Ben Van Berkel and Frans van Vuure of UNS  

In this engaging conversation, Ben van Berkel and Frans van Vuure of UNS explore how architecture can move beyond iconic form-making to create healthier, more human-centered environments. Drawing from global projects ranging from museums and infrastructure to product design and urban mobility systems, the discussion examines how interdisciplinary collaboration, behavioral research, technology, and craftsmanship shape contemporary practice.

The speakers reflect on the evolving role of architects in designing uplifting public experiences, improving social and mental well-being through the built environment, and integrating lessons from fields such as psychology, industrial design, music, and data-driven research. Through examples including the Jewish Museum transformation in New York and major transportation initiatives, UNS shares its philosophy of creating architecture that is experiential, emotionally resonant, and deeply connected to users and communities.

Photo: Inessa Binenbaum courtesy of The Jewish Museum

Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer.