Sepideh Bigdeli-Greene , Assoc . AIA
Job Captain , Williams + Paddon Architects + Planners
What makes architectural photography so powerful ?
The power of architectural photography is in the eyes of the photographer — by immersing themselves into the story of the building , capturing the essence of the design and perhaps the history of the city the building is located in .
Through the lens of the photographer , one can experience new angles of the monument that might have been captured many times but has not been seen in that one particular way .
The main goal is to transfer the sense of architecture through that one image , whether that ’ s the texture of the materials , patterns of the surfaces , or how light moves through the building . It is as if there is a mystery to be revealed and only the photographer has that magical power .
Bruce Monighan , AIA
Urban Design Manager , City of Sacramento
How will the built environment be different after COVID-19 ?
We will still have retail , offices , restaurants , event venues and high density housing and urban cores . We will still have parks and concerts . What will likely change is providing for flexibility . Restaurants were ill prepared ( to lose ) indoor dining , the office market is ill prepared for the coming remote work alternative and event locations have been shut down for six months due to the pandemic .
I see flexibility as the key word for future development . Flexibility of use , indoor / outdoor flexibility and planning for a bit more distance as people gather in fixed locations . I think ( the ) key to this is that most people will not want to actually change their social habits . Work environment changes may be more significant as remote working has proven successful beyond expectations .
There is however still a strong social aspect about a fixed workplace where people can meet , talk and be connected . Considering that , enclosed open work spaces will have a new and perhaps longterm emphasis on air cleaning systems , protections between work desks , screening in public areas and more disposability at break stations .
Teresa Endres , AIA
Project Director , Taylor Design
What are specific ways architects and good design can promote equity in healthcare ?
The architect ’ s role in society as the designer of the built environment puts us on the forefront of the struggle to provide equity for all , regardless of physical ability , race , gender , ethnicity or sexual orientation . In healthcare , we must consider how our design affects all patients ’ safety , length of stay , readmission rate , experience and well-being . Equally important is its effect on the care team ’ s satisfaction and performance .
The devastating impact of COVID-19 on people of color serves as a stark reminder that some groups in our society face different health challenges ( e . g ., higher occurrences of chronic disease , diabetes and cardiovascular problems ) and may not have the same access to affordable , quality care as others do .
Members of the LGBT community and patients with disabilities also encounter unique obstacles to equitable care in hospitals , clinics and other facilities . The growing trend of smaller , community-based clinics allows designers to incorporate features and nuances that consider and complement the demographics of the neighborhood they serve . Achieving the goal of patient-centered care requires recognizing and accepting that this phrase means something different to everyone .
SPONSORED CONTENT Go to aiacv . org / exparch to register 13