Douglas Tsui

Plug-In Community: Creating a Thriving Urban Environment by Encouraging Social Interaction and a Shared Sense of Place | Masters Design Project ‘Plug-In Community’ is a Masters Design Project by Yung-Ju Chung, Jaejun Choi, and Sebastian Dominguez from the ‘Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) - Columbia University’ that seeks to transform Luna Park Housing Corporation in Coney Island, New York into a more inclusive space. It introduces elevated walkways, rooftop public spaces, and new housing and community services, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging while creating a resilient framework for community-focused urban renewal. To submit your academic project for publication at ArchiDiaries login to ArchiDiaries page. #Architecture #UrbanRevitalization #TemperateArchitecture #GraduateSchoolofArchitecture #PlanningandPreservationGSAPPColumbiaUniversity #NewYork #UnitedStates https://lnkd.in/gfPVKi7w

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Partners by Design helps Greater Chicago Food Depository roll out phase II of the Nourish Project to further support their community. See more of this project: https://lnkd.in/eb7x8cK4

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The shifting winds of the U.S. economy in the past year have left designers disoriented, so Fast Company dug into the data to see what's really going on. We’ve analyzed four months of listings on Google’s job search engine to give a bird’s-eye survey of the state of the marketplace for eight different kinds of designers. The result is a dataset of 63,000 jobs that reveals things like which skills designers need to have, and where they are likely to get hired. Explore the full package: https://bit.ly/4dmQsJh

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New tool to analyze embodied carbon in more than 1 million buildings in Chicago The impact of embodied carbon in the built environment has been difficult to assess, due to a lack of data. To address that knowledge gap civil and environmental engineers have created a new tool to analyze the embodied carbon in more than 1 million buildings in Chicago. Their recently published research identifies 157 different architectural housing types in the city and provides the first ever visual analysis tool to evaluate embodied carbon at a granular level and to help inform policymakers seeking to strategically plan for urban carbon mitigation. #EmbodiedCarbon #BuiltEnvironment #VisualAnalysisTool https://lnkd.in/g36Nknb4

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Gensler studied the intersections between what today’s post-secondary students and #office workers are looking for in work environments – and how this will shape future office #design. “To focus on my work” is the top reason people come into the office – for all generations, ranging from Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer. Let’s make office spaces as productive and attractive as possible by addressing one of the biggest complaints: poor #acoustics! Contact us to learn how #soundmasking can help. https://lnkd.in/gFX84FCS

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"The October ABI marks a turning point, sparking cautious optimism among architects and design firms. Leaders are beginning to anticipate revenue growth in the coming year, signaling potential recovery in a historically volatile sector." - https://lnkd.in/eFTZRQTQ

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GOOD NEWS: Architecture billings are returning to a stable level after nearly two years of decline. This signals a potential improvement across the industry. Read more in The American Institute of Architects (AIA)/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI):

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Urban design is about solving complex spatial challenges by designing at multiple scales—neighborhood, streetscape, and human. At Chapter at Madison, LJC demonstrates how integrated design can transform underutilized urban parcels into vibrant, contextually responsive housing by balancing architectural innovation, neighborhood preservation, and economic feasibility. Our approach proves that thoughtful design can create spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also contribute meaningfully to urban narratives.    Read more about the project on Building Design + Construction: https://lnkd.in/gZ3KPsTv

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How is sustainable design improving the operations and mission of healthcare facilities? HOK's Paul Strohm recently talked to Healthcare Design's Anne DiNardo about just that, particularly as it relates to Michigan Medicine's new D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion. The conversation included strategies for reducing embodied carbon, limiting energy/water use and promoting community health. "As healthcare providers and clients continue to emphasize the whole health of the community, sustainable design becomes an important tool for not only improving the impact of the building on the environment but also the people inside." Discover more in Healthcare Design: https://lnkd.in/grPTc67m

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Let's talk about architectural licensure! Over the coming weeks, I will be leading an editorial series about architectural licensure on Archinect... 'Archinect In-Depth: Licensure' will explore the journey undertaken by those in the United States seeking to practice as a licensed architect, including reflections on the history of licensure, comparisons to other countries, the cost and length of time taken to complete licensure, demographic inequalities within the process, and a series of possible futures. Follow along, share this post/article, and let me know your views in the article comment sections! The first article in the series was published yesterday here: https://lnkd.in/etwceday

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Excited to announce that our paper, "Design for Excellence (DfX) for High-Rise Modular Buildings: From DfX Considerations to Module Design Guidelines," has been published! In this research, we explore how DfX can significantly improve the efficiency and buildability of high-rise modular buildings by translating downstream considerations into practical guidelines for upstream designers. Our study proposes simplified module shapes, suggested sizes, standardized spaces, and dimensional coordination, which align well with real-world practices in Hong Kong. This work bridges the gap between design and construction, offering a systematic approach to DfX that can guide future implementations. https://lnkd.in/gZkjymRT https://lnkd.in/gCuWfFtB #DfMA #DfX #Modularconstruction #Modularbuildings #Generativedesign

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Got lunch plans??? Now you do... HAPPENING TODAY: Join Sandeep Ahuja, CEO of cove.tool, for an insightful conversation on leveraging AI to revolutionize sustainability in the AEC industry with the AIA California session "Emerging Trends in Architecture: Harnessing AI for Embodied Carbon Reductions", moderated by Ismar Enriquez, AIA, LFA, LEED AP. In this course, you'll explore how #AI can simplify embodied carbon benchmarking, helping you measure and reduce the carbon footprint of your designs while ensuring #compliance with Title 24's #carbon reporting requirements. Equip yourself with the tools to drive impactful climate action and optimize your project outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader in #sustainable architecture! 🌿 Grab your seat! The session is starting soon! https://hubs.ly/Q02RRg1n0. #Sustainability #AIinArchitecture #EmbodiedCarbon #Architecture #AEC #ClimateAction #Title24 #carbonfootprint #continuingeducation #AIA #education

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🔍 Navigating the Architectural Landscape: Insights from Mark Gardner, AIA 🔍 One key issue in the architectural field is the lack of clear guidance on the skills and achievements necessary to progress within an office environment. This absence can leave new architects unsure of how to advance or assert their ambitions after years in the field. The industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of diverse skill sets, particularly business acumen, to meet market demands. Architectural practices are now hiring leaders from non-architectural backgrounds, emphasizing the need for education that encompasses not just design and technical skills but also business strategies and leadership training. 🎓 Bridging the Gap in Education: University courses play a crucial role in addressing these gaps. They should help students advance their careers and educate them about the business systems and mindsets needed for success. This comprehensive approach prepares future architects to be effective leaders and innovators. 💡 Advice from Mark Gardner: Mark Gardner simplifies his advice for architecture students into two main points: Research and Networking: Emphasizing the importance of these in today's world, where information and connections are readily available. Pursue Your Interests: Encouraging students to actively seek opportunities that excite them, rather than settling for less engaging work. Mark shares his own experience of deliberately moving towards projects that align with his interest in African American history, advising students to position themselves strategically and avoid complacency in mundane tasks. He believes in having a long-term plan, recognizing that each step, though not always directly beneficial, is part of a larger journey. 🛠️ Integrating Business Skills: Gardner highlights the common oversight in architectural education—the neglect of business skills. He contends that every aspect of the profession, including business, should be integrated into architectural education. Students should view their classroom experiences as practice for their future careers, constantly questioning and challenging norms. Mark Gardner's insights are invaluable for aspiring architects, blending practical advice with a forward-thinking approach to education and career development. #Architecture #Education #CareerDevelopment #BusinessSkills #Leadership #MarkGardner #Mentorship #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth Parsons School of Design - The New School University of Pennsylvania

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently featured Shepley President and CEO Angela Watson, FAIA, in their article “Return to the office: How it started and how it’s going”. As the CEO of a 150-year-old architecture practice, few can attest better than Angela how change can impact how firms design and deliver on projects, and there was no change more abrupt than the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly four years after the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, firms are assessing the next steps for their practices in the wake of the pandemic’s remote work boom. In the article, Angela discusses how Shepley has retained a remote work policy with loose standard working hours, and half-day Fridays. While this may not work for all firms, Shepley had found that “people are working whenever it works for their team and when it works for them. The only important thing is that teams need to communicate and support each other,” Angela says. Learn more about Shepley’s and other architecture firms' approach to returning to the office: https://lnkd.in/eNwyJGwY #ShepleyBulfinch #DesignBeyond #Architecture #InteriorDesign #RemoteWork #AIA #ReturnToTheOffice #HybridWork

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Many architects that we've worked with often tell us they wish they had come to us sooner. We believe this because all of our advisors come from architectural backgrounds and have organically grown their careers beyond traditional architecture. And we hope to make that process more accessible for those looking into similar career paths. If you're thinking about expanding your career beyond traditional architecture, but aren't sure where to start, let us know. --- #architecture #architecturecareer #architect #architects #youngarchitects #architectureroles #designers #careergrowth #careerdevelopment #traditionalarchitecture #careersearch #jobsearch #interview #portfolioreview #careeradvisor #careercoach #careergrowth #outofarchitecture

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Architects, What Do You Think? Let's Discuss the Future of Equity-centric Design! At In.sane Labs, we are committed to an Equity-Centric Design approach, ensuring that our architecture serves the diverse needs of all people—across caste, creed, color, ability, and region. As architects, our role goes beyond just designing buildings; we shape spaces where people live, work, and interact. But how often do we consider whether our designs truly serve everyone? In a diverse country like India, with its complex social fabric—crossing lines of caste, creed, color, and region—the need for inclusive architecture has never been more crucial. Here are some stats that highlight the challenges: Caste: Over 200 million people in India belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, many of whom face barriers in accessing safe and equitable spaces. Gender: Only about 19% of India's urban workforce is female, partly due to the lack of safe public spaces. Disability: Nearly 2.21% of India’s population (approximately 26.8 million people) are living with disabilities, yet less than 5% of public buildings are accessible to them. Region and Ethnicity: Migrants from rural areas face exclusion in urban settings due to language and cultural differences, impacting their access to housing and public services. Religion: With over 1.3 billion people belonging to multiple religions, shared spaces must cater to a multitude of cultural and spiritual needs. These statistics paint a picture of the immense diversity we need to consider in our designs. It's time for us, as a community, to push the boundaries of Equity-centric design and rethink how we can create spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of their background. We'd love to hear your thoughts: What barriers do you see in achieving true inclusivity in architecture? Are there any projects or innovations you think are setting the standard? How can we as architects better understand and respond to the unique needs of every community? Let’s spark a conversation that inspires real change! #EquitycentricDesign #GenderbasedDesign #InclusiveDesign #ArchitectureForAll #DiversityInArchitecture #SustainableDesign #UrbanPlanning #Accessibility #DesignForGood #ArchitecturalInnovation

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AI immunity does not exist in any industry. While its potential impact is contagious, it will require significant shifts for architecture and design teams to fully embrace its many applications. Many of our workplace design clients – including SGA (Boston | New York), Elevated Inc., and Spectorgroup – have been making necessary pivots, integrating AI into their processes, and seeing the advantages. Instead of a tool, it becomes a teammate or “co-pilot,” promoting productivity and delivering results. Read more from industry experts on i+s:

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