Writing Samples
Jenna's stories have appeared in publications such as Architectural Record, Architectural Digest, Architect's Newspaper, Architizer, Dezeen, Metropolis, The Atlantic's CityLab, Crain's, Businessweek, and The New York Times.
Below is a broad selection of writing samples. In some cases, the story may look weird because of a website flaw, or you may need a subscription to gain access. If you have any issues, please send an email to: jennaMmcknight@gmail.com.
News articles for Dezeen: Jenna produces stories about architecture and design around North and South America. You can view her latest ones here.
Architects Envision Ways to Make Restaurants Safe During the Pandemic: Architects and designers across the globe are exploring how to mitigate contagion spread within dining establishments. Architectural Record, June 2020
Can Tiny Homes Help Solve America’s Big Homelessness Problem?: The tiny home movement is taking on a new dimension, as micro dwellings are being deployed to address a major humanitarian issue: homelessness. Architectural Record, July 2017
Serpentine Pavilion in London by Diébédo Francis Kéré: For his latest project, the award-winning West African architect drew inspiration from a majestic tree in his native village. Architectural Record, February 2017
Homes for a Changing Planet: Collegiate teams present their eco-friendly housing prototypes for the 2017 Solar Decathlon. Architectural Record, October 2017
14 Airport Hotels for the Design-Savvy Traveler: These properties are much more than a place to rest your head on a lengthy layover. Architectural Digest, May 2016
Exploring Africa's Creative Landscape: The Philadelphia Museum of Art aims to enrich perceptions of Africa through a sweeping presentation of art, architecture, and design. Architectural Record, May 2016
Francis Kéré Envisions a New Parliament House for Burkina Faso: The award-winning architect, who was born in the West African country, has proposed a dramatic new capitol to replace the former one destroyed during a 2014 revolt. Architectural Record, October 2016
Architecture for Humanity Sued for $3 Million: The founders and board members of the nonprofit organization, which shut down in 2015, are accused of mismanaging funds. Architectural Record, July 2016
Cabins in the Sky: For a rustic retreat in Baja’s wine country, Gracia Studio perches a series of cubes on a hill, offering panoramic views of the fertile valley below. Architectural Record, June 2012 *
Orange Cube: Located in a former dockland in Lyon, France, this six-story box, with its conical gashes and pulsating orange veil, is the life of the party. Architectural Record, May 2011 *
Suite Design: Jenna M. McKnight checks into four high-design hotels in New York, Illinois, Hawaii, and Arkansas. Architect's Newspaper, June 2014
Bringing It All Back Home: A firsthand look at how Diébédo Francis Kéré has used architecture to transform his rural village in Burkina Faso. Architectural Record, June 2014 *
Just What the Doctor Ordered: Diébédo Francis Kéré’s latest project brings much-needed medical care to a remote area in Burkina Faso. Architectural Record, August 2015 *
Raising the Grade: After a decade of progress, Africa is experiencing a narrative of optimism. But maintaining that progress largely depends on the success of the continent's institutions of higher learning. Carnegie Corporation, December 2015
Starbucks: Good Design is Good Business: What started in 1971 as a small stand in downtown Seattle has evolved into a global enterprise. Architectural Record, May 2012 *
Rising from the Rubble: The 2010 Haiti earthquake caused severe damage to the bustling Iron Market. Thanks to a remarkable restoration, the bazaar is back in business. (I produced an accompanying video: Haiti's Iron Market) Architectural Record, February 2012 *
Haiti Post-Disaster: Architects are making slow but steady progress in this troubled Caribbean nation, over two years after a deadly earthquake leveled countless buildings and left more than a million homeless. Architectural Record, March 2012 *
990 Offices: Tucson has its share of generic strip malls and sprawling subdivisions. As a native of the desert city, architect Rob Paulus has long aspired to buck the development trend, focusing instead on urban infill, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design. Architectural Record, February 2011 *
The Pro Bono Payoff: Providing free architectural services can be tough, but many firms say the benefits make it worthwhile. AIA Architect, July 2016
Architects as Developers: A look at several firms in New York that act as both the developer and architect, an unusual strategy that has rewards and drawbacks. Crain's New York, December 2013
How Can Architects Survive the Recession? For those who have lost their job, or fear losing it, the near future does not look promising. There are strategies, however, that architects can employ to ensure their longevity in the profession. Businessweek, March 2009
Top 250 Architecture Firms 2011: In this ranking of US firms by revenue, titans have maintained their lead while the industry continues to feel the ripples of the recession. Architectural Record, July 2011 *
Architecture in the Recession: United Arab Emirates: Architects descended upon Dubai, eager to capitalize on its feverish building boom. But while the city's sprawling skyline is still dotted with cranes, the market here has fizzled. Businessweek, April 2009
Phoenix: The Green Frontier: After decades of rampant growth in this desert city, sustainability is the new frontier. GreenSource, November 2009 *
Desert Dreamer: A tireless visionary, Paolo Soleri is best known as the mastermind of Arcosanti, a prototype city in the Arizona desert that was conceived as an alternative to sprawl. GreenSource, November 2009 *
The Sun Always Rise on HDTV. The New York Times, October 2006
In a Speck of Dust, a World of Chaos. The New York Times, September 2004
* Subscription required