Kseniya Otmakhova | China's 'Socio-Spatial' Set of Challenges

<p><strong>Topics Discussed and Key Points:</strong></p><p>●      Using the power of design for social impact</p><p>●      Why Kseniya reframed the Belt &amp; Road Initiative as a “sociospatial set of challenges” in her thesis</p><p>●      How Ballistic Architecture Machine factors into the New Silk Road</p><p>●      China’s strengths and weaknesses in architecture and urban design</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Episode Summary:</strong></p><p>Today on The Negotiation, we speak with Kseniya Otmakhova, a Schwarzman Scholar and Director of Public Relations at Ballistic Architecture Machine. Her role as a PR manager comes with a focus on furthering research on the New Silk Road with the goal of developing it into one of several of BAM’s unique “Urban Initiative” projects.</p><p>“I have a strong desire to use design for social impact,” says Kseniya, describing what initially motivated her to study urban planning at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. She also helps us understand that proposing concepts is not enough; the key is in convincing stakeholders by understanding the outcomes they desire.</p><p>Kseniya was thus drawn to the Schwarzman scholarship, not only for the professional opportunities the program would bring but also for the access she would get to sharp minds around the world (including over 100 fellow scholars) to be able to have conversations on global issues with people from a variety of backgrounds.</p><p>Listen in as Kseniya explains her thought process behind reframing the Belt &amp; Road Initiative as a “sociospatial set of challenges” in her thesis and the three themes that anchor her research.</p><p>She then describes the mission-vision of BAM, the multidisciplinary design studio based in Beijing and Shanghai, and how the studio’s focus on urban landscape design guides its research on the development of the New Silk Road.</p><p>Finally, Kseniya discusses the incredible speed and agility of development China is known for, particularly in the world of architec