Daniel Gonzalez’s Post

Delighted to welcome Allies and Morrison to the forum as a new partner 🎉   Allies and Morrison is a practice of architects and urbanists based in London. They design individual buildings – with a long-standing reputation for the quality of their work, winning over 50 RIBA Awards. They also design places: new pieces of city, new residential communities, new university campuses, new settlements and more.   Currently, they are the lead architects in Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW)’s recently launched Masterplan Framework, aimed at transforming Croydon’s North End Quarter, which includes the Whitgift Centre, Allders, and surrounding areas   Paul Eaton, Partner, Allies and Morrison, said: “The Masterplan Framework focuses on revitalising the centre of Croydon; transforming it with green pedestrian-friendly routes and public spaces, high-quality homes and thriving retail and community spaces. We look forward to working with Croydon’s many communities to progress this ambitious and exciting vision.”   #NewPartner #Collaboration #CroydonGrowth   Find out more about our current partners: https://lnkd.in/e7CaHBU5  

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

In this recent New England Real Estate Journal publication, JCJ’s Principal Harry Wheeler, AIA delves into the complexities of Boston's urban real estate landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptation to overcome its multifaceted challenges. Harry underscores the critical role of understanding local policies, historical considerations, and effective urban planning strategies in navigating these challenges. By integrating these elements into their approach, architects and developers can craft purposeful and well-informed designs that not only meet stringent regulatory demands but also enhance the communities they serve. https://lnkd.in/egxU9GJi

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

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.

What would you think takes more brain damage 🤕 ? Zoning for a 50 story tower or a series of town houses? You guessed it! Townhouses When it comes to skyscrapers in Manhattan, NYC zoning has a nice little package called "Tower" zoning that basically allows you to do whatever you want. Try building some 2-3 family homes in the Boroughs tough, and prepare yourself for endless rounds of iterations, as you push up against the straightjacket which they have laid out for R5 districts and below. From maximum heights which JUST barely prevent you from building an additional floor without going below grade, to restrictions on where you can park the massive amount of required cars sprinkled across four different chapters of the text, these districts require checking, re-checking, then checking again, before you keep checking more, to make sure you haven't missed anything. Fortunately, we find that every iteration makes the design stronger and more cohesive, so we take it as an opportunity to refine and hone in on the value in the project. But hey, if you have a nice piece of dirt in Midtown, please give us a call so we can let loose and have some fun 😉 #zoninghacks Meltzer/Mandl Architects., P.C.

"In a downtown, the sense of belonging is always rather difficult because 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲." – Conrad Kickert, associate professor University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning How do we revitalize Detroit and build a more inclusive downtown? Last week during the Sustainable Urban Design x Purposeful Forum, Kickert, Marthijn Pool, founding partner of Space&Matter, Chelsea Rauck Sanderson, director of architecture and design, Bedrock Detroit, Roberto Otero, associate principal, SHoP Architects, Dan Pitera, FAIA, dean of University of Detroit Mercy's School of Architecture & Community Development, and Ivana Kalafatic, founder of Detroitisit, shared open dialogues around these conversations. These conversations are meant to cross-pollinate between borders, working collectively towards sustainable urban design solutions and its challenges. Watch the full Forum at https://lnkd.in/gqywVwYG. If you are a sustainability leader interested in participating in the next Forum and/or becoming a member, sign up at https://lnkd.in/g7yawT9R. #purposefulforum #sustainableurbandesignpurposefulforum #sustainableurbandesign #detroitisitsustainability #purpose #sustainability #action #urbancities #urban #urbanplanning #circulareconomy #architecture #bedrock #spaceandmatter #shoparchitects #universityofbuffalo #uofd #urbandesign #sustainablesolutions #forum #action #activation #cityofdetroit #detroit #detroitisit

"Eyes on the Street" is a concept coined by urbanist Jane Jacobs in her influential book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities." It refers to the idea that active and engaged street life, with people walking, sitting, and observing their surroundings, contributes to community safety and urban vitality.   Eyes on the Street refers to individuals, such as residents, business owners, and pedestrians, who naturally observe and supervise public spaces. This constant presence of people creates a sense of safety and discourages crime. The concept emphasizes the importance of designing neighbourhoods and streets to encourage pedestrian activity and social interaction. Some public realm design features that help promote Eyes on the Street include wide sidewalks, storefronts facing the street, and well-lit areas. Click the link below to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gknH-mGR   #yyc #yycliving #architecture #urbanplanning #planning #urbandesign #policy #eyesonthestreet

Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse - A #PublicPrivatePartnership at the #AAJConference, Designing for Change: Architects Transforming the #JusticeSystem. On Sep 26, Nancy Bush, Debbie Spradley, 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. https://lnkd.in/ebigCKbc

The #CraftandDesignCanberraFestival kicked off with a fantastic Symposium: The #Future of #Housing and the Need for #Public #Amenity. This symposium brought together visionary #architects, #urbandesigners, #policymakers, and #economists to discuss the evolving landscape of residential architecture, the need for more diverse housing typologies, and the strategies for delivering public spaces and streetscapes that promote healthy living. Housing densification was seen as a necessary construct for the future of our cities, and it was acknowledged that urban renewal would be required. The discussion focused on how Canberra as a city based on ‘garden city’ design principles, highlighted as one of the world’s most liveable cities, could retain its landscape quality while delivering a compact city with missing-middle housing supported by high-quality public amenities for its residents. Australian Institute of Architects City Renewal Authority Suburban Land Agency Craft + Design Canberra #Festival @Rob Henry - unlock planning drivers to prioritize the missing middle Petra Oswald - need to shift the engineered character of our roads and instead make them streets. Demonstration precincts can demonstrate the value of missing middle typologies Lucy Wilson - vibrancy should be an outcome..."with more dense housing the jam (social / infrastructure returns) can be thicker on the toast" "Design a good street (rather than a road) and you are designing a good city"- Rob Adams AM Felicity Stewart - "Canberra has a space problem" .... way too much poorly utilized and defined space Greg Jericho - the Australian system is geared for land investment driven profit...."it's entirely predictable where we are headed with affordability."