At Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, RED stands for Research (into innovative materials, processes, and methodologies), Exchange (of ideas via dialogue, inquiry, and creativity), and Develop (ideas and applications that align with BBB’s practice and culture).
The firmwide initiative has hosted guest speakers, created exhibit areas in its two offices (New York and Washington, D.C.), and launched an internal digital dialogue tool organized by channel (materials, processes, etc.) for sharing ideas and resources.
What really hit a hot button with staff was this spring’s Research Award competition. Teams from New York and D.C. submitted 10 proposals, each designed to support innovative ideas that could positively disrupt BBB’s practice. A blind jury of BBB and outside design professionals picked two winners to receive three-month research grants.
Natalya Shimanovskaya, LEED AP BD+C, and Associate Lissette Méndez-Boyer, both of the New York office, won for “FABRICation—Flexible Adaptable Block, a Responsive and Intelligent Construction.” They will explore fabric through knitting and crocheting, while conducting a parallel study of design through parametric application. The end result will be expressed in a physical installation.
A team of three D.C.-office BBBers—Associates Scott Archer, LEED AP ND, Associate; Caroline VanAcker, Assoc. AIA; and Elizabeth Ellington, AICP, LEED AP, Associate—and Architectural/Urban Designer Michael O’Neill of the New York office hit it big with “DDD”: Data Driven (Urban) Design. They’ll be looking into the firm’s extensive database of New York City and Washington, D.C., waterfronts and engaging GIS mapping tools to generate data-rich urban design models.
The RED teams will present their findings to the entire 195-person firm this fall.
Read about more innovations from BD+C's 2016 Great Solutions Report
Related Stories
Design Innovation Report | Apr 27, 2023
BD+C's 2023 Design Innovation Report
Building Design+Construction’s Design Innovation Report presents projects, spaces, and initiatives—and the AEC professionals behind them—that push the boundaries of building design. This year, we feature four novel projects and one building science innovation.
Design Innovation Report | Apr 19, 2023
Reinforced concrete walls and fins stiffen and shade the National Bank of Kuwait skyscraper
When the National Bank of Kuwait first conceived its new headquarters more than a decade ago, it wanted to make a statement about passive design with a soaring tower that could withstand the extreme heat of Kuwait City, the country’s desert capital.
Design Innovation Report | Apr 19, 2023
HDR uses artificial intelligence tools to help design a vital health clinic in India
Architects from HDR worked pro bono with iKure, a technology-centric healthcare provider, to build a healthcare clinic in rural India.
3D Printing | Apr 11, 2023
University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory unveils Shell Wall—a concrete wall that’s lightweight and freeform 3D printed
The University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory has unveiled a new product called Shell Wall—which the organization describes as the first lightweight, freeform 3D printed and structurally reinforced concrete wall. The innovative product leverages DART Laboratory’s research and development on the use of 3D-printing technology to build structures that require less concrete.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Transportation & Parking Facilities | Mar 23, 2023
Amsterdam debuts underwater bicycle parking facility that can accommodate over 4,000 bikes
In February, Amsterdam saw the opening of a new underwater bicycle parking facility. Located in the heart of the city—next to Amsterdam Central Station and under the river IJ (Amsterdam’s waterfront)—the facility, dubbed IJboulevard, has parking spots for over 4,000 bicycles, freeing up space on the street.
Concrete | Jan 24, 2023
Researchers investigate ancient Roman concrete to make durable, lower carbon mortar
Researchers have turned to an ancient Roman concrete recipe to develop more durable concrete that lasts for centuries and can potentially reduce the carbon impact of the built environment.
Sponsored | Resiliency | Dec 14, 2022
Flood protection: What building owners need to know to protect their properties
This course from Walter P Moore examines numerous flood protection approaches and building owner needs before delving into the flood protection process. Determining the flood resilience of a property can provide a good understanding of risk associated costs.
Giants 400 | Nov 14, 2022
4 emerging trends from BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report
Regenerative design, cognitive health, and jobsite robotics highlight the top trends from the 519 design and construction firms that participated in BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
A robot automates elevator installation
Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.