Andre Voss, AIA’s Post

Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse - A #PublicPrivatePartnership at the #AAJConference, Designing for Change: Architects #Transforming the #JusticeSystem On Sep 26, Debbie Spradley, Nancy Bush, Jon Kindrachuk, and Sean Link will be discussing the process and the details of the Clackamas County Courthouse project, which is being delivered via the PPP model: The remarkable growth of Clackamas County, Ore., rendered the existing county courthouse inadequate, and the financing modalities and schedules of yesterday impractical. The solution was a private-public partnership dedicated to crafting a trauma-informed courthouse. Our design for the new Clackamas County Courthouse rises to the needs of both modern civic and workplace life by prioritizing accessibility and connectivity, with thoughtful interior organization and connections to nature throughout. This works to foster community both internally — with common spaces, intuitive wayfinding, and clear sightlines — and with adjacent services, reducing the stress inherent to needlessly complex civic buildings. This responsibility to community and connection extends to the environment itself, with special care given to make the courthouse resilient to natural extremes and wildfires, while implementing a thoughtful water management system.

We have submitted plans to Reading Borough Council on behalf of developer Elder, for the new Greyfriars House co-living scheme. Situated at 20-30 Greyfriars Road, Elder's plans propose demolishing the existing building on-site to make way for a new development. The project includes a part seven, part 13-storey structure, featuring 266 co-living units—comprising 243 standard units and 23 larger, accessible units—designed to meet the applicable co-living design standards. Elder’s co-living concept reimagines urban living by engaging its local community and maintaining strong ties to the local area. Through participation and support for events and wider programs, this project will deliver meaningful connections with the neighbourhood, enhancing quality of life and embedding the development within the local fabric. https://lnkd.in/eAzKtMRP #residentialdesign #architects #buildtorent

Should you focus on the past... or is the future what matters? As someone who works closely with construction professionals in Ohio, it's inspiring to see the incredible work being done to revitalize historic buildings and neighborhoods in downtown Cincinnati. Take the Willkommen Project in Over-the-Rhine (OTR) for example. It’s more than just a preservation effort—it’s a forward-thinking approach to combining affordability, good design, and historic renovation. By restoring 11 historic buildings and adding modern infill, Willkommen is bringing much-needed affordable housing to a historic area while maintaining its rich architectural fabric. (https://lnkd.in/gtHCnia8) Historic preservation isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about shaping a future that’s both sustainable and economically sound. Cincinnati shows how we can blend innovation, heritage, and community to create lasting progress. If you’re passionate about urban revitalization or work in construction, I’d love to connect and discuss how these projects are changing the landscape of Cincinnati! 🌍 #UrbanRevitalization #HistoricPreservation #CincinnatiConstruction #ConstructionJobs #Sustainability #BuildingTheFuture

Wynwood, known for its unique blend of repurposed industrial charm and vibrant urban culture, is now at a critical juncture. The proposed Live Local Act looms large, potentially opening the floodgates to towering developments that defy the carefully crafted regulations that have defined our neighborhood's character. This legislation could pave the way for projects like Bazbaz Development's 48-story tower, a stark departure from the current 12-story limit set by the Wynwood Neighborhood Revitalization District rules. Such changes threaten to overwhelm our narrow streets with increased traffic and infrastructure demands, jeopardizing the very essence of what makes Wynwood a thriving community. #compassrealestate #realestate #luxuryrealestate #agentsofcompass #compass #realestateagent #compasseverywhere #realtor #architecture #luxuryhomes #condo

Reflecting on Ethical Urban Design: Addressing Anti-Homeless Architecture As urban planners and architects, it's our responsibility to create inclusive and welcoming public spaces that serve all members of our community. However, the prevalence of anti-homeless architecture in our cities raises crucial questions about the values underlying our design decisions. Anti-homeless architecture, such as metal spikes, sloped benches, and hostile landscaping, may aim to deter individuals experiencing homelessness from occupying public spaces. Yet, these measures often exacerbate social exclusion and marginalization, rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness. As professionals in the built environment, we must advocate for ethical urban design principles that prioritize compassion, dignity, and social justice. Instead of resorting to punitive measures, let's focus on creating spaces that foster inclusivity, accessibility, and support for all individuals, regardless of their housing status. By engaging in dialogue, collaborating with community stakeholders, and reimagining design solutions, we can work towards building cities that are truly equitable and inclusive for everyone. #UrbanDesign #EthicalArchitecture #InclusiveCities #CommunityEngagement #HomelessnessAwareness #gallantorbit

Philip Thalis says 'We need mid-rise buildings four to six storeys that are no taller than the trees. People living in walkable green streets, with public parks and transport nearby'. It seems that architecture and law are at one on this point. Legally, we need buildings that are human scale, that their owners have an outside chance of managing themselves instead of being compelled to employ expensive professional services to manage the expensive infrastructure they own but can't run. And they need to be standalone buildings, not legally bound to others through unnecessary stratum or community title. #strata #housing #affordability #greencities https://lnkd.in/gNv2952d

🌿 Well-designed parks bring communities together, but their impact depends on ongoing care and investment. At SAFEbuilt, we understand that creating thriving public spaces doesn’t stop at design. Through our Land Development Design, Planning & Zoning, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design services, we partner with communities to ensure these spaces remain vibrant for generations to come. This blog from the National Recreation and Park Association dives into the critical need for sustainable funding to support parks long after they’re built. Check it out: https://hubs.la/Q02ZkVWp0 How is your community addressing the challenge of park maintenance? Let’s share ideas! #SAFEbuilt #ParksandRecreation #PublicSpaces #CommunityDevelopment #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanPlanning #UrbanDesign #CGA85Years #InterwestConsulting

With all the talk about #CityOfYes coming down the line, today I want to take a look at a zoning throwback... Height Factor The first iteration of the modern NYC Zoning Resolution did not look much like what we have today (even before #CityOfYes). In fact, it did not have any version of 'infill housing', otherwise known as Quality Housing, which came around in the 1980's. Development of all residential buildings depended on the Height Factor formula, which balances the total square footage of a building with the amount of open space provided on a lot, and results in taller buildings with lots of open space around them. In addition to the tricky calculations required, Height Factor buildings provide much less FAR on almost every property in the City. However, we do occasionally run into lots that actually get MORE FAR by using Height Factor. Usually, this involves large lots which run very deep or through the entire block, where Quality Housing height and setback limits make it very difficult to squeeze in all of the floor area. In these cases, we have found that by using Height Factor you can 'break free' from the envelope, and max out your floor area. Additionally, because the required 'open space' can go on top of a commercial or community facility building, Height Factor also opens up the possibilities for mixed use development, to maximize your development rights. We love working with challenging sites because it brings out the best in us, and we always have chances to learn new things about the zoning and development in NYC. Reach out if you have a site that you have not yet been able to crack and give us a shot 👌 #zoninghacks Meltzer/Mandl Architects., P.C.

 Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) article features our landscape scheme in Alloa as part of the town centre regeneration, that brings housing and resident living into the town centre, benefitting from the convenience of amenities close by, but also that acts as a catalyst for other improvement projects for the town. The landscape provides a secure yet welcoming series of courtyard spaces for residents supporting continued independent living for older people, and contributes to the public realm enhancement for the town centre. Read more here: https://bit.ly/TCLSLi

🏙️ 40 Percent of the Buildings in Manhattan Could Not Be Built Today 🏙️ Did you know that many of Manhattan’s iconic buildings wouldn’t meet today's zoning laws? 🔸 Buildings are too big 🔸 Buildings are overcrowded 🔸 Inadequate parking 🔸 Excessive commercial space New York's zoning codes have evolved significantly over the years. 📊 According to an analysis by Mr. Smith and Mr. Trivedi, more than 17,000 out of 43,000 buildings in Manhattan, or 40%, do not conform to at least one part of the current zoning code. 🌆 NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS: 📌CHINATOWN: Too much commercial space. 📌UPPER EAST SIDE: Buildings rise too high. 📌WASHINGTON HEIGHTS: Properties cover too much of their lots. 📌CHELSEA, MIDTOWN, EAST HARLEM: These areas would look much as they do now. “Look at the beautiful New York City neighborhoods we could never build again,” Mr. Smith noted. It’s fascinating and somewhat concerning that these beloved structures wouldn't pass today’s stringent regulations. ⚠️⚠️What are your thoughts on preserving these historical buildings while adapting to modern regulations? Share your insights below!👇👇 #RealEstate #UrbanDevelopment #Manhattan #BuildingCodes #Architecture #CityPlanning #NYC