The latest trends aren’t just about design

It is no surprise that the biggest trends in hospitality are largely influenced by behavior seen over the past few COVID-filled years. Though we’re not nearly as locked down as we were in 2020, it is clear that in order for people to feel comfortable to be on the move, they have to feel safe. It’s predicted that travel will recover in 2022, so the demand to design seamless and purpose-filled experiences is key to attracting and retaining the next on-the-go type.

Creative Jobs for Creative Teens

As an increasing number of art and design communities engage in creating a more diverse and inclusive cultural landscape, one Boston non-profit organization has been a pioneer of that effort. Artists for Humanity (AFH) has been working to surmount social, economic, and racial divisions by empowering under-served teens through the creative arts.

Highlights from the Student Winner of the 2020 IIDA Design Awards

This year, Mya Mosher, the 2020 IIDA Design Awards Student Winner, got the chance to attend NeoCon as part of her prize package from last year. She visited Chicago and has recapped some of her favorite highlights below.

Reinvention in the Community

Retail is on one of the highest stages, putting on a performance that is experienced by all; and with high exposure comes high stakes. The stakes to get into the market, to stay in the market, and to be at the forefront of it are all real pressures of the volatile retail market. The turbulence of the industry has only increased during Covid; however, as foot traffic starts to ramp up again, many brands are dipping their toes back into the brick and mortar experience through pop-ups.

Turning traditional into sustainable

Architectural Prefab

Prefabrication, where components are built offsite and then shipped to a job-site for installation, is becoming one of the most popular trends in the construction industry worldwide. With its innovative construction strategy often associated with modular and offsite construction, “prefab” is helping to make the building process simpler and more efficient.

Assembly Row at Assembly Square

Prior to the mid-20th century, people lived in dense, city neighborhoods where each block was comprised of varied, mixed-use buildings. After World War II, the low cost of land and the baby boom led people to desire more space. Suburban subdivisions, which offered more square footage and outdoor space, with a short commute to the city became prominent and lured the middle class away from these dense, urban environments.

The Laws of Attraction and Retention

We've all heard the term "attraction and retention" in the context of companies and their hiring practices. These are typically things that companies offer to their employees in order to attract new talent as well as retain existing employees to keep them engaged and happy. A few things that come to mind are some of the over-the-top office perks including an in-office masseuse, nonstop cold brew flowing from the pantry kegerator, or a multistory slide through the middle of the office. The same types of strategies apply in a higher ed setting, although they look quite different.

The Effect of the Built Environment on the Individual

The Coronavirus has shed light on the importance of human health and well-being in many ways. Every topic relating to mental and physical health has been at the forefront of discussion and the importance of overall body health is now recognized as a top priority for many. Yet, as the world starts to get back to its original state, many environments don’t reflect this new value. No one has quite grasped the impact our built environment can have on our health and safety better than the architecture and design community.

The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation

A traumatic injury can happen to any one of us, in any place, and at any time. According to the Centers for Disease Control, traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for people 46 years of age and under in our country, ahead of both cancer and heart disease. Despite these statistics, there remains inadequate resources to manage traumatic injuries and the specialized care they require.

'Cause We're Living in a Material World

Many of today’s most widely used building materials have limitations, especially with regard to their impact on the environment. Making great leaps over the past decade, technological advancements have made a major impact on the way materials are created and used. Here are some solutions that are evolving the way we think, design, and build.

The Heart of Boston

Since 1928, the area that formerly housed The Boston Garden has been known as one of the most iconic parts of the city of Boston. Originally intended to be one of many built all over the country, the building's concept was inspired by Madison Square Garden in New York City and was slated to be dubbed, 'Boston Madison Square Garden'. Distinctively shortened to the 'Boston Garden', its design intent was just as unique, being one of the first notable venues to bring an immersive experience to its visitors. It was designed so every fan could “see the sweat on the boxers’ brows”. This drew the seats closer to the stage, creating unbelievable acoustics including iconic shows from The Beatles, to KISS, and even the Rolling Stones. The Celtics and Bruins called the original Garden home and many cultural events - like the rally held by Senator John F. Kennedy in the final days of campaigning for the presidency in 1960 - are among a few that are its legacy.

A Visit to Connecticut's Breweries

With the holidays over and the cold in full force in the New England area, many people are looking to get creative when thinking of things to do. Breaking into the new year, after being locked down for most of 2020, has people more excited than ever to get out and experience something new. Yet, trying to strike a balance between fun, safety, warmth, and adventure creates a very specific formula that does not yield a lot of options. But it does yield one that's safer on the list: breweries.