National Capital Authority’s Post

Dublin's Taskforce Report launched last week. https://lnkd.in/erBmsJCR There was no mention of architecture, or architects, in the report's text. Is this connected to DCC's current patronage culture for architecture? Accepted best procurement practice of an open ideas competition has been non-existent in DCC for many years. Architects are, despite historic success, sidelined or dropped from DCC public projects: both buildings and open spaces. And despite the hugely positive housing competitions in 4 regional councils last year, DCC did not take part with a single site. Architectural services for public buildings are procured through ideas competitions for ALL public buildings in France*. This contrasts with DCC's procurement culture which favours the historic experience of an architect's office, or those with the lowest fee. DCC's current culture of procurement also contradicts our architectural history, where the best building of any type was completed by someone who had never done that type before**. Such opportunities are essential for a culture to survive into the next generation. I fear current practices are killing the culture of architecture. A final argument for an ideas competition is in the inherent public engagement that can come with democratic participation in the selection of a winner, and the subsequent public support necessary for its successful implementation: engagement not evident in many recent DCC high-profile public projects. *A RIBA 2012 report (Ladders of Opportunity) called for 30% of public projects to be design competitions. In the UK 57% of competition winners end up with RIBA Awards. It's 0% in Ireland in the last decade.  ** Examples of the best building of each type in Ireland designed by architects who never designed that type before, with most under 30 years old: Thomas Cooley's City Hall Desmond Fitzgerald's Airport Tom de Paor's Palás Paul Koralek's Trinity Library Lovett Pearse's Houses of Parliament Grainne Hassett's Youth Community Centre de Blacam & Meagher's Firhouse Parish Church de Blacam & Meagher's Trinity Dining Hall - architects at the time with zero previous Conservation experience! ODonnell+Tuomey's Ranelagh School (photograph by Matthew Thompson - a unique part of the Taskforce report with a good eye to culture and aesthetics)

“I think this kind of longing to be close to nature and immersed in nature is at the root of my work.”   This thought-provoking article sheds light on why Alison Brooks Architects is one of the most highly acclaimed practices in the UK and globally. I urge you to follow the links to take a look and get ready to be inspired. #leadershipdevelopment #leaders #leaderscreateleaders #builtenvironment #changemaker  #enabler #enablingchange #buildsuccess #declare #visionary #visionaryleader #projectlead #projectleadership #supportleaders #emergingleaders #leadtheway #leadthechange #architectsofchange #architecturedesign #courageousleadership #womeninarchitecture #architects

The next chapter of the Marks & Spencers story continues...! Interesting take from Architects’ Journal and SAVE Britain's Heritage that "seeks to explore the idea that this well-known building can have a viable future" in response to conerns that if not demolished and replaced, the current building would lie vacant. The judges want people to: 🌫 Prioritize whole-life carbon principles for sustainable design while minimizing waste and demolition. 🔃 Explore adaptive reuse options for continued functionality, such as accommodating multiple tenants. 🎉 Propose innovative ideas to revitalize Oxford Street and other high streets. 🍵 Transform the building into a community asset, offering amenities and housing alongside commercial use. 🔎 Preserve and celebrate the building's historical significance and its connection to the surrounding area. It will be interesting to see the ideas that get submitted - respond by 24 April! #DontWasteBuildings #UseLessStuff #retrofirst #regeneration #buildingdesign #architecture

In a growing trend, architects and designers are turning to timber as a key element in creating functional and engaging public spaces.

Thomas Heatherwick's Crusade Against Boring Architecture • Thomas Heatherwick, the esteemed designer of buildings like The Hive in Singapore and Zeitz MOCAA in South Africa, argues that modern architecture has become too flat, shiny, and angular, lacking the texture and visual complexity that makes people feel at ease. • He believes that the modernist International Style, which has dominated architecture since the end of World War II, has turned cities into ugly and monotonous places, pushing out the unique visual identities of different locations. • Heatherwick draws on environmental psychology research to support his claims, highlighting that humans are drawn to environments with complexity and that the lack of such features in modern buildings can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental and physical health. • He criticizes the vogue for minimalism and efficiency in architecture, arguing that it has come at the expense of human well-being and that architects have failed to consider the perspectives of those who live near and experience buildings from the outside. • Heatherwick proposes a formula for designing "human" buildings based on the principle of fractals, emphasizing the importance of visual complexity and interest at the city, street, and door levels. • He provides examples of inspiring projects that exemplify this approach, such as The Parkroyal Collection Pickering in Singapore and Edgewood Mews in London. • Heatherwick's book offers an original and compelling critique of modern architecture, combining psychological principles with practical design solutions to promote healthier urban environments. Good Read: Article about the topic; Full Story https://lnkd.in/gSkJWj_U

How does one take the current temperature of residential architecture in America—the identification of its fashions, its experimental developments and, moreover, the individuals who are its trailblazers in every state in the nation? It’s a question that demands other questions, including: At that local level, what are the primary market challenges…and opportunities? And in the wake of the devastation that Americans have experienced under their own roofs in 2024 from the new extreme-weather reality, what role should America’s architects, the nation’s building-design experts, be playing in the recovery-and-rebuild efforts of these tragedies? In the last decade, the function of the architect in society has been transformed; and today, as consumers navigate climate challenges and the demands they’re placing on our houses, it’s incumbent upon us to reach a more thorough understanding of what’s so often missing in their design and construction—and the extent to which good architects can improve them and, in turn, our lives.

How does one take the current temperature of residential architecture in America—the identification of its fashions, its experimental developments and, moreover, the individuals who are its trailblazers in every state in the nation? It’s a question that demands other questions, including: At that local level, what are the primary market challenges…and opportunities? And in the wake of the devastation that Americans have experienced under their own roofs in 2024 from the new extreme-weather reality, what role should America’s architects, the nation’s building-design experts, be playing in the recovery-and-rebuild efforts of these tragedies? In the last decade, the function of the architect in society has been transformed; and today, as consumers navigate climate challenges and the demands they’re placing on our houses, it’s incumbent upon us to reach a more thorough understanding of what’s so often missing in their design and construction—and the extent to which good architects can improve them and, in turn, our lives.

How does one take the current temperature of residential architecture in America—the identification of its fashions, its experimental developments and, moreover, the individuals who are its trailblazers in every state in the nation? It’s a question that demands other questions, including: At that local level, what are the primary market challenges…and opportunities? And in the wake of the devastation that Americans have experienced under their own roofs in 2024 from the new extreme-weather reality, what role should America’s architects, the nation’s building-design experts, be playing in the recovery-and-rebuild efforts of these tragedies? In the last decade, the function of the architect in society has been transformed; and today, as consumers navigate climate challenges and the demands they’re placing on our houses, it’s incumbent upon us to reach a more thorough understanding of what’s so often missing in their design and construction—and the extent to which good architects can improve them and, in turn, our lives.

SSP Architects: A History of Adaptive Reuse 🏢🔄 The beauty of history lies in its ability to adapt and evolve. And in the realm of architecture, this is exactly what adaptive reuse is all about. As the world becomes more conscious of sustainable practices, this method of repurposing existing structures has become a popular choice, and for good reason. 💰 🏗️ Not only does adaptive reuse help preserve the character and heritage of a building, but it also offers a more cost-effective option for developers. With the rising costs of construction and materials, it's no surprise that more and more developers are turning to adaptive reuse as a solution. 💡 🚀 But it's not just about economics. Adaptive reuse also brings a sense of authenticity and uniqueness to a project. Each building has its own story and by repurposing it, we are able to incorporate its history into a modern context. 📜 🏭 The trend of adaptive reuse is evident in the rise of boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and creative office spaces. These spaces not only attract customers and tenants with their charm and character, but they also boast a lower cost of operation for businesses. 🏬 💭 In a world where sustainability and cost-efficiency are key factors, adaptive reuse is a win-win solution. It allows us to honor the past and create a more sustainable future. So the next time you come across a beautifully repurposed building, remember the economic and environmental benefits that come with adaptive reuse. ♻️ #AdaptiveReuse #SustainableArchitecture #RepurposingHistory #LowerCosts #PreservingHeritage #InnovativeDesign #SustainableFuture #ArchitectureTrends 🌎

The Globe and Mail wrote a somewhat unfair critique on why they think public #architecture in Canada ends up being so "bland". They said its a combination of public policy and design procurement. Also: "Our governments do not care about design, and their practices make that clear... In the past 40 years, public design in this country has reached new lows. Even as Canada grew richer, denser and more diverse, its public buildings and places got steadily worse." Thoughts? I see a tough job of combining budgets with realistic needs and means. No matter the client, we love working with #architects on pre-engineered steel #building projects: https://lnkd.in/geF9KhiS #buildings #construction #metal #architect #design #facilities Toon Dreessen Architecture Foundation of British Columbia The Royal Architectural Institute Of Canada | L'Institut royal d'architecture du Canada The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Toronto Society of Architects The Alberta Association of Architects Saskatchewan Association of Architects Manitoba Association of Architects Ontario Association of Architects DIALOG Stantec Arcadis IBI Group LEMAYMICHAUD NORR B+H Architects Diamond Schmitt Don Kasian Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Architecture49 Inc. Zeidler Architecture HDR WZMH Architects Craig Applegath, FRAIC