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Curious about community-driven design? 💡 Interested in engagement methods that empower all stakeholders? 🤝 Wonder why I never stop effusing about how much I love my job? 🤷♀️ Check out the latest blog from Margaret Skrmetti and I below!

Not too sure if part of the amazing beauty of Manhattan finds an incredibly gorgeous reflection in its view from Brooklyn, or if at least some of the many fascinating aspects of Brooklyn revolve also around the possibility to admire Manhattan from this part of NY... What appears always clear to me is however that I love the entire city of NY : -)) ...always in a learning mode...always ready to help distant markets and organizational cultures to meet and interact more fruitfully... Thank you friends...old and new ones... #LimestoneEconomics #HappySaturday #internationalbusinessdevelopment #friendship #culture #art #architecture #innovation #design #interiordesign #creativity #technology #construction #buildingmaterials #doors #windows #framelessdoors #lighting #businessdevelopment #economicdevelopment #urbandevelopment

"The Skyscraper and the Horizon: Decoding Architectural Ideals in the Capitalist Tapestry" In the sprawling urban canvas, the skyscraper emerges as an iconic emblem, embodying the convergence of the vertical and the horizontal – a dynamic interplay that encapsulates the essence of architectural decisions in the realm of capitalism. The vertical ascent of skyscrapers signifies more than just architectural prowess; it mirrors the upward trajectory embedded in capitalist ideals. Each towering structure becomes a testament to aspirations, wealth, and societal progression. However, this elevation often comes at a cost – a cityscape that hides from the natural curvature of the horizon. The allure of the vertical can be seen as a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of economic growth and success, framing the very idea of lifestyle and vision within the context of capitalism. The horizontal plane, symbolizing balance and continuity, takes a back seat to the soaring ambitions of verticality, as cities reshape their skylines to reflect the markers of prosperity. Yet, as the cityscape evolves, we must contemplate the half-life of this architectural paradigm. Will the towering structures endure as lasting symbols of success, or will a reevaluation occur? The curvature of the horizon, often obscured by the vertical dominance of skyscrapers, beckons us to reconsider the impact on our collective psyche and the sustainability of this architectural narrative. As we navigate the intricate relationship between the skyscraper and the horizon, we find ourselves questioning not only the physical landscape but also the broader implications for our lifestyle and vision. Will the vertical ascent continue to define our urban environments, or will a harmonious integration with the curvature of the horizon reshape our architectural narratives in the years to come? #SkyscraperHorizon #CapitalistArchitecture #UrbanEvolution #ArchitecturalParadigms

While outdoor spaces and rooftops can be great, more companies are turning to on-site #meditation and #prayer rooms where they can take that time for calming #spiritual and #religious practices. Some #tech companies and large corporations had them pre-pandemic, but smaller and mid-size companies too are now looking at incorporating them, experts say. In this piece by Hailey Mensik, we speak to Enrique Sánchez of STUDIOS Architecture.

The concept of "hostile architecture" perpetuates privilege, exclusion, and discomfort in our urban landscapes. "At its baseline, hostile architecture privileges one user over another by trying to create a scenario that will exclude a non-preferred user or behavior," - Jennifer Goold, NDC Executive Director. From benches with dividers to spikes on ledges, seemingly innocuous design choices actually exclude certain groups based on race, age, income, and more. But here's the catch: it doesn't just make spaces unwelcoming for the targeted groups. It diminishes the experience for everyone. "Elements like protection and comfort are essential to attracting users to a public space. By removing those elements for one group of users, the space becomes inherently less welcoming for everyone." Join us in unpacking the layers of privilege embedded in our urban environments and exploring how we can foster truly inclusive and welcoming public spaces for all. #PlaceMatters Read the full article and find out how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3U3gN6x

🌟 Unveiling a New Era of Urban Socialization: Introducing Unique Architectural Public Spaces 🌟 In the vibrant tapestry of city life, public spaces serve as the beating heart where communities converge, connections are forged, and memories are made. But what if these spaces could transcend the ordinary, becoming not just places to gather, but destinations that inspire, delight, and captivate the imagination? Enter a new paradigm of urban design: unique architectural public spaces. Imagine strolling through a bustling plaza adorned with innovative sculptural installations that double as seating areas, fostering spontaneous conversations and moments of connection. Picture a dynamic amphitheatre nestled within a lush green park, where live performances and cultural events unfold beneath the open sky, inviting residents to engage with the arts and each other in a shared celebration of creativity. These are just glimpses of the possibilities that await as we reimagine public spaces as dynamic hubs of socialization and congregation. By infusing architectural creativity and ingenuity into the urban landscape, we can create environments that not only serve practical functions but also ignite the senses, spark curiosity, and inspire a sense of wonder. But what makes these architectural public spaces truly unique is their ability to reflect the identity and spirit of their surroundings. Whether inspired by local culture, history, or natural landscapes, each space tells a story, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore, discover, and connect with the essence of the city. Moreover, these spaces are designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels welcome and empowered to participate in the communal experience. From interactive art installations to sensory gardens and innovative play areas, there's something for everyone to enjoy and engage with in these vibrant public realms. As we look to the future of urban living, let us embrace the transformative power of unique architectural public spaces as catalysts for socialization, creativity, and connection. Together, we can create cities that not only function efficiently but also inspire and uplift the human spirit. 🏙️✨ #ArchitecturalInnovation #PublicSpaces #UrbanSocialization

Crafting thriving communities where everything is within walking distance embodies success. Giulia Vallone MRIAI TheAoU, Associate, Architect and Urban Designer, emphasises a design philosophy that puts safety, beauty, and community interaction at the forefront. Our commitment to human-centric design prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable, shaping neighbourhoods that encourage walking and foster a sense of belonging. By implementing innovative design and lighting strategies, we aim to enhance urban experiences, making city centres more engaging and inclusive. Watch how we transform everyday urban spaces into vibrant areas that attract and sustain happy, healthy communities: https://lnkd.in/eV-D2vUM #SustainableUrbanMobility #InclusiveCities #UrbanCommunities

Designing with Purpose: Post-Production Studios goes beyond aesthetics; it's a purpose-driven, functional, contemporary vision of a workspace that recognises the benefits of immersion in nature. Our ‘Pioneer Nature’ method focuses on a nature-forward approach, and this is perfectly exemplified at Post-Production Studios. We have loved sharing this World Architecture Festival project spotlight - follow us to stay tuned for our next WAF project reveal! #Architectureanddesign #PioneerNature #atelierarchitectureanddesign #architectureandnature #architecturalrenders

Following my recent reflections inspired by “The Breakup Artist,” a story that beautifully showcases the importance of inclusive design in homes for those with mobility challenges, I’m drawn even deeper into the conversation about the world we’re building. Imagine a world where every home truly welcomes everyone, where the designs around us aren’t just beautiful but are thoughtfully crafted to include everyone. Our traditional African communities once lived this reality, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of physical ability, could gather, cook, and share stories without barriers. Our ancestors inherently understood inclusivity, designing every space to be accessible to all. Yet, as we’ve progressed, we seem to have moved away from these inclusive principles. Modern architecture often forgets those who experience life on different paths. But what if we could rewrite this narrative? What if every apartment complex had units designed with wheelchair users in mind, ensuring that everyone has a place to call home without the need for compromise? This idea goes beyond architecture; it’s about cultivating communities that respect every individual’s right to comfort and dignity. It’s a rallying cry for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to place accessibility and inclusivity at the forefront of their designs. Let’s dream together and advocate for a future where accessibility is integrated into the very essence of our societies. Because everyone deserves to thrive in spaces that welcome them, without facing any barriers. #InclusiveDesign #AccessibilityForAll #BlindIsBeautiful Reflecting on this, how can we, as a society, take inspiration from the past and stories that move us, to build a more inclusive future? What innovative solutions can you envision to make our world more accessible for everyone? Let’s think outside the box and share our ideas.

Recently, I was inspired by “The Breakup Artist,” a book that beautifully illustrates the concept of a home designed with inclusivity at its heart. It opened my eyes to how a space can be crafted to meet the needs of a wheelchair user, not just functionally, but in a way that makes one dream of being part of such a house. This sparked a thought: what if we could infuse our modern living spaces with the inclusivity inherent in traditional African setups, where every community space was accessible to all? Imagine if every apartment complex had units specially designed for wheelchair users, ensuring that no one is left behind. This idea isn’t just about physical accessibility; it’s about embracing the diversity of human experience and ensuring everyone has a place where they feel valued and included. Let’s draw inspiration from the past and from stories that move us, to build a future where every home is a welcoming space for everyone. It’s time for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to make inclusivity a cornerstone of design. Together, we can create a world that celebrates accessibility and inclusivity at every turn. #InclusiveDesign #AccessibilityForAll #BlindIsBeautiful #InspiredByLiterature