How Antony Gibbon is pushing the boundaries of architectural design

Zubair Bhaidani, an alumnus of Illinois Tech's College of Architecture (2016) and a current M.S. in Strategic Design Leadership ('25) student, made a significant career shift after nearly a decade as a licensed architect. While working on multimillion-dollar architectural projects, he recognized that his work primarily addressed physical space and structural design. He sought a more profound impact, one that involved understanding and shaping the underlying systems and processes within built environments, rather than just the buildings themselves. This realization led him to pursue strategic design, aiming to solve for the 'lived environment' rather than being confined to the 'built environment.' During his architectural career, Bhaidani managed complex projects that involved diverse teams, competing stakeholder interests, regulatory constraints, and budgetary pressures. He found this complexity engaging but felt limited by the traditional scope of architecture, which often focused on the physical structure rather than the strategic intent or user experience. He observed that the architectural discipline was often slow to adopt user research or quantifiable strategic metrics. This led to a disconnect where architects struggled to articulate the business value of their designs or align with end-user needs, making it difficult to gain client trust. His pursuit of a Master of Science in Strategic Design Leadership at the Institute of Design at Illinois Tech allowed him to explore a broader application of design principles. In a business innovation course, he developed a roadmap and minimum viable product for Hosperience, an industry partner. This platform aimed to improve communication for patients' family members and caregivers regarding orthopedic care processes. This experience demonstrated his ability to translate strategic insights into tangible digital solutions. Furthermore, in an Organizational Models for Innovation course, Bhaidani collaborated with a Latin American financial holding conglomerate. His work focused on designing an innovative operating model that integrated artificial intelligence, open governance, and cross-subsidiary alignment. This project involved a combination of user research, speculative design, and data analytics, pushing him beyond his traditional architectural comfort zone and into the realm of systemic and organizational design. He found this to be a challenging yet rewarding experience, expanding his understanding of how design can influence complex business structures. In an Innovation Frontiers course, Bhaidani co-developed Resonant, a social media intervention application. This app was designed to help families understand the emotional patterns embedded in their children’s web browsing habits. It aimed to provide tools and insights to foster empathy and emotional literacy, thereby guiding browsing behavior in a more constructive direction. This project highlighted his ability to apply strategic design thinking to social and behavioral challenges, moving from physical spaces to digital and emotional landscapes. Approaching graduation, Bhaidani envisions a future where he designs comprehensive systems, including platforms, services, and operations, where design drives measurable positive change, enhancing clarity, dignity, and agency for people. #StrategicDesignLeadership #ArchitecturalCareerShift #SystemsDesign #UserExperience #Innovation #DigitalPlatforms #OrganizationalDesign #IllinoisTechAlumni

Piero Lissoni, art director for Sanlorenzo Yachts and designer of the interiors for the 56-meter superyacht *Virtuosity*, challenges traditional nautical design by advocating for yachts to be conceived as villas rather than conventional maritime vessels. He criticizes the common practice among shipyard architects of incorporating overly ostentatious materials, such as excessive marbles, hides, and exotic woods, which he believes often lead to vulgarity. Instead, Lissoni emphasizes a design philosophy that prioritizes functionality, comfort, and beauty, akin to the aesthetics found in well-designed homes. His approach suggests that luxury should not equate to splashy materials but rather to sophisticated design and practical elegance. Sanlorenzo actively embraces this cross-pollination of ideas by collaborating with architects and designers from outside the nautical industry, including notable names like Dordoni Architetti and Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Ferruccio Rossi, former general manager and president of superyachts at Sanlorenzo, highlights that these collaborations introduce fresh perspectives and stylistic elements, transforming the conventional interpretation of interior yacht spaces. He notes that while initially challenging to integrate these diverse design philosophies with the complexities of yacht architecture and its relationship with the dynamic marine environment, the shared goal eventually fosters innovation and unique solutions. Lissoni asserts that these 'outsider' perspectives have fundamentally altered design norms in the yachting world, moving away from outdated traditions towards a more modern and airy aesthetic. *Virtuosity* is the second vessel in Sanlorenzo's 57Steel series, with an exterior designed by Zuccon International Project. Bernardo Zuccon describes the 57Steel as a harmonious balance between its internal content and external structure, featuring a rational and simple exterior that discreetly houses its substantial 1,021GT volume. The yacht's design includes slightly forward-raked windscreens and an almost straight bow, giving it an explorer-like appearance, while a long foredeck maintains a light and elegant profile. This exterior design philosophy complements Lissoni’s vision, blurring the lines between a yacht and a land-based villa, especially regarding the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces, allowing occupants to experience a constantly changing panorama. Key features of *Virtuosity* exemplify this innovative design. The aft deck offers a luxurious outdoor space with a three-by-two-meter heated glass-bottomed pool, complete with massage jets and large sunpads. Symmetrical staircases lead to a expansive 110-square-meter beach club, which can be extended by folding down the transom and two side platforms. This area is enhanced by the interplay of light and shadow from the pool above, creating a serene ambiance. The beach club is equipped with a bar, water toys, and custom furniture, including a Bubble Rock sofa by Living Divani and a large Samsung flat-screen TV concealed behind a magic mirror. A Carrara marble-clad steam room and Technogym fitness equipment further enhance the wellness offerings. Lissoni's sculptural staircase, which connects the main and upper decks, is a standout feature, earning a Judge’s Commendation at the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards. This staircase, constructed from steel with composite and carbon fiber, is more than a functional element; Lissoni envisions it as a 'twilight zone' or an intermediate space. Although the owners requested a banister for safety during rough conditions, the staircase maintains its artistic integrity. The main saloon’s interior reflects Lissoni's preference for high-quality, commercially available furniture from renowned Italian brands like Cassina, Minotti, and B&B Italia, featuring bleached wood walls and ceilings, and Kerakoll cement resin floors. These choices prioritize durability and sophisticated design over custom, potentially less robust, artisan creations. The yacht's layout is designed for both private and charter use, allowing for flexible segmentation of public and private areas. The main deck features an owner’s cabin with a California king-sized bed, Dedar upholstery, and an en suite bathroom with polarized glass sliding doors. Additional cabins on the lower deck are similarly furnished. A significant alteration in *Virtuosity* compared to its sister ship, *Alma*, is the relocation of a second owner’s cabin to the upper deck, which includes a private deck with a spa pool and an office with a green screen for video calls. The upper saloon offers a reconfigurable Francesco Binfaré On the Rocks sofa and a circular dining table for 14. The flybridge, with its DJ console and bridge, completes the yacht’s sophisticated design, underscoring the success of Sanlorenzo's collaboration with outside designers in creating a 'new generation' vessel that blends architectural principles with yacht design. #SuperyachtDesign #YachtInteriors #PieroLissoni #Sanlorenzo #Virtuosity #NauticalArchitecture #LuxuryYacht #ZucconInternationalProject #CustomYacht

The author, Duo Dickinson, identifies as an 'irretrievably analog' architect, grounding his practice in 20th-century methodologies despite operating in the 21st-century digital landscape. He acknowledges the necessity of digital tools for communication and administrative tasks, with five computer-savvy employees managing the technical aspects of his firm. While he can feign computer literacy and competently use a laptop for typing and basic internet searches, he relies on his team for advanced digital design software like AutoCAD, preferring to redline printed plans. This division of labor allows him to focus on the tangible aspects of design. The article emphasizes that building is fundamentally an analog process, stressing that 'printed' buildings using technologies like CNC for some parts are more about demonstrating innovation than providing a universal solution. Dickinson asserts that no builder considers 3D printing the ultimate answer, as every construction site is unique and requires a physical, 'here-and-now' approach. He maintains that despite advancements in digital design, actual construction exists in an analog reality. He initiates every design concept with hand drawings for clients and, crucially, creates numerous physical models annually. These models are not merely for 'selling' a design but are integral to the iterative design process, often used collaboratively with clients and town officials. This hands-on method, though considered 'edgily unusual' in today's digital climate, is highly valued by his clients, builders, and code enforcement officials. The author further illustrates the coexistence of analog and digital in daily life through personal anecdotes. He recounts an experience at a medical facility where a digitally made appointment was not recognized by the system, necessitating a human intervention that quickly resolved the issue and provided electronically delivered results. This mirrors his architectural practice where digital efficiency follows analog interaction. He also reflects on his experience as an author, having written eight books. His first five books, published with McGraw-Hill, followed a traditional, labor-intensive analog process involving typed manuscripts, physical art, and multiple hard-copy deliveries. His more recent three books, however, were created electronically, highlighting the shift in the publishing industry. Dickinson notes that contemporary publishing has pushed fringe writers like himself towards digital self-publishing platforms, such as Substack. This shift requires authors to manage editing, printing, promotion, and distribution independently, assuming all financial risk with the primary reward being ego satisfaction rather than financial partnership. He contrasts this with the collaborative and risk-sharing nature of building, where no structure is 'self-created.' He concludes by reiterating his position as an 'analog dinosaur' navigating a digitally evolving world, drawing a parallel to the Chicxulub meteor event. He firmly states that despite the pervasive digital influence, essential aspects of life, like blood draws and actual buildings, remain rooted in the analog world, regardless of attempts to lead a purely digital existence. #AnalogArchitect #ArchitecturalPractice #DigitalVsAnalog #PhysicalModels #DesignProcess #ArchitecturalDesign #PublishingIndustry #ConstructionTechnology

This blog post features an interview with Daniel Libeskind, a renowned architect known for his distinctive and passionate approach to design. Libeskind, who initially pursued a career as a professional pianist, transitioned to architecture and completed his first built project at the age of 52. Today, his portfolio includes numerous high-profile architectural endeavors, alongside growing involvement in interior and product design through Libeskind Design and Libeskind Architettura. Libeskind discusses the unifying theme across his diverse projects: a profound passion and intensity for architecture and for the world. He notes that his current work spans new horizons, encompassing cultural projects, large-scale developments across Asia, North America, and Europe. He highlights the challenge of creating unique designs that resonate with specific cultural contexts while also fostering intimate connections in an increasingly globalized world. He emphasizes architecture's ability to blend the micro and the mega, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. When asked about his current projects, Libeskind lists a multitude of engagements in various stages of development across Sao Paulo, the U.S., Canada, Berlin, Hamburg, Lüneburg, Belgium (where a convention center is under construction), Tirana, China, Singapore, Korea, and the Philippines. He acknowledges his good fortune in securing such extensive work, especially during times when many architects face difficulties. He clarifies that his firm is not a large corporation but rather a small design and architectural studio, with offices in Milan (focused on industrial design, products, interiors, and new materials) and Zurich (handling German projects). Libeskind also mentions the possibility of moving an office to Berlin, partly influenced by family reasons and an increase in German projects, now that direct flights from New York are available. He describes his creative process as non-rational and reliant on inspiration, which cannot be forced or acquired, but rather emerges from specific experiences. He elaborates on his Berlin project, Chausseestrasse 43, a rental building with units for students, designed to demonstrate that architectural volume, interesting design, and a sense of space and light can be achieved within budget constraints. He expresses a positive sentiment about returning to Berlin, a city where his first built project, The Jewish Museum Berlin, is located. His ongoing work in Germany includes an extension to the Jewish Museum, the Academy of the Jewish Museum Berlin, and the recently completed Der Kö-Bogen in Dusseldorf, a large-scale urban project that integrates two significant downtown blocks. Libeskind highlights space, light, a new sense of elevation, public accessibility, and aesthetic components as defining elements of Der Kö-Bogen. Finally, Libeskind alludes to a significant, people-focused social project underway in China, which he cannot yet disclose. He concludes by stating that he loves his work and considers it a fulfilling activity rather than a job, indicating that he has no true "downtime" because he is constantly engaged in what he enjoys. #DanielLibeskind #Architecture #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #GlobalProjects #CreativeProcess #UrbanDevelopment #ArchitecturalVision #SocialProjects

The article advocates for the widespread adoption of a Chief Architect role within city governments, highlighting the unique problem-solving skills and extensive training of architects. Cities globally face significant challenges such as climate change, affordable housing, public safety, and health disparities, which require strong leadership and inter-disciplinary solutions. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) proposes that mayors and city managers expand their cabinets to include a Chief Architect who would serve as a key advisor. Historically, many cities routinely had a Chief Architect, similar to other essential civic roles like general counsel or planning commissioner. The AIA emphasizes the need to revive this role to leverage architectural expertise in addressing contemporary urban issues. AIA California has been particularly active in advocating for "citizen architects" to be involved in governmental decision-making processes, underscoring that an architect's perspective is crucial for decisions impacting the built environment. While architects are already present in various city departments, the Chief Architect position would further enhance their impact by fostering sustainable solutions beyond individual building projects and promoting design excellence across the city. The initiative to champion Chief Architects involves collaboration between AIA and the U.S. Conference of Mayors to strengthen relationships with local leaders and elevate the profession's role in civic discourse. This effort is localized, with AIA chapters and members encouraged to engage with their mayors to discuss specific needs and the potential deployment of a carefully selected Chief Architect. The article outlines five key ways a Chief Architect can contribute to a mayor's vision and equip a city for the future. Firstly, they can champion climate action by advocating for green buildings, overseeing building codes, and promoting performance standards to achieve ecosystem health, sustainability, and resilience goals. Secondly, a Chief Architect can advance health equity by incorporating design elements that improve public health and well-being, such as accessible green spaces and the improvement of existing buildings in vulnerable communities. This addresses alarming health disparities often linked to the built environment. Thirdly, they can promote affordable housing by helping cities develop economically viable and socially responsive housing solutions, navigating complex regulations, and balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders. Fourthly, Chief Architects can lead historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, blending heritage with innovation to revitalize underused buildings, meet modern needs, and restore civic pride. Lastly, they can enhance transportation and transit-oriented development by leading the creation of efficient, equitable, and inspiring transportation hubs, which in turn can foster mixed-use projects and diverse housing options. Kimberly Dowdell, the author and 2024 AIA President, connects this initiative to her "More In ‘24" call to action, specifically focusing on "more mission." She reiterates that the core mission of AIA is to inspire and empower architects to improve society and transform the world, and the Chief Architect initiative is a direct manifestation of this mission. By integrating Chief Architects into city leadership, the aim is to build more thriving cities for all residents. #ChiefArchitect #UrbanPlanning #CivicLeadership #SustainableCities #AffordableHousing #ClimateAction #HealthEquity #ArchitecturalAdvocacy