NeoCon 2023
NeoCon 2023 marked another year of introductory products and showcased trends to what the future might hold in the furniture design world. Check out the latest issue of the IIDA NE Wire to get a recap on what was new and exciting in Chicago this year.
Shifting Focus
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the crucial role that schools play in the overall wellbeing of students. The design of educational spaces has a profound impact on the physical, mental, and emotional health of students, as well as their academic performance. Check out this month's Wire to read about how schools must prioritize wellbeing in their design principles to promote holistic development and create optimal learning environments.
Vermont Ski Resorts
From Killington to Jay Peak to Stowe Mountain, Vermont attracts many ski and winter sports enthusiasts during the winter months. However, what becomes of these resorts in the off season and how do the changing seasons impact the general tourism in these areas?
Standards of Finishes in Healthcare
Ever-changing standards and guidelines for material selection can make the process of finding healthy, sustainable products a bit overwhelming. HPD’s? Red-List Free? Mindful Materials? Check out the latest issue of the Wire where we examine a few commonly used terms, and how they relate to selecting the right materials for your projects.
Material Bank
Material Bank’s sampling process supports more sustainable practices and helps mitigate the industry’s environmental impact. Check out this month's issue of the Wire to read more about Material Bank and how they help designers source the material samples they need by bringing technology and ease to the sampling process.
Transit Oriented Development
The concept of Transit Oriented Development dates back to the late 1980s, and has become a pillar of modern planning. Since then, the concept has quickly spread and can be seen all across the US. Check out this month's issue of the Wire to read more about the history of these walkable communities.
Rethinking Office Ancillary
As businesses continue to evolve, so too do the trends in office ancillary furniture. One of the biggest trends in office design is the incorporation of flexible work spaces in order to provide a more comfortable, inviting workplace.
Public Art for the Masses
Connecticut may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about art, but this small state sure does pack a punch when it comes to public art in the form of murals.
The Art of Philanthropy
As we ‘emerge’ and embrace a season full of events after a long hiatus (which shall remain nameless), it is exciting to be in-person again, with our design family, dressing up with a new appreciation for what we have - good health, good friends and an industry we love.
Behind-the-Scenes
The 2022 IIDA New England Fashion Show is just around the corner, and we are excited to see the amazing work come to life and be showcased on stage at Big Night Live in downtown Boston. In the past, there has been some amazing work presented by the most talented teams throughout the design community, but not many see the effort that’s put in to bring these designs to life.
Implementing WELL Elements
This past November, hundreds turned out on a brisk Saturday to celebrate the opening of the City of Cambridge Universal Design Playground. Located in Danehy Park in West Cambridge, the $5.8 million playground stretches across a 30,000 square foot area. The site is on top of a landfill, formerly an early 1900s clay pit run by the New England Brick Company.
Intro to the EC3 Tool
Understanding the world of carbon can be a confusing feat. Carbon dioxide numbers are rising beyond levels ever seen in human history - think 50% higher than preindustrial levels according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NeoCon 2022
NeoCon returned to its usual time frame this past June after the 2020 show was canceled and moved to October 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The commercial design industry’s most important event held at theMart in Chicago, IL is a chance for the contract industry's major manufacturers, as well as emerging ones, to showcase thousands of new products and services including furniture, interior finishes, and technology.
An Inside Perspective
It is crazy to think how the world has changed in the past couple of years. In that time, the A&D community has had a great deal of movement from talented locals exploring new opportunities at firms, end users and even starting up their own shops. One group in particular has faced career challenges in ways those before them never had: the recent grad.
Redevelopment
It all began back in 2017 with a Letter of Intent. With this letter, HYM Investment Group proposed a large scale redevelopment of the approximately 160 acres of the Suffolk Downs race track site located along William F. McClellan Highway where East Boston meets Revere in Massachusetts. They envisioned transforming the site into a highly-resilient, transit-oriented, mixed-use development with commercial office, retail, housing, and open space.
Designing with Cork
We are constantly thinking of design and architecture as a layered collaborative effort. Changing the skylines of cities doesn’t come from one person’s ideas or opinions; it comes from layered inspiration, collaboration through varying perspectives and experiences with a holistic design-forward approach.
Civic Design
This past November, hundreds turned out on a brisk Saturday to celebrate the opening of the City of Cambridge Universal Design Playground. Located in Danehy Park in West Cambridge, the $5.8 million playground stretches across a 30,000 square foot area. The site is on top of a landfill, formerly an early 1900s clay pit run by the New England Brick Company.
Hospitality in 2022
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.
Artists for Humanity
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.