Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal #ilmaBlog #European #History #Architecture
Posted: July 6, 2020 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, architecture history, More FC3 | Tags: #Design, #Europe, #History, #ilmaBlog, #Portugal, #Tower, Architect, Architecture, Belem Leave a commentBelém Tower (Portuguese: Torre de Belém, pronounced, officially the Tower of Saint Vincent (Portuguese: Torre de São Vicente) is a 16th-century fortification located in Lisbon that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. It was built during the height of the Portuguese Renaissance, and is a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, but it also incorporates hints of other architectural styles. The structure was built from lioz limestone and is composed of a bastion and a 30-meters (98.4 ft), four-story tower.
Since 1983, the tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Jerónimos Monastery. It is often portrayed as a symbol of Europe’s Age of Discoveries and as a metonym for Portugal or Lisbon, given its landmark status. It has incorrectly been stated that the tower was built in the middle of the Tagus and now sits near the shore because the river was redirected after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In fact, the tower was built on a small island in the Tagus river near the Lisbon shore.







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Basilica of San Lorenzo By Filippo Brunelleschi #ilmaBlog #Architecture #History
Posted: June 26, 2020 Filed under: Architecture, architecture history | Tags: Architect, Architecture, basilica, brunelleschi, Church, Design, Dome, Filippo Brunelleschi, History, Italy, Renaissance. Leave a commentThe Basilica of San Lorenzo is considered a milestone in the development of Renaissance architecture. The basilca has a complicated building history. The project was begun around 1419, under direction of Filippo Brunelleschi, Lack of funding slowed the construction and forced changes to the original design. By the early 1440s, only the sacristy (now called the Old Sacristy) had been worked on as it was being paid for by the Medici.

In 1442, the Medici stepped in to take over financial responsibility of the church as well. Brunelleschi died in 1446, however, and the job was handed either to Antonio Manetti or to Michelozzo; scholars are not certain. Though the building was “completed” in 1459 in time for a visit to Florence by Pius II, the chapels along the right-hand aisles were still being built in the 1480s and 1490s.

By the time the building was done, aspects of its layout and detailing no longer corresponded to the original plan. The principal difference is that Brunelleschi had envisioned the chapels along the side aisles to be deeper, and to be much like the chapels in the transept, the only part of the building that is known to have been completed to Brunelleschi’s design.

The most celebrated and grandest part of San Lorenzo are the Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels) in the apse. The Medici were still paying for it when the last member of the family, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, died in 1743. Almost fifty lesser members of the family are buried in the crypt. The final design (1603–1604) was by Bernardo Buontalenti, based on models of Alessandro Pieroni and Matteo Nigetti. Above is the Cappella dei Principi(Chapel of the Princes), a great but awkwardly domed octagonal hall where the grand dukes themselves are buried.
The style shows Mannerist eccentricities in its unusual shape, broken cornices, and asymmetrically sized windows. In the interior, the ambitious decoration with colored marbles overwhelms the attempts at novel design (Wittkower, R. p. 126). At its centre was supposed to be the Holy Sepulchre itself, although attempts to buy and then steal it from Jerusalem failed.

For more information on the work of Filippo Brunelleschi click here.
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ILMA of the Week: Antoni Gaudí
Posted: June 25, 2020 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, ILMA Architect of the Week | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Art, Design, ILMA, Modern, Spain 1 CommentOn this day in 1852, Antoni Gaudí was born. Ahead of his time and a genius of modernist architecture, seven of his buildings in and around Barcelona are listed as UNESCO World Heritage.











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ILMA of the Week: Thomas Jefferson
Posted: April 13, 2020 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Architect of the Week | Tags: Architect, Architecture Leave a commentThomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He previously served as the second vice president of the United States from 1797 to 1801.
The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was a proponent of democracy, republicanism, and individual rights, motivating American colonists to break from the Kingdom of Great Britain and form a new nation; he produced formative documents and decisions at both the state and national level.
Along with the design of his own home, Monticello, Jefferson the architect is best known for his plans for the University of Virginia. Jefferson designed the initial buildings as an “academical village” in which students and professors would live, learn, and teach in community.
The original buildings were planned not only as housing for students and professors but also as models of architecture. Jefferson designed the most ambitious of the original buildings, the Rotunda, on the model of the Roman Pantheon. Today the University’s grounds are recognized as one of the most beautiful and important college campuses in the country.
Thomas Jefferson was a passionate student of architecture whose designs are among the most influential in the early history of the United States. As a student at the College of William and Mary he purchased his first book on the subject and later assembled one of the largest libraries on architecture in America. He was particularly influenced by the classical style of Andrea Palladio, who emphasized symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns. These principles then came to define the architecture of the early United States, first in Richmond, with Jefferson’s design of the State Capitol, and then in Washington, D.C., where he influenced decisions on the design of the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Jefferson is perhaps best known for his homes—Monticello, in Albemarle County, and Poplar Forest, in Bedford County—which became laboratories for Jefferson’s design interests and his many influences. Monticello, in particular, brought together Jefferson’s obsessions with classical forms and his admiration for contemporary France. During his retirement, Jefferson established the University of Virginia, creating a distinctive, U-shaped design of connected pavilions and a domed Rotunda circling a long, narrow green space. Along with Monticello, the university is considered to be one of the highlights of American architecture and cemented Jefferson’s legacy as a designer. MORE…
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Ask the Architect: How Will Technology Change the Way We Live in the Future? #ILMA #Architecture #Ideas #Design #Planning
Posted: November 12, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Ask the Architect, Design, Science & Technology | Tags: Architect, Architecture, ArchyTechy, Design, Designer, Future, Ideas, ILMA, Life in the future, Planning Leave a comment
What are some predictions about technologies that will shape our lives in the next 15-20 years?
- High-rise farms
- Lab-grown meats
- Space tourism
- The colonization of other planets
- Robots in space and in the workplace
- Electric vehicles and self-driving cars
- Robot butlers
- Roads over rivers
- Flying cars
- Solar panel technology
- Hyper-fast trains
- Augmented/Mixed Reality
- Gesture-based computing
- Wearable screens
- Driverless Trucks
- 3D printed food
- 3D printed metal

- Fridges and appliances that order for you
- Smart toothbrushes that send data to your dentist
- Smart mirrors that check your health
- A toilet that analyses your deposits
- 5G mobile connectivity
- Light Fidelity runs wireless communications that travel at very high speeds. With Li-Fi, your light blub is essentially your router.
- Exo-Skeletons
- Recycling and re-engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robot soldiers
- Healthcare Nanobots
- Cloud gaming without machines
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Production & Productivity: Part 4/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture
Posted: November 9, 2019 Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Communications, Construction, Design, Design Team, FC3, Ideas, Ideas Worth Sharing, ILMABlog, People, Principles, Production, Productivity, Technology Leave a commentA 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.
PART FOUR
Project Resource Allocation and Resource Management
The resources of an organization consist of people, materials, equipment, knowledge and time. Organizations typically have limited resources; therefore, tradeoffs on what project resources are expended and when are made every day within organizations. A resource allocation plan is an important tool in effective management of scarce resources. The timing of the need of those resources can be and should be determined within the project schedules. A resource plan, which describes the type of resource needed and the timing of that need, is critical to effective resource management. As the project schedule changes, the resource plan must also be flexible enough to adjust as these changes occur.
Production – During Design

Construction drawings are produced by the design team, and go through several drafts during the design phase before the final draft becomes part of the contract, which is then sent out to be bid on by contractors. The winning contractor is bound by all of the contract documentation, including the construction drawings (click here for more information).
Construction Drawings:
- Represent the building as a whole as designed
- Are produced by the design team
- In a traditional construction environment, are created before the project is bid on
- Are official contract documents
- Are subject to mark-ups, change orders, and redlining throughout the project
Shop Drawings:
- Represent building components as designed
- Are produced by the contractor and subcontractors
- In a traditional construction environment, are created after the project is awarded and before construction begins
- Are not usually official contract documents
- May be subject to mark-ups, change orders, and redlining
As-Built Drawings:
- Represent the building as a whole and all its components as actually constructed
- Are produced by the contractor and subcontractors
- Are produced after the project is complete
- Are sometimes mandated by the contract but are not part of the contract documents
- May be subject to change during later renovations, but represent the final documents upon completion of initial construction
Production – During Construction

Lean Project Delivery
- Lean construction is a method of production aimed at reducing costs, materials, time and effort.
- Minimize the bad and maximize the good.
- The desired outcome would be to maximize the value and output of a project while minimizing wasteful aspects and time delay.
- Beneficial for general and subcontractors
- Communication drives the project
- What goals should the project team be working toward?
- What goals can be achieved reasonably?
- What commitments has each last planner made?
- Has each contractor or supplier met their schedule promises?
- How has each company performed, and what could be changed or improved if any member of the project team fails to meet a milestone?

Prefabricated Construction
- Material Management and Installation
- Formal Quality Program
- Efficient Coordination of Work
- Diligent Supervision of Work
- Standardized Internal Inspection and Tests
- Third Party and Consultant Reviews
- Improved Communications
- Experienced Teams and Worker Skills
- Quality Culture
- Prefab rooms allow for simultaneous progress
- Easy assembly for large projects
- Streamlining onsite labor processes
Types of Prefab:
- Panelized Wood Framing
- Timber Framing
- Concrete Systems
- Steel Framing
- Modular Systems
Benefits of Prefab
- Eco-Friendly
- Financial Savings
- Consistent Quality
- Flexibility
- Reduced Site Disruption
- Shorter Construction Time
- Safety
Technology and Automation

- Software & Mobile Apps
- Offsite Construction
- AI & Machine Learning (click here for more information)
- Safety & Training (click here for more information)
- Augmented & Virtual Reality (click here)
- Wearables
- Site Sensors
- Labor Shortages
- Drones (click here)
- Robots (click here)
- Autonomous Heavy Equipment (click here)
- Collaboration
- Mobile Technology
- BIM (click here)
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We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
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I Love My Architect – Facebook
- Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal #ilmaBlog #European #History #Architecture
- Basilica of San Lorenzo By Filippo Brunelleschi #ilmaBlog #Architecture #History
- ILMA of the Week: Antoni Gaudí
- The 10 Most Important Things I Learned from My Parents and Hope to Teach My Kids
- ILMA of the Week: Thomas Jefferson
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Architecture of the People for the People: Part 3/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture
Posted: September 14, 2019 Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Communications, Design, Design Team, FC3, ILMABlog, People, Principles Leave a commentA 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.
PART THREE
Architecture of the People for the People
Culture of Stakeholders: When project stakeholders do not share a common culture, project management must adapt its organizations and work processes to cope with cultural differences.
The following are three major aspects of cultural difference that can affect a project:
- Communications
- Negotiations
- Decision making
Communication is perhaps the most visible manifestation of culture. Architects, owner representatives, project managers, and contractors often confront cultural differences in communication in language, context, and candor. Language is clearly the greatest barrier to communication. When project stakeholders do not share the same language, communication slows down and is often filtered to share only information that is deemed critical.
The barrier to communication can influence project execution where quick and accurate exchange of ideas and information is critical. The interpretation of information reflects the extent that context and candor influence cultural expressions of ideas and understanding of information. In some cultures, an affirmative answer to a question does not always mean yes. The cultural influence can create confusion on a project where project stakeholders represent more than one culture.

Some tips for effective communication
(based on the 10 Tips for Effective Communication by Liz Kingsnorth):
- An intention for connection.
- Listen more than you speak.
- Understand the other person first.
- Understand needs, wishes and values.
- Begin with empathy.
- Take responsibility for your feelings.
- Make requests that are practical, specific and positive.
- Use accurate, neutral descriptions.
- Be willing to hear “No”.
- Ways we communicate other than words.

Without the people on a project a great building will never be built. We need to empathize with all the workers and consultants that help make a project a reality and see things from their perspective and find common ground to develop solutions that work for the overall good of the project.
If you are dealing with toxic individuals consider the following advice:
- Set limits. Take it from me, toxic people do not do well with boundaries.
- Pick your battles wisely. It’s tricky to balance being cordial with not wanting to normalize someone’s emotionally abusive behavior.
- Recognize and distance yourself from their behavior.
- Focus on the positive.
- Utilize your support system.
More advice on tackling problematic individuals is available by clicking here.

The skills which are needed to take on task-focused team roles include:
- Organizing and Planning Skills. Being organized is essential to getting tasks done.
- Decision-Making.
- Problem-Solving.
- Communication Skills.
- Persuasion and Influencing Skills.
- Feedback Skills.
- Skills in Chairing Meetings.
- Conflict resolution.
Who is Going to Use the Architecture You Create?
Finally, and most importantly it is important to consider the occupants who will be using the space. As most of the work I do is in the public realm, I always consider how best to create spaces that are accessible and inclusive to everyone. It is important to always focus on the people who will be using the spaces that you design and create.
Hopefully, the analysis provided in this post will help you start to think about ways that working with others can help you build a strong team to help you accomplish your project goals. Without people, architecture cannot be designed or constructed on a large scale.
Subscribe to our blog for updates on each of the 12 doctrines established by Frank CunhaIII, AIA, NCARB, MBA.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
- Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal #ilmaBlog #European #History #Architecture
- Basilica of San Lorenzo By Filippo Brunelleschi #ilmaBlog #Architecture #History
- ILMA of the Week: Antoni Gaudí
- The 10 Most Important Things I Learned from My Parents and Hope to Teach My Kids
- ILMA of the Week: Thomas Jefferson
Purpose of Architecture: Part 2/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture
Posted: September 8, 2019 Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Design, FC3, ILMABlog, Principles Leave a commentA 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.
PART TWO
Purpose of Architecture
The purpose of Architecture is to improve human life. Create timeless, free, joyous spaces for all activities in life. The infinite variety of these spaces can be as varied as life itself and they must be as sensible as nature in deriving from a main idea and flowering into a beautiful entity. The overriding essence is found in the intangibles, life–heart–soul–spirit–freedom–enduring within the structure. The basic needs of the human being and the subtle variations of the individual are the source for Real Architecture as well as, of course, the natural environment and the natural use of materials. Thus creating – new- changing- to infinity yet timeless Architecture.
–John Lautner, Architect F.A.I.A.
The quote above from Lautner captures the essence of what Architects try to achieve. You can learn more about Lautner by clicking here for his biography. Great design is all about great purpose. Without a purpose Architecture is just a sculpture. Learn more about “Sculpture Architects” by clicking here.









To design with a purpose is the ability to find a special meaning and correlation (and co-relationship) with the occupant and the built work itself. The space transcends the normal reality and lifts the spirits in a way that is difficult to describe in words, but offers us a special feeling. (You can read about design that transcends by clicking here.)
Architecture that is purposeful can lift the soul – take for example, Notre Dame Cathedral, the design of the space helps lift the occupant in mind, body and spirit through the use of architectural elements: sacredness, sublime, spaces that reach for the sky, ornamental detail, colorful fenestrations, light, beauty, rhythm, patterns and repetition, to name a few.
Not only can sacred spaces serve a purpose and transcend the mind and soul, but so can other great works of Architecture, like museums, train stations, office towers, civic structures, homes and schools. Purpose when combined with architectural beauty and refinement offers people something special that has meaning. That is what our souls crave, people, places and things that can fill our lives with meaning.
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Inspirational Photo Sources:
Hedjuk Wall House https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/41/e0/4e41e019b44ff5475e74a1c2cb78b6e6.jpg
Residential Architecture Example: http://nestpearls.blogspot.com/2013/03/sublime-architecture-chisels-ideal.html
Libeskind Jewish Museum in Berlin: https://www.world-architects.com/it/studio-libeskind-new-york/project/jewish-museum-berlin
São Bento Railway Station, Porto, Portugal: https://mostlytrue.blog/2019/02/16/sao-bento-railway-station-porto/
Thomas Heatherwick’s 2010 Seed Cathedral pavilion: https://archinect.com/news/article/150032966/paul-goldberger-on-the-science-behind-sublime-architecture
Guggenheim Museum in NYC by FLW: https://www.guggenheim.org/the-frank-lloyd-wright-building
The Principles of Architecture: Part 1/12 of the 12 P’s–– A Guideline of Design for Architects and Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect #ilmaBlog #Architecture
Posted: September 2, 2019 Filed under: 12 P's Guidelines by FC3, Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, JustArch, More FC3, Uncategorized | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Design, Ideas, People, Principles Leave a commentA 12 part series on the 12 P’s Doctrine: A Guideline of Design for Architects & Other People Who Want to Save the World and Design Like an Architect; developed by Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB, MBA.
PART ONE
First, we start with the solid foundation and the importance of “Principles” in the practice of Architecture.

The Principles of Architecture
For someone to begin to think like an Architect or become an Architect there must be some knowledge of the principles of Architecture. The knowledge gained is not something that can be grasped in a course or in one year, but it is something that requires a life time. That is why an Architecture office is called a practice because the architects are practicing a craft. There is so much to learn about so many different things. Alas, we must start someplace and start building a solid foundation of knowledge about the topic we love. As we learn, make (small) mistakes and adjustments we are able to hone our craft and get better with time and experience. Having a solid foundation of knowledge and precedents will help you become a better designer.

It has been generally assumed that a complete theory of architecture is always concerned essentially in some way or another with these three interrelated terms, which, in Marcus Vitruvius Pollio’s Latin text (De Architectura (On Architecture), a handbook for Roman architects), are given as:
- Firmatis (Durability) – It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
- Utilitas (Utility) – It should be useful and function well for the people using it.
- Venustatis (Beauty) – It should delight people and raise their spirits.
Nevertheless, a number of influential theorists after 1750 sought to make modifications to this traditional triad. Architects will always tend to argue, evolve, adapt and create more concepts and principles, however, these fundamental themes are a great starting point to start to build knowledge.

Other concepts to consider as guiding principles of good architectural design:
- BALANCE – Balance in design is similar to balance in physics. A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. Balance provides stability and structure to a design. It’s the weight distributed in the design by the placement of your elements.
- PROXIMITY – Proximity creates relationship between elements. It provides a focal point. Proximity doesn’t mean that elements have to be placed together, it means they should be visually connected in some way.
- ALIGNMENT – Allows us to create order and organization. Aligning elements allows them to create a visual connection with each other.
- REPETITION – Repetition strengthens a design by tying together individual elements. It helps to create association and consistency. Repetition can create rhythm (a feeling of organized movement).
- CONTRAST – Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements (opposite colors on the color wheel, or value light / dark, or direction – horizontal / vertical). Contrast allows us to emphasize or highlight key elements in your design.
- SPACE – Space in art refers to the distance or area between, around, above, below, or within elements. Both positive and negative space are important factors to be considered in every design.
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I Love My Architect – Facebook
Ask the Architect: What Are Some Questions College Administrators Should Ask Themselves Before They Start Planning for the Future? #Architect #UniversityArchitect #Ideas #Design #Planning
Posted: August 16, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Ask the Architect, Campus Planning & Design, Design, Design Thinking, Education, Higher Education - Architecture & Design, University Leave a commentSometimes Architects Design and Sometimes They Ask Questions – Here are 50 Questions for College Administrators to Consider as They Prepare to Plan For Their Future:
- As an institution what are we good at? What are we not so good at?
- Where do we want to go – What is our vision for where we are headed – academically and as a family of diverse individuals?
- How will people of all ages (continue to) learn in the future?
- How will students live, communicate, develop, work, play, share?
- What is the hierarchical structure of education (Provost, students, Student-Life; Administration vs Educators)?
- How can we address “Exclusivity Vs Inclusivity” within education (i.e., white, blue, green collars all working together)?
- What traditions do we want to keep?
- What traditions do we want to eliminate?
- How can we offer more value? How can we offer more by spending less?
- How can we accelerate/decelerate the process – what needs to speed up and what needs to slow down?
- How can we attract more students from in-state and from out-of-state?
- How can we offer more online/hybrid and flip classroom learning? What other educational methods should we explore?
- Who are our clients? Can we identify the student of the future (identity, celebrate, identity)?
- How can we establish a “network” of future business/professional relationships?
- How can we enable a positive transformation of self-awareness and development into early adulthood?
- The “College Experience,” what does this mean? What will it mean in the future?
- How can we become more sustainable? Are we creating a culture that values the planet?
- What are some sustainable strategies that we do well, what are some we need to work on?
- How can we utilize our spaces more efficiently during off-hours?
- How can we provide better connections to the outdoors, nightlife, theater, arts, dining, sports and other events?
- How can we offer more opportunities for community engagement?
- How can we consider the college campus as a living laboratory?
- What is the changing role of the professor/instructors?
- How can we form better interdisciplinary relationships from different colleges to inter-pollinate ideas with one another?
- How can we focus and capitalize on our strengths instead of our weakness?
- Is the “Tiny house” concept viable for student housing?
- Instead of student housing should we follow a “hotel” model?
- What does a student center of the future look like? What is a library of the future look like?
- Can we create a new model for (higher) education so our students never stop learning/growing?
- Is it viable to transform from a singularly “degree” approach to a “tool box” approach where students gain the building blocks they need for that stage of their career?
- What are some public/private partnership opportunities?
- How can we promote health and wellness on our campus?
- How can we create a walkable campus for all our students and guests?
- How can we support our professors and researchers?
- How can we develop programs that engage the residents of the state?
- How can we develop a culture of caring and giving that shares the same positive values?
- How can we capitalize on our close relationship with local parks?
- How can we create a better connection with urban areas – Jersey City, Patterson, New York City, etc.?
- How can we become an “Innovation” district in our state?
- How can we start recruiting students at an earlier age?
- How can we better retain our students?
- How can we better support our students educational goals?
- How can we offer the best college experience for our students?
- How can our built facilities improve lives of the people we serve?
- How can our grounds improve lives of the people we serve?
- How can our people (bus drivers, gardeners, housekeepers, librarians, etc.) improve lives of the people we serve?
- How can we become an institution that others want to emulate?
- Is there a way that we can work with industry/business partners to leverage our role as an academic research facility?
- How can we make learning fun and enjoyable?
- How can we offer more meaning to people’s lives?
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Eco Friendly Building Material, Newspaperwood
Posted: July 15, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Green | Tags: Architect, architectural, Architectural Design, Designer, ECO, Efabism, Environment, finish, finishes, green, Innovation, interior design, material Leave a commentYou might already recycle your newspaper, but instead of it being ground into paper for a second go around, it could be made into “wood.” Now, that might sound backward – paper turning back into wood and not the other way around. But really, it brings the paper and wood process full circle and makes complete sense. The Dutch designers/founders of NewspaperWood found that compressing newspaper and glue into many thin layers creates a wood grain texture that works for various home applications. They work by request only, but you’ll want to check them out.

(Source: https://elemental.green/11-eco-friendly-house-building-materials-based-waste)
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
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FRANK CUNHA III
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The @FelicianoCenter’s @MIXLabDesign Design Charrette for “B.E.L.A.” Summer High School Program Entailing the Redevelopment of a Significant Urban Historic Site #UrbanPlanning #Redevelopment #Business #Entrepreneur #Education #HighSchool #DesignThink #Innovation #NJEd @MontclairStateU
Posted: July 10, 2019 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, Education, Green, Leadership, More FC3 | Tags: Architecture, Autonomous Vechicles, Charrette, Design, Design Think, Education, Feliciano, High School Students, Historical, Innovation, Kids, LEED, Mixed Use, MIXLAB, Montclair NJ, Montclair State University, Planning, preservation, PURE, Redevelopment, Retail, School of Business, SITES, Smart Cities, Solving for X, students, Summer Program, Sustainability, Technology, University Architect, Urban, WELL Leave a comment
On July 9, 2019, in the capacity of University Architect at Montclair State University (and Alumni of the Feliciano School of Business). I had the privilege of participating in a design charrette with a local high school. The project consists of an urban redevelopment site with a precious historical building at the site. I was invited by the people who run the Montclair State University MIX Lab (Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship), an interdisciplinary hub for transformative innovation, and digitally mediated making.

M.I.X. stands for Making and Innovating for X, where X is the unknown, that which exceeds our grasp, the future, and the open-ended nature of creativity, good design and big problems. The co-directors of MIX Lab are Iain Kerr, associate professor of Innovation Design, and Jason Frasca, entrepreneurship instructor.
I graciously accepted Jason and Ian’s invitation to participate as a guest critic along with another fellow professional, Frank Gerard Godlewski of Fellsbridge Studio LLC, who specializes in historic preservation in the area where the redevelopment project is located. The format for the design charrette, hosted by the MIX Lab for the high school program led by high school teacher, Kevin Richburg, included: (1) The students, in groups of 4-5, presented their concepts for the redevelopment of the site (there were 5 teams); (2) the guest critics gave suggestions and further thoughts on how to further explore and develop the student’s ideas; (3) the guest critics summed up their thoughts for all the students with key take-aways. The following is a recap of what I learned from the students (in so far as what is the most significant to them) and the key take-aways I offered the students (in no particular order of importance) from my perspective as an Architect who has been involved in the planning, design and construction of projects over the past 20-years.
What the Student Teams Focused on as Key Ideas for their Projects:
- Historic preservation of the existing building
- Connecting with local community
- Local and state pride
- Affordability
- Sustainability
- Celebration of diversity and inclusion
- Love of the arts
- Focus on the user “experience”
- Spaces for families to enjoy
- Entertainment
- Accessibility to quality food and goods
- Mixing of “Bright and Bold” historic and modern elements
- Transformative
- “Modern” vibe
Proposed Amenities of the Re-Development Site:
- Supermarkets (one group proposed a two-story whole sale supermarket)
- Open-air markets (farmer markets, etc.)
- Retail, restaurants, food trucks
- Open space, a square or plaza
- Parking for visitors (possible tunnel or bridge)
- Parking at perimeter
Types of Buildings (Programmed Spaces)
- Main historic building’s exterior appearance
- Main historic building’s exterior appearance
- Explore modernization of existing historic building interior to suite new uses
- Mixed use buildings with green roofs and roof top patios
- Modern, light and transparent
- Restaurants and sports bars
- Entertainment – bowling alley, arcade, movie theater
- Arts – Museum showcasing tradition and innovation
- Grocery stores
- Food trucks
- Retail
- Technology/electronics-based retail
- Main historic building’s exterior appearance
- Explore modernization of existing historic building interior to suite new uses
- Mixed use buildings with green roofs and roof top patios
- Modern, light and transparent
- Restaurants and sports bars
- Entertainment – bowling alley, arcade, movie theater
- Arts – Museum showcasing tradition and innovation
- Grocery stores
- Food trucks
- Retail
- Technology/electronics-based retail
Types of Exterior Spaces
- Open spaces with green lawns and fountains
- Places to reflect and remember
- ·Field with stage and seating
- Outdoor seating for restaurants
- Areas to relax

Key Take-Aways & Ideas for Further Exploration:
- Site plans – Delineate site elements separately from building elements (so easier to comprehend) using color or graphics (Example)
- Floor plans – Delineate building areas/rooms with designated color so it is easier to understand program of spaces (i.e., circulation vs apartments vs retail vs support spaces, etc.) (Example)
- Work together as a team – commemorate each other’s strengths but give everyone credit even those whose work may be behind the scenes
- Focus on one main idea (let other ideas support the one main theme)
- Context and Scale – Observe and learn from the surrounding community; apply those elements to the proposed project so that it complements the adjoining communities
- Materials – Understand how the new materials can complement the historic ones (let the original historic building stand on its own and celebrate its historical significance)
- Consider “big box” retail versus the Local “pop ups” (gentrification good and bad)
- Parking/Transportation – As mass transportation has changed from ships to locomotives to buses and cars; look to the future as the world heads to autonomous vehicles (particularly China). If parking is required think about how a parking lot or parking garage can be transformed in the future. Example
- Sustainability is important but do not forget to consider W.E.L.L. as well. LEED/Sustainability concepts Resource 1 ; Resource 2 also check out the following link for ides about other program types for the redevelopment project Resource 3
- Consider more technology in your projects, for instance: Smart Cities, AR/VR, and other innovate concepts, like: Immersive Experience and Virtual reality in theme park attractions. Also consider utilizing QR Codes as a teaching tool.
- Consider developing a pedestrian mall by converting an existing street into a pedestrian friendly zone like they have done in Jersey City, NJ or Times Square, New York City, NY or Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas, NV, the taking cars, trucks and buses off the street and giving the spaces back to the pedestrians who can enjoy it (also it would make the entire site one big site instead of two separate parcels dived by thru traffic).
- Lastly, and not least important, when considering injecting modern elements with historic architecture, it must be considered whether the original is to remain intact or be altered. There are interesting examples of tasteful alterations, however, the older I get the less comfortable I am with injecting new with old for the sake of “shock” value (where as a student of architecture 20 years ago the concept was more appealing). I reminded the students of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, and the ensuing debate that is going on whether or not the renovations/upgrades should be true to the original or whether the new design should be bold and innovating and perhaps less true to the original. Whether the designers choose to go in one direction or another much thought should be given to preserving the historical elements of our precious structures because they are irreplaceable (think Grand Central Station in New York City, NY, which acted as a catalyst for the preservation movement). Click here to read about the history of the Preservation Battle of Grand Central Station.
Overall, I was impressed by the talent and creativity of all the students and I was pleased with the quality of their presentations. I hope I was able to contribute in some small way to the success of their respective projects. The high school student participants’ contributions to the build environment would be welcomed by the design and construction industry, since the students are willing to understand and develop their skills in the area of deep thought, innovation, design, construction and socio-economic concepts at an early age. I gladly encouraged each and every one of them by letting them know that if they choose a career in architecture, engineering, real-estate development, construction or related field that they would certainly all be able to achieve their goals based on their willingness and eagerness to learn and present their visions and concepts. I hope my involvement was as rewarding for the students as it was for me.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
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@FrankCunhaIII Speaking at EAST COAST GREEN on June 21, 2019 About Sustainability at College Campuses #UniversityArchitect #Campus #GreenArchitect #Eco #ilmaBlog
Posted: June 14, 2019 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, Campus Planning & Design, Green, Isms, Uncategorized | Tags: #AIA, #AIA NJ, #Campus, #College, #University, #UniversityArchitect #Campus #GreenArchitect #Eco #ilmaBlog Leave a commentNetwork, Learn, & be Inspired by the Living Building Challenge certified Willow School, hosting AIA-NJ’s 9th annual East Coast Green conference 6/21.
Want to see a rainwater catchment system that flushes all toilets, solar energy that provides 100% of a building’s power, healthy materials, design for optimal daylight and fresh air and a sustainable managed site that includes a man-made wetland to treat all waste onsite and a lush variety of gardens instead of lawn?
4 Education tracks in Energy, Human Experience, Materials, and Certifications provide continuing education credits throughout the day. Join us and mingle with Architects, Interior Designers, Engineers, Building Owners, Contractors and related industry professionals.
Local/organic breakfast, lunch and evening reception with open bar (beer/wine) included! www.eastcoast-green.com Sponsorship and registration available!
Click on the links below for more information about East Coast Green
Speakers: https://eastcoast-green.com/speakers
Schedule of Events: https://eastcoast-green.com/schedule/
Latest @FC3Architect Project Under Construction Helps Serve “Community Supported Agriculture” in New Jersey
Posted: June 1, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Construction, More FC3, My Firm, Uncategorized | Tags: agriculture, aquaponics, Bio, family owned, farm to table, farms, Greenhouse, local business, New Jersey, NJ, support local business, Sustainable, sustainable farming Leave a commentAs someone who can never say no to a new challenge Frank Cunha III, AIA, worked with Greater Greens, LLC to help figure out some building details to design and construct a new head house for their new greenhouse. Since the greenhouse was designed off-site and shipped as a kit of parts, I worked with the agricultural company and the local building department to work out the details to meet the code requirements for this agricultural project. Although the entire process was new to me it helped me stretch my current design skills and helped me learn about a whole new industry that promotes sustainable farming practices while serving the local community with healthy ingredients.
Family Owned and Operated Establishment
Greater Greens, LLC uses two organic farming practices on their farm and they are extremely committed to sustainably producing clean nutrient rich food. They utilize aquaponics which creates a symbiotic relationship between fish and plants, where each can mutually grow and thrive. They also use their bio-intensive farming practices to mimic nature and promote healthy soil which means nutrient packed produce for their customers.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
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