Renowned Architect Benedetta Tagliabue to Speak at 2025 BAC Commencement Ceremony

Benedetta Tagliabue: A Legacy of Architectural Innovation

The Boston Architectural College (BAC) is thrilled to announce that Benedetta Tagliabue, the distinguished Italian architect and the driving force behind Benedetta Tagliabue – EMBT Architects, will be the keynote speaker at the college's commencement ceremony in 2025, scheduled for May 23. Tagliabue’s unparalleled contributions to the fields of global architecture and education will be recognized with the honor of Doctor of Design Honoris Causa from the BAC.

For those unfamiliar with her work, Tagliabue is known for her unique architectural style that seamlessly blends traditional elements with modern innovations. She co-founded EMBT in Barcelona in 1994, during a pivotal era for the city’s urban development after the 1992 Summer Olympics. Notable projects include the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona, and Utrecht City Hall in the Netherlands. Following the death of her partner Enric Miralles, she has continued to realize his unbuilt visions while expanding the firm’s reach into Europe and Asia.

In the present day, EMBT operates from diverse locations including Barcelona, Shanghai, and Paris, boasting a multicultural team dedicated to various global projects. Current endeavors involve designing the School of Management at Fudan University in Shanghai, enhancing public spaces in Hamburg's HafenCity, and planning metro stations in crucial cities like Paris and Naples. The studio is widely recognized for its collaborative ethos, integrating extensive site research while honoring the cultural contexts of projects.

As a prominent voice in architecture, Tagliabue has spent eight years serving on the Pritzker Prize jury, helping to shape discussions surrounding excellence in the field. Her peers and students regard her work as poignant examples of how design interacts with and inspires local communities. Mahesh Daas, President of the BAC, noted, “Benedetta shows us that bold ideas take flight when they are anchored in community life.” He further emphasized that her achievements embody the BAC's mission to democratize access to architectural excellence.

Benedetta has also held many prestigious academic roles globally, including the esteemed Louis I. Kahn Visiting Professorship at Yale and lectures at Harvard, Columbia, and ETSAB in Barcelona. She has received over 100 accolades, such as the RIBA Stirling Prize, Spain's National Architecture Award, and the Piranesi Prix de Rome, underscoring her influential position in modern architecture.

In her words, “Design is not just about shaping the physical space; it involves listening intently and engaging thoughtfully with the environment.” As she prepares to address the BAC’s graduating class, she expresses her desire for the new generation of architects to approach their careers with curiosity and a strong ethical grounding.

The 2025 Commencement marks a significant turning point for the BAC’s graduating cohort, a collection of talented individuals committed to innovative and sustainable design. Benedetta Tagliabue’s presence will undoubtedly energize these emerging professionals, offering a unique perspective on how architecture can foster deep cultural connections while maintaining a global vision. Her message will resonate with graduates, encouraging them to lead with empathy and respect for the communities they will influence through their work.

About The Boston Architectural College (BAC)

Founded in 1889, The Boston Architectural College is a premier institution in spatial design, recognized among the top ten architecture schools in the country. Recently, it was highlighted for its excellence in providing strong graduate prospects and diverse educational options, reflecting its mission to diversify the design profession. With a student population hailing from over 54 countries, the BAC is dedicated to academic innovation and real-world impact, preparing students to become the next generation of design leaders ready to shape the architectural landscape sustainably and creatively.