Over the course of the last year and a half, we’ve learned just how adaptable the design industry can be. From collaborating with coworkers, to ordering samples, to virtual meetings with clients, we now have an even greater appreciation for the technology that has allowed us to do so from the comfort of our homes. Here is a list of a few of the amazing resources and ways we’ve adapted to this unprecedented (can’t wait to never hear that word again) time:
NSA Designer Tony Lopez recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Emerging Professionals (EP) Summit for the North Central States Region (NCSR) in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The Summit was held in Madison, Wisconsin in partnership with the AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop: Practice Innovation for Architects. Below is his summary of the experience.
The workshop was focussed on the future of architecture and how innovation, technology and future business models can progress the industry forward. The workshop was broken into two sessions; The morning session started with presentations from Chandra Miller Fienen, executive director of StartingBlock Madison and Thomas Fisher, director of the Minnesota Design Center and a professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota. The afternoon session followed with participants breaking up into groups based on related topic areas to discuss and construct a solution to a growing problem within the profession. The idea was to identify strategic goals and communicate a plan of action, shark-tank-style, to a group of judges.
Following the results of the presentation was a tour of the Spark building. The building is home to StartingBlock and gave the attendees the opportunity to see how architects and entrepreneurs worked together to solve their problems of flexibility and innovation in a changing startup culture.
The summit on day two gathered EP’s from the NCSR; Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. There were representatives from every state except North Dakota present to discuss the regional and local challenges and issues specific to their communities. The Summit was led by Katie Kangas, Young Architects Regional Director and Kyle Palzer, Regional Associates Director. Throughout the five-hour morning summit invitees were able to cultivate leadership skills, get updates on regional and national initiatives supporting EP’s and young professionals, discuss state challenges and culture, and ended the day with actionable ideas to bring home to our respective states. There were also pizza and cookies involved.
Day 1 & 2 – Supporting Activities
When we attend summits, conferences, lectures, and related events we often miss out on the conversations and dialog that go on while traveling to the events. For an Emerging Professional this could be just as important as the classroom time, if not more. The four-hour drive from Minneapolis to Madison was populated with ice-breaker-style small talk at one end of the conversation to the question of how we justify our own existence at the other end. Safe to say it got deep. We also explored midwestern culture and customs like Culvers, a family-favorite restaurant known for their local ButterBurgers, Fresh Frozen Custard & Wisconsin Cheese Curds. *
(*- Editors Note: Tony is from California)
We were able to meet up with EP’s the night before the Summit for a happy hour hosted in the bar of our hotel, Hotel Indigo. As the alcohol slowly became consumed, we naturally started to open up about our backgrounds and our experiences within the profession. Too many words were spoken to precisely convey the breadth of our conversations in this post but lots of connections and similar experiences were shared through informal discussions. Discussions that would later become part of a structured conversation during the Summit which allowed us to better address the issues we each shared and build on them.
The morning of the Summit also gave the invited EP’s an optional activity to connect through similar hobbies. One group of EP’s went for a run around the capital building and along the lake, the second group started their morning sketching, while another group decided to get a good start to the day at the breakfast line. These are all excellent ways to begin integrating what you love to do in life with what you chose to do as a profession.
In celebration of World Architecture Day, NewStudio staff share their favorite architecture and design books.
Adam
Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography, a book written by a friend and mentor, John Comazzi, about one of the great architectural photographers of the 20th century.
I was John’s research assistant in grad school and spent many hours transcribing interviews between him and Korab for this book. Korab himself was an architect first before becoming a photographer and the way he saw the world around him was an influence on me.
Critical Regionalism: Architecture and Identity in a Globalized World by Liane Lefaivre, has shaped my view that architecture can be both modern and forward thinking while also having a sense of, and respect for, the place in which it sits.
Brita
Ching books are great!
Chris
A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein
Dave
The Timeless Way of Building and A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander
Engy
I am reading this now and am in love with it: Styling with Salvage: Designing and Decorating with Reclaimed Materials by Joanne Palmisano. Also, Architecture and Disjunction by Bernard Tschumi.
Erin
I like Building Construction Illustrated by Francis Ching. It's a classic, and super helpful for design rules of thumb.
Jon
Touch This Earth Lightly by Glen Murcutt
Sean
Katsura: Tradition and creation of Japanese architecture by Kenzo Tange
Tom
Delirious New York by Rem Koolhaas
Toua
Building Construction Illustrated by Francis Ching
Wale
Informal by Cecil Balmond
Bold. Sleek. Distinct. There is a matte black faucet to fit your lifestyle. The different texture will create a contrast and enhance the design. Add woods, crisp whites, marble, tiles, or rugs to help your matte black faucet stand out.
Here are a few of our favorites for your kitchen and bathroom.
Pantone, the color matching giant, announced their Color of the Year 2018: Ultra Violet 18-3838.
A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.
Per the Pantone announcement:
“Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now.
Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.
Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”
