Tracie Lynn Smith’s Post

Thanks Brian Waters for inviting Adam Fothergill and I to give our thoughts on the topic of Permitted Development and Designing for Future Re-use at the London Planning & Development Forum last week! It was a fantastic panel and super interesting hearing the conversations around design codes from Colin Wilson, Ben Derbyshire PPRIBA FRSA HonAIA and Andy von Bradsky (summary: codes and AAPs should be high level, strategic and capture urban design aspirations) and the new City Plan from Gudrun Andrews (making the City a destination 7 days of the week, as well as development plans and how views of landmarks have shaped the tall building policy). Look out for more detail in the next edition of Planning in London!! Short synopsis of our thoughts on PD / future of conversion 👇 We talked about how turning unused office spaces into residential buildings is reshaping our urban landscapes, boosted by revised permitted development rules removing space and vacancy limits. This trend aligns with sustainable development goals and addresses high vacancy rates in high streets and low office occupancy in London. While navigating these rules can be complex, PD may offer quicker planning and construction processes and lower embodied energy. This led us to the conclusion that designing future buildings to be more adaptable from the outset would help increase reuse potential, creating environmentally, socially, and economically responsible urban environments for the future. #architecture #future #livingsectors #retrofitfirst #permitteddevelopment #PD #conversion #coliving #laterliving #residential

Responsive, Elegant, and Beautiful

🏗️ Transforming Chicago’s Skyline! 🌆 #ConstructionInnovation Exciting developments at 400 N. Elizabeth Street as Mark Goodman & Associates, Inc. and Weldon Development Group turn a traditional office site into a cutting-edge, mixed-use high-rise. This ambitious project not only meets Chicago’s growing demand for urban living but also integrates sustainable practices crucial for future developments! 🌍 Highlighting sustainability, the design incorporates geothermal energy with 110 wells, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. This all-electric development features: •Two residential towers with 724 apartments, including affordable housing units. •348 parking and 724 bike parking spaces. •Retail spaces and modern residential amenities. •Advanced facade system enhancing energy efficiency and aesthetics. As urban construction is redefined, how do you see such sustainable developments impacting your local communities? 🌱💼 City Club of Chicago City of Chicago Bisnow Michael Fassnacht JB Pritzker ARCHEO Design Studio Inc. World Business Chicago AIA Chicago W.E. O'Neil Construction ASA Chicago Associated General Contractors of America #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableBuilding #ChicagoRealEstate #Architecture #GreenBuilding

One of the best ways to maximize ROI on commercial development projects is to maximize the revenue generating footprint. Robotic Parking Systems requires half the land of conventional parking garages, creating space for offices, multifamily homes, design, and green space that increases the property value. Architects and developers can check it out for themselves with no obligation by submitting plan specs. We will generate a parking plan at no cost and no obligation. #Parking #ROI #AutomatedParking

The value of pedestrian passageways This is a pedestrian passage that I walk through almost every day in my downtown Birmingham, Michigan neighborhood in metro Detroit It’s a simple cut through from one point of the downtown urban District to another, and it isn’t that long in distance. However, it is an example of how simple moves in urban design and planning can increase walkability and add safety and comfort to the pedestrian experience. These opportunities come about when a project is designed with a broader view to a way that the urban experience can be enhanced beyond just a simple building renovation, expansion or infill When a downtown environment has multiple passageways incorporated, the additional network can significantly add to the pedestrian experience It’s a simple example of moves that can be made beyond the architecture design of a project, and illustrates the importance of looking beyond. This is about Incorporating urban design into any project and identifying opportunities that take advantage of developing cities to a higher level, with people as a priority. #citybuilding #urbandensity #PeoplePlaces #cityliving #pedestrianplaces #passages #passageways #pedestrianpassages

The adaptive reuse of empty office buildings into vibrant residential spaces is an increasingly popular trend that revitalizes urban landscape for the benefit of residents and the community as a whole. To further enhance the efficiency and speed of these conversions, cities and developers are turning to innovative construction methods such as prefabricated cold formed steel framing solutions. Keep reading the article to learn the advantages of prefabricated cold formed steel framing by clicking the link below. https://lnkd.in/gqYCGc9c #PrefabConstruction #CityDevelopment #ConstructionTrends Wall-tech

New Opportunities In Multifamily Housing Did you know that the density of California cities is increasing? What will this increased density look like? We think there could be different approaches to these developments. If there is an existing single family home on a lot, there could be a duplex added to the backyard, or if the lot is empty, we could develop something as large as a fourplex. But what would we really like the future to look like? How would we want to shape our lives? Learn more from this article at https://buff.ly/3QnrZK4 Learn more about our architecture firm here: https://buff.ly/3Q7twV3 If you love this article, there are more! Sign up for our blog: https://buff.ly/45diD88 #architecturefirm #architecture #design #community #multifamilyhousing #housing #adaptivereuse #historicpreservation #womeninarchitecture #womenownedbusiness

The adaptive reuse of empty office buildings into vibrant residential spaces is an increasingly popular trend that revitalizes urban landscape for the benefit of residents and the community as a whole. To further enhance the efficiency and speed of these conversions, cities and developers are turning to innovative construction methods such as prefabricated cold formed steel framing solutions. Keep reading the article to learn the advantages of prefabricated cold formed steel framing by clicking the link below. https://lnkd.in/gQw9rhQS #PrefabConstruction #CityDevelopment #ConstructionTrends Wall-tech

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

In the evolving world of construction, modular methods are redefining what's possible. From towering skyscrapers to cozy homes, modular construction offers unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability, allowing us to dream big and build even bigger. With modular construction, we can transform urban landscapes, build sustainable communities, and even create innovative spaces for work and play. The sky's the limit when it comes to what we can achieve, as long as we let our imagination lead the way. Let's embrace this revolutionary approach to construction and push the boundaries of what's possible. How many things can you find wrong in the picture below? #LetYourImaginationBuildTheFuture #ModularConstruction #ModularHousing #Modular #ADU #CFS #prefab