Annabelle Selldorf: Designing the Spaces of Life

David Nirenberg, Director and Leon Levy Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study, was joined for a wide-ranging Director’s Conversation by renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf, Principal of Selldorf Architects. Nirenberg and Selldorf explored the enduring impact of architecture on human experience—from the ancient Pantheon in Rome to Selldorf’s transformative renovation of the Frick Collection in New York City. Together, they reflected on architecture as both an art and a science, considering how built environments shape the possibilities for culture, creativity, and community. Selldorf shared insights from her own career, discussing formative influences such as her childhood visits to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, and the challenges of honoring history while innovating in contemporary projects. The conversation further delved into the interplay between purpose and beauty in architecture, the relationship between individual vision and collective collaboration within architectural practice, and how evolving museum spaces influence the art they display. The conversation offered a glimpse into the thinking of one of the leading architects of today, revealing how design can influence art, culture, and the everyday lives of individuals and communities.

Wolfensohn Hall, Institute for Advanced Study, 1 Einstein Drive, Princeton, NJ

October 24, 2025