Benjamin R. Spencer is an Affiliate Associate Professor in the University of Washington, Department of Landscape Architecture and the co-founder of the Informal Urban Communities Initiative (a.k.a. Traction). Ben’s work is collaborative and interdisciplinary. It integrates human centered design, research and teaching and explores the relationship between technology, the built environment and human wellbeing in developing communities. Ben teaches design, digital media/fabrication and construction classes and directs community-based study abroad programs. His recent publications include book chapters, “Whole-Systems Public Interest Design Education” and “Engaging the Field Experience: Integrated, Interdisciplinary, On-Site, Enduring” in Public Interest Design Education Guidebook (Routledge 2018). His recent projects include small-scale public space interventions in Kathmandu, Nepal and the development of a parametric wick irrigation system