Progression and reuse are two central components of this planning process. We say it often - the most sustainable building is the one that is already built. As designers, we seek to understand as much as possible about a place before beginning our work. Josh Lacasse joined the Placework team about a year ago, and... Read more »
“Humans created the challenges facing this site, but it’s by turning back toward the natural world where we find inspiration.” Climate Change. Preservation. Culture. These words evoke complex ideas, connotations, definitions, and emotions. For Placework, they also define our work with and for Strawbery Banke Museum. Our most recent project addresses all three: a... Read more »
At Placework we think deeply about the assets of the natural world and how we can act as responsible stewards so that future generations can inhabit thriving natural ecosystems that coexist with the built environment. “It was a life changing day - seeing what can happen outdoors, feeling how it impacted me, and how it... Read more »
A good climate action plan is not just a laundry list of regulations; it should help cities and towns advance the goals for development, health, equity, resiliency, and job creation while preparing for the impacts of climate change. Many NH seacoast municipalities are currently developing Climate Action Plans. In Portsmouth, a group of residents that... Read more »
How can we do better? How can we redirect a process that we have shaped to be destructive to the natural world into one that is regenerative? Climate action comes in many forms. From individual habits to federal policy, corporate initiatives to art installations, climate action is often perceived as something other than business as... Read more »
Alyssa recently published an article in Forum, the magazine of AIA New Hampshire. To see the article, click here, or read the text as reprinted below. Annually, the embodied carbon of buildings is responsible for 11% of global GHG emissions. The Imperatives outlined by AIA in the 2025 Strategic Plan are bold, visionary, and require the... Read more »
Last month the US Senate passed H.R. 3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the “INVEST in America Act.” As architects that advocate for progressive planning that supports environmental and equitable communities, we see this bill – which will hopefully soon become law - as a major step forward. It is progress... Read more »
Learning new software is always a hurdle, but prioritizing sustainability in building design is no longer optional. ENERGY USAGE AND CARBON ACCOUNTING The urgency of the climate crisis demands rapid reduction of the environmental impact of buildings. To make sure we’re on track to meet our goals, we’ve spent the past year embracing new tools... Read more »
As regenerative practitioners we guide project teams through a process that considers the true purpose of the project and its potential to bring positive social, cultural, and ecological impacts. DRIVEN BY LIVING SYSTEMS Although regenerative practice is not a new concept, it has recently been gaining traction in the architecture world. At its core, regenerative... Read more »
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