Yvonne Farrell in conversation with Martha Thorne

Architect Yvonne Farrell is co-founder of the prestigious Irish firm, Grafton Architects (named for the street on which it was originally located). Farrell along with partner Shelley McNamara won the 2020 Pritzker Architecture Prize, to cite just one among numerous awards. The firm is especially known for academic buildings such as Bocconi University in Milan, the University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC) in Lima, Peru, and the Marshall Building, a major development for the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In addition to her professional practice, throughout her career, she has been involved in teaching and lecturing at many recognized schools in Europe and North America.

The work of Grafton Architects understands the city "par excellence" and Farrell will discuss with urbanist and senior advisor to the Obel Award, Martha Thorne, the keys to making great architecture that goes beyond merely a functional building to create designs that contribute to the individual, community, and city in multiple ways.

Presents the conversation Valentín de Madariaga Parias. Renowned architect and president of the Valentín de Madariaga y Oya Foundation, an entity that pays tribute to his father. His passion for contemporary art is manifested through his private collection and the FVMO-MP Collection at the foundation he leads.