Crain's Chicago Business’ Post

🌟 Chicago’s Mag Mile needs a new vision, and here's a bold idea: let's transform it into a pedestrian-friendly haven and rebrand it as the Magnificent Tech Mile! 🚶♂️🌆 With the innovative design study by Gensler, which emphasizes pedestrian spaces over cars, we can turn Michigan Avenue into a world-class global promenade. Imagine a vibrant, tech-focused hub that attracts companies to Streeterville, Mag Mile, and surrounding areas, filling empty office and commercial spaces with innovation and energy. One of the standout proposals is a curving pedestrian bridge, seamlessly connecting a revamped park near the Drake to an elevated viewpoint of Michigan Avenue and onwards to the lakefront. This would provide a beautiful, cohesive experience for residents and visitors alike. Chicago is one of the best cities in the world to live in, and with a little makeover and support from local politicians, it can reclaim its glory. Let's root for Chicago to become the epicenter of tech and urban innovation! And, of course, go Cubs! ⚾️🏙️ #MagMile #ChicagoInnovation #PedestrianFriendly #TechHub #UrbanRevitalization #Streeterville #MichiganAvenue #UrbanDesign #GoCubs #ChicagoTransformation #GenslerDesign #CityMakeover #EmptySpaces #TechRelocation #ChicagoTechHub

At Daylight London, we've carved out a unique niche in the architectural glazing sector, not just by what and how we do it, but WHY we do it. Our journey, deeply infused with our 'D' Philosophy – Design, Dedication, Dependability, and Distinction, has set us apart in a field often crowded with convention. It's this ethos that's evident in every project we undertake, be it theunique and varied solutions at Brightwells Yard in Farnham or our bespoke glazing solutions that now adorn many projects across the country. Rather than typical product promotions, we've found our voice in sharing insightful content and envaluable expertise. Our case studies, blog posts and updates on past projects offer a glimpse into our world of innovative glazing solutions. This approach has not only engaged our clients but also showcased our expertise and the depth of our commitment to the craft. Engagement with our clients and partners goes beyond mere transactions. It's about understanding their aspirations and challenges, and ensuring our solutions align with their visions. This approach, focusing on both the aesthetic and functional aspects of our designs, and their sustainability goals, has transformed our interactions from mere business to collaborative partnerships. Our work at Brightwells Yard exemplifies this transformation. Bringing natural light to life, we create spaces that are not just visually stunning but also promote wellbeing and efficiency. This project, among others, is a testament to our belief in the power of natural light and our ability to enhance spaces and communities through our innovative approach. As we continue our journey in transforming spaces witgh natural light, our commitment to our 'D' Philosophy remains steadfast. It's more than just glazing; it's about redefining spaces and expectations, one project at a time. Stay tuned as we continue to transform not just buildings, but entire communities, with each and every new installation we deliver upon. #DaylightLondon #ArchitecturalGlazing #InnovationInConstruction #TransformingSpaces

The facts speak for themselves: Universal Design benefits everyone. Let’s build homes that allow us to live more easily both now and in the future.

On this Earth Day I wanted to share a great blog by Luke Askwith based in our London Office. He shares his perspective on how the buildings we design today should be flexible to accommodate many uses in the future. Take a look!

Urbidermis design partners Mia Serra and Jordi Muñoz talk about the history of the company and how they seek new solutions for recovered public spaces that are tailored to the 21st century. Read more in this issue of Enlighten Journal.

Porta-potties are such a ubiquitous aspect of construction sites, large events, and other settings that you may have never given them a second thought. But have you ever wondered how they work? There are actually several interesting design features in porta-potties that make them effective and easy to use and maintain. Let’s take a closer look at how portable restrooms are designed and maintained. Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eaPEwrgi

Introducing Hidden Rail HR by RCN - Connecting Inside and Outside Seamlessly. Discover the innovative solution that blurs boundaries, framing views for harmonious architectural design. #HiddenRailHR #RCNInnovation #ArchitecturalDesign #EXP36HR #rcnminimalistwindows #spaceworkers

The Association held the fourth Member Briefing of 2023, where members gathered to hear, learn, and discuss ideas and solutions for continuing to evolve our Magnificent District. The topic of the July Briefing was M-Vision, which is our two-year long project in reimagining how our District can evolve to deliver the needs of today's visitors, residents, and employees. The Magnificent Mile is a major economic driver for Chicago, and it is important to ensure that it remains a vibrant and attractive destination for visitors and residents alike. The M-Vision project is a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to planning for the future of the Magnificent Mile. At the Briefing, Association President and CEO, Kimberly Bares, was joined by two distinguished architects from two global architectural powerhouses, the Lamar Johnson Collaborative and Gensler, as well as renowned developer Bob Wislow, to share our collective visions for our district's evolution. Lesley Roth from the Lamar Johnson Collaborative emphasized the need for boldness, innovation, and celebration as the district moves into the future. She highlighted four priorities for the district: 1. People: Be equitable 2. Place: Be reilient 3. Experience: Be exciting 4. Infrastructure & Technology: Be innovative Benjy Ward from Gensler shared renderings of a "Global High Street in Transition" with anchor points, green streets, global attractions, neighborhood connections, and pocket plazas. These renderings were initiated at the request of Bob Wislow and former Association Board Chair Camille Julmy, with a specific focus on the north end of the district. The Gensler renderings showcased a "Global High Street in Transition" with anchor points, green streets, global attractions, neighborhood connections, and pocket plazas. It’s important to note that all renderings shared were preliminary ideas, and there is a long way to go before shovels turn dirt. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic session of sharing the phenomenal work of two eminent and renown architectural firms, the Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Gensler. For additional background on M-Vision, please visit the link in the comments to the Urban Land Institute study that was commissioned by The Magnificent Mile Association, with funding from the City of Chicago.

2 Boston condos with the same address and footprint but very different design approaches. Check out our Tale of 2 Condos to learn how form and function can mean very different things to different clients. #todaysjournal #formandfunction

Designing mixed-use spaces has both benefits and challenges. The advantages include resource efficiency, vibrant communities, economic resilience, walkability, and environmental benefits. However, there are also challenges related to zoning and regulations, traffic and parking, noise and privacy, building integration, and meeting diverse user needs. Striking a balance between these aspects is essential for successful mixed-use space design.