Lincoln, Neb. – Jeffrey L. Day, a professor of architecture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, will deliver the next Nebraska Lecture on April 14, exploring the evolving role of the house in modern society. The lecture, titled “House-ing,” promises a visually engaging discussion on how homes are not just private spaces, but also reflect broader societal challenges and opportunities. This free, public event will begin at 3:30 p.m. In the Swanson Auditorium of the Nebraska Union and will be followed by a question-and-answer session and reception.
Day’s presentation comes at a time of increasing scrutiny regarding housing affordability, accessibility and sustainability. The lecture will delve into the house as a site for both architectural experimentation and social crisis, examining potential solutions to pressing issues. Understanding the complexities of housing – from custom designs to affordable prototypes – is crucial as communities grapple with evolving needs and limited resources. The Nebraska Lecture series aims to bring these important conversations to a wider audience.
Day brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. He joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty in 2000 and served as director of the architecture program from 2012 to 2017, according to his faculty profile. Beyond his academic role, Day is a practicing architect and a founding principal of Actual Architecture Company, established in 2018. Previously, he was founding principal of the Min | Day firm from 2003 to 2018.
From Custom Homes to Community Solutions
“This lecture explores the house as a site for experimentation and crisis and focuses on potential opportunities and solutions,” Day said. His talk will showcase projects from Actual Architecture Company, demonstrating innovative approaches to residential design. The presentation will also highlight perform from the Fabrication and Construction Team (FACT), a student workshop at UNL. FACT’s projects, such as the New Attainable House and OurStory, a community-based initiative in Omaha, offer tangible examples of addressing real-world housing needs.
The OurStory project, in particular, focuses on the challenges and possibilities of aging in place, asking, “How do we want to live as we age?” and developing potential housing solutions. This focus on community-based design reflects a growing trend in architecture towards prioritizing the needs of residents and fostering social connection. The New Attainable House project aims to create affordable, high-quality housing options, tackling the issue of housing costs head-on.
A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
Day’s contributions to the field of architecture have been widely recognized. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a prestigious designation awarded to architects who have made significant contributions to the profession. The AIA, with over 95,000 members globally, is the leading professional organization for architects in the world, according to its website. Throughout his career, Day has received 136 design awards and has had approximately 180 publications of his design work.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College in 1988 and a Master of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1995. Day is a registered architect in Nebraska, Iowa, and California, demonstrating his broad expertise and commitment to the profession.
The Nebraska Lectures Series
The Nebraska Lectures are presented twice annually and feature presentations by distinguished University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty members. These lectures cover a wide range of topics of broad public interest, presented in an accessible and engaging format. Archived videos of past lectures are available on the Nebraska Lectures website, allowing those unable to attend in person to experience these insightful discussions.
The series is sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of Research and Innovation, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Speakers are selected by the UNL Research Council, ensuring a high standard of academic rigor and relevance. The Nebraska Lectures aim to foster intellectual curiosity and promote dialogue on important issues facing the state and the nation.
Following the April 14 lecture, the next Nebraska Lecture is currently unscheduled, but information will be posted on the event website as it becomes available. Those interested in attending or learning more about the series are encouraged to check the website for updates.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the upcoming lecture and the broader conversation surrounding housing and architectural innovation in the comments below.
