The title of artist conjures an image of a person outside the norms of society, someone whose creative genius will never be understood by the rest of the world. Siah Armajani wants to change that thought process.

Armajani will present “Public Art in America” at 7:30 tonight at the Kocimsky Auditorium in the College of Design.

“Public Art in America” is a program that discusses creating public art for specific locations in a democratic community.

“He is unique in working within the margins of architecture, art and infrastructure,” said Mark Stankard, assistant professor of the department of architecture.

Armajani is an internationally-renowned sculptor best recognized by his bridge designs in Iowa City, Minneapolis, Nice, France, and Stuttgart, Germany.

He also designed the Olympic Cauldron for the 1996 Atlanta Games. His concept of art and the artist is not one shared by many. Armajani calls himself a “progressive populist” and sees his art as a means of bringing communities back together.

“He uses the language of architecture or the vernacular, such as back porch, window seat, or attic steps, in putting together the poetry of the place,” said Dennis Raverty, assistant professor of art and design.

As a naturalized U.S. citizen, Armajani is enamored with America and its democracy, compared to the life he knew in his native Iran.

“He has such a love of democracy,” Raverty said. “We take it for granted but he sees it as a wonderful gift of civilization and builds on that.”

Armajani’s work focuses on how architecture relates to human interaction. He designs each piece as a place where people can come together in a neighborly space.

“The subjects of the piece are the human people in it,” Raverty explained. “The art itself is the setting.”

“Armajani makes you look at everyday objects and spaces in new ways,” Stankard added. “Public Art in America” is being sponsored by the College of Design and admission is free.