Do physical places, either those that we create or those that are naturally occurring, have the power to fire the imagination? Do certain places inspire you more than others? What about a certain environment can have this effect on an individual, or a community? Is it possible for somewhere to spark imagination in one person,…
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What are we hoping for when we create spaces for people? This is a thought-provoking piece, originally published in Business Insider, about a planned ‘city of the future‘. It explores the complexities of building, or perhaps forcing, a utopia. There are lessons to be learned around the practicalities, such as funding, but also in realising…
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Here’s an interesting way of looking at a seemingly simple phenomenon which could be used to revolutionise the way we draw. If architects can use robots to understand the complex kinetics involved in creating the organic circles that humans do, it could have an impact on how they create inspiring spaces. “Movement was always an…
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This is a great example of technology meeting community. The development and potential of 3D printing is opening up massive civic infrastructure projects to the communities which actually use them. Not only does this involve users in their urban environment, but increases sustainability and feeds skills development. The Fabrication City concept puts manufacturing back in…
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Designated, organised cohousing is still marginal; it certainly isn’t how the majority of the western world lives. What’s interesting about this article from Curbed is the insight into why there is a reluctance to organise communities like this in certain cultures. Is there a fear that a shared and varied influence on a child’s upbringing…
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It’s interesting to look at an idea for humanity that isn’t driven by necessity, disaster, or damage control; to look at it from another angle. And as well as being an interesting concept, the extremes and unknowns of life on other planets also provides rich ground for creative thinking. Here, in The Atlantic, author Charlie…
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We’re pleased to share this interview by Rob Hopkins, a friend of the Institute of Imagination, in conversation with researcher and illustrator James McKay exploring his work presenting ideas about the future. This is a really great example of STEAM learning; using creativity to communicate ideas about science. Read about where James gets his ideas and how he makes his…
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From the top of the earth to the bottom of the sea, architecture has some exciting buildings in store for 2019. Whether it’s through the use of innovative materials, unprecedented scale, or whimsical ideas, common to all is the breaking of boundaries. These projects take in their purposes and environment, and work to create something…
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Now to a piece from Dezeen, where multi-sensory projects are multi-purpose. Advertisers, in this case Adidas, are engaging in collaborative installation projects to align their commercial message to wellbeing. Through special environments that immerse customers in multi-sensory spaces, partners are enhancing experiences and solidifying their brands. American rapper Childish Gambino has built a multi-sensory “wellness centre”…
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A fresh start from Spectrum. Designers are thinking about how the features in our spaces can provide different ways to feel comfortable and thrive. Tailoring a building to specific needs takes attention and research, and it’s vital that we think about a range of occupants when we’re looking for places that inspire. For people on…
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It’s so encouraging to see a building for children win an award from architecture’s most prestigious body, the RIBA. In fact, three of the four finalists were educational buildings. Children Village shows that functional buildings for children can still be well-designed and inspiring. Children Village, a new school complex on the edge of the rainforest…
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