Jeanne Gang
Architect; founding principal of Studio Gang; Harvard professor
Chicago, Illinois
Summary
Actionable idealism and ecological design: Jeanne frames architecture as a tool for civic and environmental change, leading Studio Gang to integrate ecology, materials research, and biodiversity into buildings and landscapes — from rooftop prairie experiments to bird‑safe facades and stormwater‑sensitive parks. studiogang+2
Tall‑building innovation with social intent: Gang brought attention to novel tower typologies that combine formal invention with programmatic and urban connectivity (e.g., Aqua Tower's sculpted balconies to encourage outdoor life, and the multi‑volume St. Regis Chicago that creates pedestrian links and varied urban edges). studiogang+2
Civic practice and urban infrastructure: She repeatedly pursues public and civic commissions — boathouses, parks, museum expansions, and airport design — using design to reopen access to waterways, restore habitats, and rethink institutional programs for public benefit. studiogang+2
Recognition and influence across design and policy: Gang's work has been widely honored (MacArthur Fellowship, Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, TIME 100, ULI Prize, Charlotte Perriand Award) and she uses awards and writing to advocate for reuse, equity, and sustainable practice in architecture. macfound+2
Teacher, author, and public communicator: Beyond built work, Jeanne publishes monographs and books, teaches at Harvard GSD, and gives interviews and public lectures to connect architectural research to broader social and environmental conversations. studiogang+2
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
The Art of Architectural Grafting
January 1, 2024Book (2024) by Jeanne Gang proposing a design philosophy of upcycling and attaching new architectural 'scions' to existing 'rootstock' buildings to reduce carbon and extend utility.
Studio Gang: Architecture
January 1, 2020Phaidon monograph (2020) collecting twenty years of the studio's projects and thematic essays by Jeanne Gang.
Reveal: Studio Gang Architects
January 1, 2011Monograph (2011) documenting the firm's process and eight featured projects through drawings, sketches, essays, and interviews.