SAFEbuilt’s Post

We’re excited to see Hobsons Bay City Council has released the Forest Street Pop-Up Place Idea for consultation. This initiative is part of the 'Better Places Spotswood and South Kingsville' program that aims to provide a more holistic and integrated approach to thinking about and designing for future-looking change into the future in these neighbourhoods and actively involving the community in the process of shaping the places they live in. Our urban design, landscape architecture and transport teams were proud to contribute to the program, preparing two Spotswood projects ‒ the 'Streets for People’ and 'Hudsons Road Streetscape Masterplan’ ‒ in which we envisioned Forest Street and Hudsons Road intersection as a central gathering public open space for the community. The Forest Street Pop-Up Place Idea showcases tactical urbanism which not only creates a better community, sense of belonging and, engaged neighbourhood, but also tests how the community might use this space and how this potential transformation may succeed with more permanent features. Whether there is a full or partial road closure for vehicles, bench areas, or more vegetation, tactical urbanism allows councils to test features before making big decisions for urban infrastructure improvements. If you're interested in participating in Spotswood's future and want to play a part in its evolution, we invite you to visit the website here > https://ow.ly/W58250T4Fwj Ariel Utz & Ben Krastins #ratio #fosteringchange #urbandesign #spotswood #tacticalurbanism #transportplanning

✨ Introducing Blackwell Complex – Redefining Affordable Urban Living ✨ I’m thrilled to share one of our latest projects – a modern, sustainable, and affordable housing complex designed to elevate urban living while addressing critical housing needs. 🏢 About the Project: A thoughtfully designed 5-storey residential building featuring 20 modern apartments. Incorporating sustainable materials and innovative construction techniques for long-term value. Strategically located to ensure accessibility to key urban amenities, transportation, and vibrant communities. 💡 Our Vision: This project isn’t just about creating homes; it’s about fostering community, sustainability, and a better quality of life. 🌍 Why It Matters: In today’s world, housing solutions must go beyond brick and mortar – they must provide affordability, design excellence, and environmental stewardship. Blackwell Complex is our contribution to shaping urban spaces with these principles at heart. 🏗️ Thank You: This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible collaboration of our team, partners, and supporters. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d-Kq4QGm Let’s work together to create more meaningful, impactful spaces for communities to thrive. #Architecture #UrbanLiving #SustainableDevelopment #SocialHousing #AffordableLiving #RealEstateInnovation https://lnkd.in/du4_wuHV

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

Urban Design is an important discipline within McLennan Design, as it is within Perkins&Will as a whole. We took a moment to honor some of the books and manifesto’s that have informed our practice over the years from Jason F. McLennan’s personal collection While some of these date back to the 1960’s and 1970’s - they all still resonate today in different ways… Jane Jacobs, William H. Whyte, Christopher Alexander, Ian McHarg and many others, continue to influence our thinking of how to create great urban places and masterplans. THE OREGON EXPERIMENT & A PATTERN LANGUAGE • by Christopher Alexander, Murray, Silverstein, Shlomo Angel, Sara Ishikawa, Denny Abrams THE GEOGRAPHY OF NOWHERE • The Rise and Decline of America’s Man-Made Landscape • by James Howard Kunstler THE DEATH AND LIFE OF GREAT AMERICAN CITIES • by Jane Jacobs THE IMAGE OF THE CITY • by Kevin Lynch DESIGN WITH NATURE • by Ian L. McHarg THE SOCIAL LIFE OF SMALL URBAN SPACES • by William H. Whyte BOWLING ALONE • The Collapse and Revival of American Community • by Robert D. Putnam EDGE CITY • Life on the New Frontier • by Joel Garreau THE NEW URBANISM • Toward an Architecture of Community • by Peter Katz THE NEXT AMERICAN METROPOLIS • Ecology, Community, and the American Dream GREAT STREETS • by Allan B. Jacobs #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #LivingBuildingChallenge, #urbandesign, #SORD, #schoolofregenerativedesign

☀️ Cities are heating up, but Nature-Based Solutions can help cool them down. Shaded walkways, green facades, and tree-lined streets create comfort while reducing energy use. 📏 Architects and builders, it’s time to lead the charge for urban resilience. 🌱 Design smarter, live better! #UrbanDesign #NatureBasedSolutions #GreenBuilding #ArchitecturalDesign #EcoLiving #ResilientCities #purelysourced

"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

Our Principal Landscape Architect, David McCullough, ASLA, PLA, was recently featured in Units Magazine, the official publication of the National Apartment Association (Naahq)! In the article, Hot Markets for Development by Barbara Ballinger, David shares his expert insights on emerging development trends in San Diego’s satellite markets, including North Park, South Park, and Barrio Logan. These neighborhoods are thriving thanks to their #proximity to the city center, #diverse communities, and #walkable transit corridors—key elements that align with our vision of creating vibrant, connected, and sustainable spaces.🌱 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gyzPZMwG #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableDesign #HotMarkets #SanDiego #CommunityImpact

As profiled in The Globe and Mail this week, the vision for The Vaughan Masterplan is rooted in heritage, sustainability, and walkability. https://lnkd.in/gqN6PxZf Eco-conscious design by our client, WZMH Architects ensures energy-efficient buildings with insulated facades, heat-exchanging ventilation, and tree-friendly soil requirements for long-term green space. Inspired by the city’s agricultural past, Bousfields Inc.’s urban planning strategy follows an “apple basket” concept, seamlessly integrating parklands, paths, and cycling trails into the towering skyline. With up to 10,000 housing units, commercial spaces, and direct TTC access, this transit-connected community contributes to easing the housing demand, reduces car dependency and fosters sustainable urban growth. – 📸: WZMH Architects #VaughanDowntown #WZMHArchitects #BousfieldsInc #VaughanDevelopment

Urban Planning for a Better Tomorrow Urban planning is crucial for creating sustainable and livable cities. At Big Leap Design Solutions, we focus on designing urban spaces that promote community, reduce environmental impact, and enhance quality of life. Thoughtful planning ensures our cities can grow and thrive sustainably. Our approach to urban planning includes creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, integrating public transportation, and designing mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. By focusing on these elements, we aim to create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. What are your thoughts on the future of urban planning? Let's discuss! #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities #CityDesign #CommunityBuilding #Architecture

Planning permission has been granted for the Central Boulevard Park, a 1.9-hectare space set to become a key feature of the Adamstown SDZ. Designed to bring the community together, the park will offer spaces for relaxation and activity, from natural play areas for all ages to open lawns ideal for picnics and events. The park will enhance local biodiversity with pollinator-friendly plants, preserved hedgerows, and a stunning veteran oak tree. It also incorporates sustainable features like rain gardens and SuDS, alongside pedestrian and cycle paths that connect Airlie Park to Adamstown Station. This project is a vital step in Adamstown’s transformation into a sustainable, community-focused urban environment. We look forward to working closely with Mitchell + Associates - Landscape Architects Urban Designers, South Dublin County Council and other teams to bring it to life. 🌱 #QuintainIreland #Adamstown