Looking Ahead at Adaptive Reuse: Designing for the Gain Factor

Now that the commercial sector of design and construction has slowed to an imperceptible crawl, how are architects and interior designers going to prepare for the future? What can we do to keep going as creative, contributing, and prepared professionals in this situation that has confronted us? 

In reality, we have many alternatives for temporary or permanent career choices and alternative career paths that could lead us to make a living, keep busy, start a new life, and live life in complete bliss and happiness. But why get drastic? The game is not over by a long shot. It is merely the momentum shifting.

There will always be a need for architects and interior designers who can design with pragmatism and knowledge. This is as opposed to going downhill sans brakes with the previous "Dubaistic" buffet in design, which would take a client down the slippery slopes of a construction black hole and then suddenly owning an exotic white elephant who nobody wants to ride later on. We have all "heard" about those projects....never seen one? (You sure?)

The commercial architecture sector could really define any project that includes a pragmatic approach to gain, be it financial, perceptive, emotional, or spiritual. That definition certainly would include human beings temporarily or permanently using and or residing in such a structure. So then, you could easily justify any building as commercial due to the “gain factor.”

At any one time, any structure has or could have the gain factor in economics. That can be translated to the appeal of such a structure as a functional and aesthetically pleasing building so as to satisfy whatever future use this structure could have, as in retrofit and/or adaptive reuse. The future looks good for that sector: One of the most pragmatic approaches to a new building project that an architect can provide a client is the built-in flexibility within the confinement of a project program.
But why do historic structures in the USA fail to become recycled icons in a community as we see in quantity in Europe? Even though a lot of restrictions apply, Europeans adapt and conventional functional uses are also retrofitted to adapt and work within these given spaces.

It is simply because Europeans adapt to functional use and design based on what is frugally available instead of always starting on an abundant blank slate as we have grown accustomed in this country. In the USA, an “anchoring factor” adds to the appeal, meaning that a structure adds more to society because it is different and represents our evolving society.

The future of our design disciplines and service philosophies should bring a demand for increased ingenuity in design, flexibility, durability, and longevity in our buildings. The throw-away/disposable times should be over, as far as a lot of our culture is concerned, and it will definitely apply to the design and construction industry. There will be a focused expectation to return to basic fundamentals of rational approach, to problem solving and solutions, and clients in a new a new time of sobriety will demand it.

The evolution of professionalism and knowledge based involvement and provision of services in any aspect of business, including A&D, is already being much more emphasized than before. The architects and interior designers that can provide that level of knowledge, control, and visioning to a client will be at the forefront of that resurgence of new activity. Now, proof and evidence of studied knowledge is the requirement to undertake any endeavor. Is this a wish, a fact, a desire... or a real need after this recent economic lesson?

Share your thoughts by clicking on "comments" below...

Bob Chisholm, FAIA, is chairman of the board of R.E. Chisholm Architects. Headquartered in Miami, Fla., the firm has completed numerous high-profile projects since 1982. Current and other notable projects include Art Deco Historic Preservation Master Plan, Miami Baseball Park Stadium, Cuban Exile Museum and Library, U.S. Century Bank Headquarters Building, Everglades Farmworker Village (largest affordable housing community for the U.S. Department of Agriculture) and three comprehensive facilities for the homeless in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. He can be reached at bob@chisholmarchitects.com or (305) 661-2070.

Redefining the Hotel Gift Shop Experience

Forget the traditional kitschy gift shop—upscale hotels are stepping up their game with high-end retail that features some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. The Los Angeles Times reports on properties that are showcasing—and collaborating on—luxe items:

•For the second year, the Standard hotels including the property in downtown Los Angeles) have partnered with surf-style brand Quiksilver to sell board shorts, bikinis, and sunglasses in poolside vending machines.

•The Mondrian West Hollywood features the wares of retailer Ron Robinson, along with Stephen Webster jewelry and Apothia beauty products.

•W Hotel Times Square channels an exclusive boutique with merchandise such as Melissa jelly shoes, chic gift books, and jeweled dresses.

•The Ace Hotel in Manhattan showcases two New York City retailers, Project No. 8 and Opening Ceremony, offering everything from outlet adapters to handbags made of soccer balls.

•Hat maker Stephen Jones and handbag designer Louise Hempleman have created items exclusively for the Dorchester Collection’s locations, including the Beverly Hills Hotel.

•The Four Seasons Hualalai resort in Hawaii has increased revenue thanks to its Seaside Luxe retail outlet, offering everything from beachwear to one-of-a-kind jewelry.

--Hospitality Design

The ‘GEMS’ of Design Charity

To end on a happy note this week, Contract magazine wants to help Perkins+Will spread the word about a great charity fundraiser. As a probono project, Perkins+Will is redesigning the Girls Education & Mentoring Services (GEMS). The non-profit organization seeks to empower and help young women that have been sexually exploited and trafficked in the sex industry to create a better life for themselves. To help fund the project, the firm will host a fundraising event, whcih will help to furnish the project space, at its New York offices, located at 215 Park Avenue South, 4th Floor, on July 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Please RSVP to: karen.brown@perkinswill.com

The redesign plans of GEMS’ community center will be complete in August, with construction starting shortly after.

See what GEMS is all about. View the below videos:

Checking In: Beijing Water Cube Water Park Project

After Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympic Games in the uniquely designed “Water Cube,” some of our readers wondered about the future of this mammoth National Aquatic Centre. As Contract magazine previously reported in February, the Water Cube is being re-designed as an entertainment destination, and the multi-feature construction is poised to open in August as "The Happy Magic Watercube Waterpark."

After some thorough follow-up digging, Contract discovered a few new tidbits to satisfy our readers’ design-hungry appetites:

The redesign is by Canadian firm Forrec, internationally known for theme parks, water parks, and other venues. Forrec is one of several top industry suppliers and consultants weighing in on the project, including Australian waterpark veteran Alan Mahony. The design features top-notch and even some "first-ever" attractions, notably the RideHouse play structure, by industry leader ProSlide Technology. This structure will accompany China’s first AquaLoop looping waterslide, by WhiteWater West; a water Tornado; tube slides, body slides; lazy river, wave pool, and other attractions. Additionally, more than one-third of the over 100,000-sq.-ft. Watercube was pre-planned for conversion into a recreational waterpark at the time of its original construction.

“The client has been wonderful to work with,” comments Forrec vice-president Anthony Van Dam in a statement. “They have very high expectations and are focused on quality and innovation. Although the company and its leadership are humble and have made an effort to remain anonymous, I expect you will be hearing much more of them in the coming years.”

Yet, despite all this, an aura of mystery surrounds the opening of the Happy Magic Watercube Waterpark. A representative at ProSlide Technology shared a possible reason: the language barrier. Although this exciting new design should hold international interest, few non-Chinese-speakers are hearing about it—until now. (Trying to track down additional plan details and facts proved to be quite the feat!)

Once the park operations are underway, I'm sure more English-speakers will hear about it and visit with rave reviews. “This promises to be one of the leading indoor waterparks in the world,” says Van Dam. “It will provide enjoyment for many families and, thanks to the unique design, offer two very different but memorable experiences by day and night.” He refers here to the unique bubble design on the building's exterior, which glows from within at night. But so far, Contract magazine seems to have the only scoop on this project.

Have you found any other reports? Share with us by commenting below.

--Lillian Civantos

Design Business Flatlines

It's been another tough month for the A&D industry. AIA's latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) shows that business had a VERY slight uptick in June, which is not very reassuring after a sudden drop in May ended continuing growth earlier this year.

Is recovery still just an optimistic dream? Or, do you agree with AIA chief economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, and expect to see some turnaround by the end of this year? Share your thoughts with us by commenting below or via e-mail.

--Stacy Straczynski

Contract Magazine Seeks Fall 2010 Interns

Calling all students. Contract magazine is still looking for last minute intern applicants for its Fall 2010 internship. Accepted interns will work hands on with Contract staff editors to produce daily editorial coverage for ContractDesign.com and TalkContract.com, with a possibility for additional print coverage, as they gain first-hand exposure to the latest A&D industry news and design product releases. Interns will be located in our New York City office.

While editorial internships are open to college students who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in journalism, we also consider qualified design students that demonstrate a clear writing talent and style.

>> Read more about internships at Contract magazine

A Gorgeous Design ‘Pallet’?

Can wooden, shipping pallets be used to create beautiful architecture? While these slats may be one of the world’s most abundantly used, packaging materials, it’s safe to say that they typically wouldn’t be a designer’s first—or even second—choice when selecting building/design materials. However, I came a cross a recent article by Laval University School of Architecture, Québec City professors Jacques Plante and Pascale Pierre that details a project that envisions the pallet as a total architectural solution.

 

To be located in The Music Academy of Quebec City’s Conservatoire courtyard, the Pallet Opera is set to be built in July 2011 for the Quebec International Opera Festival. The set will be a temporary, open-air performance stage made entirely from (you guessed it) pallets—from the basic structure, to the supports, to the acoustic materials, and the actual set décor!

 

The idea, which is more of a research project in essence, comes from Plante’s interest, and concern, with sustainability and the re-use of industrialized materials—turning everyday, common objects into works of art. The pallets will be used in their current form—paying tribute to the original, unaesthetic objects—then returned after the event to the manufacturer’s for reuse in shipping. Now that’s a design concept that’s really in “ship-top” shape!

 

--Stacy Straczynski

A&D Business Blues?

What do firms have to say about the recent ABI Index, released by the AIA yesterday (June 23)? While new opportunities seem to be cropping up, two words still seem to sum up sentiments: "flat" and "volatile."

"HOK’s revenue has been ‘flat’ since late 2009, but we’ve seen an increase in the number of new opportunities, and have been fortunate to secure many of them. I believe this will be a very slow recovery in the private sector, because businesses are still very reluctant to add people–and job growth is the single largest driver in commercial real estate, design, and construction. Some of our best prospects include healthcare (where major institutions have re-established funding for their capital needs), federally-funded public projects, and development in growing economies, like India and China."
–HOK vice chairman Clark Davis, FAIA

“I’d say that we're in a pretty volatile situation until 2012. If you look at any macro report, there’s nothing to indicate that we’ll see any huge growth soon. We're seeing a build up of cash out there, but investors don’t have a lot of places to put their money and people are looking for bargains in the real estate market. Additionally, there’s no jobs growth; we’re continuing to see a lot of volatility in global issues and changes in demographics; and there’s still a huge amount of debt owned by the American consumer. I’ve yet to see someone imagine what the economy will be like when the consumer isn’t two-thirds of it. It’s definitely going to be a different economy in the future."
   –Todd DeGarmo, CEO, STUDIOS architecture

"At M Moser, we continue to observe volatile market conditions in many industry sectors. In the corporate sector, however, we are actively engaged with many clients and prospective clients who are taking the opportunity to think strategically about the future workplace. Whereas many large scaled construction projects remain tabled, many corporate clients are pro actively examining their workplace strategies to be better positioned when the market stabilizes...In an age of global competition, conventional dogma is no longer relevant and yesterday's trends are being challenged at every level. We have repeatedly heard our clients state that they don't want to get left at the starting line when liquidity resumes. To this effect, the notion of "cram and jam" is having an adverse affect on earnings, as financially stable companies are better positioned to recruit the best and brightest in their sectors."
    --David Weinberg, AIA, M Moser director, head of New York office

 

But there are those firms who are riding a more optimistic wave, as well:

“We have actually found the opposite and have seen rising billings month over month, with May being our highest month of the year. It’s looking like June will top May by 38 percent.”
   –Simeon Meyer, CFO, The Puccini Group

"The decrease in the ABI recently released by the AIA is not reflective of what we are experiencing at IA Interior Architects. We see strong demand for our services throughout the U.S. Whether this is due to our exclusive focus on interiors or capture of additional market share, our current and projected revenues indicate continued improvement and growth."             
    –Joe McClelland, Chief Financial Officer, IA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS

 

What has business been like for you? Send Contract magazine your comments, or comment below, to be listed here.

--Stacy Straczynski

Hope Floats

While creating a spectacular visual design might not by itself be a life-saving endeavor, it can be when artful inspiration meets practical safety. Morely Builders recently announced that it has teamed up with Portraits of Hope, an organization that utilizes public art projects as therapy for hospitalized children, in an effort to adorn 30 miles of lifeguard towers (38 in total) along the Los Angeles County Coast with colorful artwork. Each piece created by adults and children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and socio-economic challenges.

The exhibit will be on display through October 1. The recyclable boards and vinyl roofing will then be sent to aid rebuilding in Haiti and Chile.

--Stacy Straczynski

Do You See Economic Recovery?

The AIA today released its April 2010 ABI report showing that billings once again improved (read the story at ContractDesign.com). But is business really getting better? Contract reached out to several of it's A&D contacts today to find out. Here are some responses:

"We are pleased to be seeing some positive change. Our March 2010 billings were up 20 percent over March 2009, the highest since this recession began in October of ’08. As the recovery continues, we remain cautiously optimistic."

     -- David Mourning, AIA, IIDA, President and CEO

"HOK’s experience matches the overall trend shown in the Architecture Billings Index.  Our revenue has been ‘flat’ since late 2009, but we’ve seen an increase in the number of new opportunities and have been fortunate to secure many of them.  I believe this will be a very slow recovery in the private sector, because businesses are still very reluctant to add people – and job growth is the single largest driver in commercial real estate, design, and construction.  Some of our best prospects include health care – where major institutions have re-established funding for their capital needs – Federally-funded public projects, and development in growing economies like India and China."

     --Clark Davis, FAIA, Vice Chairman, HOK

“It’s clear that the economy is improving and we’re starting to see more confidence in a number of our key markets. Like most practices of our size, the last two years were challenging, but our diversity and global spread helped us weather the storm. In fact, we used the opportunity to expand our footprint outside the United States and to strengthen our position in those domestic markets that remained somewhat buoyant, like healthcare and Federal work. We continue to be optimistic, especially as work in Asia continues to be robust and we’re still finding opportunities in the Middle East, but the commercial domestic markets still look like they will take some time to rebound.”

     --Lance  K Josal FAIA, President and CEO, RTKL Associates Inc.

"Although there is increased optimism in certain sectors as project funding becomes available again, many designers continue to struggle in a marketplace increasingly dominated by the largest firms.  The recent hyper competitiveness has driven fees downward, and many firms are rapidly depleting whatever capital cushions they had.  It's still scary out there."

     -- Steve McCollom, Principal, McCollom Consulting

"We began to see the market thaw in the last quarter of '09 and we continue to be cautiously optimisitc for the year ahead. While we are not expecting robust growth, we are hiring across the firm--we have 63 open positions up on our website as of today--and we are seeing an uptick in work across sectors including Government, Education and Interiors. In addition, markets showing strong growth include China, Korea, Singapore, the Middle East and Brazil."

      -- David Gensler, Executive Director, Gensler

 

What has business been like at your firm? Do you see recovery on the road ahead? Let us know. E-mail sstraczynski@contractdesign.com or comment below.