During the Valentine’s and Family Day weekend, I had the privilege of speaking to Ari Lazer. Lazer, is a designer, artist, performer, teacher, and writer. Back in April 2016, I met Ari at the Lab Art Show in Vancouver. At that time, he was featuring some of his 3-D interactive designs. His kiosk displayed recent design works created through the CNC Laser that assists his work. I recall watching the mesmerizing wall displays spinning simultaneously, clockwise and counterclockwise. The art pieces consisted of layers of teak wood designs stacked atop one another. Then, they were connected through a central column. The spinning gave them a kaleidoscope effect. They were hypnotizing.
Time is Relative, or is it?
Now in 2026, Lazer is enrolled in the Master’s program in Architectural Design at the University of BC (UBC). As well, he migrated back to Vancouver from Salt Spring after a 5-year relocation. His small interior design projects have progressively gotten larger. For example, in 2022, he helped design and construct the Rhizome Dance Dome. This, among other projects started him down the architectural pathway.
However, his initial shift began during his 20’s, when he was doing his undergrad at UBC. In this first video, See Changemakers asks Lazer about this change in perspective. He tells us that it started with his fascination with the classical concepts of “Quadrivium”. Listen to Ari summarize for us what this concept consists of and how it transformed his life.
Resources for this topic:
Evolution in Perceptions
In the following two audio podcasts from the interview, Ari Lazer explains his first “Aha” moment. Listen as he navigates his abilities and questions his own sanity based on what he started to notice.
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Micro to Macro and Back Again
In this second piece, you will hear more about his professional evolution from Micro to Macro and Back Again.
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The Next Stage
Finally, we discussed his recent focus based on his studies. While embarking on his Master’s at UBC’s School of Architectural Design, he has been working with the Design Science Studio. (https://www.designscience.studio/). In the studio, he acts as co-steward, program facilitator, and curriculum designer. The project is supported by and presented in collaboration with the Buckminster Fuller Institute (www.bfi.org), which we discuss in detail as well. Listen as he talks about the project and the institute in this video:
RESOURCES for further information:
Tribal Convergence Network Article about Ari Lazer