Aisya Ahmad’s Post

🏛 Bringing Beauty Back to American Public Buildings 🏛 For decades, the architecture of American public buildings has leaned heavily on functionality, often at the expense of beauty. Yet, architecture shapes not just our skylines but our identity, pride, and sense of community. How can we bring aesthetics and timeless beauty back into our public spaces? 🔸 Reviving Classical Principles: Designs rooted in symmetry, proportion, and ornamentation have stood the test of time. Classical architecture evokes dignity and permanence—qualities sorely needed in our civic spaces. By blending these principles with modern functionality, we can create buildings that inspire awe and serve their purpose. 🔸 Strengthening Architectural Education: Beauty must be taught, valued, and practiced. Schools of architecture should reintroduce classical and traditional design as part of their curricula while encouraging students to prioritize human-centric and harmonious design. Justin Shubow, a tireless advocate for classical architecture and the President of the National Civic Art Society, has recently shared his insights on this topic through several podcasts. His thoughts on the importance of design in public buildings resonate deeply. He reminds us that architecture isn’t just about structures—it’s about legacy. Check out his recent appearances Intercollegiate Studies Institute for a deeper dive into why beauty matters in public architecture: What are your thoughts on balancing timeless beauty with modern functionality in public architecture? Do we need a renewed architectural renaissance? Let’s discuss! 👇 #Architecture #CivicDesign #PublicBuildings #ClassicalArchitecture #TimelessBeauty

In the world of architecture, character is the silent storyteller.

Architect Maggie Tsang focuses on climate adaptation, flood plain urbanism, community resilience, and the relationship between city and nature. The co-founder of Dept., a landscape architecture and urban design studio based in Houston and serving the Gulf Coast, she created “Prairie Plots,” a living installation next to the Turrell Skyspace, in 2022. Comprising more than 1,300 hardy plants and seeds known to thrive in the often harsh Houston climate, “Prairie Plots” serves as an example of how institutions can reimagine their footprint, letting changing climates guide the way humans interface with design. Read more about how Rice Architecture researchers are building the future. https://bit.ly/3UmMgR3

A major reuse and expansion project for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has culminated in the recent opening of the NHM Commons, a transformative new wing and community hub on the southwest side of the Museum campus. Targeting LEED Gold certification, Frederick Fisher and Partners designed the 25,000-square-foot adaptive reuse and 30,000-square-foot addition to the NHM Commons with landscape architecture by Studio-MLA and integrated engineering services provided by Buro Happold including building services and facade engineering, plus energy modeling and daylighting strategy. https://lnkd.in/gGkaCsth #design #daylighting #architecture #engineering 📸: Benny Chan, courtesy Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County.

Adaptive Reuse in Sustainable Urban Development As cities continue to grow and evolve, the concept of adaptive reuse has become a cornerstone of sustainable architecture. This approach involves repurposing existing buildings for new uses, preserving their historical and cultural significance while meeting modern needs. Adaptive reuse not only conserves resources but also breathes new life into old structures, making it a powerful tool for sustainable urban development. Adaptive reuse projects are a perfect example of how architecture can connect the past with the future. By maintaining the original structure's integrity while adapting it to serve contemporary functions, architects honor the history of a space while ensuring its relevance for generations to come. This approach reduces the environmental impact associated with new construction, minimizes waste, and often revitalizes entire neighborhoods. One notable example is the transformation of industrial buildings into modern residential or commercial spaces. Such projects preserve the unique architectural elements of the original structures while introducing new features that meet today's standards for energy efficiency and functionality. As an architect with a keen interest in sustainability, I believe adaptive reuse is not just about preserving the past—it's about creating a sustainable future. By reimagining old spaces for new purposes, we can reduce our environmental footprint, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to vibrant, dynamic urban environments. Let’s continue to embrace adaptive reuse as a key strategy in our efforts to build more sustainable, resilient cities. References: - Architectural Review on Adaptive Reuse https://lnkd.in/es3p3KgW - [Sustainable Urban Development through Adaptive Reuse https://lnkd.in/efjWiDpd - [AR Public Awards 2024 - Social Impact in Architecture] (https://lnkd.in/eiD6KQ4P)

🏙️ #TimeCapsuleThursday: St. Louis’ Modern Marvels and Architectural Evolution 🏙️ St. Louis has embraced modernity while maintaining its rich architectural heritage. The Gateway Arch, an iconic symbol of the city, is just one example of how engineering innovation has shaped the skyline. As modern structures rise alongside preserved historic buildings, St. Louis proves that a city can honor its past while leading in design and technology. Today, new projects focus on sustainability, engineering advancements, and the future of urban development, ensuring that St. Louis remains at the forefront of architectural innovation. #EngineersClubStLouis #GatewayArch #ModernArchitecture #UrbanDevelopment #EngineeringInnovation #FutureOfStLouis

Adaptive reuse and historical preservation projects are a passion at SAAarchitects. Check out these three key best practices that drive our approach: Understand and Adhere to Standards: Follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic properties, guiding preservation efforts with a comprehensive framework for rehabilitation, restoration, and preservation. Turn Challenges into Opportunities: Leveraging original materials and uncover innovative solutions that honor the buildings history while meeting modern needs. Promote Sustainability and Viability: Embracing sustainability in historic spaces, seamlessly blending past and present. These practices ensure a thoughtful and sustainable approach to preserving our architectural heritage. Learn more about our adaptive reuse and historic preservation work: https://lnkd.in/e9NPTX_A #HistoricalPreservation #AdaptiveReuse #SustainableDesign

I love this perspective on Landscape Architecture.

My architectural thesis, “Social Housing and Public Space”, seems altogether relevant now. My architectural project - the sacred as an essential component in any housing project, all which is not on the table because we have lost the vocabulary to describe it; we have lost our connection to meaning in the built world. This intangible quality that we see in great public spaces and projects comes from this inseparable condition: that which we call architectural principles are essentially derived from our sense of bearing, and how we face the world, and the ground we stand, in joy and awe. It is altogether possible to create buildings with joy and awe - my mission.

Uncover the secrets of traditional architecture! 🏛️✨ Our "Understanding Traditional Architecture" course will teach you to identify styles, date buildings, and grasp architectural vocabulary. Perfect for enthusiasts, real estate pros, and anyone interested in historic preservation! 🏙️📚 Registration in comments below. #NYU #NYUSPS #WeAreSPS #BuildingHistory #RealEstateProfessionals #ArchitectureEnthusiasts #HistoricBuildings #ArchitecturalEducation #PreserveHistory