James Bradley, AIA

Ten key reflections and analysis of our licensure survey among Archinect readers, many of whom are either experiencing or have completed the path to architectural licensure, sharing their own views and challenges. Stay tuned for more features in our ongoing 'Archinect In-Depth: Licensure' series, which will include commentary on some of the shared reader perspectives. What is your take on the architectural licensure process in the U.S.? Have you completed it, are you currently going through it, are you considering it in the future, or have you ruled it out for your own career? Let us know in the comments below or on Archinect.

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The Kowloon Peninsula, an urban area of Hong Kong, might be one of the most studied cities in terms of urban climate in the world. Both annual mean urban air temperature and humidity have been on the rise following the continual increase in the building volume and continual reduction in the average wind speed in the urban canopy layer. The observed urban warming and humidifying phenomena are a direct result of the city form (i.e., the city shape and size), including the building height and density. We call for a system-of-systems approach to be adopted in urban climate studies.

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We invited T.K. Justin Ng, Assoc. AIA, Director of Spaced Agency to share some thoughts and his own experience as a designer working closely with the Chinatown community. What is community engagement for you in architecture? I feel quite skeptical when the term is used. While I value stakeholder involvement, 'community engagement' often seems to serve as mere lip service to temper the community’s reactions. Consequently, many community engagement initiatives become reactive responses to uninformed design rather than proactive efforts toward a better built environment. I hope to practice a slower, more immersive approach that prioritizes authentic interactions over brief, rigidly structured sessions. By fostering genuine dialogue with minimal pretense, we can move beyond token gestures and work towards meaningful, lasting change. How do you incorporate community engagement into your design process? For me, learning from the community begins before design. Prior to my collaboration with Welcome to Chinatown, I invested years in researching local businesses, documenting their histories, and engaging with residents to grasp their needs and aspirations. While I wasn’t sure what this research would become at that time, it laid the groundwork for our design approach for the organization's Small Business Innovation Hub. How can architects and designers engage with their local communities? Engaging with local communities requires architects and designers to overcome the challenge of being perceived as outsiders. While direct conversations with community members are invaluable, building trust often necessitates collaboration with established local organizations and professionals. In my experience working across various Chinatowns, such partnerships have been indispensable in fostering genuine engagement. For instance, by joining forces with HR&A Advisors to conduct a comprehensive study on the economic and social impact of small businesses in the neighborhood, we gained nuanced insights that complemented my first-hand experiences. This collaborative approach enabled us to develop more inclusive design solutions tailored to the specific needs of Welcome to Chinatown.

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What the heck is participatory design? Fret not, in this episode, I chat with Larry Yeung Executive Director for Participate in Design to share more about on what it entails and the many interesting stories he has encountered during his work. Watch the episode on my website: https://lnkd.in/gDib6kf7 --- Hi, I am Gabriel Chek, an Architect based in Singapore aiming to increase clarity and confidence in young and future architects. Learn more at gabrielchek.com

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Integrated design and planning starts with end user needs. The result is - most often, community accepted ideas, such as the the award winning "Halal Housing Open Source Guide."  This work was created through hard work and contributions of many partners, who came together to support research for Canada's National Housing Strategy.  Islamic families wait as long as 3 years for appropriate affordable housing in Canada.  Not unlike the housing situation for some indigenous families in Canada, where large and extended families live under one roof, these families have specific cultural needs for family oriented design.   The design of family orientated housing can be affordable, it contributes greatly to good health by providing stable supports for many. The Video is 2.5 minutes long, don't hesitate to give it a like! Intelligent Futures Inc, IslamicFamily, Shafraaz Kaba: ASK for a Better World, Anna Bubel: Another Way #TheHalalHousingLab #CMHCResearchLab #NationalHousingStrategy #awardwinning

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Seoul Design Award 2024: Call for Entries The Seoul Metropolitan Government invites forward-thinking designers to showcase their innovative solutions for sustainable daily life, promoting harmony between people, society, and the environment. Join a prestigious platform recognized by international experts, with previous entries from 62 countries! 📅 Submission Period: April 1 – May 28, 2024 📍 Theme: Sustainable Daily Life 🏆 Award: Up to 50,000,000 KRW (circa AUD 55,000) (various prize categories) Core Values |  ① Public/Shared: Public sector that can be shared with others ② Creativity/Innovation: Creative, innovative problem-solving methods ③ Participation/Cooperation: Open to public participation, multi-sectoral and  cooperative ④ Inspiration/Impact: Inspiring and spreading impact ⑤ Sustainability: Sustainable daily life that aims for harmony between people,  society and the environment Area | All designs (product, architecture, visual, digital/multimedia, spatial/system, service/experiential/social etc.) [Area 1] Design projects in all areas realized within the past 5 years (Projects must be produced, launched, and open with users) [Area 2] Research on design project realization methods (Realization methods: design mockups, various design prototypes, etc.) Eligibility | Designers (Planners) ※ Planners are only eligible to submit in collaboration with a designer. Individual submissions are not accepted. Cost of applying: none For more information and to apply: https://lnkd.in/gmseRs2W

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𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐨𝐤𝐚-𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 🌱🏙️ Imagine strolling through Fukuoka, Japan. Amidst the urban buzz, you find an unexpected oasis – the 𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒 𝐅𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐨𝐤𝐚. This building, merging nature and architecture, exemplifies innovative urban design. 🌟 𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒 𝐅𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐨𝐤𝐚 Living in Japan for a decade, including five years in Fukuoka, I witnessed this city’s spirit. In the late 20th century, Fukuoka faced urban challenges: rising air pollution, the heat island effect, and a disconnect from nature. A revolutionary solution was needed. 🌿 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐟 The first striking feature of ACROS Fukuoka is its green roof – a garden cascading down 15 terraces with over 35,000 plants like Japanese maple 🍁, cherry blossoms 🌸, and azaleas 🌺. This 5,400 square-meter roof reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling by 15%, purifies the air, and boosts biodiversity. 🌳 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The building seamlessly integrates with Tenjin Central Park, extending its greenery vertically. Native plants like bamboo 🎋 and camellias 🌼 thrive here. This green haven fosters community and tranquility, a respite from the urban hustle. 💧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Behind the scenes, innovative water management systems capture 70% of rainfall 🌧️ for irrigation and recycle 60% of wastewater, reducing fresh water demand by 50%. Automated drip irrigation ensures efficient water use, highlighting sustainable urban resilience. ⚡ 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 Inside, cool, fresh air circulates through natural ventilation 🌬️, minimizing mechanical cooling. Strategically placed windows maximize natural light 🌞, reducing artificial lighting needs by 20%. Solar panels ☀️ on the roof generate renewable energy, contributing to a 20% reduction in energy consumption. For a closer look, check out this YouTube video on ACROS Fukuoka. 📚 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝: 🔍 Holistic Integration: Blending natural and built environments enhances urban livability and sustainability. 🌱 Green Infrastructure: Extensive green spaces promote biodiversity and mitigate environmental impacts. 💧 Innovative Water Management: Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling conserve water and reduce municipal supply loads. As a sustainable urban designer, I’ve drawn invaluable insights from ACROS Fukuoka. In the words of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, "𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒔." Let’s collaborate to bring these innovations to our cities and make this ambition a reality. 🌟🚀 #UrbanDesign #Sustainability #Innovation #SmartCities #RenewableEnergy #GreenInfrastructure #Vision2030 #SaudiArabia #Neom #TheLine #SaudiGreenInitiative #RiyadhGreen #JeddahCentralProject #SmartCity #SustainableLiving #UrbanPlanning #GreenBuilding #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly https://lnkd.in/dF9TEufq

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#architectureValuing and respecting land as a gift of nature; for promoting the large public interest; making communities and nations self-reliant; achieving sustainability of planet earth and making value addition to environment & ecology, remains most critical for all the planners engaged in the art and science of physical planning involving sub-division of land, defining land-usage and fixing the quantum of space that can be built on the sub-divided land parcels. Land, as a natural resource and the gift of nature, has an enormous role, relevance, and importance in the realm of urban development for promoting planned development, providing basic amenities of life, creating state-of-the-art infrastructures, etc. besides generating valuable resources. Land accordingly needs to be universally valued, carefully preserved, and optimally used because of the numerous connotations and large numbers of competing uses it is subjected to. Accordingly, land as a resource would need to be dealt with, on a different footing when compared to other natural and manmade resources because land remains a sone of the most critical and essential resource for living/ growth/survival/development of mankind. The issue assumes all the more importance for India, which houses more than 1/6th of the global population and holds merely 2.4% of the global land. Considering the high degree of stress, land-related issues would require rational decision-making, based on well-laid  and well-defined policy framework involving; minimizing the diversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses; rationalizing planning with  focus on optimizing land utilization; preserving and conserving land resource, using options of making cities compact; reviewing /revising planning norms/standards, to minimize consumption of land. The future of mankind will largely depend upon and  dictated/defined by our approach and ability to manage land resources. Any approach involving misuse/abuse/ wastage/underuse of land, would prove counter-productive leading to disaster, and seriously impacting the very survival/existence and capacity/capability of mankind/ communities/nations

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Continuing the Journey with HUCE! I’m thrilled to share that we’re delving deeper into OpenStudio alongside esteemed lecturers from the Microclimate Design Technical Department at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering. Our focus? Building geometry and technical systems—everything from HVAC operation schedules, fresh air supply to dehumidification and VRF system simulations. That’s not all; we’re also exploring how architectural design tweaks and material choices impact energy efficiency during the building design phase. Engineers often fail to provide feedback to architects regarding adjustments needed to address limitations related to thermal quality, energy and cost. This shortcoming occurs because the design process in Vietnam typically lacks a thorough evaluation and quantification of these factors And here’s the thrilling aspect: these endeavors mark the initial steps toward introducing economic-energy analysis into building design—a field previously unexplored in Vietnam. Sustainability need not incur greater expenses. Let’s craft spaces that are not only more sustainable but also economically efficient! Let’s build greener and smarter !

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transformative biotope design REGENERATING NUSANTARA ECOSOPHY Alban Mannisi Scapethical & Custodian Heuristics Propose an Immersive Dialogue 19 August 2024 Venue Sponsor / At City Sprout_Singapore [City Sprouts @ West Coast – 40 West Coast Ferry Rd – Singapore 129630] 6.30 – 7 pm City Sprout Tour 7 pm onward With Jeff Hou_NUS DOA Head of the Department Bjorn Low_NUS DOA Firdaus Sani_Orang Laut SG The climate crisis awareness has enabled considerable changes that equitable political ecologies celebrate today. However, environmental, spatial, and social injustices are accentuated by neoliberal mechanisms camouflaging renewed issues thanks to Sustainable Development’s positivist communication design. In a region such as Nusantara, where successive exogenous settlers have used this environmental vitalism to produce a colonial landscape ensuring the westernisation of lifestyles and the pursuit of Enlightenment imperialism, attempts are currently happening to rejuvenate a dialogue between exogenous aesthetics and indigenous seafarer cultural landscapes. It is this fragile alliance, due to its insidious exclusion from contemporary debates, that we would like to discuss with various environmental applied ethics advocates. At a time of revitalisation of indigenous engineering in the resilience of our common ground and growing criticism of Western hegemony narratives, we will try to bring out new social ecology thoughts claiming the environmental ethics of Nusantara at the heart of dialogic practice and contemporary customs. Alban Mannisi with Bjorn Low, Jeff Hou and Firdaus Sani will discuss innovative orientations expected by the new generation involved in regenerative agriculture, indigenous ethics empowerment, and non-extractive Ecosophy. Registration: https://lnkd.in/g6vgt37U

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seed plaza, situated in nanhu district, jiaxing, just 10 kilometers east of the downtown area, stands as a unique architectural marvel at the intersection of urban and natural environments. surrounded by farms, parks, residential, and commercial streets, the plaza embraces diverse landscapes, creating a vibrant sense of place. this real estate supporting facility has evolved into an exhibition center and retail space for nearby communities, with plans to transform into a community center for the neighborhood, embodying the concept of "half indoors, half outdoors." at seed plaze, the design story began by highlighting the shift in societal values post-pandemic, with an increased desire for interaction with nature. recognizing this shift, the architects aimed to integrate a regulator that seamlessly connects the urban and natural landscape within the plaza, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence. the bold inclusion of 3500㎡ of outdoor space within the 7000㎡ of architectural space challenges conventional real estate revenue logic, creating an open architectural form that aligns with the client's vision of "half city, half nature." https://bit.ly/3U6NC26

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(Part 1 of 3) "Our unity is our strength and our diversity is our power." I recently read that quote and it reminded me of the AIA. From Hong Kong to London - San Juan to Anchorage and everywhere in between we have members with passion, expertise, and agency. What unites us is our ability to create a future that doesn’t exist. We don’t have crystal balls but we are trained to be the co-authors of tomorrow. We are true partners in progress. Learn more about my thoughts on the future of AIA; an intersection between vision, action, and unity ⬇ www.ryangann.com

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monument design is very important phrase for every architect. relate many people at the same time ...and keep a footprint of culture and philosophy.

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Architectural Studio Lee Ell presents the first edition of the publication "SPACE CHOREOGRAPHY I: Heritage,"a publication on the intersections of architecture and choreography. Generally, it can be said that space remains still while humans do not. It can also be said that space opens up and closes depending on how (and if) a person moves within it. Choreography as a creative movement, with the freedom to exist outside of the designed movement schemes and agreed-upon norms of a place, helps to reveal how space operates. Dance, without serving the space or attempting to dominate it, seeks rather a partnership to reveal the surrounding context. The more filled the space, the greater the potential to stand still and observe from a distance. The first issue, "Heritage," focuses on a space seemingly devoid of movement. A place overgrown with expectations and decay, where one might hesitate to step inside. But how can decisions about the fate of a place be made from afar? Spatial Choreography I - Heritage is available at Fotografiska, the Museum of Architecture, Ankrusaal's bookstore, Raamatukoi and from the beginning of May, also at Biblioteek, Rahva Raamat, and Apollo. Publisher - Lee Ell · Director, text - Helmi Marie Langsepp · Choreography - Saile Johanna Langsepp · Editor - Maarja Helena Meriste · Translator - Ragne Schults · Translation editor - Mirjam Parve · Designers - Laura Merendi, Aimur Takk, Andree Paat · Typefaces - Trajektoor, Ladna (Tüpokompanii)

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Designers can create spaces that make it easier to socialise and form bonds through activity and nature. By designing spaces that are flexible, accessible and connected to nature, we allow opportunities for chance encounters, play and interaction. In E01 of Third Space, Meredith Banasiak and host, Sola Da Silva, AIA, NOMA discuss the importance of enriched environments for brain health. Social connection contributes to the dynamism and diversity needed in healthy environments. It is often easier to identify spaces that are deprived - prisons and encampments, derelict neighbourhoods, and food deserts for example. Designing enriched environments can be more expensive and because the benefits are intangible and not readily quantifiable, they tend to be categorised as frills. We now know that health issues linked to loneliness and social isolation is very costly to healthcare infrastructure. Stress related absenteeism related to loneliness costs employers $154 billion annually, and social isolation among older adults costs $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending largely due to increased hospitalization and nurse facility spending. These figures are from of a 2023 advisory on loneliness by the U.S Surgeon General. Investing up front in enriched spaces is a pro-active and passive approach to healthcare. #neuroscience #neurogenesis #socialconnection #bluezone #mars #space #loneliness #architecture

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#NewArticle The Thai GoodWalk Index and the Thai Walkability Index: their application to urban regeneration exemplified by a historic riverside neighbourhood in Bangkok, Thailand Niramon Serisakul, Adisak Guntamueanglee, Thanaporn Ovatvoravarunyou, Munchuchada Dechakaneewong & Preechaya Navaraj The urban heritage regeneration strategy through walkability is widely accepted. However, in the context of a developing country, the tools to measure walkability, which are crucial for urban planning and development, still need to be improved. This article investigates ways to revitalise a run-down historic riverside area in Bangkok. It develops two indices, the Thai GoodWalk Index (TGWI) and the Thai Walkability Index (TWI). A hybrid of both indices is based on geospatial techniques and technology to optimise problem analysis processes, create problem-solving options, enhance spatial site selection decision capabilities, and assist urban planners in carrying out spatial scenario planning processes. It demonstrates how the GoodWalk Index has been employed to plan and prioritise urban development projects.  https://lnkd.in/e_p4VRgw

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##TOD: Urban Dream or Density Nightmare? Reimagining Cities for Wellness and Sustainability## Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) emerges as a beacon of hope in our quest for sustainable urban living. By centring our communities around efficient public transportation, we pave the way for a future where high-density living isn’t just practical but a pathway to enhanced wellness and community cohesion. Imagine cities where walkability isn’t an afterthought but the cornerstone of urban design. TOD transforms this vision into reality, seamlessly integrating the built and natural environments. It’s about creating spaces where humans, flora, and fauna coexist harmoniously, forging a functional ecosystem that promotes well-being and long-term carbon neutrality. However, with great innovation comes significant challenges. High-density developments must overcome issues of space optimisation, equitable access to amenities, and the ever-present threat of urban sprawl. The balance between maintaining green spaces and accommodating a growing population is delicate yet crucial. Benefits of TOD: • Enhanced Walkability: Promotes healthier lifestyles by encouraging walking and reducing car dependency. • Environmental Sustainability: Reduces carbon footprint through efficient public transportation and green spaces. • Community Cohesion: Fosters social interactions and a sense of belonging within high-density environments. • Economic Growth: Boosts local economies by increasing foot traffic and supporting small businesses. • Efficient Land Use: Maximizes the use of urban space, reducing urban sprawl and preserving natural landscapes. Challenges of TOD: • Space Optimization: Balancing the need for high-density housing with green and recreational spaces. • Equitable Access: Ensuring all community members can access amenities and services. • Urban Sprawl: Mitigating the spread of development beyond urban centres. • Infrastructure Costs: High initial investment required for public transport and infrastructure improvements. • Community Resistance: Overcoming opposition from residents accustomed to low-density living. As architects and urban planners, our role is to craft these high-density environments thoughtfully. We must ensure that our designs are inclusive, fostering a sense of community and belonging while prioritising sustainability. Let’s embrace TOD as a transformative approach to urban development. By prioritising walkability and sustainability, we can build vibrant communities that not only thrive today but also safeguard our planet for future generations. What are your thoughts on TOD and its role in shaping the future of our cities? How can we best tackle the challenges it presents? #UrbanDesign #Sustainability #TransitOrientedDevelopment #CommunityWellness #GreenCities #Architecture #FutureOfCities #Walkability #CarbonNeutrality #HighDensityLiving #ecosystemintegration

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