The transformative power of rebels with a cause.
Sara Kolata
I am here to propel our industry to be one of the most innovative, daring and profitable in the world.
In this week’s newsletter, we explore the transformative power of rebels with a cause.?
From Tara .I. Gbolade 's commitment to crafting vibrant urban environments through sustainable practices to Edgar Gonzalez ? 's groundbreaking work in developing entrepreneurial designers at Elisava School of Design and Engineering Madrid, we see how visionary leaders are reshaping the built environment. Mollie Claypool and Gilles Retsin of Automated Architecture (AUAR) are revolutionising construction with automated micro-factories, while Martha Tsigkari at Foster + Partners integrates AI and machine learning to push the boundaries of architectural practice. Daniel Bosia at Thornton Tomasetti exemplifies the impact of research, interdisciplinary collaboration and computational design in creating resilient structures fit for the future. These articles highlight the shared themes of embracing emerging technologies, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and prioritising sustainable solutions to address the complex challenges of our time.
Tara Gbolades
Sustainability and innovation are often seen as competing priorities, Tara .I. Gbolade emerges as a leader who seamlessly blends the two. As an accomplished architect and Passivhaus designer, Tara has dedicated her career to crafting sustainable living solutions and vibrant urban environments. Her role as Co-Director of GBOLADE DESIGN STUDIO LTD underscores her commitment to excellence and collaboration, working with a diverse array of organisations to push the boundaries of sustainable design practices.
Tara's approach is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences in Nigeria, where architecture naturally responded to the climate with features like verandas and courtyard housing that fostered communal living. This early exposure to the symbiotic relationship between people and their spaces ignited her passion for creating inclusive and impactful designs. "I realised I couldn't go back to just working to the Building Regulations," she shares, highlighting her commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Beyond her architectural practice, Gbolade serves as a Mayor's Design Advocate, appointed by the Mayor of London , Sadiq Khan, and is a Member of the Board of Trustees at the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) . Her work transcends traditional design constraints, focusing on climatic responsiveness and community engagement to create spaces that enrich lives. "We aim at making everyday places for people extraordinary," she explains, capturing the essence of her design philosophy.?
Join us as we delve deeper into Tara Gbolade's visionary approach to architecture, exploring how her innovative strategies are shaping the future of urban living and sustainability.
Edgar Gonzalez
Edgar Gonzalez ? is a design and communication strategist, educator, and consultant with over 20 years of experience. He works at the intersection of design, technology, cities, and innovation, collaborating with clients across various sectors and geographies. His leadership roles have produced influential projects in the built environment, education, and research. Gonzalez employs a holistic, multidisciplinary design approach, balancing deep research and coherent strategy with impactful results.
Edgar is redefining the landscape of design education. He advises, “Today, you can't practice design proficiently without understanding the language of business. Being fluent in business makes you a better designer, and better prepared for today's challenges.” Business isn't just about making money; it's a universal language for society. Edgar is visibly excited to be at the forefront of this new venture. Reminding us that designers are uniquely placed to tackle some of society's biggest challenges in the coming decades.?
Edgar's journey is one of passion and perseverance, marked by a commitment to democratising design and developing entrepreneurial leaders. Be inspired by what’s possible when you rethink the essence of design education and the interaction between businesses and institutions developing a pipeline of talent. Discover what can define architectural success beyond physical structures and the role of a critical mindset fused with user-centred design and business acumen. Learn about his innovative programmes that prepare students for real-world challenges, the role of AI in enhancing creativity, and the expanding influence of architects and designers in diverse fields such as politics and the care industry.
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Mollie Claypool & Giles Retsin
Automated Architecture (AUAR) , co-founded by Mollie Claypool and Gilles Retsin , is setting a new standard in the building industry by revolutionising how sustainable, affordable, and beautiful homes are delivered at scale. With a vision to address longstanding inefficiencies in construction, AUAR is building a global ecosystem of automated micro-factories, emphasising high-quality design. "Rather than saying we'll take a bunch of robots and try to have them build a typical house in the way it's done today," Mollie Claypool explains, "AUAR has rethought the entire design and manufacturing process so that it’s designed for automation."
Mollie Claypool, Co-Founder and CEO, is a thought leader dedicated to radically transforming the way we build to change the way we live. Gilles Retsin, Co-Founder, CTO, and Chief Architect, shares this vision, driven by the desire to rewire the design and build process to deliver beautiful spaces in large quantities - architecture for the many.
The construction industry faces challenges with productivity and digitisation, while there is a pressing need for sustainable, low-energy homes to combat climate and housing crises. AUAR's mission is to reshape the design and manufacturing process, empowering builders to create the homes the world needs and desires. "We are a first principles team through and through," Mollie states, underscoring the importance of holistic thinking.
Join us as we delve into the innovative strategies behind AUAR's mission and discover why investors are eager to support this transformative venture in the construction industry.
Martha Tsigkari?
Martha Tsigkari is at the cutting edge of architectural innovation, seamlessly integrating architecture, engineering, and computer science to drive the future of design at Foster + Partners. As the head of Applied Research + Development, she leads a team that is redefining the boundaries of architectural practice through the use of AI, machine learning, and parametric design. "AI is ushering in a new era of automation and augmentation," Martha asserts, highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies in reshaping traditional workflows and levelling the playing field in architecture.
Beyond her role at Foster + Partners, Martha is an associate professor at UCL, where she inspires the next generation of architects to embrace technology and innovation. Her commitment to continuous learning and interdisciplinary collaboration is evident in her proactive approach to exploring new areas like digital twins and machine learning. "We are always very excited to see what architects design with our system," she notes, emphasising the collaborative spirit that drives her team.
Delve into Martha Tsigkari's visionary leadership and her insights on sustainable architecture, exploring how emerging technologies are shaping the future of the built environment. Discover the journey of a leader who is not only pushing the boundaries of design but also inspiring others to do the same.
Daniel Bosia
Daniel Bosia , Design Director at Thornton Tomasetti , is a significant leader in the architecture and engineering industry, seamlessly blending creativity, technical expertise, and academic rigour to shape some of the most iconic structures of our time. With over two decades of experience, Bosia has collaborated with renowned architects such as Foster+Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, and Bjarke Ingels Group, contributing to groundbreaking projects like the Scottish Parliament Building and Google's headquarters. His pioneering roles in computational design have paved the way for innovative solutions that are both sustainable and inspiring.
Bosia's career is marked by his visionary leadership and commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. As a co-founder of the Advanced Geometry Unit at Arup and former head of the Research and Development Team at AKT II, he has been at the forefront of developing new design tools that promote deep collaboration between architects and engineers. "Parametric design has facilitated greater flexibility in workflow," Bosia notes, emphasising how this approach accelerates the design process and fosters closer integration between disciplines.
Currently leading Thornton Tomasetti's London office, Bosia aims to expand the company's international presence, building on its strong foundation in the US. His work exemplifies the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging technologies in creating resilient, beautiful structures. Join us as we explore Daniel Bosia's remarkable journey and his vision for the future of architecture, where AI and computational design redefine the possibilities of the built environment.
Creative Director+Founder of Spirit of Space
2 个月I ?? this quote from Edgar Gonzalez ? ?Understanding business gives designers the tools to persuade clients of the value of their work.“ that’s exactly why young designers need to hone their communication skills!