Daniel Casas Valle’s Post

Urban Rhythms. Urban spaces are full of life. Urban spaces provide space for movements. For daily flows. People go, pass-by and arrive. To go to their work, for leisure, to meet others. Public transport spots like this are crucial to the overall mobility system. A node in the network. A crossing of flows. It offers choices and smooth transfer actions. From tram to bus, from a walk to metro, from a bike trip to the tram. All happens above and beneath the surfaces of this square/large street. ... Rotterdam, 20.03.2024, Eendrachtsplein ... the Future Design of Street - association

It is quite recently that a decent, safe, comfortable and attractive walkable streets are not only desired, but also essential for a 'relational city' (Sonia Lavadinho). Good streets form the backbone of our urban living enviroment. ... Here an example of a bot more than a decade ago where everything went wrong ... no 'trottoir'on the right side, a street space designed for cars (driving and parking), an evidence of 'formula one' behavior, an a wide urban landscape that is planned around a car based mobility. ... The challenge is now to image how to improve these spaces. To start is would be good to get out some asphalt and turn it into space for walking and nature. That should be a beginning. ... PORTO October 2024 ... the Future Design of Street - association ...

Because this is just great design.

Design can be fun AND functional!

Another #fire in a #historic #listedbuilding which was undergoing renovation works in Copenhagen We continue to see fires in these types of premises - the introduction of #contractors into premises represents a significant increase in risk. Operations typically concern #hotwork including welding and grinding and often combustible loading is increased through the presence of new construction materials which is often coupled with poor housekeeping and waste management Where #combustible construction is present, works often "expose" these materials (i.e. stripping back internal plasterboard / masonry elements to the core which may include timber beams or stud framing) and thus any fire starting through weld spatter / grinding sparks can quickly ignite this construction. Works undertaken by (sub)contractors are often poorly controlled with initial #riskassessments and #methodstatements not fit for purpose - in dynamic environments #RAMS need to be revised and are often not. Temporary electrical supplies are often incorrectly installed or subject to damage and illicit smoking still remains an issue. Speak to one of you Gen Re Underwriters and see how we can help you on these risks. #reinsurance #insurance #contractworks #renovation #firesafety #constructionsafety #riskmanagement

The London Embankment scheme at Vauxhall has undergone a major revamp! Originally planned as a 900-bed hotel, the site is now on track to become purpose-built student accommodation, thanks to Urbanest and Hopkins Architects. 🏢 Key Points: - The 36-46 Albert Embankment site will retain its impressive 29 and 26-storey heights. - University College London has secured a large number of rooms, ensuring high demand. - The project aims for top sustainability accolades, including Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Outstanding rating for Net Zero operations. 🌿 Exciting times ahead for London students seeking state-of-the-art accommodation! What are your thoughts on this ambitious project? #LondonConstruction #StudentHousing #SustainableDevelopment

Town Square ++ [the art of building cities] The importance of the town square as a central hub of public life. The design of public buildings in relation to the town square is important for creating a sense of unity and coherence in the urban environment. The squares are usually surrounded by public buildings such as churches, government buildings, and markets, which serves as focal points for social and civic activities. This layout encourages people to come together, interact with one another, and participate in public events and celebrations.   -- The design of the square and its surrounding public buildings plays a crucial role in shaping the public life of the city.

I envision Malmö's future with bold area planning strategies as a pivotal complement of our comprehensive plan for a more diverse and inclusive city. Grounded in the needs of our residents and the richness of our local identities, these plans can play a key role in driving Malmös sustainable urban transformation. Toulouse's exemplary booklets demonstrate courage and serve as shining examples of best practices. Gratitude to Toulouse, Eurocities, and all participants for these inspiring days in Toulouse. Knowledge sharing together with Tina Weberg in Toulouse and the peer-learning program "Living Spaces," part of the EU initiative #Eurocities, fosters the exchange of best practices projects across Europe. This enriching experience offers valuable insights on adapting our overall planning in Malmö to incorporate specific area strategies rooted in a local context and community engagement. It addresses a crucial gap, guiding us from the initial planning stages all the way through implementation and obtaining building permits. Furthermore, a participatory approach is emphasized and exemplified by the creation of an identity card for each of the six districts. This initiative helps maintain a sense of human connection to places undergoing urban transformation, fostering diversity and community engagement. #LivingSpacesEU #Creative_Europe #Eurocities #Malmöstad #Toulouse #Stadsbygnnadskotoret_Malmö #områdesgeografier #Nyhamnen #Västra_hamnen https://lnkd.in/dHHmXGnt https://lnkd.in/dZwC982J

Repurposing Amsterdam’s Historic Buildings: A Sustainable Path Forward Amsterdam’s architectural history is a vital part of its identity, but repurposing these historic buildings is key to adapting to modern needs. Projects like the Westergasfabriek, once an industrial site now transformed into a cultural hub, highlight how old structures can gain new life while respecting their past. Repurposing buildings isn’t just about preservation—it’s about sustainability. By transforming existing structures, we reduce the need for new materials, lower environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future. In a city like Amsterdam, this balance between heritage and progress ensures that the past continues to shape the future. As the city evolves, the challenge is to maintain this harmony—ensuring that buildings serve today’s needs while preserving their historical essence. Call to Action: “Are you working on any projects that involve repurposing Amsterdam’s historic buildings? Let’s discuss how this approach can create a sustainable and culturally vibrant city for the future.”

I had the opportunity to attend Marrons event - Unlocking Nottingham: From Potential to Permission. The panel discussed all things historical regeneration (a favourite topic of mine) within Nottingham City Centre and surrounding areas. Insights were shared around breathing new life into historical spaces while preserving their unique character, presenting the careful balance between modern innovation and restoration. I took three key lessons away from this discussion: - Regeneration is not just about restoring buildings, it describes the meaning of those buildings in relation to the surrounding area, reinvigorating a sense of community. - We have a shared history and that needs to be reinvented for future uses, you would be surprised how able these buildings are to adapt to modern solutions. - A phrase that was repeated throughout the night was "Heritage is part of the solution" and I believe so! This event has offered me a new perspective of urban development for my early career in construction. It has motivated me to think about alternate, creative solutions to intersect history, design and sustainable growth. I am excited to carry these insights forward.