Signe Kongebro’s Post

The Waid Family Foundation applauds the visionary architects who invest their time, effort, and creativity into designing public works projects that serve as valuable assets to their communities. These forward-thinking professionals understand the profound impact that well-designed infrastructure can have on the quality of life for residents. By prioritizing functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, they not only enhance the physical landscape but also foster a sense of community and belonging. We recognize that the challenges facing our communities require innovative solutions, and are inspired by those architects who are committed to making a difference through their work. Their dedication to creating spaces both practical and inspiring is essential for building resilient and thriving communities. The Waid Family Foundation is proud to support and celebrate these efforts, as they pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.  Should you or your firm feel you have a public works project worthy to be on the next year’s list, please let the foundation know. Thank you. 1. Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway)   •  CopenHill (Amager Bakke), Copenhagen, Denmark: A waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a ski slope and climbing wall, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). It’s an example of multifunctionality and sustainability merged with striking design.   •  Växjö, Sweden: Known for its biomass power plants, which feature modern architecture that blends with natural surroundings. 2. The Netherlands   •  The Dutch are renowned for integrating design with infrastructure, particularly in water management projects. Examples include:      •  Maeslantkering, a massive storm surge barrier with a futuristic design.      •  Waternet Headquarters, Amsterdam: A utility building with eco-conscious and modern architectural elements. 3. Japan   •  Japan often designs infrastructure with an emphasis on aesthetics and harmony.      •  Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”: Combines functionality with educational and artistic elements.      •  G-Cans Project (Tokyo): A flood mitigation system featuring stunning underground “temples” of massive concrete columns. 6. Singapore   •  Marina Barrage: A dam built for water storage, flood control, and recreational use, designed to enhance the city’s waterfront.   •  Deep Tunnel Sewerage System: Combines advanced engineering with modern design to optimize urban wastewater management. Please let the Foundation know if you feel you have a deserving project.    

Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) have announced that work has started on the redevelopment of previously derelict railway arches in Greater Manchester. “The Arch Company has sought to turn these spaces into new destinations for food and drink, leisure and retail businesses to thrive within. The arches on Norton Street, Salford, are located in Greengate, an area of the city currently experiencing a period of intensive development activity and growth. The scheme forms part of Project 1000, The Arch Company’s £200m plan to bring a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030. At Norton Street, The Arch Company has appointed Triton Construction Company as the main contractor to undertake the building works to transform the railway arches. SGP Studio Director, Alan Soper, comments: “We are excited to see work commence on the transformation of these historic arch structures on Norton Street into spaces for businesses to develop and thrive. The development is located in a key area of regeneration and renewal within Greater Manchester and The Arch Company’s investment will help to create a vibrant destination for Salford’s new neighbourhoods, while also supporting local businesses and the wider community.” Danny J., Director of Capital Programmes at The Arch Company, said: “We are really pleased to be investing in transforming these arches. We anticipate strong demand given their location, and we look forward to seeing new businesses move in, supporting the local economy and creating jobs for this growing community. “As a multi-disciplinary supplier on The Arch Company’s Consultancy Framework SGP has drawn on both its design and technical expertise, and extensive track record working with historic buildings to create contemporary spaces, which enhances the industrial heritage of the arches. Working in partnership with MEP, Civil and Structural Engineers, Pick Everard, SGP’s design has overcome a number of technical, environmental and planning constraints that are inherent within existing urban infrastructure of this type.” To read more visit: https://lnkd.in/ewEBsU-H

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Planning, designing and construction of buildings, in terms of its footprints, height and volume, have always been evolving, devolving, never static and never finite. The ever changing typology of buildings was led by the materials available, specific needs  of human living , available construction technologies, innovations made in the area of the structure; relevance of aesthetics and structural safety. Accordingly, buildings reflect and represent the art ,architecture and culture of the era, and remain unique and distinct to humanity , community and climate of the specific area/ region, in which they were created.Considering the entire context of built environment, preserving and conserving the state of art and unique buildings; have been valued by communities, states and nations and has assumed importance, both locally and globally, for  the reason such buildings have been recognized to be valuable resource for bridging the gap & linking past with present. However, enormous increase in human numbers; uncontrolled expansion of the human settlements ; rapid urbanization, unplanned, haphazard and unregulated growth and development  are known to adversely impact and pose greatest threat to the valuable heritage. This has led to large volume of valuable built environment lost in the haze of unplanned growth and development.  Efforts are now being made to rationalize and redefine the process of development so that these spaces don’t lose their originality, importance, sanctity and  inherent values, making cities lose its identity.   It needs to understood and appreciated that development within the historic environment is known for its complexity and challenges. Rational development in the areas of historical importance needs expertise and understanding of large number of components which inter-alia includes, historic landscape, geomatics,  architectural legislation, evaluating heritage, historic environment constraints and relevant planning conditions, for assessing their potential impact on a project in order to create a balance between heritage and development. Historic structures remain unique and universal resources of humanity and community. Once lost, they cannot be replaced and replicated . If their special qualities are degraded, these can rarely be recaptured

💡𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳💡 With public sentiment shifting towards sustainability, retrofitting buildings has become a smarter, greener alternative to demolition. But did you know that engaging a certified Retrofit Coordinator could make all the difference—especially for publicly funded projects? At WWA, our dual-qualified Architects and Retrofit Coordinators, Matt Jackson and Ewan Green, ensure every retrofit project is approached holistically, balancing design, cost efficiency, and energy performance. From understanding existing building fabric to creating phased energy-saving plans, their expertise helps clients save money, reduce carbon emissions, and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s why retrofit matters: 🏡 80% of today’s buildings will still be in use in 2050. 🌍 Retrofitting reduces embodied and operational carbon significantly. ⚡ The UK needs to retrofit 97% of its homes by 2040 to meet Net Zero targets. Read the full article in the following link: https://lnkd.in/d9-PpnPD 🛠️ Want to future-proof your building while saving energy and costs? Contact Matthew Jackson or Ewan Green to learn how our Retrofit Coordinator services can help you. Contact us on 📞 0208 941 5161 (London Studio) or 0123 552 3139 (Oxford Studio). #WWAStudios #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TownPlanning #Sustainability #Retrofit #Architects #ClimateAction #RIBA2030Challenge

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How can offering post-occupancy services make firms more competitive? Wanda Lau's newest piece for AIA's new online publication, edited by yours truly, explores the business and design case for why firms should consider expanding their post-occupancy offerings. It features perspectives from David Baker Architects, Flad Architects, and Page. Check it out below.

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