Linda Nelson Keane
Professor Emerita of Architecture and Environmental Design; Creative Director @ NEXT.cc STEAM by DESIGN e-Learning
Linda Keane, FAIA, is an artist, architect, and design educator who combines an architecture and ecological planning practice, STUDIO 1032, with her partner, Professor Mark Keane, University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee. Together, they work with multi-disciplinary teams and diverse communities on green initiatives along the Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison-Minneapolis corridor. Professor of Architecture and Environmental Design, she is the founding Chair of the architecture program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Passionate about introducing what design is, what it does, and why it is vital to our sustainable future, she advocates for participatory STEAM by design education integrated into K12 education. Co-creator and Director of the award winning informal e-Learning NEXT.cc, In its 18th year, NEXT.cc is now a UNESCO GREENING EDUCATION PARTNER used in all 50 states and over 150 countries. She delivers keynotes, TEDx, Super Sessions, Teacher Professional Development, and K-12 workshops to students and schools. The world needs imagination now more than ever. As Einstein once said, Imagination is more important than knowledge. Offering transdisciplinary place-based projects combining science, technology, engineering, environment, art, architecture, and math, educators and professionals are highlighting the importance of engaging all ages of citizens in urban stewardship. She teaches Eco Design, stressing the Water/FOOD/ENERGY NEXUS she shared on Eco Cruises in the Chicago River, encouraging professionals and the public to embrace the importance of healthy water for healthy cities. She swims year-round and kayaks on rivers and lakes weekly!