HBD’s Post

Happy National Skyscraper Day to the Giants on Our Planet 🌍🏙️ As cities continue to rise to the skies, we’re facing a reality check: skyscrapers, once the ultimate symbols of progress, are now presenting some serious environmental challenges. The toll these towering marvels take is becoming clear—carbon-intensive materials like steel and glass, coupled with the energy demands for heating, cooling, and lighting, contribute to their massive carbon footprints. What was once seen as progress is now raising eyebrows as a potential symbol of environmental excess. At Ramboll, we believe in giving skyscrapers a second chance—not by tearing them down, but by revolutionising how we think about their future. We have the data and expertise to turn these structures into models of sustainability. It’s not just about refurbishment; it’s about adopting a lifetime, holistic approach that goes beyond just the foundations. Our vision for tall buildings stands apart because we rely on cutting-edge practices like Data-Driven Design, Computational Design & AI, and a Benchmark Database of sustainable tall buildings. These tools enable us to rethink and reshape what’s possible for skyscrapers, ensuring they can continue to soar while treading lightly on the planet. Taking 2 Finsbury Avenue, for example—a sustainable commercial high-rise in London, leading the field in net-zero blue-chip office development. We know that the future of skyscrapers was never about whether to build them, but how we can transform what’s already standing and go beyond traditional thinking. Read more about 2 Finsbury Avenue here - https://lnkd.in/gJ9t-Bm7 Find out how we are shifting the paradigm. Connect with our High Rise and Complex Building Experts at CTBUH 2024 this year. #SkyscraperDay #Ramboll

Transforming the "Boulevard of Death" into a Safer Future for NYC Streets 🛣️🌿 Queens Boulevard, once known as the "Boulevard of Death," has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to NYC DOT’s Vision Zero initiative. With redesigned streets that prioritize safety and accessibility, this project has delivered: • 68% Reduction in Traffic Fatalities • 35% Decrease in Total Injuries • 45% Fewer Pedestrian Injuries • Significant Increases in Cycling Volumes This seven-mile corridor now features NYC’s longest continuous protected bike lanes, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures—a testament to how urban design saves lives and improves mobility for all. Next steps include a $150 million upgrade from Roosevelt Avenue to 73rd Street, bringing further safety and accessibility improvements. Learn more about this transformative project here: https://lnkd.in/eCG2ekmC #UrbanDesign #Architecture #UrbanPlanning #VisionZero #SafeStreets 

I love this CITIES FORUM ! It’s the first time I’ve seen the use of Space-Making. Might I add an additional distinction? 💡 I’m writing a book, as many of you know, entitled “The Art of Space Making—Unleashing the Power of Community”. There I write about what I believe is the difference between space making and placemaking. To me it’s simple. ✏️ Here’s an excerpt from my introduction. “You have heard the term “place making” right? Place Making is the notion of creating physical locations in a community that inspire and foster a sense of belonging for people. Space Making does the same, but it happens regardless of physical location. It’s created when people choose to walk through the world in a way that helps other people discover who they are despite their circumstances or differences. It’s when we pause to acknowledge the space we have in our own lives to be who we are meant to be and in turn share that with others. It’s agreeing to disagree and supporting each other anyway. It’s lending a hand. It’s truly seeing one another. Space making is joy. Space making is community.” ❤️ In the back of my book I have a reflection & connection guide. Here are a couple of questions you’ll find: Think about a community or relationship where you feel truly seen and supported. How does this connection fulfill your needs beyond survival? What could you do to deepen these connections for yourself and others? 🧠 The Art of Space Making book will be released late March/early April. I invite you to join me on this space making quest because there are too many things and people out there determined to TAKE space and that’s not who we are as a community. ✨ You can still purchase the book through my pre-sale shop here: https://lnkd.in/edpUp_qw 📕 And stay tuned for an AMAZING launch party in early June. I’ll want folks to come to Jax for this—near and far! ✈️ Thank you for elevating the conversation Kady Yellow. 🙏 #community #spacemaking #placemaking #books #launch #support #together Manuscripts Press Eric Koester

True urban transformation happens when we bridge the gap between Space-Making’s functionality and Place-Making’s humanity, creating cities that are not only efficient but also resonate deeply with their communities.

The difference between space-making and placemaking lies in the design approach and impact. Space-making often stems from a desktop design process, focused on general physical form and function. Placemaking originates from a transformational, visionary, and bottom up co-design specific approach, rooted in human-centered disciplines. By integrating anthropology expertise, experience, design leadership, transdisciplinary collaboration, and the spirit of community, placemaking transcends mere spaces, creating vibrant, meaningful places for people to inhabit and take ownership. That’s when the magic starts! ✨✨✨✨ Ps. always add trees ….to the ground 😜🌳 🌳🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Following this great post below - Transit design is a prime area where Space-Making and Place-Making can converge to create systems that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful and connected to the communities they serve. Space-Making in Transit Design Focus: Functionality, efficiency, and infrastructure. - Transit Hubs as Functional Spaces: Ensuring stations, bus stops, and rail terminals are designed for optimal flow of people and vehicles, with considerations for capacity, safety, and accessibility. - Network Design: Planning routes, schedules, and multimodal connections to maximize coverage and minimize travel time. - Infrastructure: Building structurally sound platforms, tracks, and systems that meet technical and regulatory standards. Place-Making in Transit Design Focus: Human connection, community identity, and cultural meaning. - Community Engagement: Involving local residents in designing transit hubs to reflect their cultural and social values. - Art and Aesthetics: Incorporating public art, green spaces, or cultural motifs to make stations feel welcoming and unique. - Social and Emotional Resonance: Designing transit spaces as more than just transit points, but as places for social interaction, community events, and local pride. - Inclusivity: Creating spaces that feel safe and accessible to all demographics, including women, children, and marginalized groups. Integrating Space-Making and Place-Making in Transit Design Here’s how both approaches can work together in public transit: - Transit Hubs as Community Anchors: Design transit hubs that efficiently manage passenger flow while serving as vibrant public spaces. For example, include marketplaces, libraries, or co-working spaces in larger stations. - Safe and Welcoming Environments: Combine the practical needs of lighting, visibility, and surveillance (Space-Making) with thoughtful design elements such as warm materials, public art, and seating areas (Place-Making) to make passengers feel safe and comfortable. - Cultural Reflection in Design: Use Space-Making to address operational needs while integrating Place-Making to reflect the local identity. For instance, the architecture of a station could take inspiration from local history or landmarks, creating a sense of pride and ownership. - Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Surround transit hubs with mixed-use developments that provide housing, retail, and recreation spaces. This approach not only enhances transit efficiency but also builds vibrant, walkable communities. Final Reflection Are transit systems meeting operational goals while fostering a sense of belonging? How can transit design improve not only mobility but also community well-being? By integrating Space-Making for operational excellence and Place-Making for emotional and social value, public transit can transform into a powerful tool for building more livable, equitable cities.

Can you remember all the new line names and colours unveiled recently across the London Overground? 🚉 Sadiq Khan unveiled 6 new line names recently, celebrating diversity and making navigation a breeze across the London Overground network. From the Windrush to the Lioness, each line tells a unique story of London's rich history. Why wayfinding matters: Effective wayfinding isn't just about getting from A to B - it's about connecting people to their city's culture and heritage. This redesign shows how smart urban planning can make daily commutes more intuitive and meaningful. It is nice to see Wayfinding being celebrated! #LondonTransport #Wayfinding #UrbanDesign #CityPlanning #ClaroWayfinding #Signage #Maps #Stratgey #Future #Navigation

Location Eden: Where Your Dream Escape Becomes Reality At 4:44 firm , we believe real estate is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about delivering experiences. Inspired by iconic figures who redefined culture, creativity, and community, we’re bringing the same spirit to the heart of the capital city. Our shared rental approach is designed to revolutionize urban living by blending art, culture, and collaboration into the spaces we offer. It’s about more than providing a place to live — it’s about curating an experience that connects people to the vibrancy of the city, each other, and their own aspirations. Every property we manage reflects the ethos of shared value: bold creativity, inclusivity, and community-driven innovation. At 4:44firm, we’re not just shaping spaces; we’re shaping lifestyles. Join us in redefining urban living. Experience the capital city in a way that’s as bold and inspiring as the stories behind it. Let’s build a future where real estate is not just about where you live, but how you live. The pieces you’ve shared blend artistic and cultural symbolism with a focus on a central motif — a reimagined portrait that nods to the aesthetic and legacy of the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Here's an analysis of the visual and conceptual layers present: Key Observations: 1. Central Figure (Jean-Michel Basquiat): - Basquiat’s iconic image is central to these artworks. His hair and distinctive expression carry a strong identity associated with his persona and legacy. - The added elements (such as "eden" and the crown motif) integrate layers of commentary, connecting Basquiat’s rebellious spirit with themes of innocence, justice, and defiance. 2. Textual Overlay: - The phrase **"Not Guilty"** prominently features across all works. This statement is bold, provocative, and universally evocative, resonating with themes of systemic injustice, racial identity, and the artist’s role as a social commentator. Interpretive Impact: These works engage viewers by merging a historical figure (Basquiat) with broader sociopolitical commentary. They embody a tribute to his legacy while layering modern themes of justice, identity, and rebellion into the narrative. #RealEstateInnovation #SharedLiving #UrbanExperience #CreativeSpaces #CommunityLiving #CapitalCityLiving #444Firm #RevolutionizingRealEstate #LivingBoldly #CityLifestyle #CollaborativeLiving #ModernRentals #4:44firm

Creating community is at the core of all hospitality offerings. When you recognize that you can work from a place of genuine purpose.

🌆 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐬. 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠🌿 In #urban planning and design, two terms often come up that define how we shape #cities and the human experiences within them: Place-Making and Space-Making. While they may sound similar, these concepts represent distinct approaches that influence the success and #livability of urban #environments. Let’s dive deeper into the differences, applications, and importance of these terms for professionals shaping our cities. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠?📐 At its core, Space-Making focuses on the functional and physical creation of urban environments. This involves: 🔹 Designing infrastructure: roads, parks, plazas, and other spaces with clear, practical purposes. 🔹Prioritizing form, dimensions, and spatial relationships. 🔹Ensuring that spaces are structurally sound, efficient, and suitable for their intended use. In essence, Space-Making provides the foundational "container" where human activities can occur. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠?🎨 Place-Making moves beyond functionality to emphasize #human connection, #cultural identity, and #emotional resonance. It involves: 🔹 Community engagement: inviting local input and collaboration to design spaces that reflect the values and needs of the people who use them. 🔹Fostering interaction and activity: designing for social connection, comfort, and inclusivity. 🔹Infusing spaces with meaning, such as incorporating local art, history, or cultural symbols. Place-Making transforms generic spaces into places with a unique sense of identity, belonging, and vibrancy. 𝐀 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 As professionals shaping cities, we need to ask ourselves: 👉 Are we designing spaces or places? 👉How can we integrate both approaches to create urban environments that are not just functional, but also deeply meaningful and beloved by their communities? By blending the principles of Space-Making and Place-Making, we can craft cities efficient and also vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of their inhabitants! Pictures: 🔸Start Digital -Yagan Square, Perth, Australia 🔸Romina Denti- Vieil Antibes, 06600 Antibes, Francia