Eleanor Jolliffe’s latest comment piece, published in Building Design, celebrates the broader role of architecture in civic impact and collaboration, exemplified by this year’s Stirling Prize winner, the Elizabeth Line. Eleanor’s piece is a reminder that architecture goes far beyond the confines of individual buildings – it's a discipline rooted in teamwork, public purpose, and a deep integration of multiple fields. Eleanor highlights the collaborative nature of large-scale projects like the Elizabeth Line and the Kings Cross masterplan, each realised through multidisciplinary efforts involving architecture, engineering, and a network of other professionals. This year’s Stirling Prize honours not just the physical infrastructure but also the collective expertise and civic-mindedness that brought the Elizabeth Line to life. Eleanor argues that architecture’s strength lies in its diversity – historically encompassing design, engineering, and civic leadership. She notes that architecture was once synonymous with “civic and intellectual leadership,” applying knowledge to benefit society. In an era where many still view architecture narrowly, Eleanor suggests the profession should embrace its ancient roots as a multifaceted, collaborative endeavour. By acknowledging architecture as more than buildings and recognising the breadth of expertise required for transformative projects, the profession can redefine its relevance in a complex, evolving world. Her article offers a compelling vision for architecture’s future – one that embraces diversity, collective impact, and a return to the “team sport” ethos that has always defined great architecture. https://lnkd.in/eTEEvhaz #architecture #collaboration #stirlingprize
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Collaboration is key.
Eleanor Jolliffe’s latest comment piece, published in Building Design, celebrates the broader role of architecture in civic impact and collaboration, exemplified by this year’s Stirling Prize winner, the Elizabeth Line. Eleanor’s piece is a reminder that architecture goes far beyond the confines of individual buildings – it's a discipline rooted in teamwork, public purpose, and a deep integration of multiple fields. Eleanor highlights the collaborative nature of large-scale projects like the Elizabeth Line and the Kings Cross masterplan, each realised through multidisciplinary efforts involving architecture, engineering, and a network of other professionals. This year’s Stirling Prize honours not just the physical infrastructure but also the collective expertise and civic-mindedness that brought the Elizabeth Line to life. Eleanor argues that architecture’s strength lies in its diversity – historically encompassing design, engineering, and civic leadership. She notes that architecture was once synonymous with “civic and intellectual leadership,” applying knowledge to benefit society. In an era where many still view architecture narrowly, Eleanor suggests the profession should embrace its ancient roots as a multifaceted, collaborative endeavour. By acknowledging architecture as more than buildings and recognising the breadth of expertise required for transformative projects, the profession can redefine its relevance in a complex, evolving world. Her article offers a compelling vision for architecture’s future – one that embraces diversity, collective impact, and a return to the “team sport” ethos that has always defined great architecture. https://lnkd.in/eTEEvhaz #architecture #collaboration #stirlingprize
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Architects, stop being shy: it’s time to learn from your buildings... Eleanor Jolliffe explores why post-occupancy evaluation, a powerful tool to improve design and prove value, remains so often overlooked #architecture
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Earmuffs, architects! I am intellectually stimulated by most books I read, even the ones that don’t make the top shelf. But “Humanize” by Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick studio ) hit me in a much more emotional way. First, the book is a piece of art in and of itself. The layout is gorgeous and little “hand written” notes and stamps add a whimsical but meaningfully human touch. Second, while there is a good bit of technical information within the book, Heatherwick explores it all in laypersons’ terms, making it imminently approachable. Now, to the nitty gritty… The basic premise of the book is that architecture has dehumanized our buildings by making them boring in the perspectives they are most often experienced. I knew right from the table of contents that this was a book I was going to devour. With chapter titles like “The Anatomy of a Catastrophe,” “Meet the God of Boring” (Le Corbusier, in case you were wondering) and “How to (Accidentally) Start a Cult,” I knew it was going to be a fun ride! Heatherwick is a designer/maker, not an architect. He believes that the emergence of the architecture profession (relatively recently) and its obsession with art over human experience, is what has led to so many terrible buildings having been built in the Modernist “experiment” of the past 100 years. He outlines his story of coming into architecture, the shock that architects never built anything themselves, the problems we now face in buildings and how to build a future with more human buildings. I know a lot of architects that do spend good time focusing on the human experience, but many of them also are still looking to create “portfolio works” which is often contrary to good human experience. The solution? A top to bottom reorganization of the discipline, and a lot more input from the humans who will live in the buildings.
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Last week, a delegation of Swedish architects, city planners, and construction companies traveled to Pittsburgh and New York. Under the banner of "Architecture Matters," the group aimed to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration between the United States and Sweden. The focus of the tour was on the transformation of cities into more efficient, sustainable, and livable spaces. By examining successful urban development initiatives in the US, the Swedish delegation sought to gain valuable insights for future projects. One of the trip's highlights was visiting the Gowanus Canal Development in Brooklyn, New York. The project demonstrates a shift from traditional approaches to urban development, where housing and community building were often treated as separate entities. In this project, developers are actively involved in long-term planning regarding water, walkways, parks, ensuring the endurence and resilience of the neighborhood. The delegation also visited Highline Park, the Moynihan Connector, and the preserved James A. Farley Building, which all in different ways showcased innovative urban development projects. The construction of two skyscrapers on a very limited area over existing train infrastructure in Manhattan West highlighted the technical challenges in urban development. This study tour is part of the Swedish Institute's mission within the Swedish government's trade strategy. Architecture Matters is a collaboration between Svenska institutet, sthlmnyc, Sveriges Arkitekter, Consulate General of Sweden in New York. , The American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA Pittsburgh | The Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and AIA New York | Center for Architecture. LINK Arkitektur Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative, Tengbom Skellefteå kommun Marge Arkitekter Archus Semrén & Månsson International, Arkitektbolaget Kjellander Sjöberg !melk landscape architecture & urban design,Stora Enso
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From ambitious projects with unforeseen consequences to seemingly minor flaws with disastrous results, the following five architectural “epic fails” hold valuable lessons. Read our latest blog article to find out how they serve as stark reminders of the importance of meticulous planning, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how structures interact with their environment. #Architecture #EpicFails
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📰 New Era in Architecture & Construction? I came across this interesting article by Francesc Zamora on Architizer... It covers a range of topics but the main theme is the use of hybrid construction material and techniques to adapt to efficiency expectations and rising costs in the industry. These new solutions and technologies might just be the answer the industry needs to meet technical demands and the intense focus on environmental concerns. Have a little read below and let me know your thoughts in the comments! https://lnkd.in/eEsek_Nv
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Architect | Creating Sustainable, Functional Spaces for Modern Living | Expertise in BIM, 3D Visualization, and Eco-Friendly Designs | Transforming Ideas Into Sustainable and Cutting-Edge Architectural Designs
🌍 Exploring the Dynamic World of Architecture 🏛️ Architecture is so much more than buildings—it’s the art and science of shaping the environments where we live, work, and connect. From iconic skylines to quiet residential streets, architecture plays a central role in defining the character of our cities and communities. As architects, we are tasked not only with designing functional spaces but also with creating experiences. We blend creativity, engineering, sustainability, and technology to craft environments that respond to the evolving needs of society. Whether it’s integrating smart technology into homes or designing eco-friendly public spaces, our work is always adapting to the times. What I find fascinating about architecture is its ability to tell stories—about culture, history, and innovation. Every project is a reflection of the people who inhabit it, and that’s what drives my passion for this field. Let's continue pushing boundaries, exploring new materials, and embracing fresh ideas that shape the future of our cities and landscapes. After all, architecture is a field where art and purpose truly come together. What excites you most about the future of architecture? Let's discuss! #Architecture #Design #Sustainability #Innovation #SmartCities
