The Municipal Art Society of New York’s Post

Public spaces aren't just for cities—rural environments need thoughtful design too. This ArchDaily article dives into the challenges and opportunities of creating shared rural spaces, emphasizing how architecture can shape community life outside of urban metrics. From balancing local needs with environmental sustainability to fostering a sense of belonging, this approach invites us to rethink how we design for rural areas. A must-read for architects and planners passionate about sustainable development and community-driven design. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eVPASGTa

Human Space is collaborating with Waterfront Toronto to develop Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines, which will guide public realm design across the waterfront. For this project, Human Space assembled an integrated team that encompasses all areas of required expertise, including architecture, urban and landscape design, accessibility and inclusion. The team is working with Waterfront Toronto in the development of the Accessibility Framework, which will include principles and performance standards for inclusive design. Our approach to the work is organized into three key phases: the development of the Waterfront Advisory Committee on Accessibility (Waterfront ACA), consultation and education, and the development of the Accessibility Framework. Learn more about the process: https://lnkd.in/gbX4qPC3 City of Toronto #Accessibility #Inclusion #InclusiveDesign #AccessibleDesign #UniversalDesign #PublicSpace #BuiltEnvironment #Architecture

"It’s a different framework of thinking. It pushes you to do things that you wouldn’t have thought to do. It pushes you to evaluate spaces that you thought you didn’t like to see if you can make them work in a way that you do like. How little can I do to make this work?" Thought-provoking interview with architect Julie Eizenberg on the the importance of retrofitting and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. At SFN we agree that working under heritage constraints can be challenging but one that our team relishes in our commercial and residential construction projects. Often those buildings become your most memorable work.   Via: ArchitectureAU #sfnbuild #residentialbuilders #commercialbuilders #heritage #adaptivereuse

Aggressive forms of “hostile architecture” can be highly problematic contributing to social exclusion and enclaves. Marcus Foth, Nick Kelly and Skye Doherty argue that urban designers need to broaden their understanding of creativity if they are to design liveable, sustainable and equitable places to live and work. #urbandesign #creativedesignprudence #hostilearchitecture https://lnkd.in/gxSkkj4V

Web review ArchDaily Adaptive #Reuse as a Strategy for #Sustainable Urban Development and #Regeneration “New ideas must use old buildings,” said Jane Jacobs in her seminal book The Death and Life of Great American Cities, championing the reuse of existing building stock as a means to catalyze positive change and foster diverse urban environments. Inserting new activities within an existing framework is increasingly becoming a defining aspect of contemporary architecture, as the need for sustainable alternatives to building anew turns more urgent. From an urban perspective, adaptive reuse is a valuable strategy for revitalizing post-industrial cities, creating density and mitigating urban sprawl, or helping shrinking cities redefine their urban fabric. https://lnkd.in/enWDmamA

At AXIS Architecture + Design, we're committed to engaging with our communities and our industries to advance the increased availability of accessible and affordable housing. As one facet of that effort, AXIS sees the adaptive reuse and conversion of existing building stock into housing and new mixed-use communities as a viable option for expeditiously increasing the availability of affordable and workforce housing. As such, AXIS is proud to activate the adaptive reuse experts on our team to help local and state legislators maximize the potential of their planning efforts. Late last week, we submitted our recommendations to the City of Los Angeles for improving the draft Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (ARO). This ordinance is key in addressing the city’s housing crisis and revitalizing underused buildings. Key Highlights of Our Recommendations: - Expand Rooftop Additions: Allow both residential units and amenities to maximize housing production. - Affordable Housing Incentives: Clarify and extend affordable housing incentives, offering developers more flexibility. - Unified Adaptive Reuse Projects: Increase development opportunities by expanding the radius for project sites and removing restrictive design requirements. - Seismically Vulnerable Buildings: Streamline approval processes for adaptive reuse in M-zones to expedite retrofits and conversions. - Include Office-to-Hotel Conversions: Encourage office-to-hotel conversions to better utilize underperforming properties and increase housing options. Our goal is to help Los Angeles meet its housing needs while preserving its architectural heritage. We believe these changes will help unlock the full potential of adaptive reuse projects across the city. Visit our blog for a more fulsome outline of our recommendations, and to download our letter to the Los Angeles City Planning Commission: https://lnkd.in/gsdrF3GX Our thanks to Roberto Vazquez, AXIS Associate Principal and resident adaptive reuse expert, for leading this effort. #AdaptiveReuse #HistoricConservation #BuildingConversion #Conversion #ArchitecturalDesign #ApartmentArchitecture #ApartmentArchitect #MultifamilyResidentialArchitect #MultifamilyResidentialDesign #LosAngeles #LosAngelesHousing

https://lnkd.in/ejyhB_H2 #architecture #sustainablearchitecture #urbandesign #urbanism #urbanplanning #builtenvironment #artsandentertainment MVRDV Herzog & de Meuron Heatherwick studio “New ideas must use old buildings,” said Jane Jacobs in her seminal book The Death and Life of Great American Cities, championing the reuse of existing building stock as a means to catalyze positive change and foster diverse urban environments. Inserting new activities within an existing framework is increasingly becoming a defining aspect of contemporary architecture, as the need for sustainable alternatives to building anew turns more urgent. From an urban perspective, adaptive reuse is a valuable strategy for revitalizing post-industrial cities, creating density and mitigating urban sprawl, or helping shrinking cities redefine their urban fabric. KReMM #propertybranding

The Impact of Architectural Guidelines on Shaping Our Cities While zoning regulations are essential in urban planning, they often fall short in creating the character and soul of a city. This is where architectural guidelines or standards come in, offering a more nuanced and sometimes comprehensive approach to shaping our urban environments. Far more than just rules for building designs, these guidelines are the foundation of our urban experience, crafting spaces that reflect the identity and functionality of a city. Here’s a closer look at their importance: Aesthetic Cohesion & Identity: Architectural guidelines go beyond zoning's basic functional concerns to help maintain a city's unique character. They preserve its heritage and create a recognizable identity, which is crucial in both historic and modern areas. Functionality and Efficiency: Standards and guidelines ensure that buildings and public spaces are not only compliant with zoning laws but also practical and sustainable. They influence aspects like sunlight in streets and the use of vernacular or local materials, enhancing the quality of life in urban settings. Safety & Accessibility: Beyond the basic safety standards set by zoning, good architectural planning creates spaces that are inclusive and secure for all citizens, considering the diverse needs of the community. Property Value Enhancement: While zoning ensures orderly development, architectural guidelines add a layer of contextuality and design. This not only improves the living experience but also tends to drive economic growth, making neighborhoods more desirable. Fostering Community and Belonging: Architectural guidelines, aligned with community input, ensure that a city reflects the cultural and historical values of its residents, thereby strengthening their sense of belonging. This creates spaces that are central to social and cultural life, going beyond the impersonal nature of basic zoning. Evolving with Time: Unlike static zoning laws, architectural guidelines are dynamic, adapting to a city's changing needs and aspirations. They are essential in making urban spaces resilient and sustainable for future generations. In essence, architectural guidelines are the heart and soul of urban planning. They intertwine aesthetics, functionality, and community, shaping the buildings that enhance the character of our public spaces and streets, improving the quality of life in our cities. #UrbanPlanning #CityDesign #Architecture #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #UrbanLife

New York, Chicago, New York, Oklahoma City. For the longest time, New York was home to the country's tallest building, then it was Chicago's turn, then New York again...next up, Oklahoma City. It could happen if the city allows it. https://lnkd.in/eBDbSdPC #design #architecture #architecturaldesign #skyscrapper #tallestbuilding #construction #realestate

Aggressive forms of “hostile architecture” can be highly problematic. Urban designers need to broaden their understanding of creativity if they are to design liveable, sustainable and equitable places to live and work. Creativity in the design of the built environment is too often considered only in terms of novelty, beauty, and function, writes Marcus Foth, Nick Kelly and Skye Doherty. #hostilearchitecture #urbandesign