students

Traditional education has become disconnected from the real-world. Steve Brittan, President of Laguna College of Art and Design, tackles the need for educators to better anticipate the future, addressing global issues of climate change and social inequity. Drawing from his extensive experience beginning with designing a surgical room of the future using virtual reality and robotics with a team from Harvard and MIT, Brittan underscores the significance of interdisciplinary learning, with creatives at the helm, to help find solutions to the challenges of our time. This compelling presentation is a call to action for educators, students, policymakers, and anyone interested in the evolving role of education.
Steve Brittan is a visionary leader at the intersection of education, technology, and sustainable design. With a career spanning the commercial sector, higher education, and city government, Steve has pioneered groundbreaking projects that redefine the boundaries of design’s impact on our society.

Throughout his career, Steve’s passion for design’s transformative power has been evident. From designing academic classrooms for higher education, to his collaboration with tech companies on new sustainable smart cities, Steve’s work has consistently pushed the envelope of what’s possible. His projects, at the scale of interactive art installations with inner-city elementary schools, to revitalizing distressed urban neighborhoods in Boston and Washington DC, showcase his commitment to human-centered sustainable design.
Steve’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements. He has served on academic, venture capital, and corporate boards, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable design. As a respected educator, he has taught at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Columbia University, and the Rhode Island School of Design, nurturing the next generation of design leaders.

As President and CEO of Laguna College of Art + Design, he continues to inspire the next generation of creatives through practice-based learning and interdisciplinary collaborations. With extensive publications, speaking engagements, and advisory roles, Steve continues to shape the discourse on the future of education and design. His dedication to fostering collaborations between students, faculty, and industry partners ensures that the legacy of innovation he has built will endure for years to come. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx