Night of Ideas
’’outside the lineS’’
Social Activism in Architecture
Join us at the Alliance Française for the Night of Ideas!
Night of Ideas, Villa Albertine’s flagship annual nocturnal marathon of intellectual debates, performances, readings, and more, is returning to more than 20 cities across the US!
The free, in-person mega-event welcomes thought leaders, activists, performers, authors, and academics to engage the public in discussion around the great questions and challenges of our time. Night of Ideas was first introduced in the United States in 2015 by the French Embassy. Coordinated by the Institut Français, it has been presented in over 100 countries worldwide and draws tens of thousands of people to events every year.
This year’s theme is “Outside the lines”.
The 2024 edition of Night of Ideas in the United States will focus on urban life and development. It will raise questions about the impact of design and architecture, climate change, new technologies, gentrification, and social activism, by way of diversity and inclusion; access to education and nature; the future of cultural institutions; and the evolution of artistic communities in established environments.
Join us at Alliance Française Mpls/St Paul on Friday, February 23rd at 6pm for a Night of ideas centered around Social Activism in Architecture, with guest speakers from the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) and MSR Design, the architecture firm that redesigned the building in which our own Alliance Française holds now its activities!
ABOUT Our guest speakers
A longtime supporter of East Phillips, Dean Dovolis founded DJR Architecture in 1985 in the East Phillips Neighborhood with an emphasis on affordable housing and community development. Dean continues to evolve the firm into a broad based provider of architectural services while still playing an active role in the development of the Phillips neighborhood. At EPNI, Dean is the architect and planner for the future East Phillips Indoor Urban Farm. He coordinates with public officials, community groups, residents, and investors to develop the site per East Phillips community needs. As an activist, Dean is passionate about saving the Roof Depot building and prioritizing communities of color in the development of the East Phillips Indoor Urban Farm.
Dean received his Bachelor of Architecture and Environmental Design from the University of Minnesota and his Master of Architecture and Urban Design from Harvard University. He is part of the the American Institute of Architecture, LEED Accredited Professional, and NCARB.
Joseph Vital (Zhaawan Wiijiw – South Mountain ) is a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians as well as a proud Mexican-American. He’s a long-standing and trusted member of the East Phillips and environmental justice communities. Since 2020, he’s been fighting for community control of the Roof Depot site, bringing years of experience as a community organizer and coalition-builder. He also served as the chair of the DFL Native People’s Caucus. His favorite moments in this struggle have been the community block party celebrations.
Daniel Colten Schmidt is an artist, an activist, and a scholar. After studying theater at the William Alderson Studio in Los Angeles and performance art at La Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, he attended Hampshire College where he studied ecological economics and creative writing. Before EPNI, he worked as a teacher at elementary schools, an outdoor educator at Wilderness Inquiry, and a research assistant for marine biologist Dr. Diane Cowan. Daniel’s goal is to serve society through the development of ecologically-minded enterprises that increase economic security while improving public health. He is a proud East Phillips resident.
Paul Mellblom is a registered architect, MSR Design principal, and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. Paul regularly designs buildings for nonprofit, mission-driven clients. He designs workplaces, public broadcasting facilities, affordable housing, and luxury homes with a passion for creating healthy, highly sustainable, beautiful places that enhance the human condition. He is an active volunteer leader in the nonprofit community who believes service to others is a civic responsibility.
This event is free and all are welcome! Registration is not required, but please consider registering and making a $10 donation to support our cultural programs like this one. Your support allows us to continue the presence of cultural programs which benefit our whole community.
Please click the button below to register for this exciting urban planning/architectural event!