Mar 26, 2025 by Pascale Sablan, CEO, Adjaye Associates
In
recent
times,
the
architectural
community
and
beyond
have
witnessed
a
troubling
backlash
against
Diversity,
Equity,
and
Inclusion
(DEI)
initiatives.
While
these
efforts
have
long
been
essential
to
creating
more
equitable
and
just
environments,
they
are
now
being
challenged
in
ways
that
threaten
to
erase
hard-fought
progress.
However,
even
in
the
face
of
resistance,
the
evidence
of
DEI’s
value
is
undeniable—manifesting
in
the
extraordinary
work
of
women
and
designers
of
color
who
are
shaping
our
built
environment
with
transformative
impact
and
innovation.
Across
the
field
of
architecture,
we
see
projects
that
go
beyond
aesthetics,
addressing
systemic
inequities,
fostering
cultural
representation,
and
...
Feb 13, 2025 by Von Robinson, Industrial Designer and Founder of Play Orbit Studio
This
is
an
exciting
and
creative
time
for
healthcare
designers,
as
the
industry
demands
more
from
us
than
ever
before!
When
I
first
began
designing
products
for
healthcare,
over
a
decade
ago,
the
healthcare
system
was
just
beginning
to
move
from
a
treatment-based
model
to
one
focused
on
wellness.
Today,
with
nearly
60%
of
Americans
prioritizing
wellness,
and
advancements
in
technology
and
medicine
accelerating
this
shift,
it
is
a
pivotal
moment
for
a
design-driven
healthcare
furniture
industry
to
find
its
place
within
the
wellness
model
and
thrive
by
helping
individuals
thrive.
Design-for-Wellness
Challenge
The
wellness
model
brings
a
holistic
approach
to
care.
It
...
Dec 23, 2024 by Kay Sargent, FASID, FIIDA, CID, LEED® AP, MCR.w, WELL AP, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors, HOK
It
has
been
nearly
a
decade
since
a
client
asked,
“How
do
you
design
space
for
someone
with
ADHD?”
As
a
mother
of
five
children
with
vastly
different
cognitive
profiles
and
a
designer
of
a
wide
variety
of
environments,
I
had
ideas.
But
that
wasn’t
enough.
That
question
sparked
HOK’s
journey
into
researching
neuroinclusive
design.
Our
research
found
an
uncomfortable
reality:
Though
we’ve
done
a
good
job
adapting
our
buildings
for
physical
disabilities,
society
has
largely
overlooked
the
needs
of
neurodivergent
individuals
in
our
workforce.
The
barriers
for
the
neurodivergent
community
are
often
invisible.
Unlike
physical
barriers,
sensory
barriers
are
not
...
Dec 05, 2024 by Jill Doran, Studio Director | Design, Partners by Design
In
the
heart
of
Chicago’s
vibrant
downtown
stands
an
iconic
building
that
has
long
symbolized
innovation,
design,
and
commerce:
the
Merchandise
Mart.
Since
its
grand
opening
in
1930,
this
monumental
Art
Deco
structure
has
been
a
focal
point
of
creativity
and
enterprise,
once
holding
the
title
of
the
largest
building
in
the
world.
Today,
this
historic
institution
is
celebrated
not
only
for
its
architectural
grandeur
but
also
for
its
pivotal
role
in
shaping
the
city’s
cultural
and
business
landscape.
Blending
history
with
modernity,
the
Pinterest
workplace
offers
a
special
tribute
to
the
spirit
of
the
Merchandise
Mart,
bringing
the
essence
of
...
Each
year,
NeoCon
showcases
thousands
of
innovative
products
for
commercial
interiors—spaces
where
we
live,
work,
play,
and
heal—and
serves
as
a
barometer
for
prevailing
and
emerging
movements
in
design.
One
of
these
growing
movements
is
the
rise
of
neuroaesthetics.
“Neuroscience-informed
design
shows
us
that
science
can
guide
us
to
good
choices,”
says
Sally
Augustin,
PhD
Fellow
at
the
American
Psychological
Association
and
Principal
at
Design
With
Science.
While
the
notion
that
sights
and
sounds
impact
mood
is
not
new,
neuroaesthetic
research
shows
that
intentionally
incorporating
these
elements
can
enhance
overall
well-being
and
boost
productivity.
At
NeoCon
this
past
June,
exhibitors
...
Aug 29, 2024 by Suzanne Lefebvre, Interior Design Leader, CannonDesign
Technology
is
everywhere
in
our
lives
—
our
cars,
smartwatches,
phones,
alarm
clocks
—
and
there
is
nothing
inherently
wrong
with
this
reality.
However,
amidst
all
this
tech,
we
cannot
lose
sight
of
the
power
of
immersive
design
and
human
connectivity.
Leaving
NeoCon
earlier
this
summer,
that
commitment
to
immersive
design
resonated
louder
than
before.
Interior
designers
have
the
incredible
agency
to
create
spaces
where
meaningful
human
experiences
take
place.
We
should
embrace
this
power
and
always
push
for
evocative
design
solutions
that
connect
people,
memories,
stories,
and
physical
space
in
profound
ways.
Balancing
bold
graphics
and
dynamic
lighting
highlights
...
Aug 07, 2024 by Mark Bryan, Senior Foresight Manager, Future Today Institute
Recently,
at
NeoCon,
I
had
the
privilege
of
leading
a
panel
sponsored
by
IIDA
that
was
part
of
IIDA’s
Collective
Design
LIVE
series.
The
panel’s
topic
was
“The
Future
of
Experience.”
As
a
foresight
practitioner
and
IIDA’s
Futurist-in-Residence,
I
was
thrilled
to
engage
with
some
of
the
industry’s
top
minds
on
this
relevant
topic.
As
the
discussion
unfolded,
it
was
clear
that
the
interior
design
industry
stands
at
a
pivotal
moment
where
experiences
and
storytelling
are
becoming
more
vital
than
ever
to
maintain
relevance
and
foster
deeper
human
connections.
It’s
what
the
clients
and
end
users
are
asking
for
more
...
Jul 23, 2024 by Chas Hepler, President & CEO, Via Seating
In
today's
interconnected
world,
embracing
diversity
and
fostering
community
engagement
are
essential
for
driving
innovation
and
creating
inclusive,
empowered
environments.
In
the
heart
of
Via
Seating
lies
a
powerhouse
-
our
people.
Our
organization
takes
immense
pride
in
the
dedicated
artisans
within
its
ranks
who
skillfully
handcraft
every
chair
with
care
and
pride.
Hailing
from
various
corners
of
the
community,
Via
Seating's
team
is
a
mosaic
of
nationalities,
age
groups
and
personalities,
contributing
to
a
diverse
and
vibrant
work
environment.
This
diversity
fuels
the
company's
strength,
fostering
innovation
and
enhancing
their
approach
to
chair
manufacturing.
Guided
by
LEAN
manufacturing
...
Jul 18, 2024 by Eleana Lynch, NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED AP, WELL AP, Associate Principal, The S/L/A/M Collaborative
In
the
realm
of
healthcare,
wellness
is
not
just
a
buzzword;
it's
a
fundamental
aspect
that
encompasses
physical,
mental,
and
emotional
health.
When
it
comes
to
medical
education
buildings,
where
future
healthcare
professionals
are
trained,
the
design
of
these
spaces
plays
a
crucial
role
in
shaping
the
learning
experience
and,
ultimately,
the
quality
of
care
they
provide.
Designing
for
wellness
in
these
environments
goes
beyond
aesthetics;
it
involves
thoughtful
considerations
that
promote
the
well-being
of
both
students
and
faculty.
It
also
seems
fitting
that
we
design
healthy
buildings
and
learning
environments
for
those
that
are
training
to
promote
health
and
...
Jun 04, 2024 by Luke Voiland, AIA, Principal and Executive Vice President for Practice Strategy at Shepley Bulfinch
Over
150
years
of
inspirational
and
collaborative
leadership,
the
award-winning
architecture
practice
of
Shepley
Bulfinch
has
influenced
health
and
science
design
paradigms,
from
hospital
campuses
to
teaching
facilities.
An
education
legacy
with
a
specialization
in
library
design
has
evolved
to
embrace
a
new
commitment
to
housing
and
urban
development
for
a
regenerative
and
equitable
future.
Since
its
inception
in
1874,
the
firm’s
work
has
been
at
the
forefront
of
major
social
movements
and
moments
in
Chicago,
and
across
the
country.
Beginning
with
the
design
of
the
Marshall
Field
Wholesale
store
in
1874
to
completing
a
Master
Plan
for
the
University
...
Do you have any industry insights or an original thought piece you would like to share with the greater NeoCon audience? Email us to submit it for potential inclusion.
