Why do we feel better when we’re outside enjoying the “fresh air” or gazing out the window at the wind gently blowing in the trees? This emotional and biological need to connect with nature was first formally identified as “biophilia” by American naturalist Edmund O. Wilson. Building on this theory, biophilic design pioneer Stephen Kellert... Read more »
Water is a resource that we typically take for granted, particularly here in the northeast. We love our lakes and coasts but also fear when storms bring too much of a good thing. Increased rain events that cause flooding, sea level rise, and ground water rise are all issues affecting buildings in our area. In... Read more »
Strawbery Banke Museum tells stories. Their mission is to promote understanding of people and the value of community through encounters with the history and the ongoing preservation of a New England waterfront neighborhood. Given current and future climate conditions, “ongoing preservation” has become more of a challenge. While the museum presents the history of... Read more »
We’ve been thinking a lot about our values in the last week, and how our commitment to working toward a just community lives in harmony with the natural world. It seems farther away than ever right now, but when we recognize that these models for regenerative community and purposeful work already exist – that they... Read more »
There is a growing movement looking toward a more radical reassessment of the standards. There is a tension between historic buildings and adapting them to serve future needs. As we move forward, climate and weather conditions will differ radically from the times in which our building stock was constructed. Preservation takes on a different... Read more »
Libraries have served society over the millennia, from ancient bastions of knowledge to the free libraries that have supported a democratic society in 20th century America. In our current century libraries serve as community, technology, and social hubs. How will libraries serve us in the future, and how to we plan our buildings to support... Read more »
Our work brings us into relationship with talented people from a broad spectrum of fields and disciplines. When considering a potential building project, however, all face uncertainty and near universal questions: What are our current and future needs? How much will it cost? How long will it take? What are some of the challenges we... Read more »
In our work as architects, we frequently seek out creative solutions to everyday issues. Dreaming up innovative ways to build community connections, reduce carbon emissions, and maximize our client’s budgets is all in a day’s work here at Placework. But sometimes, we encounter a project where some of that thinking has been done for us.... Read more »
Designing for Experience Learning environments hold potential to shape and enhance awareness; they have the power to call our attention to the significance of consciousness itself. Awareness and sensory engagement offer a chance to be curious about one’s position in the environment, fostering connections between individuals and the places they inhabit. Designing educational spaces involves... Read more »
A climate positive architectural practice holistically improves the human ecological condition through design, practice, and advocacy. The national Zero-Emissions Policy will require buildings to be energy efficient, produce no on-site emissions and use 100 percent renewable energy. Alyssa is currently serving as the New Hampshire representative to the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Strategic Council. ... Read more »
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