CONCERT

Birdflocks Talks with Concert CRO Tim Dufault Birdflocks serves as a clearinghouse for innovative ideas and dynamic conversations around collaboration in AECO. While it is well-known in Europe, we’re thrilled to see them spread their wings and to introduce this incredible platform to the U.S. community. This is a great way to connect, share and learn from one another. In this newest episode of Birdflocks Talks, CONCERT's CRO Timothy Dufault, FAIA offers a fresh perspective on the future of collaboration, reflecting on the synergies between Birdflocks' mission and the work Concert is doing to empower effective project delivery. Watch it here: https://loom.ly/xOi9XsA We’re excited to support this movement and be part of bringing Birdflocks' collaborative spirit to the U.S. AECO community. Let us know your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments! https://loom.ly/0EpF7zM #aeco #collaboration #architecture

🏡 When Design, Scale & Mission Align: Tiny Homes with a Big Impact The Towne Twin Village in San Antonio is a powerful coalition united to address homelessness with dignity and purpose. This innovative project—bringing together the industrial prowess of IKEA, the thoughtful architecture of WestEast Design Group, LLC and the compassionate principles of Housing First Community Coalition (HFCC)—provides homeless seniors with more than just shelter. It gives them a supportive, sustainable environment designed with their specific needs in mind. IKEA brings to this project obvious manufacturing prowess that is cost-effective yet thoughtfully designed. Their scalable model shows what’s possible when affordability meets accessibility, making it easier to envision replicating projects like this nationwide. WestEast Design Group complements IKEA’s approach by creating spaces that are not only functional but trauma-informed. Their design focuses on privacy, comfort and adaptability—qualities essential for seniors transitioning from homelessness. At the heart of the project is HFCC’s commitment to the Housing First model, which prioritizes stable housing without preconditions such as sobriety or treatment compliance. This philosophy views housing as a basic human right, giving residents the opportunity to stabilize before addressing other personal challenges. For these seniors, the model’s emphasis on stability provides a critical foundation for rebuilding their lives. While Towne Twin Village is a successful template, scaling it to meet national demand—particularly in urban areas with space constraints—presents unique challenges. Land is at a premium, and zoning hurdles often restrict such developments in high-need areas. Yet, by integrating the principles of affordability, community-centered design and unconditional support, Towne Twin Village offers a framework adaptable to urban contexts as well. The lesson here is clear: with aligned vision, innovation and mission-driven action, we can reimagine how housing is built and provided, creating dignified, accessible options for our most vulnerable populations. https://loom.ly/u0E9ScQ #architecture #fabrication #construction #housing

The Breuer Building: Chaper 2 It’s exciting to see the Breuer Building, after years as a secondary exhibition space for various museums, find a new chapter under Sotheby's. Herzog & de Meuron’s appointment to update its interiors signals a thoughtful evolution for this Brutalist structure, and it’s promising to see a commitment to preserving its architectural significance. The original interior, while historic, presented certain challenges for a modern visitor experience. Its compact spaces, stark walls and outdated lighting contributed to a sense of intensity that, while striking, didn’t fully invite extended engagement. Now, this revamp presents an opportunity to retain the iconic exterior while modernizing the interior for adaptability—much like MilliØns’ recent interior transformation of I.M. Pei’s Everson Museum Of Art, which sensitively enhanced its usability without sacrificing its legacy. (It will kill New Yorkers to take a cue from Syracuse... Nonetheless.) Although it may no longer serve as a public exhibition space, the building now has a chance at a second life, blending its storied history with refreshed functionality. We look forward to Herzog & de Meuron’s vision to bring this celebrated space into a new era. https://loom.ly/BvcSL7Y #architecture #interiordesign #museum

The Dynamic Potential of Digital Twins in #AECO Digital twins are often discussed as though they’re a final “product.” In reality, they represent a dynamic, correlated environment—a bridge between the physical and virtual, constantly updated with real-time data to model forward-looking scenarios. For the AECO industry, this concept holds incredible potential, not only for traditional goals like reducing material costs, reducing environmental impacts and improving build times but also for unlocking entirely new avenues of value. Consider the impact of digital twins on safety and security. While digital twins have traditionally centered on asset and performance data, extending them into safety functions requires us to rethink the boundary between private and public data. However, if managed carefully, this extension could drive societal benefits. Imagine emergency responders accessing real-time building models to aid crisis response or automated systems flagging potential security risks—all powered by a digital twin’s adaptive model. Beyond safety, digital twins accommodate diverse data formats, from IoT data streams to BIM, creating a multifaceted data ecosystem that allows for comprehensive decision-making. This adaptability is crucial for optimizing space, improving long-term maintenance, and reducing environmental impact. At CONCERT, we see digital twins as a socially beneficial technology, essential for designing efficient and sustainable spaces. As we envision endless possibilities for the built environment, we recognize that digital twins offer a practical and forward-thinking model for connecting data with societal outcomes. This is not just a trend; it’s a transformative shift that positions data at the heart of decision-making in AECO, ensuring our spaces are both responsive and responsible. https://loom.ly/xSSUo98 #digitialtwins #architecture #construction GHD Digital

Introducing OPEN Architecture —a firm that has been reshaping spaces and community experiences with a rare blend of artistry and purpose since 2008. Led by Li Hu and Huang Wenjing, both alumni of Steven Holl Architects, OPEN brings an architectural vision that’s equal parts innovative and grounded. At the heart of OPEN Architecture’s work is a manifesto that shapes every project: a commitment to architecture as a “vessel for humanity” that engages deeply with its environment, respects the organic flow of nature and fosters meaningful, unpretentious interactions. This manifesto calls for designs that challenge conventions and create spaces that are both poetic and practical, encouraging discovery and evolution within each setting. Their latest work, the Sun Tower in Yantai, China, is an ideal embodiment of these principles. Designed as a massive sundial, the tower invites visitors to experience the passage of time and light in a new way, forging an intimate connection between natural cycles and human presence. The Sun Tower’s bold yet refined form reflects OPEN’s dedication to blending function with sculptural elegance, creating a space that resonates with its surroundings while fostering community engagement and quiet reflection. From smaller, contemplative spaces like the Chapel of Sound—a concert hall carved into a natural valley—to larger-than-life projects like the Sun Tower, OPEN’s work is characterized by its profound simplicity and environmental harmony. Each project is a living reflection of their manifesto, aspiring to be both profound and informal, welcoming change, and inviting every visitor to be part of its ongoing story. For those discovering OPEN Architecture, the Sun Tower serves as a stunning introduction—a testament to how architecture, when crafted with vision and integrity, can inspire and enrich lives in unexpected ways. https://loom.ly/2akjMHE #architecture #china #culture

Mass Timber Data Centers: A Welcome Addition to Sustainable Construction In architecture, we're accustomed to seeing design choices that elevate functional spaces into something meaningful. Microsoft's recent pilot of a mass timber data center—one of the first of its kind—demonstrates just how impactful material selection can be in transforming even the most utilitarian structures. Typically, data centers are composed of steel and concrete, built for utility with minimal emphasis on aesthetics. They’re places designed to work quietly in the background, unseen and unnoticed. Yet with mass timber, this story takes a new direction. Timber brings warmth, grounding these facilities in a way that concrete and steel cannot match. By using sustainably sourced timber, Microsoft has made a choice that softens the industrial tone of a data center, making it more welcoming and connected to nature. But let's be clear—this isn’t about advancement in technology. It’s simply a different, admirable choice in material, one that blends purpose with environmental consideration. Mass timber doesn’t just "fit" into data centers; it naturalizes them. For a building type often seen as stark and utilitarian, it’s a welcome sight to see spaces that resonate with an architectural audience attuned to sustainability and beauty in all forms of construction. We’re watching closely, and perhaps we'll see more in the industry adopt this kind of approach. Microsoft’s entry sets a respected precedent in acknowledging that aesthetics and sustainability can coexist, even in the most function-focused architecture. https://loom.ly/fk_t_FU #sustainability #design #architecture #missioncritical

Heatherwick studio ’s work with Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town and Coal Drops Yard in London exemplifies a masterful blend of eras, allowing the eye to traverse a century without interruption. In Zeitz MOCAA, the old grain silos were meticulously hollowed out to create an interior atrium that mirrors the silos' original forms. Here, historic concrete walls meet polished, contemporary spaces in a way that feels organic, guiding visitors through an architectural journey where old and new coexist harmoniously. Similarly, at Coal Drops Yard, Heatherwick preserved the Victorian brick structures while introducing sweeping rooftop forms that join the buildings in a "kissing" gesture. The design respects the industrial heritage of the site while introducing a contemporary aesthetic, using materials that allow the eye to transition seamlessly from brick to glass and steel. This sensitive integration enhances both structures’ historical character while establishing them as distinctly modern landmarks. Both projects highlight Heatherwick’s ability to bridge centuries, creating adaptive reuse projects where time seems to flow naturally forward. Zeitz MOCAA and Coal Drops Yard set a standard for adaptive reuse, where new architectural interventions amplify—rather than overshadow—the old, transforming each site into spaces of timeless appeal and cultural relevance. https://loom.ly/LZmuUjU #architecture #design #adaptivereuse ArchEyes

CONCERT has long focused on addressing the U.S. housing shortage through innovative construction materials and methods. From modular housing to shipping container homes and advanced prefabrication, we believe these solutions have real potential. Yet, despite these advancements, the industry faces a critical problem that materials alone cannot solve: the ongoing shortage of skilled labor. Without a workforce to install and build these solutions, our ability to meet housing demand—and the resulting business and community benefits—will remain limited, requiring immediate, coordinated action. Why We’re Addressing the Labor Crisis The urgency of this issue is underscored by the Fall 2024 HBI (Home Builders Institute) report showing that while the U.S. needs over 700,000 construction workers annually, we’re only adding around 5,600 new workers each month. This gap highlights a reality that technology and materials alone cannot bridge; without a reliable pipeline of skilled construction labor, even the most efficient methods will fall short of demand. Several factors exacerbate the shortage. A large percentage of the workforce is nearing retirement, creating a demographic cliff. Additionally, immigration reform could impact labor availability, as immigrants make up about 30% of the construction workforce. While automation and technology can support productivity, they cannot replace the expertise skilled workers bring to the field. A Call for Aggressive Workforce Development Addressing this challenge means prioritizing workforce training and development. The future of housing depends not only on innovative materials but also on a skilled workforce to put those materials to work. Investments in workforce development—including vocational training, robust apprenticeship programs, and incentives to attract younger generations to the trades—are critical for creating a sustainable labor force to support both business and community growth. Through collaboration with policymakers, educational institutions and industry stakeholders, we can make skilled trades a viable and attractive career path. Increasing awareness of construction’s career potential, especially among younger generations, and creating incentives for trade school enrollment can help secure the workforce our industry needs. Building the Future Requires Investing in People To create the business growth and social impact AECO professionals envision, we must recognize that no single solution alone will solve the housing shortage. Only by investing in workforce development can we ensure the innovations we’ve championed will achieve their full impact, meeting community needs and creating a more resilient market. https://loom.ly/iJy-ITs #housing #architecture #construction

Designing for Adaptability: Future-Proofing Buildings for Changing Urban Demands As cities evolve, so do the demands on their buildings. The concept of "designing for adaptability" is emerging as a necessary evolution in architectural practice, encouraging architects to design structures that can meet the shifting needs of urban environments. Where industrial buildings have converted seamlessly into residential or retail spaces due to their inherently adaptable design—open floor plans, high ceilings, and robust structures—many contemporary commercial office spaces present more rigid barriers to conversion. A forward-thinking example of adaptability in design is London’s 22 Bishopsgate, conceived by PLP Architecture with flexibility at its core. Beyond conventional office needs, PLP’s design incorporates elements that anticipate future use changes, whether for residential or retail purposes. For instance, the building's open, column-free floor plates allow the layout to be easily reconfigured, whether to accommodate residential units or retail stores. The centralized core and modular HVAC system streamline potential retrofits, reducing the complexity of adjusting to different occupancy needs. Additionally, operable facades and energy-efficient insulation equip the building to meet stringent energy standards for varying occupant types, enhancing its adaptability and reducing long-term renovation costs. The concept of adaptability discussed in Commercial Property Executive’s recent article highlights additional design elements that ease future conversions. Features such as the grouping of utilities and designing ground and top floors for versatile uses—like retail or shared amenities—allow buildings to transform with market demands. These strategies underscore why adaptability should be a priority in new projects. By incorporating adaptability from the start, architects help developers future-proof their assets. This approach mitigates the environmental impact of demolitions and rebuilds, enhances resilience to market changes, and extends the functional life of the structure. Designing for adaptability doesn’t just respond to current needs; it prepares our built environment for the future, creating sustainable, flexible urban assets that can pivot as cities and their communities evolve. #Architecture #Sustainability #UrbanDevelopment #AdaptiveReuse https://loom.ly/YsOHEOw

Our CRO Timothy Dufault, FAIA shares his thoughts on what he saw while visiting Norway and its push to transition to a carbon free economy.