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

🚀 Urban Redevelopment at a Historic Scale 🚀 Toronto is set to transform, and the launch of a design competition for the redevelopment of Downsview Airport runway marks a pivotal step in this journey. According to Fast Company, this is currently the largest urban redevelopment project in the world. Situated just 7 miles from downtown, this massive site will eventually be home to 55,000 new residents, helping to address the city's pressing housing shortage. As the project transitions from consultation to design competition, we are entering a critical phase—one that will define the future of this community and, ultimately, a new chapter for the city itself. The stakes are high: creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive space that meets the needs of the future. For architects, engineers, and construction professionals, this is generational work. Young designers, planners, and builders will find themselves shaping a landmark development, leaving their mark on Toronto’s urban fabric for decades to come. Stay tuned as this ambitious project unfolds. The opportunity to make a difference on this scale doesn’t come around often. https://loom.ly/HuA79TA #architecture #urbanplanning #urbanrenewal Northcrest Developments

People's Architecture Office Transforms Jingdezhen Porcelain Factory Jingdezhen, a name synonymous with porcelain, has been at the heart of fine ceramic production for over a millennium. While the West may use "china" to describe fine dishes, in China, this term refers specifically to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Jingdezhen itself. Home to the imperial kilns, this town has been the epicenter of meticulous artistry since ancient times. Today, it remains a center of gravity for craftsmen and artists, continuing to inspire and attract creators from around the world. The town’s historical significance in both art and culture is undeniable, making the preservation of its storied spaces all the more essential. This brings us to a remarkable project by People's Architecture Office, who have taken the historic porcelain factory of Jingdezhen and breathed new life into it. The transformation they have achieved balances the old with the new in a striking way. The kiln rooms, once central to the porcelain firing process, have been converted into comfortable meeting spaces, while the painting room has been transformed into a cozy cafe. These conversions do more than repurpose the space—they emphasize the evolution of the work now being conducted within these walls. The original functions remain visible, preserving the sense of history, while the modern design invites a new kind of creativity and collaboration. https://loom.ly/48oGkCA #architecture #adaptivereuse #preservation

Why are construction backlogs rising while architecture billings fall? Architectural billings typically serve as a leading indicator of construction activity, but the current data from ABC tells a different story (https://loom.ly/pZfy8fc). While the AIA Billings Index remains down (https://loom.ly/PPLwVLQ), we’re seeing a significant rise in contractor backlogs and confidence, driven by falling interest rates and improved construction economics. This suggests that many projects, recently designed, are now breaking ground after being stalled. However, new design work remains sluggish as uncertainty continues to suppress client demand. The disconnect underscores a critical transition period where the economy’s recovery is uneven, benefiting construction first before new design projects emerge. #architecture #economics

This is a great article from WSP (https://loom.ly/iOp7OrI) on urban revitalization. We would agree with the points in general and would add the following: We believe in housing and agree with the desire to increase urban housing, particularly with office conversions where possible. However urban centers demand strategies that create lasting ties between residents and their communities. In the context of U.S. cities, home ownership stands out as a critical piece of the revitalization puzzle. Ownership, as opposed to rentals, fosters a deeper sense of investment and permanence. This ties individuals and families to the community’s future, creating lasting stability. Policies that encourage home ownership, alongside affordable housing initiatives, can create a more resilient downtown core. Public-private partnerships have also played a transformative role in revitalization efforts, particularly in cities like Detroit. The city’s resurgence from economic hardship is largely due to initiatives like the Detroit Neighborhoods Fund. This $100 million fund, developed in partnership with public agencies, private investors and community organizations, has focused on revitalizing neighborhoods through mixed-use developments and affordable housing. These projects not only provide essential housing but also spur job creation and promote the local economy by attracting businesses and residents back to the city. The success of these partnerships highlights how combining public resources with private investment can amplify the impact of revitalization efforts, particularly in resource-constrained secondary cities. At the same time, branding plays a pivotal role in establishing a city’s identity and attracting both residents and visitors. Bentonville, Arkansas provides a compelling case study. Once primarily known as Walmart's HQ, Bentonville has successfully reinvented itself as a mecca for cycling enthusiasts by creating a vast network of mountain biking and hiking trails. Through the development of over 140 miles of trails, Bentonville has established itself as a world-class biking destination. This branding effort is not just about attracting tourism but about fostering a strong community identity tied to the outdoors, which has significantly boosted local economic development. #economy #architecture #urbanplanning

A growing trend in highrise architecture is the incorporation of outdoor spaces and vertical gardens across multiple floors. While initially, these open-air areas may seem like a structural challenge—reducing portions of the interstitial frame—they can also provide a surprising benefit: acting as wind breaks, improving the building’s stability under certain conditions. The real magic, however, lies in the transformation these spaces bring. Beyond the technical advantages, they breathe life into what would otherwise be monotonous curtain walls. Vertical gardens and open terraces inject beauty and vitality into the urban fabric, offering not just visual appeal but also spaces for relaxation and connection amidst dense cityscapes. Projects like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)'s CIMC Tower in Shenzhen illustrate how outdoor spaces are reshaping highrise design, but the trend is global, found in buildings from Asia to the Americas. As cities grow taller, they’re also becoming greener, reimagining what the future of urban living can look like. https://loom.ly/hVGetBU #architecture #design #skyscraper

For 30 years, LOT-EK has been redefining what architecture can be by repurposing industrial surplus in ways that are both unexpected and inspiring. Their work is not just adaptive reuse—it's about transforming materials that were never meant for shelter into truly innovative, high-design spaces, all while maintaining the raw integrity of these industrial elements. A lot goes into their raw materials—shipping containers can handle almost any weather and physical abuse. These high-precision outputs would simply rust away in some industrial yard were it not for Lot-ek giving them new purpose. By embracing these materials, they not only prevent waste but also highlight the beauty and potential of industrial design. Lot-ek's projects embody a celebration of creativity and resilience, demonstrating that even the most utilitarian objects can be reimagined and given new life. Their unique approach continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of architecture, making us rethink how we use and perceive materials. We love the recognition given them in this article: https://loom.ly/_tc4lc8 #sustainability #architecture #design

We fully agree with the authors of this Dezeen article—reducing material consumption is essential, even if some components, like concrete, remain in use. What’s exciting is how this reduction enables a second benefit: it opens the door to incorporating more advanced, yet initially costly, materials such as carbon composites. This twin effect—less material and better material—can drive real innovation. ETH Zürich’s work exemplifies this approach. Their innovations, such as carbon fiber-reinforced structures that drastically cut concrete use, 3D-printed concrete for precision and minimal waste, and bio-based composites made from hemp, push the boundaries of sustainable construction. Additionally, ETH’s Smart Dynamic Casting technology enables non-linear shapes with minimal material, and their use of recycled aggregates promotes circular building practices. These efforts demonstrate how construction can evolve toward a more sustainable future by combining material reduction with cutting-edge solutions. https://loom.ly/S0AoXxE #architecture #construction #sustainability

Morphosis' design for the Crow Museum of Asian Art satellite at The University of Texas at Dallas marks a significant transformation of the campus landscape, replacing a sprawling surface parking lot with a vibrant cultural space. The 57,000-square-foot building features textured precast concrete panels that harmonize with the architecture of the university, while the interior houses naturally lit galleries specifically designed to enhance the display of Asian art. This thoughtful integration of light, space, and material reflects Morphosis’ continued focus on creating environments that transcend their primary function as museums. Inside, the museum offers more than just exhibition spaces. Flexible areas include a conservation studio, the Brettell Reading Room, a study archive and multiple spaces for lectures and events, providing both students and visitors with opportunities to engage more deeply with the collection. Morphosis’ emphasis on visibility and interaction extends beyond the art, as the building encourages spontaneous and planned encounters with the arts, making it a vital part of everyday campus life. The project also plays a pivotal role in the university's broader arts precinct master plan, which will include additional museums and performance spaces in the coming years. By reclaiming a once-utilitarian space and transforming it into a cultural and educational hub, Morphosis has created a lasting legacy that enhances the learning experience and enriches the community. This new museum stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can repurpose urban areas into spaces that foster creativity, learning, and connection. https://loom.ly/9Nv8A8k #architecture #design #art

Parametric architecture has been a hot topic in recent years, and while it comes with its share of criticisms, it's worth taking a moment to reconsider some of them. ▶️ Prioritizing aesthetics over functionality? In our view, cities should be visually interesting, and parametric architecture adds a level of uniqueness that can't be ignored. The idea that design should sacrifice visual appeal for functionality is a false choice—well-designed spaces can and should do both. We reject the notion that embracing complexity compromises a building’s purpose. ▶️ Environmental footprint concerns While early parametric designs may have had sustainability challenges, advancements like biomimicry have helped address many of these issues. Today’s parametric architecture can be both efficient and environmentally mindful, evolving alongside technology and sustainability practices. ▶️ Higher construction costs It's true—many parametric designs can have higher upfront costs compared to traditional construction. But when you amortize those costs over the lifespan of the building, the equation changes. Many traditional structures get replaced or torn down, while these unique designs will endure, leaving a legacy for generations. Investing in thoughtful, lasting design pays off in more ways than one. In the end, parametric architecture isn’t just about pushing boundaries for the sake of it—it's about creating spaces that stand the test of time, both visually and functionally. https://loom.ly/qIL2O_A #architecture #design #artificialintelligence