and interior designers, I think this video is the push that makes me want to join them now.

[@spacebar9733]

you should also show them this

[@amalhourani]

Inspiring! great job👏

[@miscellaneous6969]

God bless you!

[@jakemoore3075]

Great stuff! 👍

[@tazwarmirza1612]

This architect has the best story.

[@inesbenchaabane2227]

This is gonna be the place I come back to to remind myself why am doing architecture, thanks Mr Murphy for this inspiring talk.

[@bipuray3302]

Michael Murphy u have a great heart

[@avery646I]

this needs to be redesigned!

[@sintembangu5201]

watching this for the sixth time .....its a different way of looking at architecture ,so out of the box

[@sintembangu5201]

using architecture to provide a solution to more problems other then just shelter

[@dupstering]

I wonder how important this monument would be right now... hope they can get it done soon.

[@AnniThanh1]

excellent speech

[@AkbarRazaSyed]

Amazing.

[@JejuLee]

Awesome. Take a look at the Walls of Jejudo. Same idea, done over 100s of years on hundreds of square miles, and of a range of qualities, as most times it was just a farmer and his wife. Some of the recent creations are as precise as those presented here...

[@abhyunnati8589]

Fantastic

[@sunshineosorno_]

amazing

[@archibaldandrewdouglas2531]

Adx ... "WonderFul Presentation" ... "GooD"job ..x

[@helinklnc7793]

İlham verici bir konuşma olmuş. 👍👍🏾

[@cor.b]

Epic!

[@robertsawdon4077]

And here I thought he was gonna talk about buildings which repair themselves

[@BlueyMcPhluey]

that would have been much more interesting

[@folechno]

There is research about how to do this. Here's one example where researchers include bacteria in the concrete that will deposit fresh calcite when exposed to the elements, thus filling in any cracks with new fresh concrete www.citg.tudelft.nl/en/research/projects/self-healing-concrete/

[@robertsawdon4077]

Samuel Tarawally I didn't know how a building could heal itself, that's why I clicked on a Ted talk about what I thought was that. Usually this is the place to hear about some revolutionary new ideas or techniques.

[@folechno]

I thought this was also going to be the topic (since I really like these new science revolutionizes life talks), but it used a different scope of the healing. And having heard the whole talk I thought it was good and full of thoughtful ideas. Certainly the 1st half focusing on designing buildings to be better functionally was interesting and I enjoyed that section more.

[@samueltarawally7867]

Robert Sawdon If you want to know about revolutionary ideas or techniques your should be reading academic journals. TED is more about re-imagining what what has already been done by providing a fresh new perspective.

[@siaround]

not PMSing...but this made my heart swell and eyes tear up!

[@saranbhatia8809]

Way to go!

[@tlhalefangmogatosi3081]

whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!! blown away

[@nawelchikh2077]

BRAVO

[@a77ruggerman]

Great.

[@unostoic4804]

This is my thesis... Same with my thesis 5 years ago

[@priyankasantosh6542]

interesting...

[@markanthony879]

WOW!

[@Gr95dc]

This made me regret not following my dream studying architecture 😢

[@afropoppette]

GraceDcastle may be pricey, but worth it to dig for scholarships and grants. don't let regret hold you back because the research might surprise you (I'm one to talk).

[@kawaiidere1023]

With that last building, how would the names be read?

[@aarontungcab7956]

salute sire

[@milodudeful]

wow just wow...

[@TarikRever]

milodudeful my mind is like omg.

[@boyinjuly1]

Reupload?

[@xo-bk2ve]

wow tmartn really shaped up

[@crimsoncorsair9250]

*AYY LMAO!!* I was wonderin' why he looked familiar

[@grantkoniski1293]

genius

[@samrichardson9487]

Wow

[@adityawagh7617]

GREAT GREAT GREAT

[@karuzieugene7815]

Rwanda👏👏👏👏👏

[@avery646I]

almost like ancient masonry! add the rituals.

[@TheWestDweller]

rocket @ 9:37

[@markoristovski291]

He spits at 9:38

[@crimsoncorsair9250]

no.

[@Ayan44]

lol

[@marklewis4793]

our built environment might allow us to have a permanent culture after all

[@heudsadrieloliveiradasilva3303]

these people never tire of doing "social justice"

[@TheRealE.B.]

How much do you want to bet that scraping the paint was what gave his dad cancer in the first place?

[@leni9199]

leadfoot9x Honestly that is tasteless to say. But actually, setting your troll-ness aside, usually working with things that irritate your airways gives you cancer pulmonis not cancer ventriculi. And mostly it has been linked that asbestos usually leads to Mesothelioma. Actually knowing what you're talking about is a powerful thing. Cheers.

[@TheRealE.B.]

+LENI I'm sorry that you found my comment tasteless. It was only meant partially in jest and not at all to troll anyone. I've had to work at paint-scraping before, and it concerns me that there may be negative consequences down the line. It seems you definitely know more about medicine than I do. Is it really out of the question that lead-based paint particles could've found their way to the gut via accidental ingestion and caused a tumor there?

[@daanjansen7327]

as an architect..its all fun and games and doing your best..till someone has to pay for the bill..then you get the bad hallway again..sadly

[@tzengtm]

9:38 the spit take lol

[@joanneneaves9651]

One of the most iconic and important piece of architecture is the asylum buildings all over America and England which thankfully English Heritage are trying to rescue while Americans do nothing 😢

[@ohmhasmeaning7292]

Nah I REALLY like this man. he said: look what we learned by working w these Africans... NOW look at what I wanted to do as an American... AND NOW look at what these African-Americans are doing with that knowledge!

[@LukaszDiskra]

So I'm other words the guy you worked with was a young black panther

[@Theraot]

I wonder if you mean black panther or black panther. At least I'm sure you don't mean black panther.

[@salakast]

Black Panthers were a great force for good in black America. Without them we would've seen a far greater racial divide in this country and less tolerance of white people from blacks.

[@rachelk7555]

Stupid ads are so goddamn loud!!

[@citizen_or_civilian]

Just came here to say that the war between the states wasn't fought over slavery.