Cushing Terrell’s Post

How can you support the creation of inclusive playgrounds in your community? Designing a space that addresses the play needs of all children poses a common challenge for many communities. Often, they find themselves uncertain about where to start or how to structure their playground. While the task of creating inclusive or universal spaces may appear daunting, our team of playground designers simplifies the process by following seven straightforward and highly effective steps. These principles serve as a guiding framework to shape spaces that accommodate diverse needs and bring them to life. Learn more about our approach here: https://lnkd.in/geUurH7s #InclusivePlaygrounds #CommunityEngagement #PlayForAll #Inclusiveplayspaces #PlaygroundDesign #PlaygroundPlanning #BehindtheDesign #DesignPrinciples #Inclusivity #PlaygroundInclusivity #AllAbilities #LandscapeArchitecture #InclusivePlayground #LandscapeStructures

The streets are supposed to be a safe place for people. When designing childhood-friendly streets with safety in mind, several factors should be considered. Firstly, ensuring proper visibility by strategically placing streetlights and minimizing blind spots. Additionally, implementing traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and pedestrian crossings. Creating designated play areas separated from vehicular traffic and incorporating clear signage. Moreover, prioritizing sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, with ample space for strollers and wheelchairs, promotes safe mobility. Finally, involving community members, including children, in the design process can provide valuable insights. Incorporating elements of fantasy and imagination into the design and architecture of childhood-friendly streets can ignite creativity and inspire exploration for kids. Utilizing whimsical shapes, vibrant colors, and interactive installations can transform ordinary spaces into magical realms that encourage imaginative play. From fantastical sculptures to themed play structures, integrating elements that spark curiosity and wonder can turn a simple stroll down the street into an adventure. By blending functionality with creativity, designers can create environments that not only prioritize safety but also stimulate the imagination and enrich the experiences of children in the community. https://lnkd.in/e-kydw-N #ArchitectureInspiration #ChildhoodDesigns #FantasyArchitecture #CreativeSpaces #ImaginativeDesigns #PlayfulArchitecture #StreetsOfWonder #WhimsicalDesigns #InspireCreativity #DreamySpaces #UrbanFantasy #MagicInDesign #EnchantingArchitecture #DesignForKids #ImaginationStation #StreetSculptures #ColorfulCommunities #PlayfulLandscapes #ArchitecturalAdventure #CommunityCreativity

Trauma-informed Design is a concept gaining momentum with architects and interior designers. Integrating the principles of trauma-informed care into building design, the goal of trauma-informed design is to create physical spaces that promote safety, well-being, and healing. This requires an understanding of how the physical environment affects identity, worth and dignity, and how it promotes empowerment. Chiles House, an affordable residence for the growing homeless population in Portland, Oregon, was built using trauma-informed design principles. Built for the homeless who have often been subject to trauma in their lives, Chiles House includes design elements such as open air, naturally lit corridors, and quiet, healing environments. Chiles House was co-developed by Sister City, a real estate design, development and consulting firm in Portland, and Catholic Charities USA of Oregon that has a direct pipeline of people slipping into homelessness. Read complete story. https://bit.ly/3tjXj3V #architect #architecture #acoustics #design #multifamily

🏡✨ Designing Churches for Community & Discipleship: A Thoughtful Approach 🌿🙏 👋 Excited to dive into the world of church design and how thoughtful architecture can truly enhance community and discipleship. 🏰💒 Let's explore some key considerations: 1️⃣    Intentional Spaces: Design with purpose! Create spaces that foster connection, whether it's cozy conversation nooks, welcoming entryways, or collaborative study areas. Let the architecture encourage meaningful interactions. 2️⃣    Flexibility Matters: A dynamic church space adapts to various needs. Consider multifunctional rooms that can transform for worship, study groups, or community events. Flexibility fosters a sense of versatility and inclusivity. 3️⃣    Technology Integration: Embrace tech without losing the personal touch. Leverage audio-visual tools for engaging sermons, virtual small groups, or online resources. Strike a balance that enhances, not replaces, the human connection. 4️⃣    Natural Light & Openness: Create an atmosphere of openness and warmth. Infuse your design with natural light, spacious common areas, and inviting outdoor spaces. A well-lit and airy environment can elevate the overall experience. 5️⃣    Inclusive Accessibility: Ensure that your design is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical abilities. Ramps, elevators, and thoughtful seating arrangements can make a significant impact on inclusivity. 6️⃣    Interactive Learning Spaces: Nurture discipleship through interactive learning areas. Design classrooms equipped for group discussions, collaborative studies, and hands-on activities. Foster an environment that encourages spiritual growth. 7️⃣    Outdoor Gathering Spaces: Nature can be a powerful backdrop for community-building. Incorporate outdoor spaces for gatherings, prayer walks, or serene reflection. The connection with the natural world can enhance spiritual experiences. 8️⃣    Art & Symbolism: Infuse your design with meaningful symbols and artistic elements. Visual cues can enrich the worship experience and create a sense of continuity, helping members feel rooted in their faith journey. Let's continue to think innovatively about church design, shaping spaces that not only accommodate but actively enhance the sense of community and discipleship. 🌟 Share your insights and experiences in the comments! Together, let's inspire spaces that truly nurture spiritual growth. 🌿🤝 #ChurchDesign #CommunityBuilding #DiscipleshipJourney #InnovativeSpaces #AspenGroup #BarnaGroup

When designing children’s activity spaces in a #churchbuilding, flexibility is an important goal. Learn about what to include in these spaces in your #churchdesign with our latest blog post. 

Check out a Few of Our Favorite Things! Explore local creativity and culture wherever you are—check out On the Grid: City guides by local creatives, as suggested by Columbus-based Designer, Whitney Baxter. On the Grid creators enlisted the help of local creatives from far and wide to highlight their favorite art and design-related sites and scenes. With a background in graphic design and architecture, and experience with wayfinding systems and placemaking, Whitney is inspired by new ways to capture the attention of viewers and get them excited to explore the content in front of them. A new park provides urban refuge in the heart of Arlington, Virginia—Leah Li, a Landscape Designer in MKSK’s DC Studio shares Metropolitan Park. The newly completed community park-space is a part of the first phase of Amazon’s new Arlington Headquarters (HQ2). This park plays an important role in DC Metro area, offering flexible spaces for urban refuge while providing programming for public art and play. Leah’s passions lie in improving the quality of life for city dwellers, bringing biophilic elements to urban landscapes. Explore the urban tree canopy of your city, the climate impact of your neighborhood, and more with MapLab—a resource recommended by Planner and Urban Designer Donny Zellefrow, in our Chicago Studio. Bloomberg has compiled a list of maps that shed light on urban conditions globally: from a census of street tree canopies to urban heat inequity. As a Planner, Donny is drawn to tools that inspire a deeper understanding of the complexities of our built environment while encouraging learning, engagement, and stewardship. MKSK is committed to expanding critical thinking surrounding these issues through our LAB for Climate Change & Biodiversity Resilience. #MKSK #ShapePlace #PlacesforPeople #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanDesign #Planning #Design #ASLA #APA #ULI #FewOfOurFavoriteThings

Dallas aims to address loneliness through urban design innovation, with Thanks-Giving Square serving as the canvas for a new design competition focused on fostering community connections. Initially built in response to Dallas' historical reputation as the "City of Hate," Thanks-Giving Square, featuring an interfaith chapel designed by Philip Johnson, now seeks rejuvenation to become a more inviting space. The competition, titled "Creating Connections," invites designers to propose infrastructure that encourages spontaneous social interactions, aiming to combat social isolation and enhance the plaza's accessibility and appeal. Ten finalists, selected from diverse backgrounds and locations across the US, have presented imaginative concepts ranging from interactive seating arrangements to collaborative art installations. With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, designs aim to transcend traditional notions of public space, promoting meaningful encounters among visitors. Supported by partnerships with design consultancy firms and research platforms, the competition not only addresses loneliness but also seeks to promote interconnectedness, embodying the core values of community and acknowledgment. Scheduled for display in June, the winning design will reflect the shared vision of a vibrant, welcoming urban environment that celebrates diversity and fosters human connection. Cred: https://lnkd.in/gAE5wSV8 #DallasDesignCompetition #CommunityConnections #UrbanRevitalization #SocialInclusion #PublicSpaceInnovation #ThanksGivingSquare #CreatingConnections #DesignForCommunity #InclusiveDesign #Interconnectedness #CityTransformation #BuildingCommunity #Community #Dallas

How can a structure, an inanimate object lead by example? A space can serve as a beacon to what is possible, and address social justice, societal shortcomings, and celebrate excellence, all while fostering a creative environment with those who are like minded. Bridgid Coulter Design, LLC founder Bridgid Coulter Cheadle, also, founder of Blackbird House and 3 current members will be sharing their stories and speaking to the benefits and challenges of building community in this fashion. This is another installment of Convo By Design presents WestEdge Wednesday, a look back at all of the incredible programming from the 2023 edition of the WestEdge Design Fair. These conversations were held live on the stage crafted by Marbé Designs Inc. Designs and presented by BR Home. This conversation is entitled, Under Construction, Building Communities with Purpose. This chat features Actor, producer and author, Malinda Williams, entrepreneur Kynderly Haskins, University of Southern California’s Lauren Dandridge, LC, IES and designer and founder of Blackbird House, Bridgid Coulter Cheadle. This talk focuses on the building of actual communities through a co-working and event venue called Blackbird House in Culver City, California. This space was created to provide a safe and welcoming space for women of color and allies as they say, “to create positive change by providing safe space for collaboration both virtually and in-person.” But, there’s more to it. The why, how and how can concepts like these can both enhance the quality of work and quality of life simultaneously. Thank you for listening to this episode of the podcast. For more, please make sure you are subscribing to the feed and check our IG often for new conversations. This chat was amazing and was held live on the stage designed by Marbe Designs and presented by BR Home. For those not familiar … The Banana Republic lifestyle brand portfolio is known for delivering timeless ready-to-wear styles, and BR Home signals the brand’s transformation into a leading destination for the modern explorer. Expanding across living room, bedroom and dining room furniture as well as lighting, bedding, and home décor, BR Home showcases materials and craftsmanship from around the world, showcasing signature design details, warm, textural layers, natural materials and traditional production techniques. For links to everything associated with this conversation, please check the podcast episode notes accessible from the “podcast” tab from Convo By Design. Thanks for watching and listening. https://lnkd.in/gJGBba7u

7 Strategies that can be Implemented to Create Environments that Prioritize Neurodiversity 1. Reduction of sensory stimulation 2. Transition and preview space: creating clear spatial transitions and wayfinding cues to reduce disorientation and anxiety 3. Control of privacy and environmental factors: offering diverse environmental choices through variation in seating arrangements and noise control 4. Direct views to elements of interest: designing spaces with access and views of outdoor areas and nature 5. Human-scale massing and proportions 6. Elemental individualism and recognition of place: incorporating unique features and fostering a sense of belonging, helping individuals to navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence 7. Stepped, hierarchical organisation: establishing clear hierarchies of space usage, from social to private areas, facilitating smooth transitions and enhancing overall user experience. #InclusiveDesign #DesignForAll #Neurodiversity #Accessibility #SpacesThatConnectUs ID: A hand-drawn sketch of a new building surrounded by trees. It’s an architectural drawing that shows the exterior design of a single-storied, modern structure set within a natural environment. The sketch includes multiple windows on the building and faint outlines that might suggest pathways or other landscape features. At the bottom of the image, the text “Sketch view of New Building” is written, labeling the content of the sketch.

Interesting read about the benefits of outdoor space. No one knows this better than the companies of Playpower, world leader of PLAY!