Exit Design’s Post

Can innovative playgrounds attract more users and generate more vigorous physical activity? According to a study of 60 playgrounds in the US, those with a variety of surface types, naturalized and planted areas, open-ended structures, and movable equipment had more users and saw more moderate-physical activity compared to traditional playgrounds. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eBaZtevB This is just one of 200 entries in our Landscape Performance Fact Fact Library, a searchable collection of landscape benefits derived from published research. Research by Deborah Cohen, Meghan Talarowski, PLA, ASLA, CPSI, Bing Han, Deborah Rohm Young, Sarah Eng, MPH, and Thomas L. McKenzie in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

This is a fascinating article - and open access. The positive impact #biophilia can have in achieving the optimal performance between people, technology and work space, is tangible. Beyond that, it can be strategy to help attract and retain talent. Great read for anyone managing facilities and work place.

Preview of the work of another Unit 20 student Casey Nefdt (The Emplacement of Dissociative Space : The synthesis of Asylums, Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital) Architectural Film : https://lnkd.in/d9XSXzag “Power is not an institution, and not a structure neither is it a certain strength we are endowed with it is the name that one attributes to a complex strategical situation in a particular society.”-Michel Foucault. Stemming from the unit’s theme of spectres of the capitol that explores power, time and dual realities as lenses to explore architecture through the medium of film. This project will explore the parallel space of the asylum as a heterotopic world. The project will make use of the Weskoppies Psychiatric hospital as a prompt site. As a result of the site being a heterotrophic space of which one needs to adhere to specific rituals. The project will approach Weskoppies as an outside spectator and allow this to become a notion of design for the Major design proposal. The design proposal will incorporate elements that encourage users to engage with the space in a critical and reflective way by creating a space that prompts users to consider their own power dynamics and perspectives. It hopes to encourage a more inclusive and equitable approach to architecture through speculation in order to create something that can influence how isolation is dominant in the asylum space. By means of retracing the history and the narratives that came along with the Asylum, the proposal aims to break down the parts of the heterotopia in order to identify new opportunities that may speculate a new utopia. This will be done by understanding the result of colonialism and using a method of decolonizing the space in order to redesign and test out new approaches. The utopia will consist of a symbiotic relationship where both worlds can co-exist in the same space that is beneficial to both inhabitants.

Function and Beauty are important to the place we inhabit. 2021 AIA Iowa Impact Award Winner, Unitarian Universalist Society is a wonderful example of elegant spaces helping serve the mission of the people that use them. Deb Schoelerman of UUS says, "Persons with mobility challenges, hearing deficiencies, or other impairments are now able to participate in the activities of the UUS in ways that were not possible or convenient until we built our new building." Read more about the impact of Iowa Architects at https://lnkd.in/gwDsQkVe #IAArchitectureMonth

UCSF NEW HOSPITAL AT PARNASSUS HEIGHTS The NHPH project consists of a new tower with 15 above-ground stories, one full B1 level basement level, and one partial B2 level basement level. The tower is located on a highly constrained site bounded by Parnassus Avenue to the north, Medical Center Way to the east, a loading dock access road to the south, and existing Moffit and Long hospitals to the West. Additionally, a large network of cantilevers expands the perimeter of the building beyond the perimeter columns. These constraints have produced a structure with unique and impressive geometry. The new tower is adjacent to, but seismically independent from, the existing Moffit and Long hospitals. Flexible connections allow connectivity between the new and existing buildings. The Lateral Force Resisting system of the tower will consist of a Special Steel Moment Resisting Frame using SidePlate™ connections supplemented with fluid viscous dampers. The moment frames and dampers are distributed throughout the plan based on architectural constraints and programming limitations. Nonlinear modeling of the fluid viscous dampers and PBSD is used to validate the structural system, demonstrating the demanding performance needed for a California Hospital. #universityofcalifornia #ucsf #sanfrancisco #losangeles #nabihyoussef #nabihyoussefassociates #structuralengineering #structuralengineer #earthquake #earthquakeengineering #ucsfmedicalcenter #webcore

As we plan for the future, the concepts of aging in place and ADA-compliance aren't just buzzwords—they're vital to living fully and independently in our later years. This article from the The Wall Street Journal features two retired physicians, who with the help of a visionary architect, turned these principles into a reality by designing their forever home in Austin, Texas. Creating spaces that embrace both functionality and beauty, ensuring that our homes can adapt to our needs while keeping us connected to the people and environments we cherish. https://lnkd.in/gvZZ8bUG

Is it possible to become an architect and an entrepreneur with a severe autoimmune condition? The answer is yes 🚀 David and I met only a few times when I was first diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a pivotal moment in my health journey. I had always hoped for an opportunity to discuss the condition in depth with him, and after 14 years, I finally got the chance. David, a practising conservation architect in ecclesiastical and heritage architecture from the North-East of England, shares an intimate glimpse into his journey with RA, diagnosed at the tender age of 15. Despite the hurdles, his passion for architecture led him to establish Beaumont Brown Architects, renowned for its diverse portfolio across health, education, commercial, and conservation sectors. In our heartfelt discussion, David opens up about: 👉The early diagnosis of RA and its impact on his personal and professional life. 👉The transition from dreams of carpentry to embracing the world of architecture. 👉The role of medication, adjustments, and accommodations in managing his condition. 👉The continuous support from family, healthcare professionals, and peers. 👉His achievements, motivation, and what lies ahead. David's story is a beacon of resilience, showing us how to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination. Whether you're facing chronic illness or pursuing ambitious career goals, there's inspiration to be found in his journey. 👉 Read our full Q&A to discover how David's determined attitude and innovative mindset have not only shaped his award winning career but also offer hope and guidance to many others navigating their paths through similar challenges: https://lnkd.in/eMbKewBR Let's celebrate the achievements and the unyielding spirit of those among us who, like David, show us that obstacles are just stepping stones to greater heights. #RheumatoidArthritis #Architecture #CareerResilience #InspirationalJourney #HealthAndWellness #InflamMed #ChronicIlnness #NonApparentDisability #AutoImmuneDisease

Transformation and redevelopment

The Foundation's long-term vision for the Paimio Sanatorium revolves around its transformation into a dynamic hub for regeneration, learning, and innovation. ’’We aim to develop the site into a place that not only honors the Aaltos' architectural heritage but also serves as a place of convergence and reflection on what needs to be done, Joseph Grima, curator of Paimio Sanatorium Foundation tells about future of Paimio Sanatorium. The Aaltos, Alvar and Aino, left us with a profound legacy that goes far beyond architecture. Their design ethos, as expressed in their work for the Paimio Sanatorium, teaches us that architecture isn't just about constructing buildings; it's about creating holistic systems that consider the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of individuals and communities. This involves creating spaces and programs that encourage gathering, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the exploration of new ideas. Paimio Sanatorium Foundation’s first interdisciplinary gathering with extraordinary line up of key note speakers, Spirit of Paimio on 16th October will explore contemporary, approaches not only to design but also to community-building, emphasizing practices that regenerate rather than deplete. More info https://lnkd.in/gbpzyeYT #paimionparantola #paimiosanatorium #alvaraalto #ainoaalto #alvaraaltofoundation #aalto2museum #functionalism #modernism #design #architecture #visitpaimio #visitturku

How should the city involve the people of Stadt Göttingen in the future? This question is at the heart of Göttingen's second Future Forum, which began on 17 August. #CitizensAssembly