The Edge was designed to advance workplace standards with an energy-neutral building that not only lowers the cost and environmental impact of power consumption, but also enhances the occupant experience. For Architectural Record I wrote about this extraordinary office building on Amsterdam’s Zuidas that was completed in 2015.
During my travels through the Baltic States, I write short observations.
From the back window of the Museum of Liepaja I see an enormous statue hidden in the garden, next to the parking lot. Why is it tucked away where no one will see it?
During my travels through the Baltic States, I write short observations.
The neighborhood Užupis was in Soviet times (till 1990) the most rundown part of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Artists and alternative types moved in and in 1997 declared Užupis a republic, with its own flag, anthem and constitution. What does this mean for the neighbourhood?
On June 30 I was keynote speaker at What Design Can Do. My lecture was called ‘Salty Water, Sweet City’.
What Design Can Do showcases design as a catalyst of change and renewal and promotes it as a way of addressing the societal questions of our time. The story is told through the annual conference in Amsterdam, additional conferences in other parts of the world, the worldwide What Design Can Do Challenge, as well as their own publications and the WDCD blog. This year I was also part of the selection committee for the Refugee Challenge.
Watch the video of ‘Salty Water, Sweet City’ here:
For the June edition of Architectural Record I went to the new Generator Amsterdam. This mix of a hotel and a hostel is located on the edge of a park in the up-and-coming eastern part of town, this reflects the spread of tourism beyond the historic center – a trend that has been encouraged by the city, which has been greatly restricting hotel permits since the fall of 2013.
With its surprising combination of old and new architecture, bursts of local art and design, and a clever hotel formula that attracts a wide-ranging crowd. Generator has brought a new kind of flair to Amsterdam’s flourishing tourism scene.
International design congres What Design Can Do is holding a Refugee Challenge this year. The refugee crisis is asking for new and innovative ideas. An incredible amount of 631 submissions from 69 countries are now eligible for review & nomination. I’m in the selection committee that will take on the massive task of establishing a shortlist that finally will be judged by the international jury on 29 June. Read the article…