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How is Coronavirus Affecting the Daily Lives of Architects? Our Readers Answer

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A glimpse of hope emerged from the endless loop of COVID-19 news this week when China announced the closure of their last temporary hospital in Wuhan due to their stabilization of the pandemic that has now taken the world by storm. Western countries have been enforcing more restrictive measures aiming to stop the spread of the virus, including mandating shelter-in-place orders and forcing any business deemed non-essential to close. Due to the quarantine and isolation politics imposed by the authorities around the globe, we asked you, our readers, how the coronavirus is affecting your daily life as architects and designers. These answers allowed us to compose an overall picture of the atmosphere established by the pandemic and the way we are adapting to it.

Our pollsurveyed our Spanish, English and Portuguese platforms, and more than 600 readers shared their experiences. Most of the participants (39%) were between 21 and 30 years old, followed by the groupranging between 31 and 40 years old (29%). Readers between ages 41 and 50 represent 13% of thesurvey participants, while 9% were between 50 and 60, and readers over 60 were 7% of the readers who shared their experiences since the outbreak.

We also discovered that approximately 65% of theparticipantsstated that they had already worked from home before the quarantine in some capacity, whether just for a few days, or as a part of their regular routine. For the others, the newreality of adapting to a home officehas broughtmany challenges, related to the ability to focus on work and finding new means of communication with colleagues.

For many of those surveyed, one of the main challenges of having to work from home is the inability to connect with colleagues for informal conversations. The idea of remaining isolated for an undefined period of time, compounded with the general sensation of anxiety has brought a variety of disruptions to usual work flow, demanding an additional layer of communication. Video and phone calls, social networks, and other technology platforms have helped maintain synergy among team members.

The ability to access to the files and digital drawings was another frequently mentioned topic in our survey, which have been supplemented with cloud servers and private company networks. The readers of our three platforms pointed out the slowness and instability of internet services as a major downside to working from home, thathas resulted in designers spending more time working than usual.

One of the main challenges of designers who have made the transition to working at home is the difficulty in maintaining their typical work pace and finding the discipline to focus on daily tasks. Distractions caused by other family members who are also facing quarantine lock down measures, pets, neighboring noises, and domestic activities were cited as a few of themain obstacles to work at home. The lack of spaces exclusively dedicated to work have forced some of our readers to improvise small offices in their living rooms or bedrooms, only further adding to the inefficiencies of having to work from home.

The absence of a barrier between domestic life and work also seems toconcernsomeof the readerswho have been working more hours than usual since the quarantine began.

Among the readers worries was the uncertainty of facing a potential economic recession. Projects that have alreadybegun design and construction phases are being closely monitored, and some architects are seeing that clients are hesitant to sign contracts and award more work. Thefear of this potential crisis and its immeasurably directly impact the concerns of architects andother design professionals around the globe.

While a home office might be a temporary solution for many architects and designers, it only works to a certain extent. Throughout this quarantine, many countries have deemed construction services as essential, which means that sites are still being built, evenas architects are required to stay home. The amount of on-site meetings and coordination that traditionally happens through face to face social interactions needs to find a new medium in order to continue to have successfully completed projects.

"Workingfrom home in a third world country is a privilegenot often shared by the laborers. These skilled workers are forced tochoose between going to work and being exposed to the virus, or to stay home, depriving themselves of basic needs since they live exclusively from their work. Some of these countries have governments that lack of humanitarian initiatives to help them financially during this crisis."

Jeric Rustia, Philippines Architect

Some readers also expressed that they have experienced local building departmentsinvolved in the project approvalshalting not only the start of new construction, but also not approving drawingsthat have been completed since the quarantine period began.

On the other hand, some readers said that despite the myriad of challenges and problems imposed by the isolation, there are a few advantages of remote working. No longer having to spend the time commuting intothe office, which in cities like So Paulo or New York can sometimes take up two hours, designers have gained additionaltime that before was not available for leisurely activities. Some survey participants noted that spending more time with their families, cooking, reading, and watching TV are activities that they now havemore time for.

The greatest opportunity though, is how to undermine this moment of crisis and rethink the modes of work that have become commonplace in most architecture officesaroundthe world. Improving remote communication abilities, storing project files in the cloud, and implementing the use of BIM models are just a few ways that offices have come to adapt and modernize their methods of practice.

"It is mandatory we rethink completely our role as architecture professionals. Will we all be seen as necessary in this field? I think not. In Italy, we are 153,000 strong, and architectural design is still been seen as a luxury service. The Coronavirus will change the priorities of people for better. This is a great opportunity to define how architectural projects positively affect the lives of the people who will ultimately inhabit them."

- Francesca Perani, Italian architect.

With any global crisis of this scale, there are many fears and unknowns that our readers have expressed that they face in their new ways of working. As seen from our perspective, this might be the starting pointfora deeply-rooted transformation in the way we work, communicate, and practice architecture. Despite the fear of a possible recession, our readers as designers fromaround theworld, seem to seek strength and believe that together we will not only overcome this, but we will also discover a more human futurein our profession.

We invite you to check out ArchDaily's coverage related to COVID-19, read our tips and articles on Productivity When Working from Home and learn about technical recommendations for Healthy Design in your future projects. Also, remember to review the latest advice and information on COVID-19 from the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

Original post:
How is Coronavirus Affecting the Daily Lives of Architects? Our Readers Answer - ArchDaily

Running a small business isnt easy at the best of times. Payroll comes every two weeks. Rent and utility bills come every month. Tax submissions come every quarter. Todays pandemic exacerbates the challenges that small businesses face: reserves are often minimal, allowing for, if theyre lucky, a month or two of emergency financial resources.

Due to the nature of tight budgets, small businesses rely on their clients to pay their bills regularly and keep revenue flowing. Sometimes this is within 30 days, but more often within 60, though some are 90 or longer. As long as its predictable, things flow smoothly. But when bills are submitted by mail, processed by in-house staff and cheques mailed out, this process can grind to a halt if everyone is working from home. Thankfully, many bigger organizations use direct deposit and accept invoices by email. Making sure bills are paid in a timely fashion helps everyone; it means payroll gets covered, rents get paid.

When staff have to work remotely, it means buying the necessary hardware to work remotely. It means setting up processes and systems to maintain file security and supporting staff with work from home options; that can mean subsidizing their home internet use, paying for their personal cell phone or giving them an office work chair so that their ergonomics at work (from home) are the same as when they are at work (at work).

All these things cost money. A decent computer is over $3,000 alone, not to mention the set-up time, software and so on. Access to the office resources (building codes, reference material) is limited to what can be made available on-line. Many resources cant be digitized and some projects have security protocols and cant be worked on outside the office.

Then there is the social aspect. We work collaboratively on projects. That means getting up from your desk to talk to the other people on the project or getting an outside opinion on how to do something from someone down the hall. It might mean printing the drawing youre working on and grabbing a coffee with someone to talk through the design problem. All this is possible, when working from home, but not only is it different, its not what were used to. It takes time, and technology, to make this happen.

Why do small businesses matter? Over 90% of architecture practices in the province employ fewer than 10 architects (are likely firms of less than 75 people). Over 75% of Ontario architecture practices are very small businesses, with 2 architects or less, likely representing less than 20 employees. Yet, Ontario architects have an economic impact that represents 14% of the provinces GDP.

There are real steps cities and provincial governments can take, right now, that would make a difference. Immediate steps include:

In the short- and medium-term, we need to look at how to stimulate the economy. Investing in buildings creates places for people, and we need better places more than ever before. We still have a housing crisis and cant forget that sustainable investment in the built environment pays dividends. City and provincial governments can take immediate steps, today:

The way we design our built environment is more important than ever. We need homes and public places where we can find solace, collect our thoughts, grieve, laugh, and form the social cohesion we need. Choosing to invest in architecture creates opportunities for a better place. When life returns to normal, as it inevitably will, we need to decide if we go back to the way things were, or if our design approach needs to change. If we want the design talent that will make a difference, we need to support small businesses today, so that they will be here to bring changes tomorrow. Design matters.

Architect Toon Dreessen is President of Architects DCA. He is a past president of the OAA.

View original post here:
What architects need from government to make it through COVID-19 - Canadian Architect

A weekend getaway can be many things. For a city-dwelling Brisbane couple with four children, it takes the form of a large barn-style home in Pullenvale, a rural suburb just a 25-minute drive from Brisbanes central business district.

The couple asked Paul Uhlmann Architectswho they had worked with previouslyfor a rural getaway for their family and friends. "They had spent time in the United States and fell in love with the large red American barns that dot the countryside," says Uhlmann. "During the design process, this was reinterpreted into a form that has references to the Australian outback shed."

The home is called The Barn,as it was inspired by the American barns that the couple admired on travels throughout the United States.

The site lies at the end of a valley fronting onto a nature reserve, and a long driveway flanked by sprawling jacaranda trees leads to the home. The family selected the secluded site for its privacy and its location, which is a relatively short drive from their city home.

The Barn is a weekend retreat for family and friends. It also allows the family to spend time with their horses, which are kept in a nearby paddock.

Described by Uhlmann as "rural shed architecture", the home is constructed from Australian hardwood. It features custom corrugated orb Zincalume roof sheeting, which references the archetypal Australian farmhouse. The rounded shape of the roofwhich is reflected in the ceiling structure internallyis a contemporary reinterpretation of this form.

A garage is located at the rear of the home. The large overhang of the roof provides shading to the bunk room windows.

"We looked to American barns and some contemporary versions of this typology," says Uhlmann. "Most of these designs had at least one double-height space, which in this case has been incorporated in the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space."

The soaring, timber-clad ceilings of the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area follow the curve of the corrugated Zincalume roof, creating an impressive volume with views over the valley.

This main living space boasts cathedral-like ceilings and expansive views directly down the valley onto the reserve through the glazed gable ends of the barn. "The windows look down to the paddocks below and the reserve," says Uhlmann. "This was the predominant view that we wanted to capture and celebrate in a dramatic way both from the ground floor and first floor."

The living area completely opens up to the exterior, dissolving the boundary between inside and outside. The stone flooring in the living area is from Eco Outdoor.

Sliding timber doors on both sides of the living space open directly into the landscape, inviting the outdoors in. This also allows natural cross ventilation and the ability for the young children to run in and out of the house as they please. To the northwest, the living space opens onto an outdoor deck shaded by a timber canopy.

The vertical lines of the timber facade and the corrugated Zincalume roof create a simple, graphic rhythm across the entire home.

The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space is located at the southwestern end of the ground floor. A games room, media room, and mudroom lie off to one side, and a garage stands at the rear.

The antler chandeliers above the kitchen table are from local lighting store Milton Lighting.

The entire interiorincluding bespoke joinery and furnitureis crafted from timber.

On the first floor, the master bedroom and ensuite look through to the double-height living space. Two guest bedrooms and a large bunk room that sleeps twelve are also located on the first floor. The two guest bedrooms feature skylights to bring natural ventilation and light into the interior. "From the beds, you can watch the clouds go past during the day, and the stars by night," says Uhlmann.

Bring a boho vintage feel to your space with this standout leather sofa, featuring quilted seaming along wraparound arms, seat and base, topped with trios of seat and back cushions in a soft, supportive feel. Offers texture and dynamics with a block build and plenty of room to get cozy with pals.

HANDWOVEN IN MEXICO BY THE WOMEN OF OAXACA Rich, moody hues hand-dyed to perfection. This hand-woven accent rug is a total knockout. Each one takes about a week to complete, all handcrafted by a cooperative of sixty women weavers in Oaxaca.

Originally designed in the late 1940s, the Straight Chair has been reintroduced by Knoll. George Nakashima's extraordinary blend of the organic, natural qualities of wood and clean modern design formed this Modernist interpretation of the traditional Windsor chair.

The weekend retreat is designed to accommodate large family and friend groups, with two guest bedrooms and a bunk room that sleeps 12.

The timber-framed bunk beds are built into the soaring space.

One of the major challenges was balancing the clients budget with their expectationsand hiring a builder who shared the same vision of craftsmanship as Uhlmann was essential. "We had completed a project before for the same client, using the same builder, therefore there was some understanding of the overall quality," says Uhlmann. "We were not involved during the construction, howevertherefore the builder had to interpret quite a few joints and connections, which he did very well."

Skylights in the roof allow natural light and ventilation into the guest bedrooms, which don't have windows.

The walls of the home are fine band-sawn spotted gum, oiled with a grey tint, and recycled hardwood beams are used throughout the interior. The result is a celebration of timber craftsmanship with exceptional carpentry. The vast amount of timber used throughout the construction creates a sensory experience, filling the interior with a strong aroma of wood.

The home has a simple, linear plan that balances open spaces with more cozy, private rooms. The sliding doors at the side of the home can either be completely closed to the elements in winter, or opened in the warmer months.

"The most rewarding part of this project is the central living space," says Uhlmann. "It has a large scale, however the natural light doesnt overwhelm the space, which can tend to happen with Australias harsh light. It is instantly relaxing, and an overall memorable experience once youre within this central space."

The main living space leads onto a side deck with a timber canopy, providing a sheltered outdoor space for dining and socializing.

The design team made extensive use of Australian hardwoodboth internally and externally to reference the rural setting.

Ground floor plan of The Barn by Paul Uhlmann Architects.

First floor plan of The Barn by Paul Uhlmann Architects.

Northwest and Northeast elevations of The Barn by Paul Uhlmann Architects.

Southeast and Southwest elevations of The Barn by Paul Uhlmann Architects.

Site Plan of The Barn by Paul Uhlmann Architects.

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This Weekend Getaway Gives the Traditional American Barn an Australian Twist - Dwell

For our latest competition we're offering readers the chance to win one of three copies of Where Architects Sleep, The Most Stylish Hotels in the World.

Curated and edited by Sarah Miller, founding editor-in-chief of Cond Nast Traveller UK, the book is "the ultimate, global accommodation list", bringing together the expert opinions of more than 250 of the world's most esteemed architects.

Between them, they have given more than 1,200 recommendations from better-known destinations to secret spots. We've teamed up with publisher Phaidon to give away three hardback copies of the book.

From luxury rooms to budget escapes, Where Architects Sleep showcases an extensive array of architects' favourite international places to stay for both work and leisure.

Desert, urban, countryside and island locations are all featured, including The Upper House in Hong Kong a number one for Amanda Levete and Villa Flor in Switzerland, chosen byNorman Foster.

"In the heart of an unspoiled village called S-Chanf, this is a simple but sophisticated guest house," says Foster about Villa Flor.

"Its corridors host exhibitions by artists, many of whom are frequent guests," he continues. "It is discreet and unpretentious without any signs to advertise its presence."

Insightful reviews, specially-commissioned maps and essential information are included to offer easy-to-navigate pages, which are organised by geographical area.

As well as suggesting destinations, the contributing architects also detail places they wish they had designed themselves.

More than 100 countries are covered in the book, with the most recommended hotel being 7132 Hotel in Vals, Switzerland the hotel most architects wished they had designed.

Designed by Japanese architect Kengu Kuma, if the top-floor presidential suite of this hotel is booked then the visitor's helicopter and limousine transfer will also be included.

The winner of the "all-time favourite" category is Benesse House in Japan, while joint-winners Le Pavillon de la Reine in Paris and Das Stu in Berlin steal the prize for "best-kept secret".

The Connaught in London received the highest votes for "luxury", while Amangiri in Utah had the most votes for "worth the travel", and "eco-conscious" is won jointly by Hotel Whitepod in Switzerland and Heritance Kandalama in Sri Lanka.

Miller launched Cond Nast Traveller UK in 1997 and stayed at the title for 15 years. She went on to become European editor of travel and leisure and today runs Sarah Miller and Partners an agency that creates brand strategies and content for a range of luxury and lifestyle brands.

The author also sits on the international advisory board of cole htelire de Lausanne, a renowned hospitality institution.

Three readers will win a copy of Where Architects Sleep by Sarah Miller, first published by Phaidon in January 2020.

Competition closes 22 April 2020. Three winners will be selected at random and notified by email. Terms and conditions apply.

Read the original here:
Competition: win a copy of Where Architects Sleep by Sarah Miller - Dezeen

New Delhi, March 27

Satish Gujral, one of Indias best known artists and architects, has died in his Delhi home, his family said on Friday. He was 94.

Gujral, who was renowned for his versatility across different mediums, died on Thursday night of old age reasons.

He was the brother of former prime minister I K Gujral and is survived by his wife Kiran, daughters Alpana and Raseel and son Mohit.

Also read

Creation is the only proof that I am there: Satish Gujral

Satish Gujral: Passage from pain to peace

The pain of creation

Impressions of a lifetime

The noted painter and architect passed away peacefully at 10.30 last night in his home. He died of old age, the artists nephew and Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral told PTI.

Gujral, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, Indias second highest civilian honour, was an architect, painter, muralist, sculptor and graphic artist.

His artworks were heavily inspired by the turbulence of his early years, including the illness that impaired his hearing as a child and the Partition of the subcontinent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the artist, who was born in 1925 in Jhelum in pre-Partition west Punjab and not just witnessed the division of the country but also helped several refugees cross the border safely.

Satish Gujral Ji was versatile and multifaceted. He was admired for his creativity as well as the determination with which he overcame adversity, Modi wrote on Twitter.

He said Gujrals intellectual thirst took him far and wide, yet he remained attached to his roots.

Saddened by his demise. Om Shanti, the prime minister added.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the nation would always remember Gujrals contributions in the field of art and culture.

May his soul rest in peace, he wrote.

Gujrals familiar works include the alphabet mural on the outside wall of the Delhi High Court. He also designed the Belgian Embassy in Delhi.

He received his training in art first at Lahores Mayo School of Art and then at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai.

One of the major turning points in his artistic career was when he got a scholarship to travel to Mexico. His interactions with Mexican painter Diego Riviera went on have a deep influence on his work.

Unlike many of his peers, who went to Paris or London in the early 1950s, Gujral went to Mexico City to study with Diego Rivera and Siqueiros. Gujrals was a versatile practice spanning painting, sculpture and architecture. RIP, curator and artist Ranjit Hoskote said on Twitter. Adwaita Gadnayak, director general of Delhis National Gallery of Modern Art, said the artists brilliance lay in his ability to use his creativity to the fullest in many forms and ways.

His highlight happened in 1952, when he got a scholarship to study at the revered Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, where he was apprenticed under renowned artists Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros - who were remarkable figures of the 20th-century art scene. To have Frida Kahlo and Octavio Paz as his friends became the important point of synergy, he said.

Several others also mourned his death.

Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said Gujral must also be remembered for rescuing people during Partition.

Passing away of famous painter, artist Satish Gujral will leave a deep void in world of art. Brother of ex pm I k Gujral Satish ji was known for his services to rescue people during partition @mohitgujral @NareshGujral, he said.

Offering his heartfelt condolences to the family, Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri wrote, Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of celebrated painter, sculptor, muralist & architect Sh Satish Gujral. He will be remembered & missed by legions of his followers & admirers.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said Gujral would be remembered for his unique artistic imagination, intellectual fervour & multifaceted personality.

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also expressed their condolences.

Saddened to learn about the demise of legendary painter, writer, sculptor & architect Satish Gujral ji. His contribution to the creative field shall always be cherished.

My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends & admirers. May his soul rest in peace! #RIP, the union minister tweeted.

Deepest condolences on the sad demise of acclaimed artist, architect, sculptor, writer & Padma Vibhushan recipient Satish Gujral ji. Passing away of Satish ji will leave a deep void in the world of art. May his noble soul rest in peace! Sukhbir Badal said on the micro-blogging site. PTI

Continued here:
Renowned artist and architect Satish Gujral dies at 94 - The Tribune India

A sprawling, steel-and-glass garage in Austin, Texas, is the result of a two-year collaboration involving a trio of local firmsShiflet Group Architects, Mark Ashby Design, and Dalgleish Construction. The multi-level structure, sited within a grove of trees, merges engineering smarts with 80s design. Case in point: the neon-studded basement, where a rare, candy-red 1980 BMW M1 appears to effortlessly hang along the wall.

Perhaps the structures most impressive feature is a wall-mounted BMW M1 hanging in the basementa carefully completed job that securely bolted the engineless sports car to the wall. A custom lift carries vehicles between the structure's three levels.

The subterranean level also speaks to the spirit of the design aesthetic, with handsome wood tones and industrial finishes to complement the homeowner's showcase collection of vintage cars. Here, a small study sits alongside a neon-lit Porsche roadster.

The homeowner's own affinity for 80s design played a large role in defining the interior aesthetic. "The goal here was to tip our hats to the movie Ferris Buellers Day Off and luxuriate in that theme," says Michele Lorenz, creative director at Mark Ashby Design. "For example, we used an Andy Warholprinted wallpaper in the bathroom and covered the iconic Le Corbusier sofa and lounge chairs in a Porsche red leather."

A Le Corbusier sofa and lounge chairs complete a seating area on the upper level. Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps around the space, providing views out over the treetops.

Another lounge area is located in the sound-proof basement, providing a spot to enjoy the custom stereo system. "The rug truly captures the 80s love of geometric shapes," says Lorenz.

Structurally, the 8,300-square-foot garage presented a daunting challenge, considering the need to carve out a basement within the solid limestone bedrock. David Dalgleish, founder of Dalgleish Construction Company, recalled digging 18 feet into the ground while preserving the existing trees on the lot.

The Le Corbusier group referred to their LC2 and LC3 Collections (1928) as "cushion baskets," which they designed as a modernist response to the traditional club chair. These pieces reverse the standard structures of sofas and chairs by having frames that are externalized.

The Summit ACLED Beamshift Line Voltage Cylinder Track Head is the perfect replacement for halogen MR16's as they offer lower wattage with superior lumen output, over 10 times the rated life span, less maintenance, no projected heat, and BeamShift technology in-field changeable beam angle.

Easy set up Wirelessly connect to your home network in minutes. Real-time alerts Get notified when your garage door opens and closes. Daily schedules Preset times for your garage door to close or your lights to turn on/off every day. Smartphone control for any...

A 65-foot sliding glass door spans the front facade, opening the main level to the outdoors. Hanging along the back wall, a custom neon sign created by Ion Art displays one of the homeowner's favorite quotes: "Live for the journey, not the destination."

The exclusive use of wood, concrete, and steel provides material continuity throughout each level. Wood panelling adds an elegant canvas for memorabilia and contrasts with concrete block walls.

Stairs lead up to the second floor. The project's minimalist materials highlight thecollaboration between architect, designer and builderachieving a look that also represents the clients keen sense of modern minimalism.

Another look at the lounge area upstairs. Sheer curtains capture a delicate, stencil-like shadow from the many trees surrounding the structure.

A balcony wraps around the upper level, providing a look down onto the main parking area below. The two floors were designed to hold up to 17 cars total.

In keeping with the 80s theme, Lorenz selected an Andy Warhol wallpaper for the bathroom. Glossy black cabinetry and counters complement an edge design in the wood-clad walls.

Sited on a four-acre property atop a beautiful, secluded cove in Austin, this dream garage is show-worthy inside and out.

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This Epic, 17-Car Garage in Austin Tips its Hat to Ferris Buellers Day Off - Dwell

The mixed use scheme, including residential, commercial and office space, four cinema screens and a roof-top caf area across two separate towers will be located on the Western Express Highway, the main route through Goregaon in Mumbai. Theplanninghas been given the go ahead in and construction is expected to start in the summer of 2020.

Satyam Towers will be White Red Architects most exceptional project to date given its location and high visibility along the Western Express Highway. Existing social housing tenants will be rehoused to new flats with upgraded facilities on the site once the project is completed.

The commercial tower will contain retail space, four cinema screens, office floors and a roof top caf and faces the Western Express Way, shielding the residential tower behind it.

The concept of the commercial tower is to have a linear core at the rear with stacked boxes tied to it at the front, with a treatment that reflects their uses. The ground, first and second floors house retail space which will be occupied by a single tenant, above which the four cinema screens have been located. These screens have impacted the whole structure of the tower as allowance for column transfers and cantilevers are very limited in Mumbai building regulations. On top of the cinema floors the office floors sit and the tower is crowned by the roof terrace with a caf area.

Originally posted here:
White Red Architects to design India's Satyam Towers - World Architecture News

anchor

Low resource ventilator design engineering collaboration between Trevor Smale and David O'Reilly. Image courtesy of Trevor Smale

With news of COVID-19 affecting individuals across the globe, hospitals and medical clinics are experiencing a shortage in supplies such as ventilators, respirators, and personal protective equipment (PPE). However, as news of the virus spreads, design professionals are banning together with medical professionals and engineers to find solutions to the shortage.

Public Facebook groups like Open Source Ventilatorhave created discussion forums to help brainstorm, share, and prototype various solutions.A report from CNETdives into this coverage and shares which companies are joining the effort. "HP, teeth straightener vendor SmileDirectClub and various other companies are exploring ways to use their 3D-printing technology to build things like ventilator valves, breathing filters, and face mask clasps." Earlier this week,Archinect reported of Italian 3D-printing company Isinnovaand their success in designing and printing respirator valves for hospitals in the area.

Now more than ever, collaborative efforts made across various fields, including design and manufacturing, have grown. Although the efforts to fabricate 3D printed supplies take some time, open-source design files are being shared across the internet. Event Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk shared on Twitter his willingness to contribute to the fight.

Around the world, architects, engineers, and medial professionals are doing what they can to assist areas in need. As the spread of the virus continues, industries, like architecture, are trying to adapt and provide aid. Architecture's ever-evolving role and response to the health industry is nothing new. However, events such as this are providing professionals in the industry with an abrupt reminder of how the future of architecture, design, and urban planning will impact health service research.

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Architects and fabrication specialists join together to mitigate the COVID-19 medical supply shortage - Archinect

Even if you havent heard of Bjarke Ingels, youve probably seen his work. The Danish designer is perhaps the worlds most successful living architect. He has designed parks, apartment buildings, four Google campuses, and a power plant hidden beneath an artificial ski slope. He has also pioneered a ubiquitous brand of bland modernism that features sleek finishes and complex, blocky forms. At only 45, Ingels is far younger than most starchitects, and he wears his boyishness proudly. He has assiduously cultivated the public persona of a millennial jet-setter, obsessed with Instagram, Scandinavian electronica, and, presumably, his hair, which juts out, like one of his spiky designs, from his forehead.

Over the years, Ingels has made much of his commitment to the environment; in TED talks, he describes his philosophy as hedonistic sustainability (according to Ingels, you dont need to sacrifice comfort to live a sustainable lifestyle). And in January, on a trip to Brazil, he met with President Jair Bolsonaro to discuss crafting a master plan for sustainable tourism in the country. When critics pointed out that Bolsonaro is responsible for letting agriculture companies slash and burn swaths of the Amazon rain forest, pushing the ecosystem to its brink and displacing hundreds of indigenous people in the progress, Ingels called their concerns an oversimplification, superficial clickbait, and sheer ignorance. Architects, he said, have to engage and embrace our differences if we want to dare to imagine a different future.

Ingels is hardly the first architect to work for an autocratic leader. The Italian Giuseppe Terragni designed the Casa del Fascio for Mussolini. Albert Speer laid out neoclassical buildings for the Third Reich. Even respected modernists, such as the German Peter Behrens and the midcentury American architect Philip Johnson, tried to ingratiate themselves with the Nazis. Through their work, they gave a distinct aesthetic and cultural legitimacy to these regimes, while lining their own pockets with what was essentially blood money.

Read this article:
The Ethical Failures of Modern Architecture - The New Republic

In this difficult time that has affected every corner of society, we are not separated by borders, by nations, by color, by orientation or by political beliefwe are one species. While following the difficult protocol of social distancing, we must realize that we are connected by our human experience. It feels an appropriate time to come together in celebration of the cultural and artistic achievements of the human race over the centuries and millennia.

Introducing: Captions Only. In this series,Lee F. Mindel, co-founder of SheltonMindel, will be introducing images of places, buildings, gardens, art and architectureand the people behind themthat have made a universal contribution to life as we know it. We begin with a staple of Viennese life: the Austrian Postal Savings Bank.

Staircase view of the bank. Photo credit: LEE F. MINDEL, FAIA.

Modern thinking, science, art and architecture is said to have its birthplace in Viennawith intellectuals such as Ernst Mach, Sigmund Freud, Josef Hoffmann and Otto Wagner, the author of the 1896 lexicon Modern Architecture. The Austrian Postal Savings Bank was one of Wagners most iconic buildings. Completed in 1906, it was a new kind of civic gathering place, one that exemplified functionalism is design. As Wagner stated, What is impractical can never be beautiful. LEE MINDEL

Exterior shot of the Austrian Postal Savings Bank. Photo credit: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA.

More here:
The Architect's Eye: Captions Only - Cultured Magazine