Victoria Banaszczyk’s Post

This summer, I had the privilege of visiting Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí. I’ve seen many historical buildings and churches, but this one truly stands apart. Words alone cannot capture the magnificence of its design and the awe it inspires. Standing before this architectural marvel, I was reminded of a powerful lesson from Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits Program, particularly Habit 2, "Begin with the End in Mind." One quote from Covey that has always resonated with me is: “Before every physical creation, there is a mental creation.” Think about it—every remarkable achievement, whether it’s a building, a painting, a memorable vacation, or an innovative product, begins as an idea, a blueprint in someone’s mind. What was really in Gaudí’s mind when he set out to create this masterpiece? What vision guided his hand? The answer lies in the concept of mental creation—Gaudí had a clear vision of what the Sagrada Familia would become, long before the first stone was laid. He began with the end in mind, and that vision has transcended time, continuing to inspire millions today. This experience reinforces a powerful lesson: whether we are designing a project, planning our career, or shaping our lives, the most important work begins in our minds. By starting with a clear vision of the desired outcome, we align our efforts, creativity, and determination toward bringing that vision to life. As we embark on our next endeavors, let’s take a moment to visualize the end. What do we want to achieve? How do we want it to impact others? By beginning with the end in mind, we not only create with purpose, but we also build a legacy that stands the test of time. On a personal note, this trip to Barcelona was especially memorable and touching for me because I had the opportunity to bring my mom and aunt (my mom’s sister) along. I had envisioned this trip last year, dreaming of taking them out of Asia and exploring Europe together. We spent three incredible weeks traveling through the UK and Barcelona, creating memories that we will cherish forever. This experience wasn’t just a vacation; it was the fulfillment of a vision, a dream that began in my mind and came to life through planning and determination. By embracing the principle of beginning with the end in mind, not only did I fulfill a personal dream, but I also created lasting memories with my loved ones—something that will continue to inspire me in all my future endeavors. #beginwithendinmind #habit2 #barcelonatrip24 #SagradaFamilia #matchyma

Hello Friends 🌞 Portugal 🇵🇹 Lovers !! Happy Saturday !!! Are you relaxing 😎?? You could be !! Take a look !! 🌿 Understanding what truly makes a space feel like home goes beyond just physical shelter. It involves seeking comfort, beauty, and a connection with both our surroundings and the people within. Our responses to the design of spaces are deeply rooted in our need for security and stimulation, often shaping our experiences on a subconscious level. Research in environmental psychology highlights that our homes serve as a refuge, a place where we seek shelter and enclosure to feel secure. Even children intuitively draw houses with pitched roofs, symbolizing this need for protection. This innate psychology underscores the importance of incorporating feelings of safety and comfort into good design practices. While we may appreciate beauty in design, our attraction to spaces is influenced by various subtle factors that we might not consciously recognize. Features like thresholds, railings, canopies, or natural elements help us navigate the transition between public and private spaces. These intricate details play a significant role in creating spaces that resonate with us on a deeper level. As we continue to navigate the significance of our living environments, let's reflect on how the design of our spaces impacts our well-being and behavior. How do you perceive the role of design in shaping our daily lives? Share your thoughts below! #HomeDesign #PsychologyOfSpaces #ArchitectureAndWellBeing #DesignInfluence ##RelocatingtoPT## ##ColdwellBanker##HomesInPortugal## ##HomeDesign##LivingInStyle## ##PortugalHome##AmericansInPortugal# ##ColdwellBankerLuxus## Are you in the loop to move … Portugal 🇵🇹 is your choice !! Let’s talk ! 📬adellef@cbluxus.pt Looking forward to meeting you! Best , Adelle

Many years ago, I was told that Barcelona's urban development actually has a higher plot ratio than Singapore. Looking at this photo, you can see it is probably true. The logical follow-on question then is: why can't we have the same in Singapore with dense low rise buildings instead of high rise HDB blocks? Can we then have the vibrant sidewalks and street life of Barcelona? I used to think the Barcelona typology is unsuitable because of our climate - that the interior of the Barcelona buildings would be so deep inside that there would be insufficient light and airflow. But looking at the photo more closely, I actually think light and ventilation would not be a problem here as there is a central atrium within each cluster. If necessary, we can build interior airwells in the buildings. Of course, low-rise housing means we sacrifice the better wind experienced at higher floors. What do you think? (Photo taken from this link - https://lnkd.in/gQ_iwDwC)

They say, "You can't see what you don't know." For me, travel has been the ultimate eye-opener, a journey that has transformed my perspectives and infused my work at Feza Interiors with a global sensibility. Stepping outside the familiar and immersing myself in diverse cultures has been more than just a personal adventure; 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫. Here are a few key takeaways: 🌍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞. Every new place offers a wealth of inspiration – from architectural marvels to vibrant local markets. I've learned to see beauty and design potential in every destination. 💡𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬. Meeting people from different walks of life has taught me empathy and open-mindedness. Understanding how others live and work helps me create spaces that resonate with a global clientele. 🌐 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. As our world becomes more interconnected, it's crucial to appreciate cultural nuances. Traveling has honed my ability to adapt my design approach and communication style to connect with clients and partners from various backgrounds. 💯 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. Every meeting scheduled in a new city is not just a business engagement; it's a lesson in cultural understanding and a chance to forge new connections. It's amazing how one meeting can lead to ten other introductions, creating a ripple effect of networking opportunities. Travel has been more than just a source of inspiration; it's been a transformative force that has shaped my vision and approach at Feza Interiors. It's a reminder that 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, and I'm excited to continue exploring and translating those experiences into exceptional designs. 𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰. Feza Institute #Travel #Inspiration #Design #Entrepreneurship #Perspective #GlobalMindset #FezaInteriors #FounderStory #Passion #Opportunities

The year 2025 is all about strong presence of nature and culture in every aspect of design. Luxury in space does not just revolve around high-tech, and modern stuff. Nowadays, people are more inclined to sustainable practices with high regards to social and environmental values. video credit: @keirashomecollective

Reflecting on Light+Building, it felt like a whirlwind – here one moment, gone the next. While there may not be any lasting impressions etched into my memory, one thing's for sure: we need events like these, minus any unexpected surprises. Just a short while ago, life seemed crystal clear, even amidst the chaos. Then came the pandemic, where everything seemed eerily calm. Memories of those times are etched differently now, as we eagerly anticipate the simple joys of life – a barbecue with my family, a glass of wine with friends, or simply being present. But as life picks up speed again, so do the challenges of keeping up with the whirlwind. There's a curious mix of emotions – a tinge of envy towards the colleague jetting off to Barcelona, yet a contentment in being grounded at home. Perhaps it's a sign of growing older and a tad wiser. Looking ahead, I'm eagerly anticipating reconnecting with everyone at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen this June. #LEDlighting #LEDModules #lighting #3daysofdesign

A friend recently asked me an interesting question: "How would you introduce yourself without saying your name, interests, or education?" We were sitting on a hill, looking at the London skyline. It made me think a lot. So often, our introductions revolve around our names, educational backgrounds, and achievements. But today, if someone asked me the same question, I’d just show them a picture of London I took last month. The city, with its mix of old and new, perfectly symbolises who I am. Like London, I am a mix of different things and connected to many ideas. In London, old buildings stand next to new ones, and each neighbourhood has its own story. This blend is like my own mix of interests and experiences that shape who I am. As a designer, I get inspiration from art, technology, nature, and culture. All these parts of my life come together to give me a rich and dynamic perspective. I love design not just for how it looks but for how different elements can come together to make something beautiful and meaningful. Just like London’s blend of old and new, my varied interests and experiences come together, allowing me to see the world in many ways. This interconnectedness fuels my creativity and drives my ambition, shaping me into the person and designer I am today. How would you introduce yourself without using the usual labels? Share your story, your essence. Let’s redefine introductions together. #productdesign #customerexperience #graduate

Value that Design can bring in daily lives is significant and multifaceted, encompassing both tangible and intangible benefits. ➡ Thoughtful design can enhance accessibility, safety, comfort, and aesthetics, making cities more livable and enjoyable places to inhabit. ➡ Design can promote social inclusion and equity by ensuring that urban spaces are accessible and welcoming to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. ➡ Vibrant and well-designed urban environments can stimulate economic activity by creating attractive destinations for shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. e.g. Dubai, Singapore ➡ Designing cities with sustainability in mind can help reduce environmental impact, mitigate climate change, and improve resilience to natural disasters. ➡ Designing walkable neighborhoods, providing green spaces, and prioritizing active transportation modes can encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases. ➡ Design can help preserve and celebrate a city's cultural heritage and identity by integrating historic landmarks, cultural institutions, public art, and traditional architectural styles into the urban fabric ➡ Design thinking approaches, co-design processes, and participatory design methods engage communities in shaping the future of their cities and generating innovative solutions to complex urban challenges. ➡ Well-designed public spaces serve as gathering places for social interaction, cultural exchange, and civic participation, strengthening the social fabric of cities. ➡ Design-driven placemaking initiatives and urban regeneration projects enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of cities on a global scale, driving economic prosperity and prosperity. #designlife https://lnkd.in/g65yb6jP

Hot-Takes are rarely hot, and barely ever a take. Here's a hot one. Paris is a 💩-hole. I tried. I really did. But it's essentially Tatooine with remarkbly gorgeous architecture. - The streets are filthy, always. - It's filled with dog poop. - It smells terrible, the cigarette haze is brutal. - The people are cold, arrogant and apathetic. - It's needlessly expensive almost everywhere. - The housing/amenities are average at best. - They go on strike ALL THE TIME. - They give precisely zero turds about other people. - Their systems and processes are insanely inefficient. The list goes on. Now, is the art scene on point? Yes! Is the architecture phenomenal? Yes! But it feels like they havent done anything meaningful in a few hundred years tbh. And now just clip the insane tourism ticket with as little effort as possible. How this place got the Olympics I'll never know, but what I do know is that their airport system is going to pop like an overripe fruit dropped from a large building. Yikes. Give it a miss, the rest of France is gorgeous. Use your time elsewhere. Yelp review: 3/10. Do not recommend.

What we do at Event Site Design goes far beyond greenfield sites- every day we're working to innovate the very use of space itself. 🚀 We apply this effort to every project we take on: any site or indoor venue has a multitude of 3 dimensional space beyond a flat plan which needs to be considered. ⚡ This includes the visible and invisible - your event attendees aren't thinking about the location of every power line in the building, but we sure are. The greater significance of these efforts is represented well by modern campaigns to put pianos in public spaces. 🎹 These spaces see thousands of people pass through every day, with little to no interaction with one another. People just move from A to B, and the landscape around us loses more and more significance as we look down at our phones. Take Malta International Airport plc as an example. Just under 5000 people from all over the world pass through this building every day, but the space itself is merely liminal. Introduce a piano into this area, and you suddenly have a gathering of community and culture transcending language; complete strangers singing together, applauding one another, and performing songs close to their heart. 🎶 What was once a passive departure lounge of frustrated passengers is now an opportunity for true human connection - this is what innovative use of space means. When we're working to bring the range of sites we work on to life, this is our vision. What appears to some as blueprints, appears to us as an opportunity for greatness. 🎢