Let the Kids Decide

From the humble beginnings of a swing and a sand box, playgrounds have evolved into full-blown destinations with intricate themes, colorful structures and summertime splash pads.  However, research has shown that a playground, regardless of its extravagance,  is successful only if it facilitates unstructured and imaginative play.  A project in New York City [...]

SketchUp Tips: #1 Shortcuts

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program used by many designers as a way of quickly exploring simple and complex design projects.  Over the past 6 years, I have had the opportunity to become intimate with this program and now I would like to share some of that knowledge.  So for all you [...]

Power of the People

What turns a block into a neighborhood? Studies across the country show that the care and safety of an area depends on the sense of ownership residents bestow on their community.  This can be initiated or enhanced in a variety of ways, but one way is by creating or improving a shared amenity [...]