MIT's 2026 architecture graduates urged to design for social impact
The MIT School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) celebrated its Class of 2026 in a ceremony marked by inspiration and ambition. With 206 graduates from across the globe, the cohort was praised as ‘big-hearted’ by faculty and staff. The event featured a keynote speech by renowned Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, who urged students to focus their talents on meaningful work.
Alejandro Aravena, founder of the Santiago-based firm ELEMENTAL, delivered the address at the Advanced Degree Ceremony. His speech highlighted real-world challenges, including a project in Chile where social workers faced threats from organised crime while upgrading slums. He also described building a hospital in Colombia for survivors of sexual violence tied to armed conflict.
Aravena encouraged graduates to use their skills for projects that serve others, not just personal gain. His closing remark—‘Class of 2026, together, let’s make the prefrontal cortex great again’—drew laughter and applause. The Class of 2026 includes 206 students, with 57% from the US, 10% from China, and 5% from India. Six graduates earned dual degrees, reflecting the programme’s diverse and international reach. During the ceremony, Dean Hashim Sarkis announced the creation of the Class of 2026 Scholarship Fund to support future students.
The graduation ceremony left students with a call to action: apply their expertise to projects that create real impact. The new scholarship fund will help incoming students follow in the footsteps of this year’s graduates. With Aravena’s words still resonating, the Class of 2026 now moves forward into their professional careers.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
