Architectural Cases

Alexandra Hagen's illustrious career at White Arkitekter, culminating in nearly a decade as CEO, is a testament to her pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to architecture as a force for good. Her narrative transcends personal achievement, highlighting systemic shifts within the industry towards greater inclusivity and environmental responsibility. Hagen's journey from a junior architect to leading one of Scandinavia's largest firms underscores a philosophy where challenges are transformed into opportunities, and collective effort is paramount to groundbreaking success.

A Visionary's Path: Redefining Architecture and Leadership

In a candid interview, Alexandra Hagen, the distinguished architect who has recently announced her departure as the Chief Executive Officer of the esteemed Swedish firm White Arkitekter, shared profound insights into the experiences that have sculpted her remarkable career. Starting her journey as a young professional in a field often characterized by its traditional male dominance, Hagen encountered initial skepticism due to her age and gender. "They were like, 'Oh, who's this young blonde, she can't know very much'," she recounted, reflecting on the low expectations she faced in her early thirties when leading the international division. Yet, these preconceived notions did not deter her; instead, Hagen astutely recognized the power in her distinctiveness, transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths.

Hagen's professional odyssey began in 2001, joining White Arkitekter fresh out of Chalmers University of Technology. What was initially envisioned as a brief stint to hone her skills before launching her own practice evolved into a quarter-century-long commitment to the firm. Throughout her tenure, she ascended through various roles, including leading the Malmö office and serving as international director for business development in the UK, before embracing the role of CEO. Under her guidance, the firm, founded by Sidney White in 1951, flourished, becoming a beacon of innovation and sustainability with over 500 employees.

A cornerstone of Hagen's leadership has been her relentless pursuit of gender equality within the architectural profession, particularly in Sweden, where she notes a near 50-50 balance between male and female architects, with women occasionally earning more. White Arkitekter, under her stewardship, actively encourages male employees to utilize parental leave, challenging traditional stereotypes and fostering a more equitable workplace where both genders share family responsibilities. This progressive approach aims to dismantle biases against hiring women who may choose to start families, promoting a truly inclusive environment.

Hagen credits her diverse upbringing, influenced by grandparents who instilled in her a love for both the arts and sciences, as the genesis of her architectural passion. A pivotal moment occurred during her teenage years in Rome, where a tour of the Pantheon revealed architecture as the perfect synthesis of scientific ingenuity and artistic expression. This realization solidified her conviction that architecture was her calling, viewing it as a powerful instrument to enhance human lives while respecting the delicate balance of the natural world.

This guiding principle is vividly manifested in White Arkitekter's projects, such as the transformative Sara Kulturhus Centre, a mass-timber marvel that reshaped perceptions of wood in construction, and their groundbreaking work on relocating the city of Kiruna into a sustainable urban model. A monumental commitment under Hagen's leadership is the firm's pledge for all its designs to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Despite facing challenges like client hesitancy and budgetary constraints, Hagen emphasizes a proactive, solution-oriented approach: "The trick is not to point the finger at someone else. The trick is to focus on what we can do and where we can make a difference." She champions knowledge sharing and continuous research and development, a benefit amplified by the firm's employee-owned structure, ensuring reinvestment in innovation for a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing future. Reflecting on her career, Hagen underscores the virtues of persistence and teamwork, believing that truly great architecture is a collaborative endeavor, not the product of a single 'star architect'.

Alexandra Hagen's journey epitomizes transformative leadership within the architectural domain. Her story offers a compelling blueprint for how vision, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to ethical and sustainable practices can not only shatter glass ceilings but also redefine the very essence of a profession. Her emphasis on leveraging individual differences, fostering gender equity, and championing environmental stewardship serves as a powerful reminder that architecture extends beyond mere construction; it is about building a better, more inclusive, and sustainable world for all. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of architects to pursue their passions with purpose and to view every challenge as an opportunity for innovative solutions.

A recently completed stone-clad residence in Scotland, designed by Izat Arundell, has received the distinguished title of the United Kingdom's finest new home from the Royal Institute of British Architects. This recognition has ignited a lively debate among observers, with some commending its thoughtful integration into the local landscape and modest yet intelligent design, while others question the true extent of its architectural significance, particularly for a single-bedroom dwelling.

The announcement has sparked a spectrum of public reactions, underscoring the subjective nature of architectural appreciation. While some readers enthusiastically supported the award, viewing the home as a deserving example of contemporary design harmonizing with its environment, others expressed reservations, suggesting that despite its pleasant aesthetics, it might not fully warrant such a prestigious accolade given its scale and specific characteristics. This divergence of opinion highlights the ongoing discourse within architectural circles regarding what constitutes an award-winning design.

This accolade for Izat Arundell's Scottish creation not only celebrates innovative residential architecture but also encourages a deeper conversation about the interplay between design, context, and public perception. The varied responses reflect the complexity of evaluating architectural works, reminding us that beauty and merit often lie in the eye of the beholder, influenced by individual perspectives and a broader understanding of architectural value.