DBOX’s Post

The most sustainable building is one which is already built.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭!!? 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐭 270 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞, 𝐍𝐘𝐂’𝐬 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 The new JPMorgan Chase headquarters at 270 Park Avenue is redefining engineering and construction with its innovative approach. Designed by Foster + Partners, this future tallest building in New York City will soar to 1,400 feet across 60 stories, representing a leap forward in skyscraper design. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its contribution to public space. The building will create 2.5 times more outdoor space at the ground level of Park and Madison Avenues, featuring wider sidewalks and a large public plaza with lush green areas and amenities. The construction leverages a cutting-edge fan-column structure and triangular bracing, allowing it to maximize space efficiency while providing clear views from Park Avenue to Madison Avenue. Monumental triangular braces, now visible at the site, will lift the actual building 80 feet off the ground, creating a view corridor from the Park Avenue entrance through to Madison Avenue. This design not only meets the challenges of the site but also integrates seamlessly with the city's vital transport infrastructure beneath. The steel frame, completed in 2023, involved over 93,600 tons of American-made steel. As the largest all-electric tower aiming for net-zero operational emissions, it sets new environmental standards. Its steel frame is a prominent feature, visible through the glass façade, and the building's top resembles a squashed ziggurat with symmetrical setbacks, adding a timeless touch to Park Avenue. Designing the new JPMorgan Chase headquarters at 270 Park Avenue presented multiple challenges. The site required innovative solutions to integrate a fan-column structure and triangular bracing, ensuring the building maintained a minimal footprint while offering expansive views and accommodating vital transport infrastructure beneath. Achieving net-zero operational emissions for a skyscraper of this scale also demanded advanced energy management strategies and sustainable material choices, such as using over 93,600 tons of recycled steel. Additionally, creating public spaces like wider sidewalks and a landscaped plaza required thoughtful design to enhance urban life while fitting seamlessly with the building's structural needs. The 270 Park Avenue project is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of sustainable innovation and a commitment to improving urban life. #SustainableDesign #UrbanInnovation #EngineeringExcellence

Skyscrapers are not just buildings. They're a testament to human ambition and engineering marvels. 111 West 57th Street, also known as Steinway Tower, redefines the New York City skyline. At just 60 feet wide, it's one of the world's slenderest skyscrapers. This isn't just architecture; it's a symphony of design and daring. Imagine the challenges of constructing a tower that soars into the sky but is narrow at its base. It's like balancing a pencil on its tip during a windstorm. Engineers and architects had to innovate, pushing beyond conventional boundaries to create a structure that combines luxury with stability. But why does this matter to us in the business world? It's a clear signal that limitations are often just starting points for innovation. In a city where space is at a premium, 111 West 57th Street stands tall (literally) as a reminder that with creativity and determination, the sky's the limit. Let's take inspiration from this architectural wonder. Where are you facing constraints in your professional life? How can you turn those limitations into your next big breakthrough? Share your thoughts below. Let's discuss how we can push the boundaries together.

Repurposing: Protecting Icons, Streetscapes and Skylines WITH the sale of the BT Tower in London being announced this week, the opportunity to re-imagine the UK’s most iconic buildings is back in the zeitgeist. Bill Webb, co-founder and director at Able Partners highlights the importance of repurposing buildings around the UK to extend their lifespan into the future and manage embodied carbon – all while protecting much-loved buildings and providing opportunity for architects to stretch their creative muscles outside of client work. As well as being an iconic part of the London skyline since the 1960s, the BT Tower contains a huge amount of embodied carbon. That’s two very good reasons for not demolishing the structure, even though its original use is now facing obsolescence as communication becomes digital. That opens a wealth of opportunity to re-imagine the space and make better use of it into the future. The reality will see a hotel developed in the 177m high tower for new owner MCR Hotels, and with the nature of the Grade II listed structure, the industry will be looking forward to seeing the designs from Heatherwick Studio. The architects of the world especially, knowing it’s bound to be a rewarding and interesting design process ahead. The protective nature of repurposing This change of use reminds us of the importance of evaluating space – is it still serving its purpose, or has it served its successful lifespan? If the answer is no, then the possibilities are endless, but the benefits are clear. https://lnkd.in/egcvfzhz

I have always loved looking at buildings. They stood tall and strong, making people amazed. I used to draw my designs on scrap paper, dreaming of making amazing structures one day. One project is still fresh in my mind. A local community center asked me to renovate their old, dull building. It needed a new spark and energy. I saw an opportunity to make a real difference. With my team, we worked tirelessly, carefully planning a space that would bring life back to the community. We added natural elements, like sunlight and green areas. The transformation was amazing. When we showed the renovated community center, the joy on people's faces was priceless. It became a lively place, filled with laughter and excitement. Kids played, families gathered, and a sense of togetherness filled the air. That project showed me the true power of architecture. It's not just about building structures; it's about creating experiences, connecting people, and energizing communities. It reminded me why I started this journey—to make spaces that leave a lasting impact. Now, as the CEO and Founder of my architecture and construction company, I continue to pour my passion into every project. Each one is a chance to make a positive change, to create spaces that inspire and uplift. Together, let's build a world where architecture transforms lives and brings dreams to life. 📞 Contact Number - 9911808088 #architectureinspiration #buildingdreams #communitytransformation #architect #creatingexperiences #buildingcommunity #architecture #dreamstoreality #construction

In last week's AM800 Citybuilding segment: urban designers, architects, and citybuilders Mark Nickita and Dorian Moore (also a C4C Housing Lab affiliate and UWindsor School of Creative Arts Professor) of Archive DS, an urban design and architecture firm based in Detroit, joined host Dan MacDonald to speak about the role of sports in citybuilding and placemaking. In the interview, Mark and Dorian, like the rest of Detroit, were riding a surge of enthusiasm following the Detroit Lions' first home playoff victory, but Mark and Dorian maintain that that's not all we should be celebrating. They suggest that Detroit is home one of the best built NFL stadiums in the league, both from a fan's and an urbanist's perspective– and that Detroit is the only American city that contains all of its sporting arenas in its downtown core. Detroit's NFL Ford Field is built into a 100-year-old warehouse, adding charm, character, and history to the space. It and the other sports arenas are also surrounded by a dense mix of retail, residences, and restaurants– not a sea of parking– making them particularly walkable and people-centred spaces. People-centred, walkable, livable spaces are an emblem of smart, healthy citybuilding– something to celebrate, indeed! More broadly, too, sports not only contribute to the physical and economic fabric of a city, but they also contribute to the identity of a city, bringing a felt sense of togetherness amid particularly divisive times. In Mark's words, "Sports are the icing on the cake" of a successful city– one rich in diversity of entertainment, retail, residential spaces, art, architecture, and people. Visit our website below to listen to the segment, and to learn more about how the Centre for Cities is helping to promote robust, healthy citybuilding locally and across Canada. https://lnkd.in/eqajwqjc University of Windsor University of Windsor Faculty of Law AM800 CKLW Dorian Moore, FAIA Mark Nickita, FAIA

Reflecting on My Journey as a Principal Architect As 2024 gains momentum, I look back on my journey as the founder of Whisker Architecture and am reminded of the profound growth and transformation that this role has brought into my life. At Whisker Architecture, we champion the principles of sustainability and inclusivity because we believe in the power of design to create spaces that not only serve a purpose but also reflect the values of those who inhabit them. Our Why is simple yet powerful: "Live, Learn, and Work [in] Your Values." It's about ensuring that our homes, schools, and workplaces resonate with what's truly important to us. Over the past 10 years, I've had the privilege of working on diverse projects, spanning residential, multi-residential, education, workplace, and hospitality sectors. However, my true passion lies in understanding how people interact with spaces and how these spaces shape our behaviors. The decision to start my own firm has been a journey of self-discovery and growth. It has allowed me to cultivate confidence, clarity about my values, and a powerful sense of self-determination. While I continue to refine my approach and navigate the challenges of networking and marketing (neither of which come naturally), the experience has been nothing short of transformative. Starting a firm with limited prior experience in running a studio has granted me the opportunity to see the profession with fresh eyes. We've embraced innovation in client-centered processes, evident in our free 20-mins Clarity Calls - which are open to the public, our Home Masterplan Reports, and our adoption of fixed fee services—a departure from the traditional percentage and hourly rate fee structures. The path has been challenging - demanding more effort than any previous role - but it has also been the experience of a lifetime. With every project, I am driven by the belief that we shape our buildings, and thereafter, they shape us. It is my sincere intention that every creation by Whisker Architecture contributes to a better tomorrow—for our clients, users, community, and the planet. As we continue to evolve, I am grateful for the relationships that have grown from this experience. Together, let's build a world that reflects our values, promotes empathy, kindness, and generosity, and contributes to a better, more sustainable future. #WhiskerArchitecture #PrincipalArchitect #Sustainability #Inclusivity #DesignWithPurpose #ArchitecturalJourney

The latest quarterly report from the Chicago Loop Alliance shows the Loop continuing its steady recovery. Pedestrian activity, office occupancy, hotel bookings, and cultural engagement are all up from Q1 2023. State Street had practically the same foot traffic as 2019, and average office and hotel occupancy ticked up across the Loop. The one weak spot has been State Street's retail vacancy, which sits at a historically high 30%. Hopefully more people translates to more investment soon! The Chicago Architecture Center's new exhibition opening April 27, "Loop as Lab: Reshaping Downtowns," explores a number of these trends and ventures progressive design, development, and planning approaches to meet the moment. We have a golden opportunity to go beyond basic recovery and toward a more resilient and livable model for downtowns everywhere. #LoopAsLab #DowntownRecovery #TheLoop #StateStreet Learn more about Loop as Lab: https://lnkd.in/gEFAqu88 And read the report: https://lnkd.in/grbdNzuJ

Lazari Investments secures planning for Foster + Partners’ transformation of the former Fenwick store on New Bond Street. The Foster + Partners-designed scheme includes world class Bond Street retail on the ground and first floors with offices from the second to ninth floors. A number of facades will be sensitively lifted through innovative engineering to align the floorplates above, creating four spectacular two-storey retail units that will benefit from increased floor heights. The new high-quality shopfronts will complement the existing facades and activate the corner. “Our design is about revitalising the historic Fenwick buildings, preserving the majority of the existing structure and giving the buildings a new lease of life. The rich history and tradition of New Bond Street is reinforced through a revitalised street front, and the design breathes new life into the upper levels by introducing state-of-the-art office space. This ambitious project will act as a catalyst, injecting energy into this part of the city and underscoring the area's global presence.” Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman at Foster + Partners. Targeting the highest “Outstanding” BREEAM rating, the scheme will retain over 50% of the existing structure, approximately 75% of the historic facades and will have an upfront carbon measure of 463kgCO2e/m2, which meets and exceeds industry targets. 🔗 Read the full article: https://brnw.ch/21wIrDS #Architecture #Design #Engineering #Construction #London

Someone always has to go first. Will that someone be you? This is The Rookery Building in Chicago, built by Burnham and Root in 1888. It is one of the first wave of skyscrapers in not only Chicago, but the world. Burnham and Root, were also designing the 1893 Columbian Exposition, just 12 miles to the south. From their offices on the 12th floor, they could look to the south and see the construction zone as the tallest building between them was only 2 stories tall. What happened next turned Chicago into a world class city. By 1893, just 5 years later, 12 skyscrapers had been built in Chicago and it became a destination to come and see what had been created. No where else in the world had this many skyscrapers in such a short time (New York had 4 by 1896). My mind goes back to 1885 when the foundation of The Rookery was conceived. It is a "grillage foundation" and is still floating today, not fixed into the bedrock. What did it take for Burnam and Root to convince their construction teams that "this will work..." It also makes me think about the 1880 to 1888 time frame All the talent that would make Chicago famous and change construction forever was already in Chicago. They were just waiting for one person, one company, to change the game with a new idea and all the potential was unleashed. Imagine being in that time in architecture, design and construction. Where else has this happened since then? Autos in Detroit. Tech in California. What will be next? Or better yet, maybe we should be asking "who will be next?" We live in a world that is screaming for innovation in so many ways. Someone has to go first.