3.1.10 | What is virtual reality? How does it differ from digital reality? Is it real? What is reality? Perhaps the greatest ramification flowing from the development of virtual reality – presently, largely a visual subset of digital reality – is the perspective it creates on our notion of reality. Obviously, without a contrasting experience, it is very difficult for us to understand our existential notions of reality.
Technology >>
3.1.10 | I always wondered why Material ConneXion was spelled that way. . . and why is that X capitalized? It was clearly a choice that emphasized a deliberate intent of the company, but the intent was remained a mystery until I visited the firm’s new space, located at 60 Madison Avenue in New York. I was aware of Material ConneXion’s status as a global material consultancy – the firm has four other locations, two in Europe and two in Asia, each with a capital X of a different color in its logo – and knew it focused on materials for construction and design, but as a resource librarian, I noticed it didn’t catalog materials the way that I or my fellow resource librarians did. During my visit I realized that Material ConneXion is a unique company that, in the end, expertly indexes what is possible in manufacturing and design.
3.1.10 | Mr. Smed has the rare entrepreneurial combination of insight and predisposition to act. Fortunately, to this is added the ability to see things as a whole, and what amounts to almost a compulsion to do things better ( environmentally and for clients) and more efficiently. As a result, anyone with an open mind can find morsels of value and inspiration in his presentations.
Random Walk >>
3.1.10 | While the idea of cognitive ergonomics is relatively new, it’s a concept that Kimball Office has spent years studying. In order to fully understand how the mind works at work, we must first recognize the office environment in which we work, and how such dynamics complement the mind. This column aims to identify the variables in an office setting, and the impact they can have on how the mind works.
Research >>
2.22.10| Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards were announced on December 3rd at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The event, sponsored by Edelman Leather and organized and hosted by Interior Design magazine, and attended by over 750 from the design community. Obviously, we are late in publishing these awards and we apologize to Interior Design for this delay; the year end tends to get a bit clustered. Nevertheless, if awards have any meaning, their glow should last beyond the ceremony and we are happy, even relieved to finally catch up with this.
2.22.10 | There are many awards presented each year in the A&D and related communities of dubious merit, but we can think of no greater tribute than the creation by one's peers of a scholarship, endowed chair or similar continuing enterprise to continue your work. One such charitable endeavor is the Donald Brinkmann Scholarship competition created by Gensler to honor, remember and thank one of its former partners and design leaders, Donald G. Brinkmann, who died unexpectedly in 1999.
Competitions and Awards >>, People >>
2.22.10 | Anthony P. Schirripa, FAIA, chairman and CEO of Mancini•Duffy has been elected to the College of Fellows of the AIA (American Institute of Architects). He will receive his Fellowship medal during the Investiture of Fellows Ceremony at the 2010 National AIA Convention and Design Exposition in Miami on June 11, 2010.
People >>
2.22.10| Late last year, Material ConneXion, the global materials consultancy, launched of its first annual MEDIUM Award for Material of the Year, naming UK-based company Concrete Canvas's Concrete Cloth as the inaugural winner.
2.15.10 | The first thing that Jennifer Graham and Stephanie Chiuminatto wanted was to keep in touch with their friends and work colleagues, not to start a non-profit organization that has grown to over 160 members and offers workshops and mentoring programs. It’s almost cliché to say that their group, LMNOP (Leadership, Mentoring, Networking and Opportunity for A&D Professionals), was born out of necessity, and yet there really is no other way to describe how it happened.
People >>
2.15.10 | For all of its frustrations and follies, at times the legal system manages to get something, if not right, at least better. Such is the case – getting it better – with a couple of Federal court decisions dealing with the subject of interior design legislation. The most recent case in the U.S. Federal Court for the Northern District of Florida was championed by the nemesis of interior design legislative advocates, the Institute for Justice, which, in this case, helped the profession get it . . . better. The result was a stunning victory for interior design and interior designers: The court upheld the Florida practice act.
Legislation >>, Random Walk >>
2.15.10 | Readers can get a better feel for the numbers in this issues business section, but I wanted to add a few observations on the HNI results for 2009.The contract furniture segment, even at the top, is more diverse that one might think. We pointed out last week that HNI is the second largest contract furniture company, even considering only its furniture sector.
2.15.10 | The idea of cognitive ergonomics is relatively new, and one
that Kimball Office has spent years studying. However, in order to fully
understand how the mind works at work, we must first recognize the office
environment in which we work, and how such dynamics complement the mind.
This column aims to identify some of the variables in an office setting,
and the impact they might have on how the mind works.
Research >>
2.15.10 | Nearly 40 Leaders of the IIDA-Northern Californa Chapter gathered in Sonoma, California to celebrate the early stages of an economic recovery, share best practices, renew friendships, and plan for the coming year. IIDA-NC includes Hawaii & the Pacific Rim, Northern California, and Northern Nevada. [I think I want to join.]
Events >>, Prof. Associations >>
