Encon’s Post

It was great fun visualising a complex process for the school organisation RVKO. Whenever a school needs renovating or rebuilding the organisation has to try to explain to the director the process that lies ahead; the various phases, what they entail and who is involved. With the old adage ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ in mind they commissioned me to translate this process into an A3 sized drawing that they could share and discuss with school directors. Using RVKO’s input, and their colours, I drew a map showing the process as a route passing through a series of islands. Each project is different but this shows the basis on one piece of paper and I hope it will be a useful tool for RVKO and all the schools involved. #visualisation #communication #illustration #buildingprocess RVKO (Rotterdamse Vereniging voor Katholiek Onderwijs)

This is clearly a very emotive decision but it does raise the issue regarding the potential life span for buildings that are designed for a very specific use. The Georgian terrace being the best example in this regard. They have a Simple plan, lots of windows, large rooms and thus can become many things. I don’t think any of those basic principles can be applied to the above. The 60’s office buildings are another great example where the large concrete spans, with a solid structure which is easily extended, also offer architectural flexibility. An extension of the Corbusion vision for a machine for living. It will be very difficult to shoe horn another use into the facade of the building linked to this article. There is a lesson here. Buildings are for people - not just for Architectural beauty or ego. #architecture. #buildingretention.

In the realm of acoustic consulting, one of the common issues we encounter is noise disturbances in suburban areas characterised by compact living arrangements. One of the prevalent sources of these disturbances? The bouncing of basketballs. Urban planning doesn't always account for the intricate dynamics of sound reverberations, leading to a dissonance between community activities and the peaceful environment residents desire. In these instances, we step in to bridge the gap. Upon receiving a noise complaint, typically forwarded by local councils, our team embarks on a comprehensive on-site assessment. We meticulously examine a host of factors - from the materials used in the construction of the basketball court to the architectural layout of surrounding buildings and the specific spatial acoustics of the area. Utilising advanced sound measurement tools, we accurately gauge decibel levels and pinpoint the specific sources of noise. Armed with this detailed understanding, we harness our acoustical expertise to craft tailored solutions. Our approach is a delicate balancing act: we aim to significantly reduce noise levels to restore tranquility in the community, while ensuring that the basketball courts and other amenities remain fully functional. Our proposed solutions may involve a variety of strategies, from modifying the materials used in the court to implementing noise barrier walls, adjusting the placement of amenities, or suggesting optimal times for usage. Each solution is thoughtfully designed with the specific needs of the community in mind, ensuring practicality and effectiveness. Our ultimate goal extends beyond mere noise reduction. We strive to foster a harmonious co-existence between community activities and the peace and quiet that residents desire. Through the right acoustic solutions, we aim to transform challenges into opportunities, creating environments where everyone can thrive. 🌳🏀🔇

#OnThisDay 2015 I made this poster for GAATES to highlight 10 AODA resource publications that had been created for Ontario design professionals by the Ontario Accessibility Directorate to help fix accessibility before the AODA 2025 deadline. What a shame these weren't required readings and continuing eduction course materials or part of the licensing exams for all the organizations that cosponsored these resources and used bt all our post secondary design programs. Where would we be today if they had been? It wasn't the deadline that failed. #AccessibleCanada #history #AODA #AODA2025 #AMA #NSAA #ABCA #NLAA #ASA #AODAfail #disability #inclusion #accessibility #LearnFromMistakes #architecture #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanPlanning #design #education #Resources Photo description: Poster in French amd English. English title: Accessibility Resources for Ontario Design Professionals 10 books are shown in a circle surrounding the text in the middle that described the nature and scope of the project. The bottom left shows all the sponsors of these resources including the OAA, ARIDO, OALA, AATO, OACETT and OPPI. Bottom right shows the GAATES (Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments) logo and website address with QR codes that lead to a website that included all the information on the poster as an alternative accessible format.

Another great example of signage placed in a less traditional location, this sign is only visible from the bottom of the stairs and is the perfect look for an educational institution. (ctto) #ArtOfSigns #BusinessSignages #BusinessSigns #SignEffectz #MilwaukeeSigns

🏠 Flemish 'kotlabel': more transparency and uniformity Are you a landlord or a student in search of clarity in the housing market? Explore the newest insights provided by Ulrike Beuselinck and Paco Shen on the Flemish 'kotlabel'! Discover how the proposed decree aims to bring more transparency and uniformity to student accommodations. From standardized quality standards to enhanced market visibility, this article clarifies the potential impact for both landlords and tenants. Click the link below to explore the full article and stay informed. 👇 https://bit.ly/3WdTDwF

How to plan a workshop for modern D&T 🛠️ If your school is refurbishing or creating new spaces for D&T/STEAM education in secondary schools, this guide is for you... Download your copy today! 🔽 https://lnkd.in/eftF4wvm

How to plan a workshop for modern D&T 🛠️ If your school is refurbishing or creating new spaces for D&T/STEAM education in secondary schools, this guide is for you... Download your copy today! 🔽 https://lnkd.in/efNTcubf

The construction projects for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are set to significantly impact the geotechnical engineering market. Major infrastructure developments, including transportation and facility upgrades, will require extensive geotechnical expertise for soil analysis, foundation stability, and seismic resilience. The focus on sustainable and resilient construction will further drive demand for advanced geotechnical solutions. As a result, the market is likely to experience growth, offering opportunities for geotechnical engineers in both public and private sectors.

As mentioned last year, each week of my Talking Tall class, as part of the Masters of Tall Buildings and Vertical Urbanism program (MTBVU), begins with a music quiz. The students (much to their surprise) find that they are here to learn about good music, as well as Tall Buildings, density and the future of cities! They have to guess the artist, name of the song, year of release, highest chart entry (in the UK charts) and, most importantly, why I have chosen that song (i.e. the social / cultural relevance to something going on today). The catch is that almost all the songs are from 1970's-1980's UK - a long time before most of them were born. It's a fun way to start the class (and ensure their presence on time!). Yesterday was the last class of the semester, so I am pleased to announce the three winners of this year's quiz, starting with first place, Mohammed Aldelfi, who won a whopping 39 out of a maximum 80 points; Eric Duenser in second place on 36 points; and jillian oligschlaeger in third place on 35 points. As you will see in the photo below, taken on the steps of Crown Hall at Illinois Institute of Technology yesterday, each received a copy of one of the publications I have authored at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) - they chose the Mass Timber; Skygardens; and Skybridges technical guides, in that order. Many thanks to CTBUH for donating the books, and well done to the three students! I can't list the songs here, or next year's cohort will get a jump on it, but possibilities for next year's quiz very welcome, if you want to suggest...... #mtbvu #tallbuildings #tallbuildingguy