Barbara Horwitz-Bennett’s Post

Wyatt Heidenfelder wrote a detailed post on neuroaesthetic design considerations for public spaces that started me thinking about the spaces we already meet in and how they affect decision-making. There are spaces where the design hurts the quality of public conversations. These are spaces designed without collaboration and interaction in mind. Many of our public spaces, especially legislative spaces, are designed to inhibit open communication, and possibly even inhibit truth-telling. Some spaces "defacilitate" communication. I recalled my many school visits to the congressional rooms in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Even as a child, I knew those rooms supported self-silencing and deference to what was "up front." When they closed the doors behind us, and we sat in the chairs that our founding fathers sat in, I could feel the oppression and the forced attention toward a "leader." The rooms are designed for something other than truth, communication, collaboration, and interaction. The energy flow is one-directional and hierarchical. And it moves in disjointed, short bursts... never getting anywhere. We need to start healing spaces where people meet for community matters... or move gatherings/meetings to other locations until the spaces are redesigned. Some of the most critical decision-making occurs in unhealthy, destructive spaces. The quality and health of a space determine the quality and health of everything that happens in that space.

Introducing the seasoned citizens of our architectural visualization series, all wrapped up in their winter best! 👵🧣👴 As we observe these figures in their cozy attire, let's reflect on a growing societal trend: our aging population. It's more than just a demographic shift; it's a call to action for architects and city planners. With government mandates for barrier-free living, we face design dilemmas in smaller buildings, juggling diverse bathroom blueprints to meet varying needs. While ensuring accessibility is crucial, could the integration of a generational mix in housing projects be the key to a truly inclusive community? Imagine developments that not only comply with barrier-free living standards but also foster interaction and support among all ages. What if we viewed these standards not as hurdles but as opportunities to innovate? How can we balance the scales between regulatory compliance and practical, community-centered design? Let's discuss: How can architects and designers create spaces that celebrate every stage of life, ensuring that our buildings are ready to embrace an older yet ever dynamic populace? Join us as we continue to offer figures for your visualizations, with each asset posing new questions and solutions for the spaces we shape. #AgingPopulation #DesignForAll #ArchitecturalVisualization #CommunityBuilding

🔄 A Change of Mindset: 3 Innovative Techniques for Community-Oriented Design 🏘️ I cringe nearly every single time I see a new proposed subdivisions layout. Why? Because they are all designed around vehicles and not people! Vehicles are necessary but when we design around them, we create stagnant environments. Here are three game-changing techniques to consider. 🎯 1️⃣ Flexible Spaces: Think of them as your community's shapeshifters. One day a marketplace, the next an open-air theater, the following day a community garden. Their form is fluid, driven by the needs and moods of the community. 2️⃣ Pedestrian Paths: These aren't just routes; they're community veins, pulsing with activity. Treat them as such, rather than mere thoroughfares - they're lifelines of the community. 3️⃣ Co-Working Spaces: Allow communal areas to double up as co-working spaces. It's not just about utility, but fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation. Community design isn't about static blueprints, it's alive, breathing entity. 🌳 It's about people, bonds, and endless change. Are you ready to challenge the status quo in community design? #MindsetShift #FlexibleSpaces #PedestrianPulse #DynamicCommunities #PathwaysAlive #InnovateWithPurpose #PeopleOverBlueprints #CommunityCollaboration #DesignForChange #RevolutionizeDesign #LivingDesigns #ChangeMakersHub #DynamicEnvironments #CommunityDrivenDesign #VibrantCommunities #DesignWithPurpose #InnovateTogether #PedestrianLifelines #FlexibleFormations #CollaborativeSpaces #EmpowerCommunityDesign #RevitalizeSpaces #DesignForPeople #CommunityInnovation #microcommunities #strongtowns

Harnessing Neuroaesthetics to Foster Community Through Design 🌿🤝 **Creating Spaces that Connect** As professionals dedicated to the transformative power of design across all industries, we continually explore how spaces can profoundly influence community dynamics and individual well-being. A key theme emerging from the recent Design Hotels "Neuroaesthetics: Design for the Mind" study is the vital role of designing environments that nurture community. **Why Community-Focused Design?** In an era where loneliness is increasingly recognized as a health epidemic, the importance of community cannot be overstated. Spaces that encourage interaction and foster a sense of belonging can significantly impact our social and emotional health. **Applying Neuroaesthetic Principles** By integrating neuroaesthetic principles, we can create spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also enhance social cohesion. This involves thoughtful considerations of how spatial arrangements, lighting, color schemes, and even furniture choices can facilitate communal activities and interactions. **Case in Point: Communal Spaces** Take, for example, the design of community centers, co-working spaces, or even urban parks. Each of these spaces can be optimized to encourage social interaction through open layouts that invite people to gather, collaborate, and share experiences. **Future Directions** As we look ahead, the challenge for architects, urban planners, and designers is to continue innovating in how we use space to connect people. From the strategic use of biophilic design elements to incorporating technology that enhances rather than detracts from human interaction, the possibilities are endless. Let's discuss how we can continue to push the boundaries of design to foster stronger, healthier communities. What projects have you seen or been part of that effectively bring people together? #Neuroaesthetics #CommunityDesign #UrbanPlanning #PublicSpaces #Architecture #DesignThinking

Gensler's 2024 Design Forecast has officially landed! The eight trends identified in the publication are what we see as the most important signals and key opportunities in the building industry today. 1. Experience Multipliers Pay Premium Dividends 2. Conversions Resurrect Stranded Assets 3. Sustainable Design Becomes a Non-Negotiable 4. The Future of the Workplace as a Compelling Destination 5. Mixed-Use Lifestyle Districts Bring Cities Back to Life 6. Designers Harness AI to Accelerate Ideas and Innovation 7. Focus Shifts to Ageless Communities and Design for a Lifetime 8. 20-Minute Cities Become Archetypes of Equity and Accessibility

Gensler's 2024 Design Forecast is live! Learn more about the main trends that are driving commercial real estate as we look ahead to next year. 1. Experience Multipliers Pay Premium Dividends 2. Conversions Resurrect Stranded Assets 3. Sustainable Design Becomes a Non-Negotiable 4. The Future of the Workplace as a Compelling Destination 5. Mixed-Use Lifestyle Districts Bring Cities Back to Life 6. Designers Harness AI to Accelerate Ideas and Innovation 7. Focus Shifts to Ageless Communities and Design for a Lifetime 8. 20-Minute Cities Become Archetypes of Equity and Accessibility https://lnkd.in/emZ-DKnP

This Interesting article from industry leader Life Care Services has me thinking about design in 2024. The senior living industry faces a pivot towards more holistic and nature-centric designs. This shift is crucial because environments that mimic nature can significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and boost cognitive function among seniors AS WELL AS provide an improved experience for those who serve and visit our elders. I'm always impressed by conversations I have with developers and owners who ask us to focus on this level of design to meet the evolving expectations of seniors and their families. For them and Vessel Architecture, it's about creating communities that are not just living spaces but sanctuaries of well-being and connection. Our unique combination of VR-enabled tools and personalized approach positions us as leaders in integrating biophilic design into senior living communities. #seniorlivingdesign #healthinnature https://lnkd.in/gnf4i2bU

🌿 Exciting Announcement: Introducing Our New Brochure! 🌿 We are thrilled to unveil our latest Brochure, meticulously crafted to showcase our capabilities, creations, and collaborations. It's more than just a collection of pages; it's a reflection of our ethos, presented in an irresistibly captivating format. Dive into our brochure and discover that biophilia transcends mere aesthetics. It's a philosophy that drives us towards wholesome design, prioritizing occupant health and creating spaces where everyone can flourish. Explore sections on material health, sustainability, third-party testing, and the profound psychological impacts of positive environments on behavioral health. Designing interior spaces is now a nuanced endeavor, far beyond selecting color swatches. Moreover, delve into the fascinating realm of neuroarchitecture and learn how Garden on the Wall® contributes to crafting inclusive spaces with positive emotional and psychological impacts. Whether it's fostering collaborative work zones or nurturing tranquil healing sanctuaries for neuro-minorities and healthcare institutions, our solutions are tailored for diverse needs. Our Brochure serves as an educational tool for prospective design partners and clients, illustrating the boundless possibilities achievable with biophilic design. It also sheds light on our corporate social responsibility and commitment to inclusivity, both within our workplace and yours. Join us on a journey of exploration and consider what it means to partner with Garden on the Wall®. Our Brochure is an open invitation to designers and clients alike to discover more about us and envision the transformative potential of our collaboration. Let's create spaces where nature thrives and people flourish together. Green your perspectives at https://lnkd.in/ezcHpeyk 🌱 #BiophilicDesign #InclusiveSpaces #DesignInnovation #Biophilia #Neuroarchitecture #Mosswalls #Indoorgarden #Commonmaterialsframework #circulareconomy

Today was one of those days that reminded me why I love being an entrepreneur and interior designer! I spent the morning brainstorming with my incredible team at Reform Design, and we're embarking on an exciting new adventure - planning our next township project! As we sat around the table, tossing ideas back and forth, I couldn't help but think about the journey that brought me here. From humble beginnings to now leading a talented team, it's been a wild ride full of twists and turns. But what gets me most pumped is the opportunity to create spaces that don't just look amazing but actually improve people's lives. Our townships are more than just buildings - they're communities, ecosystems, and habitats that foster connection, growth, and well-being. So, what can you expect from our next project? Think sustainable design, cutting-edge tech, and a whole lot of heart. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible and can't wait to share it with you! Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes peeks, sneak previews, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. And if you're as passionate about design and community-building as I am, let's connect and explore ways to collaborate! #InteriorDesign #TownshipPlanning #ReformDesign #SustainableDesign #CommunityFirst #EntrepreneurLife #DesigningForImpact #reformdesign

I've always believed that everything we interact with should evoke a certain vibe, a feeling that resonates within us. Whether it's the sleek lines of a sports car, the soaring majesty of an aircraft, or the inviting warmth of a well-designed home, good design and architecture have the power to stir emotions and create lasting impressions. However, in recent years, it seems that engineering and design have been leaning towards a more utilitarian approach, focusing solely on functionality and efficiency while neglecting the importance of emotion and feeling in a space. This shift has led me to ponder: How can we engineer and design spaces that not only serve their intended purpose but also evoke a tangible feeling within those who inhabit them? One key aspect lies in understanding the psychology of space. Just as colors can evoke specific emotions, so too can the design and layout of a space influence our mood and behavior. By carefully considering elements such as lighting, texture, scale, and flow, we can create environments that elicit a desired emotional response. Moreover, storytelling through design can play a pivotal role in crafting meaningful experiences. Every space has a narrative waiting to be told, whether it's the history of a building, the vision of its creators, or the aspirations of its inhabitants. By weaving these narratives into the fabric of our designs, we can imbue spaces with a sense of purpose and identity, allowing people to connect with them on a deeper level. Ultimately, engineering a feeling in a space requires a holistic approach that marries technical proficiency with artistic sensibility. It's about striking a balance between form and function, beauty and utility, to create environments that not only serve our practical needs but also enrich our lives in profound and meaningful ways. As architects and designers, it's our responsibility to champion this ethos and push the boundaries of what's possible. By embracing the power of emotion in our work, we can transform spaces into vibrant, dynamic, and soul-stirring environments that inspire, uplift, and resonate with all who encounter them. Let's continue to engineer not just structures, but experiences. Let's design not just spaces, but feelings. #Architecture #Design #Engineering #EmotionInDesign #SpacePsychology #StorytellingInDesign #CreatingFeelings #ArtAndEngineering #ArchitectsLife #fresharchitect #EntryLevel #OpenToWork