Grimshaw’s Post

"Architect's Notes" by Yuri Udaltsov "Contemplating architecture, I increasingly believe in its incredible power over our lives. It's not just about creating walls; it's about creating space that shapes us, either fostering development or leading to decline. This is especially crucial now, as we face the challenge of enduring and evolving for the better. As we rebuild, we need to think about the future and how it will impact future generations. Have you ever wondered why some places immediately evoke feelings of joy and comfort, while others evoke feelings of anxiety? Passing by buildings filled with light, space, and beauty, we feel uplifted and inspired. But in environments where decay is evident, akin to the broken windows theory, we may feel unsettled. Research shows that such surroundings can even prompt negative actions, affecting our mood and behavior. This underscores the importance of aesthetics and functionality in our daily lives. It's not just about convenience; it's about creating an environment that supports and nurtures us. Our surroundings influence our mood and health more than we realize. Design is not just about aesthetics; it determines how we interact with each other. Open, well-lit spaces for everyone foster communication and community building. Conversely, forgotten, dark corners can become hotbeds of negativity. Urban population density can have various consequences. On one hand, it can create an energetic and dynamic atmosphere. On the other hand, it can lead to overcrowding, stress, and social isolation. World architecture has many examples where certain areas, due to poor development, turned into criminal hotspots. Conversely, there are numerous examples where quality construction and public spaces transformed dangerous areas, drastically improving the quality of life and injecting new life into these places. Such transformations led to better living conditions and business development, bringing new vitality to these areas."

Today's Architecture of Repair mini essay is about ownership. One of the great battles in the struggle for more, and more expressive, repair in architecture is the endless question of who is going to do it. Paid workers? Owners? Local authorities? Much ink has been spilled by those who think, for example, that ownership is inherently a better model for managing buildings than renting because owners have a greater vested interest and therefore may be more like to care for and repair their architecture than renters, who are more likely to move (or be moved) on sooner. In a country like Britain where private tenancy contracts offer so chronically few rights to renters, it is not difficult to how housing insecurity contributes to a general decline of caring investment in places and buildings over time. But there are examples of architecture that is well cared for despite being owned by nobody. Made since prehistory across the world, a cairn is a collectively-build piece of way-finding infrastructure. A simple, yet recognisable column of rocks made and maintained organically by travellers to help each other find paths in remote places. As you pass a cairn you pick a rock up from nearby and place it on the cain meaning the loose structure is constantly replenished and repaired by many hands and many acts of care on behalf of total strangers. As fog descends, cairns can be seen through the gloom allowing lost walker to find the track back to safety. There is no exchange of money and no commissioning client. Nobody owns cairns and they are impossible to sell. Yet, from nothing, useful, even life-saving architectural elements emerge. Follow the Architecture of Repair project on Instagram: https://lnkd.in/g5-kecTS

Trust Us with Your Vision Visualising your space is exciting, but translating that idea into reality can feel overwhelming. Here's why trusting us as your architects makes all the difference: 1️⃣ From Ideas to Reality: You bring the ideas, and we provide you with the expertise to make it happen! We'll work closely with you to transform your ideas into practical and beautiful designs that reflect your unique needs and requirements. 2️⃣ The Knowledge: As an architectural practice, we possess knowledge about building regulations, materials, and the best construction practices. We'll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your home's beauty is matched by its safety, durability, and longevity. 3️⃣ Unlocking Possibilities: We see the potential in your vision that you might not even realise! Our team introduces creative solutions and distinctive features to your project, ensuring your home stands out for you and your loved ones. Our passion lies in creating spaces designed to endure. Stay connected for more design inspiration from the Rowett Architecture team.

The art of compromise. One honed only through experience and the rich opportunity of limited resources. Particularly enlivened by learning about self taught architect Tadao Ando reading Adam Grant’s “Hidden Potential” which highlights the trappings of uncompromising perfection. As we mature through our careers it becomes clearer that decision points are often grey and on a spectrum. Optimising for the right point on a spectrum of possibilities therefore becomes an art in itself and a journey of discovery. “When I considered the traits of great architects, the first quality that came to mind was perfectionism. It takes painstaking attention to detail to create an aesthetic masterpiece—let alone a structure that can withstand an earthquake. If you’re not fastidious about getting every element right, your designs will be flawed and your buildings could collapse. But then I learned that to be uncompromising, architects have to make compromises. And I kept hearing that no one did this better than Tadao Ando. Ando is esteemed for his ability to make the most of limited spaces with limited budgets. *He’s only able to do this because he fully rejects the notion of perfectionism.* He knows that to be disciplined in some areas, we have to let others go. One of his specialties is being disciplined in deciding when to push for the best and when to settle for good enough. For him, this often means prioritizing durability and design while compromising on comfort. His signature style is meticulous on form but less exacting on function.” Image credits in comment - showcasing one of Tadao Ando’s designs, the church of life showcasing the interplay of light and structure

a not so explored field in architecture: kinetics have you ever envisioned buildings that adapt and shift with their environment? that’s the magic of kinetic architecture— a thrilling blend of design, engineering, and technology that creates dynamic structures. so, what is kinetic architecture? K it refers to buildings that can move or change shape in response to their surroundings or the needs of their inhabitants. this innovation goes beyond aesthetics; it enhances functionality and sustainability in our built environment. here’s why kinetic architecture is changing the game: adaptability: picture a building that opens up for natural ventilation on a hot day or closes to retain warmth in winter. kinetic structures adjust to environmental conditions, boosting comfort and energy efficiency. interactivity: these designs foster interaction between the space and its users. walls that shift or rotate can reconfigure spaces for various activities, enhancing overall experiences. sustainability: incorporating movement optimizes energy usage. movable shading devices can cut heat gain in summer while welcoming sunlight in winter, reducing energy costs and environmental impact. some inspiring examples include the blur building, the serpentine pavilion, and the al bahar towers, all showcasing how kinetic architecture can transform spaces. . .. … .. . curious about applying these principles to your designs? grab your spot on my upcoming workshop “digital design thinking” on the 8th december. be quick there is only limited access! . .. … .. . let´s build future!

"𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁" 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲—𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲? #EngineeringTuesday As a student, I had a professor who wasn’t particularly liked. He was known for asking the “wrong” questions during project reviews. While everyone else focused on form-finding and impressive graphics, this senior professor would calmly ask after the presentation: “So, young man, how many toilets do you have on the first floor? Oh, you don’t know? And how many people will be using your building on a typical day?” Most students found it frustrating—“Why is he asking these trivial questions? We’re creating architecture here!” Human-centric design wasn’t a priority back then. From this perspective, the student's lack of understanding of the relationship between building occupancy and overall design was somewhat understandable and excusable. However, in everyday practice, we need to establish the connection between building occupancy and architectural design. When we, as architects, are asked to provide information about building capacity, our thoughts often go straight to the client's goals, parking, and fire egress calculations. But several other key areas require this information: 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Knowing the occupancy of each floor helps estimate how many visitors with disabilities will need access and ensures that you provide them with the right level of comfort. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 Each country has its own regulations regarding sanitary facilities based on building type. The distribution of visitors within the building directly impacts the number of amenities needed, and un 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Did you know that different visitor groups use significantly different amounts of water? For example, professional athletes might need up to 100 litres each after training, while community sports users only require 50 litres. Stadium spectators place enormous pressure on plumbing systems during event breaks. Providing engineers with occupancy data broken down by user type allows for accurate water system calculations. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 Different users and zones require different temperature and humidity levels. Athletes need cooler environments to prevent overheating during training, while office workers are comfortable at warmer temperatures. Large crowds also emit considerable heat, which should be factored into energy efficiency calculations. Occupancy data and thermal comfort needs give engineers a solid starting point. 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Elevator and escalator loads—how many, how fast, and where they’re needed—depend on each zone's occupancy. Proper planning helps avoid unnecessary queuing. Most of these points involve collaborating with engineers and leading the design of all building systems. This is essential to making the project run smoothly. 𝗦𝗼, 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 “𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀”?

BAUAKADEMIE / WUDA* Project The reconstruction of the Bauakademie in Berlin as the National Bauakademie aims to create a venue for showcasing sustainable architecture and urban development while fostering public engagement. Located near the Humboldt Forum and Museum Island, the building will integrate archaeological remnants, prioritise public accessibility, and support mixed-use programs, including research, education, and gastronomy. The programming competition focused on developing usage concepts and spatial programs under the motto “As much Schinkel as possible,” forming the basis for a subsequent open realization competition. As an architect and engineer, interior designer and artist, monument conservator, art historian and teacher, urban planner and building official, Karl Friedrich Schinkel united all disciplines of building. Even today, the urban area of Berlin is still characterised by his work. The Bauakademie should once again become a common property, reuniting the most diverse disciplines in one building With regard to the urban fabric, the design should show how the building can present itself as a link that promotes mutual understanding, strengthens common ground and facilitates cooperation. Text from programming competition brief Image: WUDA* proposal plans

we are constantly evolving our design strategies to ensure we remain relevant in an ever-changing world. As we move into an era shaped by Generation Z, we recognize the need to adapt our approach to design and work policies in a way that resonates with the values and expectations of the coming generation. Our very own architect, Amruta Thakur, shares her insights on how our design process integrates with our office policies to avoid being labeled as "outdated." By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, we ensure that our design approach not only meets the needs of today but is also prepared for the future. Amruta Thakur Rupali Mande R design architects

Kv Innovation in Stockholm. The building is a result of Schömer Building System which is developed by, Ervin Schömer architect SAR, building-constructing engineer PhD, at the beginning of the 1970-ties. The first official letter of the Schömer system was approved by the German Paten office 1972, resulting Gebrauchmuster G 72334351. And the patterns of Sweden are open 32796, 32696, 32500, 45154. As well a completing patterns wich are secret. The last Swedis Pattern of Ervin Schömer, the innovator of the Shömer System, has gone out of time 1996. The whole idea was informed to the United Nations Industrial development Organisation at Wienna to chief architect Lechtmayer. 1990. Letchmayer supported the idea, and proposed as UNIDO to Sweden to apply it. The UNIDO proposed to develop this Schömer Building System for the whole world. The Swedish constructing company NCC intended to do it, however the Swedish Social democratic Government neglected. The same time was SKANSKA informed about the idea and the project as well at the leadership as at the yearly formal company meeting in Malmö (Skånska Cement). The SANSKA neglected to take part at the project. Bu notes today the SKASKA produce all of the volume elements which are the most important part of the building. The idea is proposed to the US housing authorities in Washington DC by Ervin Schömer. The actual project is using the Schömer System by a wrong way. The System gives most of winst in economics in housing a long type of blocks or quarters. To use the System highrise building with brutally in and out hanging details are resulting enormous lost of warmth energy which is one of the most costly part of a living in the cold Swedish climate. The colour of the building is well chooses by the architects, but the for is a catastrophic mistake. That means both form of the windows and l type of the highrise volume.. The city plan f the project proposed at this place highrise offices. The plan was made for offices and not housing. But the first interest of the offices. a Norwegian Company neglected the project. Oscar Properties take over the landmark for housing, it is a clear planning mistake of the City of Stockholm.

office policies. The holy grail of corporate functioning. Or, as most of us see them when we start our careers, *stringent, slightly terrifying, and utterly incomprehensible*. Back when I was a fresher, I used to think these policies were designed solely to confuse my 20-something brain. Now, having spent years in the field (and multiple HR sessions later), I realize they’re not here to confuse—they’re here to *control chaos*. And let’s be honest, given how architects thrive on last-minute creativity, chaos is practically our second nature. At R Design, where the majority of us are below 35, the vibes—and not big on following rules. Sure, there are a few over-35 exceptions, but they blend in so well that they might as well be honorary millennials. So naturally, I couldn’t help but wonder: why not have an open-minded, slightly Hogwarts-inspired approach to policies? After all, if Dumbledore could run a school full of mischief-makers with a twinkle in his eye, surely we can manage an office full of creatives without making everyone feel like they’re in Azkaban. Now, don’t get me wrong. With every power comes responsibility (*cue Spiderman theme music*), and policies are here to remind us of this. At the end of the day, policies are like the rules of Quidditch—necessary to keep the game fair, but let’s not forget we’re here to *play*.