We’re really excited about the January/February issue of DesignIntelligence, which debuts the new four-color cover design. What do you think?
The Green Footstep tool allows you to learn how much your commercial or residential building will contribute to global warming. It’s the brainchild of Architecture 2030 founder Edward Mazria and the Rocky Mountain Institute.
The tool can be used on residential and commercial new and retrofit building construction projects, from pre-design through occupancy. It assesses a design’s total carbon footprint due to site development, construction, and operation and suggests the most effective levers to meet the Architecture 2030 Challenge.
We were delighted to read the December issue of IOMA’s Principal’s Report, which contains the first published review of our new book Change Design: Conversations About Architecture as the Ultimate Business Tool (2nd Ed.).
“Every so often a publication comes along that completely transforms your idea of what a book could be. Change Design: Conversations About Architecture as the Ultimate business Tool (2nd Ed.) is just such a book on several levels,” writes editor Ernie Burden.
He goes on to praise it as “an exceptional example of graphics and photography” but notes that it “transcends being simply an exercise in design and photography.”
The book highlights the role of design and innovation in transforming businesses and organizations. We couldn’t agree more with Burden’s assessment that it makes a great addition to your library.
Months ago I blogged about a work session we had here with Richard Saul Wurman as he launched into the creation of his newest book. 33: Understanding Change & the Change in Understanding is now almost complete.
How do I even begin to describe it? It’s a fable. It’s a fable wrapped around a 33-year-old illustrated keynote address Wurman delivered at the 1976 AIA convention. It’s a 33-part television script. It’s a fantastical allegory. It’s thought-provoking and charming.
Here’s a look at one of the spreads.
Sample spread from Richard Saul Wurman's "33"
Hoping to go to the printer with this any day now. Look for it in September. Here’s a bit more about it from our press release.
Heads-up on what sounds to be an interesting television interview next week.
As Chairman and CEO of HKS Inc., Ralph Hawkins leads one of the top three architectural firms in the country. The Dallas-based company boasts a diverse portfolio, and its brightest star right now is the new billion dollar-plus Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
Next week, KERA, the public radio and television station for north Texas, features an conversation with Ralph Hawkins, CEO of HKS. The interview, which will air on the station’s monthly half-hour business program “CEO,” will include a tour of the new stadium. Hawkins will also discuss how HKS is confronting the troubled U.S. economy by expanding globally and working on projects funded by the government.
Hawkins is a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council and a member of its executive board. Needless to say, this should be an illuminating and fascinating conversation.
“CEO” airs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31 on KERA-TV and at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2 on KERA-FM. Those of us outside the reach of north Texas signals can find it streamed online after the broadcast at www.kera.org/ceo.
Last week, bus stops all over San Francisco carried the word from DesignIntelligence as Mortenson touted its Most Admired Contractor status.
Kawneer Co. President Glen Morrison (from left), Leo A Daly Executive Vice President Charles Dalluge, Communication Arts Co-chairman Richard Foy, Greenway Group Chairman Jim Cramer, and DuPont Building Innovations Commercial Business Manager Casey Robb
Most striking about last week’s meeting of the Design Futures Council Executive Board was extensive talk about opportunity. What’s the best use of this recession? was the prominent topic of debate and brainstorming among members of this prestigious group of architecture, engineering, construction, and construction product leaders.
There was no denying that times are tough and getting tougher. “This recession is reaching around the globe and we’re not seeing many hiding places,” noted one firm’s managing partner. Another individual relayed his expectation that by the end of the year, the firm he oversees will be 50 percent as large as it was a year prior.
Yet almost without exception, participants outlined opportunities they are either currently pursuing or that they’re keeping an eye on:
• “There’s an opportunity do a lot better work in this economic environment.”
• “There are more high-profile, quality assignments now than during the building boom.”
• “There is pent up demand for our services.”
• “There is still demand for replacement hospitals.”
• “We’re putting a lot of focus on imbuing other project types with the hospitality experience, for example, health care and senior living.”
• “Crisis gives us a chance to change faster.”
• “Now is the time to be bold. It’s less expensive to be innovative than it used to be.”
• “We have more time now to get close to clients and understand their needs.”
While mainstream media continues to push messages that focus on the gloom of the current economic situation, leaders with foresight see opportunity and are willing to take strategic risks to turn those opportunities into advantages.
Wow — what a day yesterday! Richard Saul Wurman was in the office for a work session on his newest book. Tentatively titled “33: Understanding Change by Changing & the Change in Our Understanding,” it’s a dynamic, multilayered presentation of conundrums and opportunities we face in the modern world. Architecture, design, science, health care, technology, and connectedness are themes that weave throughout.
The inner core of the book is Wurman’s “What-If, Could-Be: An Historical Fable of the Future,” a charming and challenging self-published fable that was distributed at the 1976 AIA Convention, which he chaired (and which is still discussed in many circles for its game-changing formula and out-of-the-box format).
Working with Wurman is an exercise in flexibility. He’s off and running the minute he enters the room, and you just have to try to keep up. It’s an energizing, elevating, creative, and confusing experience. Can’t wait for more.
A couple of schools inquired about using the DesignIntelliegnce logo or cover in their press releases about making it in the America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools rankings. Austin did a really nice job creating a logo specifically for this purpose, which we sent out to ranking schools yesterday. It was already posted on the RISD blog this morning and looks great. Congratulations to all the ranking schools, by the way!
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