Introducing "Design for a Radically Changing World"

By Andy Cohen, FAIA, and Diane J. Hoskins, FAIA, NCARB

Four years ago, driving through the streets of Tokyo in a taxi, we were struck by the same inspiration: we must share with the world the power of design to bring people together and address our most pressing challenges.

We decided then, on that day, to write a book.

Little did we know how quickly the world would change over the following three years. Our premise remained the same — design's power to create solutions — but our case studies became so much more meaningful. The pandemic enveloped the world, bringing many aspects of daily life to a halt; the effects of climate change began cascading at an undeniable rate; economies across the globe experienced tremendous volatility; and geopolitical crises amplified instability around the world. All these challenges, layering one on top of the other, created what we described as a crisis multiplier — and this became the basis for our book: Design for a Radically Changing World.

In this book, you will find deep explorations of design's impact on the future of cities, climate change, mobility, the future of work, and more. Combining findings from the Gensler Research Institute, case studies, personal narratives, expert analysis, and stunning project photography, Design for a Radically Changing World showcases the power of design to lift people up, bring communities together, and solve the world's most complex challenges.