An Architecture of Optimism in a Post-Pandemic Society | Jordan Goldstein @ UPenn
This week on the Gensler Design Exchange podcast, Gensler’s Jordan Goldstein speaks with the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design, moderated by Sarah Rottenberg, Adjunct Assistant Professor & Executive Director, Integrated Product Design Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
The below is an excerpt from a blog by Goldstein for Gensler.com: “An Architecture of Optimism for a Post-Pandemic Society”
One thing that’s clear from this pandemic is that there won’t be a flip of a switch that will suddenly fill malls, airports, office buildings, parks, and arenas with people. There will be a gradual re-engagement with our communities, and the architecture that defines those communities will be layered with a cautious optimism.
Whether it’s new buildings that are about to be designed or existing architecture that now needs to be re-imagined, in many ways this is a time for an architecture of optimism. Optimistic architecture isn’t architecture for the sake of architecture and doesn’t seek to glorify form. Rather, it’s an architecture that seeks to express its purpose in every aspect of the design — one that promotes wellness and celebrates life. It’s an architecture that makes people feel safe and can be trusted while still being inspirational. It’s design that supports the human experience at every scale and level of our daily lives.
To achieve this trust, we can design our environments to promote a healthier, safer way of being together, whether that’s in a workplace, a residential building, or public space.
Let’s start with the office building, since there’s so much attention on getting America back to work.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON GENSLER.COM, CLICK HERE. TO WATCH THE FULL WEBINAR, CLICK HERE.
Subscribe to Gensler Design Exchange on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Alexa AnyPod, Google Play, Stitcher, and Libsyn — or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
As always, thanks for tuning in!
