Healthy Gulf’s Post

Continuing the #celebration of our 35-year #anniversary, we are taking a look back at the projects that led us to the work we do today. In the 1990s, Michael Willis and Jeff McGraw landed two projects in #California that laid the foundation for how MWA provides #ArchitecturalSolutions for public water, wastewater, and solid waste #infrastructure facilities and campuses: El Sobrante and Upper San Leandro. Our project expertise has grown to include various project types, but the commonality is that we prioritize the needs of the personnel who operate and maintain our #PublicInfrastructure facilities. Through design, we create #modern, durable, and comfortable work environments and opportunities for #PublicEngagement and water #education for the communities served by public agencies. Pictured: 2022 - Clark Regional Wastewater District Campus 2020 - San Francisco International Airport Mel Leong Lab Testing and Administrative Facility 2019 - City of Oak Harbor, WA Clean Water Facility and Windjammer Park 2015 - San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Southeast Plant Biosolids Digester Facilities 2005 - Joseph Jensen Treatment Plant Ozonation Building 1991 - El Sobrante Ozonation Facilities https://lnkd.in/gmE_GAPd

Explore the innovative New Canaan Library, the first building in the U.S. to become a Design for Freedom Pilot Project. Download the case study now for an in-depth perspective. Conceived as a building for knowledge and learning, the New Canaan Library is a state-of-the-art space that seamlessly facilitates quiet contemplation and dynamic collaboration. It's also a trailblazer — unearthing the challenges of the Design for Freedom Pilot Process and how to approach ethical material tracing within the building materials supply chain. We partnered with New Canaan Library to explore and pursue the use of low-risk materials – materials less likely to be sourced through forced labor – during the building’s construction. Throughout the process, we collaborated with Centerbrook Architects and Planners, Turner Construction Company, and multiple subcontractors to trace raw and composite (engineered from two or more materials) building materials as far as possible within the supply chain. Download the case study to learn more about the New Canaan Library and why it is playing an important role in accelerating the Design for Freedom movement by raising awareness of forced labor in the building materials supply chain: https://lnkd.in/eFyEt_Sz Photo Credit: Jeff Goldberg/ESTO, Centerbrook Architects & Planners

We're helping to rebuild the Northern Rivers School Cluster. In collaboration with Schools Infrastructure NSW, ADCO and Pedavoli Architects, Modscape is transforming the educational landscape in flood-impacted Northern Rivers (NSW). See how we're using modular construction to restore essential community infrastructure on our blog. #educationsystem #educationisthekey #educators #sustainabilityeducation #sustainabilitygoals #environmentalsustainability #sustainabilitycommunity #sustainabilitychallenge #sustainablity #sustainablesolutions #besustainable #circularity #helptheplanet

we remain entranced by experimental place making - a new Eden in a sea of private asset interests. As if such exceptions will inspire or catalyse wider change by dint of demonstrating physically that another way is possible. Do such dreamscapes open minds to what could be a better way of urban living or do they distract us from revealing and engaging in the wider field of public assets and shared vital interest in ethical social ecological stewardship shared infrastructure? Physical Infrastructure Design https://lnkd.in/eYgGTqSJ

💡 🏘 The Opengela model is moving forward with innovative solutions related to urban regeneration which are being implemented through the European #BIRTUOSS project, financed by the European Commission‘s LIFE Programme. In addition to the 14 partners of the consortium in this project, an advisory board made up of experts representing the entire value chain of urban regeneration has been set up. Housing Europe Renovate Europe Climate-KIC International Union of Property Owners (UIPI)

Some news! After 14+ incredible years in the private sector, I’ve decided it’s time for a new challenge. The projects I have had the privilege of leading cross every genre; from master planning new cities, major transport and health infrastructure, to the creation of civic hubs, local parks, and communal living landscapes. I can’t thank my mentors enough for their guidance and inspiration, and extend my appreciation to the many colleagues, clients, architects and design collaborators I’ve had the privilege of working with. Some exciting times ahead, looking at the industry from a new perspective in my role with NSW Government’s DPHI. The government’s role as a leader of open space design excellence has never been more important than it is today. The imperatives of addressing climate change and resilience, combined with the need to provide for rapidly growing and culturally diverse communities presents challenges to our generation that can’t be met with a business as usual approach. I look forward to delivering projects that will show leadership in addressing key issues we are grappling with in the industry, and working with people that are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Three studio projects at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning are focusing on the role of architecture in addressing cultural, environmental, and social issues in regional Australia. The projects, including "Let Every Voice Be Heard," "Conflux/antiflux," and "The Future of Towns," aim to teach students the importance of architecture in solving real-world problems. Students are gaining hands-on experience in designing long-term housing for women and children at risk of homelessness, addressing environmental challenges in flood-prone areas, and revitalising regional town centres for sustainable living. Read the full article here - https://lathm.co/4794Wbx Source: USYD School of Architecture, Design and Planning #ArchitecturalEducation #SocialImpactDesign #EnvironmentalSustainability

During a briefing at the Massachusetts State House this week, researchers from Wentworth Institute of Technology Construction Management program and MIT Center for Real Estate emphasized the importance of adopting the opt-in specialized code to help Massachusetts achieve emissions reductions and avoid the higher cost of future electrification retrofits.   The research team presented their study on net-zero building codes and housing affordability to Massachusetts policymakers. The authors stressed the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for more energy-efficient buildings in congruence with housing affordability and offered pathways to accomplishing both.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmRtFY5E RMI Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, MIT School of Architecture and Planning #Sustainability #BuiltEnvironment #EnvironmentalJustice #PolicyInterventions #HousingAffordability #Massachusetts #housing #realestate #netzero #construction #homebuying #sustainability #publicpolicy #climatecrisis Siqi Zheng, Zhengzhen Tan, Afshin Pourmokhtarian, Payam Bakhshi, PhD, PE, John Cribbs, Ph.D., Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts (HBRAMA)

This month, DCPL is focusing on the educational theme of adaptive reuse. In the simplest of terms, adaptive reuse is the process of modifying an existing building for a new purpose. For example, converting a church that has fallen into disrepair into affordable housing. Adaptive reuse architecture not only benefits the environment through lower carbon emissions, but contributes to the preservation of historic structures. Adaptive reuse can slow urban sprawl, preserve a city's cultural heritage, and create new, necessary spaces for resident communities. Curious about adaptive reuse? This month, learn about the benefits and processes of adaptive reuse projects in Washington, DC with the DC Preservation League. Follow along with us on LinkedIn to read articles about adaptive reuse and check out featured local projects. Questions? Drop them in the comments! #preservedc #adaptivereuse #environment #construction #urbandevelopment

In the world of architecture and environmental justice, representation truly matters. Our Environmental Fellow, Walter Hunt, shares, "Representation is, in fact, important … It gave me the confidence to know that a bunch of other people who are just as passionate about what I'm doing looked like me as well!" Explore our latest blog to learn more about the intersection of architecture, community engagement, and mentorship, and how minority architects are carving out the future of environmental justice. Read the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/grrkrrys