Q4 Architects Inc.’s Post

HUMANISING THE BIRMINGHAM RINGWAY CENTRE. Last week, Birmingham City Council decided to demolish the Ringway Centre, a Brutalist landmark in the UK. The Ringway is 62 years old. Over time, it’s been badly maintained, unloved and vandalised, which made the decision feel sadly predictable. You can see why people might want to replace the building. But this is also an opportunity to do something different. Galvanized by Cllr Jane Jones, who opposes the demolition and is arguing for a retrofit solution, we thought we’d imagine what a 'humanised' vision of the Ringway Centre might look like. With a little help from AI, you can bring greenery and visual complexity to the building, creating space for new community uses, and celebrating the Ringway’s most interesting features, such as the uplights and intricately detailed frieze. These sketches aren’t intended as a serious design solution, but a provocation. Is it possible to find a more creative and optimistic solution instead of turning this iconic landmark into rubble? Is there a way to adaptively reuse buildings like this in a way that celebrates their heritage while making them more human and lovable? Let’s reimagine a future for the Ringway, and think about what would bring this great corner of Birmingham City back to life. ** Image 1: An AI ‘Humanised’ vision of the Ringway Centre. Credit: Pin Liu. Image 2: Street level, an AI ‘Humanised’ vision of the Ringway Centre. Credit: Pin Liu. Image 3: (a) The Ringway Centre pictured in 1960, shortly after opening. Credit: Phyllis Nicklin. (b) Concrete fire exit staircases. Credit: Damien Walmsley. Image 4: (a) Curved delight. A detail of the Ringway, designed by James Roberts. Credit: David Bleeker Architectural/Alamy. (b) Further details of Birmingham's Ringway Centre. Credit: Bs0u10e01/Wikimedia Commons. Image 5: Developers’ latest plans would see the Ringway Centre demolished to make way for three new towers between 44 and 56 storeys, accommodating as many as 1,800 residential units. Credit: Commercial Estates Group. Image 6: CGI shows how revamped building and towers will look from Birmingham's Bullring. Credit: Birmingham City Council Planning Dept. Architects’ Journal Building Design. Birmingham Net Zero Architects Climate Action Network Extinction Rebellion Friends of the Earth the modernist society Estelle Dehon KC Historic England COMMERCIAL ESTATES GROUP LIMITED Corstorphine & Wright John Christophers RIBA Philippa Birch-Wood Paul M Martin Dip G.A.I UK Architects Declare

We're proud to announce the completion of The Picket Fence. The Picket Fence serves as a framework for builders to take measured risk in delivering housing solutions that exceed consumer expectations, align with household financial realities, and are easier to construct. Using data-driven design to tackle wellness, sustainability, and affordability head on, this modular built concept home is a blueprint for a new standard of living. This was an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a world class team of designers, systems-built housing experts, product development leaders, building performance experts, and researchers. Three sustainability goals were set for The Picket Fence, with measurements verified by various collaborators. Goal 1 — High-Performance Home: Built following the spirit of the Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program. Though not fully certified, the home successfully exceeded DOE’s ZERH standard. Goal 2 — 90% Less Waste Generation: Monitoring the construction process we observed the project generated less than 0.5 pounds of waste per square foot, a stark contrast to the 4.4 pounds per square foot typical of site-built homes. Goal 3 — Carbon Emissions Reduction: Compared to traditional new home construction, The Picket Fence was able to achieve a 58% reduction in carbon emissions. Visit the link below to learn more and see never before released project photos. tst ink llc Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors Ryan White Belinda Sward Structural Modular Innovations LLC Ryan Bish NewGround Public Relations & Media Katy Biggerstaff Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Dennis Cestra Jr. citySTUDIO Ryan England KU Resources, Inc. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Maryam Kouhirostami, Ph.D. Tangible Emily Flynn SK Collaborative Abe Kruger d3 creative studio Anthony DeBono III https://lnkd.in/efDWwvAx

I visited Architects’ Journal #AJRetrofit on Wednesday. Came away feeling very inspired! I'm a real sucker for a good project case study and it was SO interesting hearing about the The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) hub by David Chipperfield Architects. The competition winning design was shortlisted alongside five other designs - all different aesthetically, but also in terms of #retrofit principles. Alasdair Graham explained their design proposed the most amount of retention compared to the other designs - 65%. The client and stakeholders weren't initially keen on repurposing and needed some convincing - they'd set their minds on a swanky, shiny new build. Fortunately, Julian Robinson understands the importance of reducing embodied carbon in builds and doing what we can in response to the climate crisis. He reasoned with the client and stakeholder team, alongside the design team, that upgrading the existing fabric would save A LOT of money annually in energy costs, and in 10 years' time the upgrade would have paid for itself. Knowing LSE will be using this building for many, many years to come, it made sense to proceed. The central section of the building was replaced to cater for the varying levels across the buildings at 35-37 Lincoln's Inn Fields. The bricks that were dismantled here were then cleaned and categorised, and stored on site. What's interesting about this is Chipperfield's then readjusted the design in order to reuse the bricks elsewhere. To avoid warranty issues, the bricks weren't used for structural purposes but they were used for aesthetics. No surprise that not all bricks survived the dismantling process, but the slightly broken bricks were turned into terrazzo tiles, and the rest were crushed and turned into a brick render.* It's so great to hear more clients are getting on board with repurposing existing buildings and fabrics where possible, even if they do need a little convincing from the design professionals - but that's part of our job, right? Another talk that left me inspired was Rachael Owens presenting the Buckley Gray Yeoman outcomes led approach with a focus here on light touch vs deep retrofit projects. Occupant health and safety should always come first. It seems daft that she even had to mention that as the main outcome, but we all know it's too important to leave out. A particular highlight for me was her saying the key to retrofit projects is working closely with your engineers - they help uncover and identify what can and can't be reused. It's true - they do do that! And in turn can save money, carbon, and programme time. My only request to the AJ Retrofit Live team is to please allow for more questions. There were so many good questions that would have helped with knowledge sharing that couldn't be answered due to time constraints. But overall, really enjoyed it. Hope the other attendees did too! *Apologies if I've misunderstood anything - please correct me if so!

It is so exciting to see work begin at this jewel of a scheme. Natural Dimensions are really lucky to have been involved in such an aspirational project. #greeninfrastructure #saltaire #LVIA #urbantransformation #landscapearchitecture #worldheritage

With the extreme climatic impact of overheating more evident year-on-year, dense urban environments accentuate the urban heat-sink effect where inner city temperatures breach 40 degrees We are only beginning to understand the risks and social consequences of the effects of extreme heat on the most vulnerable in society where health and well-being ( not to mention social services) are severely challenged The key component of a stable society is how we design and future-proof our cities, towns, streets and homes by prioritising green, blue and social infrastructure thus helping regulate temperature extremes, promote biodiversity, conserve water and lay the foundations of thriving sustainable communities #urbandesign #sustainability #socialhousing #netzero #urbanregeneration #homesandplace #placemaking

In our second post in the series, we would like to introduce you to various staircase concepts from our projects. Staircase concepts can be customised for each project and contribute significantly to the identity of the project. 1) Project: Biological Institute TU Dresden Green staircases in interior spaces create an inviting atmosphere and offer numerous benefits for the indoor climate and well-being. The plants improve the air quality, absorb pollutants and produce oxygen. They also help to reduce noise and create pleasant acoustics. The choice of plants should be adapted to the lighting conditions and the indoor climate to ensure optimum growth. With regular maintenance, green staircases become inspiring elements that promote well-being and productivity. 1-3 photos: © Gerber Architects 2) Project: Brewery Research and Training Centre (VLB) Free-standing staircases in the airspace of a building are architectural masterpieces that create an impressive visual effect. They appear to float in space without any visible supports, creating a fascinating illusion of lightness. These staircases not only serve as connecting elements between levels, but also as striking design elements that transform the space into a work of art. 4-6 photos: © Werner Huthmacher 3) Project: Dortmunder U In architecture, escalators are not only functional elements of passenger transport, but also important design components. They connect different levels of a building efficiently and at the same time contribute to the aesthetics and dynamics of the space. Thanks to their movement and design, they fit seamlessly into the architectural concept and can serve as both practical and aesthetic elements. 8-9 photos: © Christian Richters 7th photo: © Hans-Jürgen Landes

Embracing Biophilic Design: Pioneering the Future of Urban Spaces As our cities continue to evolve, the importance of integrating nature into urban environments becomes increasingly evident. Biophilic design offers a ground-breaking approach that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our cities but also fosters numerous benefits for inhabitants and the environment alike. Biophilic design is more than just incorporating greenery into architecture; it's about creating spaces that mimic natural elements, rhythms, and patterns. From living walls to rooftop gardens, and from natural light optimisation to sustainable materials, biophilic design principles aim to reconnect urban dwellers with nature in their everyday surroundings. In the face of rapid urbanisation and climate change, biophilic design emerges as a beacon of hope for our cities. By reintroducing nature into the urban fabric, we can mitigate the adverse effects of concrete jungles, such as air pollution, heat islands, and mental stress. Moreover, biophilic design promotes biodiversity, improves air quality, and enhances overall well-being, fostering healthier and more resilient communities. As we look ahead, the integration of biophilic design into urban planning and development presents boundless opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Architects, urban planners, policymakers, and environmentalists must join forces to champion biophilic initiatives and transform our cities into thriving, sustainable ecosystems. Repost: Jo Caughtry

Advantages of Small Lot Mixed-Use Design 📐 Small lot mixed-use buildings can present opportunities for the end-user and can parallel a city’s development goals. If you consider the Near Southside neighborhood in Fort Worth, the area provides numerous examples of this type of design. The two-story mixed-use building (photo) is a terrific example of a smaller lot. The building is just over 8,700 SF and we designed it to include Dr. Tillman's dental practice on the first floor and boutique apartments on the second floor.   If you’re not familiar with mixed-use design, these types of buildings feature a business (retail, medical, professional) on the ground floor and apartments on the second floor. The rental income from the apartment units can assist the owner in paying for their building. Small mixed-use lots have their challenges, including building orientation, pedestrian/vehicle movement, tenant requirements, and code interpretations - to name a few. Despite some of the challenges, the smaller lot parameters still allow for design diversity. Are there any advantages to working with smaller mixed-use lots? One major advantage of this type of development is ownership by a small business. In other words, they can be tailored to the growing housing demand while accommodating smaller business entities.   Curious if a smaller lot can work for you? Considered a mixed-use building? We would be happy to sit down with you and answer any questions about this type of design. #architect #mixedusedesign #development #fortworth #dfw

"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."

I have enjoyed seeing some of the work coming out of Heatherwick studio lately, whether considering Heatherwick's famous 2022 Ted talk (https://lnkd.in/gGpVetaN, entitled "The rise of #BoringArchitecture--and the case for #RadicallyHumanBuildings"), his project work, or his recent #Humanize (a.k.a. #Humanise) book (https://lnkd.in/gwQ8HYeZ). This recent piece in WIRED extols the virtue of Heatherwick’s position on architecture having #NutritionalValue to society--terminology I wholeheartedly embrace, given the important role buildings play in everyday life and cultural identity. While I was initially against this seemingly exclusionary take on design, given that not all people have the luxury of affording interesting design or having a say in spatial curation (from an interior or exterior pov), Heatherwick's recently shared thoughts have elaborated on his definition of boring...noting how older historic buildings can play a double role in combatting the 🏗 #ConstructionIndustry being in crisis and contributing toward 🏦 #InterestingArchitecture. This of course would mean less waste and less #EnvironmentalImpact--an important distinction when knowing that buildings account for 40% of emissions globally (taking into account building materials and operations) (https://lnkd.in/gN3rpsy9). Promoting interest, intelligence, and curiosity in spatial design for #sustainability resonates with my work that explores how to design for #eudaemonia (i.e., being their best selves) in #environments to result in #flourishing #health and #wellbeing of #humans, #morethanhumans, and the #planet. We need buildings that are both #BuiltToLast and #Inspiring. Heatherwick states in Humanize that “Boring is a state of psychological deprivation. Just as the body will suffer when it’s deprived of food, the brain begins to suffer when it’s deprived of sensory information. Boredom is the starvation of the mind.” The article highlights some noteworthy foundational research, including Colin Ellard’s work on city-related #EnvironmentalPsychology and Rachel and Stephen Kaplan's #AttentionRestorationTheory that underscores the #NaturalEnvironment's role in improving concentration. When 🧠 brains and 🤺 bodies are properly fed by surroundings, people are healthier, have better experiences, and (as I’ve found in my research) have the potential of realizing their best selves. It’s time we advocate for #HealthyBuildings, #EnrichingEnvironments, #FlourishingSpaces, #InspiringPlaces, and #EudaemonicExperiences in our #BuiltEnvironments that stand the test of time while nourishing our collective (yet diverse array of) minds and bodies. Only then can we combat #BoringArchitecture and #WastefulConstruction and further a movement toward #Flourishing, #Equitable, #InclusiveEnvironments for all. #InclusiveDesign #DesignForAll #FlourishingFocus #EudaemonicEnvirionments #SustainableDesign #EnvironmentalDesign #NeuroArchitecture #BetterBuildings #NoMoreBoringArchitecture