Since the energy crisis’s in the 1970’s, our society has been concerned with energy efficiency. Since then, our economic output has more than tripled, while our energy demand has only increased 50%. There has been a push for architects to improve our buildings- by polluting less through construction and reducing energy costs during building operation.

 

William McDonough, author of Cradle to Cradle, writes a comparison between two buildings. One designed purely on minimizing destructive efforts and one designed to respond to the inhabitants’ welfare as well as following green practices. He cites his Herman Miller headquarters. The energy efficient building systems save about $50,000 a year, great, but what if a building could do more? In fact, the new office and factory improved its user’s morale and efficiency which led to a $50 million increase in production within a year of occupancy. McDonough advocates for smart spaces that subconsciously encourage its’ users to excel.

 

How does this relate to our unique real-world academic approach? By following his ideology, design+make sought to create places that people would actually want to use. We developed our own program and scrutinized it ten times over. The result? Spaces that give our clients exactly what they want and need, but in a thoughtful way that creates positive and pleasant environments to be in. Through our curiosity in the way the client will function in the space, we provided a design solution that will impact the organization further than being a space to work in.