Moving from Insight to Innovation

Innovation comes in many forms and magnitudes, all of which stem from a “click” or an insight. The insight kicks a presumption to the curb, making way for a new possibility to rush in. This happened for us several times this year, and I’d like to share just four of them with you.

Didn't get a chance to read the full article? Click Here

Big Box, Blank Slate: Repurposing Vacant Large Format Stores

While hundreds of new big boxes are built each year, hundreds are also vacated. But, at 150,000 square feet or more, large format stores are difficult to re-purpose due to their size and massing, and often closed stores become derelict, sitting empty and overgrown while setting a precedent for an area’s decline. Couldn’t there be a more productive use—and better return—for abandoned big boxes? What could that look like today—and 50 years out?

Didn't get a chance to read the article? Click here

BIMtastic! Why BIM’s a Big Deal

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software allows architects to design and virtually build in 3-D—from the start. But it’s more than a replacement for the 2-D CAD. BIM’s like a tail wagging the dog: Using this software changes the relationships between architects, their clients, their sub-consultants, and the contractor by encouraging much more collaboration. And this change is good.

Did you miss John's article? Click Here to read it.

Strategies that Make your Workspace a Workhorse while Cutting Real Estate Costs

Instead of creating a new interior design for one workspace, design strategist Liz Robinson created a model of real estate management that could be adopted at different scales and locations, depending on a corporation’s strategic business plan. In other words, this design doesn’t start by thinking about a workspace’s appearance or size, but considers how workspaces and real estate could function more effectively and strategically for organizations and their employees. Results? At a multi-national aerospace company, the plan reduced rent globally by 25% over four years, improved the company’s brand recognition, and responded to the need for more collaboration and flexibility for today’s and tomorrow’s workforce .

Did you miss Liz's article? Click Here to read it.

Know When to Hold ‘Em: Playing your Cards to Make Permitting Easier

For many projects, public opposition is expected. For large-format stores—which are notorious NIMBY lightning rods—it’s become unavoidable. Permits can be stalled by concerned citizens, concession-seekers, or local jurisdictions bent on stalling the process. They all soak up time, which is of course money, especially for retailers, who lose revenue every day they’re not open. So what can be done to overcome NIMBY issues that hold things up?

Didn't get a chance to read Justin's article? Click Here

Can foreign architects bridge communication gaps in China’s design process so more sustainable buildings can be built there faster?

Today, buildings emit 40% of the world’s carbon. And by 2035, China alone will construct five million more buildings, equivalent to 10 New York Cities. Here, we define some presumptions about this huge sustainable building opportunity, and how architects can encourage more and better sustainable designs to be built in China.

Didn't get a chance to read Ming's article? Click Here

Would a remixed mixed-use spur development in the U.S? What do you think?

May’s issue proposes that examples of more diverse mixed-use abroad—with its better returns, can inspire global developers to do better and U.S. developers to get out of a rut. MulvannyG2 Principal Greg Carpenter asks: Do you think the prospect of remixed mixed-use would spur development in the U.S.? Well, do you? Click to the right, vote, and then comment!

Didn't get a chance to read Greg's article? Click here