Category: Optima Culture

Biophilic Design at the Barbican Centre

Posted on by Nancy

At Optima®, our approach to design is guided by the belief that spaces should foster a deep connection between people and the natural world. This philosophy, known as biophilic design, is not only a cornerstone of our architecture but also part of a broader architectural legacy. One of the earliest and most iconic examples of biophilic architecture can be found in London’s Barbican Centre—a cultural complex and residential community where the interplay of urbanity and nature creates an enduring sense of harmony.

Brutalism Meets Biophilia
The Barbican, designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon and completed in stages between 1969 and 1982, is often described as a masterpiece of Brutalism. Its raw concrete surfaces, geometric massing, and elevated pedestrian walkways reflect the architectural ethos of its time. Yet beyond its monumental scale and striking form, the Barbican introduced a groundbreaking idea: that nature could be embedded into the DNA of a massive urban development.

Balcony landscaping at the Barbican Centre. Credit: Benny Dennis on Pexels.

Rebuilding a Bombed Landscape with Nature
The site itself was a postwar scar—a heavily bombed section of London left devastated by the Blitz. Rather than rebuild in a purely utilitarian way, the architects envisioned a “city within a city,” where cultural venues, residences, and public spaces were stitched together by gardens, terraces, and waterways. This integration of natural and built environments was radical at the time, anticipating what we now understand as biophilic design.

Greenery, Water, and Multi-Sensory Design
Central to this vision is the Barbican’s landscaping. Elevated podiums and terraces are softened with planting beds and climbing ivy that cascade over the concrete, counterbalancing the severity of the architecture with verdant life. At the heart of the complex lies an expansive lake and series of fountains, where water both animates the public realm and cools the surrounding microclimate. The layering of sensory experiences—visual greenery, the sound of water, the texture of rough concrete against soft foliage—demonstrates an early understanding of how the environment shapes human wellbeing.

The Barbican Conservatory: A Living Oasis
Perhaps the most celebrated expression of biophilia at the Barbican is its Conservatory, opened in 1984. Enclosed beneath a glass roof that lets in abundant natural light, the Conservatory shelters more than 1,500 species of plants and trees, including tropical varieties that thrive in its carefully controlled microclimate. This lush indoor landscape not only provides a year-round retreat from the city but also exemplifies a principle at the core of biophilic design: that exposure to nature—whether real, simulated, or cultivated—reduces stress, fosters creativity, and enhances quality of life.

Lessons for Contemporary Communities
What the Barbican achieved decades ago has since become central to contemporary design thinking. Biophilic architecture recognizes that humans are hardwired to seek connection with nature, and that integrating natural systems into the built environment delivers measurable benefits. The Barbican’s success lies not only in its aesthetic daring but in the way it has nurtured a sense of community and wellbeing across generations of residents and visitors.

Architecture and Nature, Seamlessly Intertwined
In London, the Barbican stands as an enduring reminder that even within the most urban context, life is richer when architecture opens itself to the natural world. In our own Optima® communities, this lesson continues to inspire how we design for beauty, health, and connection—where biophilia is not an afterthought, but the very essence of how we live.

Women in Architecture: Lesley Lokko

Posted on by Nancy

At Optima®, we celebrate architecture not only for its form and function, but also for the voices that challenge, expand, and reimagine what the field can be. As part of our ongoing Women in Architecture series, we turn our attention to Lesley Lokko—architect, educator, novelist, and one of today’s most influential thinkers shaping the global conversation on architecture, identity, and social responsibility.

Born in Scotland and raised between Ghana and the UK, Lokko embodies the global fluidity that defines much of contemporary life. She trained as an architect at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London, later teaching around the world before turning her attention to writing, education, and leadership. In 2021, she founded the African Futures Institute in Accra, Ghana—a new model for architectural education grounded in African perspectives but designed to reach a global audience.

House Lokko, Accra. Designed by Lesley Lokko. Completed in 2005, Lokko describes the home as a “modern mud house.” Credit: Festus Jackson-Davis African Futures Institute website.

For Lokko, architecture is never just about buildings. It is about culture, context, and community. Her work consistently asks: Who gets to shape space? Whose stories are told through the built environment? And how can architecture serve as a tool for equity and imagination rather than exclusion? These are questions that resonate deeply for Optima® residents, who live in spaces conceived not only as stunning works of design but also as vibrant, inclusive communities.

Lokko’s influence stretches beyond the classroom. In 2023, she made history as the first Black curator of the Venice Architecture Biennale, the most prestigious architectural exhibition in the world. Her exhibition, titled The Laboratory of the Future, spotlighted African and diasporic architects, artists, and thinkers, challenging Eurocentric narratives that have long dominated architectural discourse. It was an exhibition that did more than showcase projects; it reframed architecture as a living, evolving practice tied to migration, climate, race, and identity.

Her impact has been recognized at the highest levels. Lokko became the first British-African woman to receive the RIBA Gold Medal, one of architecture’s greatest honors. She was also awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) “for services to architecture and education” in the first New Year’s Honours List issued by King Charles III. These accolades confirm what many in the field already know: Lokko is reshaping architecture in theory, and in practice.

Her perspective is especially compelling at a time when architecture is being asked to solve urgent, interconnected challenges: climate change, urban density, resource scarcity, and the need for more inclusive spaces. Lokko’s response has been to insist that architectural education itself must adapt. She advocates for a curriculum that prepares architects not only to design, but to imagine futures—an ethos that aligns with Optima®’s own forward-looking approach to sustainable design, integrated landscapes, and human-centered living.

Just as Lokko dissolves boundaries between disciplines—moving fluidly between fiction writing, teaching, and architectural practice—Optima® residents experience architecture as more than walls, glass, and steel. They experience it as a daily rhythm that integrates design with wellness, art, and community. Lokko’s insistence that architecture is a cultural act reminds us that where we live shapes how we live, and vice versa.

Her novels, too, enrich this perspective. Known for her thrillers that explore race, identity, and belonging, including Soul Sisters, The Last Debutante, and Little White Lies, Lokko demonstrates that storytelling is another form of architecture: an arrangement of space and perspective, a construction of meaning. In this way, she bridges art and architecture in ways that echo Optima®’s own commitment to design as a multi-sensory, holistic experience.

To learn from Lesley Lokko’s vision is to be reminded that architecture is never static. It is a conversation between past and future, between individual and collective, between form and meaning. Lokko’s career—spanning continents, disciplines, and audiences—underscores the power of architecture not simply to reflect the world, but to reshape it.

Balancing Energy and Design: Current Trends in Feng Shui

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In recent years, the ancient Chinese art of feng shui has found renewed relevance, evolving to meet the needs of a modern, fast-paced world. Rooted in the idea that the arrangement of our surroundings influences the flow of qi—or life force—feng shui offers both a design philosophy and a way of living that prioritizes harmony, vitality, and connection. At Optima®, where architecture is conceived as a seamless blend of form and function, many of today’s most prominent feng shui trends align closely with our own design principles.

Biophilic Elements for Energy Flow
One of the strongest trends in contemporary feng shui is the incorporation of nature to encourage balance and rejuvenation. This is especially visible in the use of plants, water features, and natural materials to create a vibrant indoor environment. In feng shui, these elements help activate positive energy and create a bridge between interior spaces and the natural world.

Optima®’s communities—whether it’s the lush, green courtyards of Optima Kierland Apartments® or the serene pool decks of Optima Signature®—are designed with this principle in mind. Here, biophilic design doesn’t just bring nature indoors; it integrates greenery into the building’s structure, ensuring that residents experience nature as a daily, effortless part of life.

Light as a Vital Energy Source
In feng shui, light represents the strongest form of yang energy, enhancing vitality, clarity, and warmth. Modern practitioners emphasize maximizing natural light, using it not only to illuminate but to energize.

This is a philosophy deeply embedded in Optima®’s approach to architecture. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, open floor plans, and thoughtful building orientation capture and diffuse sunlight throughout the day. Whether it’s the soft morning light in a Wilmette residence at Optima Verdana® or the dramatic desert sunsets seen from an Optima Sonoran Village® terrace, the design supports the feng shui belief that light is as essential to our well-being as air and water.

Residents at Optima Signature® take in skyline views while enjoying access to indoor and outdoor heated pools year-round, making every day feel like a restoring retreat from the hustle of the city.

Decluttering as a Design Mindset
Minimalism and feng shui share common ground in advocating for spaces free of unnecessary clutter. In feng shui, clutter obstructs the natural flow of qi, while minimalism uses open, purposeful spaces to create a sense of calm and order.

At Optima®, interiors are intentionally designed to allow residents to move freely and to furnish their spaces in ways that reflect personal meaning rather than excess. Built-in storage solutions and thoughtful spatial planning provide both aesthetic and energetic clarity, echoing the feng shui principle that the most powerful rooms are those with breathing space.

Balanced Color Palettes
Color plays a central role in feng shui, with each hue corresponding to one of the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Current trends embrace softer, nature-inspired palettes to promote tranquility, accented with purposeful pops of color to encourage specific energies, such as prosperity (greens), passion (reds), or stability (browns).

Optima® applies a similarly thoughtful approach to color, ensuring that palettes work in harmony with the building’s environment. For example, desert-inspired neutrals and earth tones complement the Arizona landscape, while in Chicago, deeper tones may contrast against the skyline while still maintaining balance within interiors and shared spaces.

Flow and Connectivity
Perhaps the most universal principle linking modern feng shui to Optima®’s architectural philosophy is the concept of flow. In feng shui, pathways—both physical and energetic—should be unobstructed, guiding movement and vision effortlessly through a space.

Optima® designs prioritize this same sense of flow. From sightlines that draw the eye toward nature or artwork, to communal areas that encourage organic movement and social connection, every element is positioned to create ease and continuity.

In today’s design landscape, feng shui is not about rigid rules or decorative superstitions—it’s about creating environments that feel alive, supportive, and in tune with the people who inhabit them. This modern interpretation mirrors Optima®’s own belief that architecture should enhance quality of life through thoughtful integration of space, light, color, and nature. By weaving together ancient wisdom and contemporary innovation, both feng shui and Optima®’s design philosophy remind us that when our environments are in balance, our lives are too.

Swami Vivekananda in Chicago: A Legacy of Unity, Spirit, and Cross-Cultural Exchange

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At Optima®, we believe architecture is more than a physical framework—it’s a philosophy that invites openness, transcends boundaries, and honors the intersection of global ideas. That belief echoes in the legacy of Swami Vivekananda, a figure whose time in Chicago helped usher in a new era of interfaith dialogue, spiritual inquiry, and cultural understanding. Much like the buildings we create—spaces designed for light, clarity, and connection—Vivekananda’s message brought ancient wisdom into the modern world with elegance and intention.

In the long and colorful history of Chicago, few moments have been as spiritually transformative—or as globally resonant—as a speech delivered in 1893 by a young Hindu monk from India. Standing before a crowd at the World’s Parliament of Religions, Swami Vivekananda opened his remarks with five simple words: “Sisters and brothers of America.”

What followed was a thunderous standing ovation, a moment of cultural connection so profound that it would echo far beyond the hall where he spoke. That address not only marked the West’s formal introduction to Hinduism—it signaled the beginning of a new era in global interfaith dialogue.

Swami Vivekananda Shrine-Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, located in Lemont, IL. Credit: hakkun on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The Parliament of Religions: A Turning Point
Held in conjunction with the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the Parliament of Religions was the first formal gathering of representatives from the world’s major faiths. It was envisioned as a celebration of spiritual diversity, but for many in attendance, it also reinforced Eurocentric ideas about religion and progress.

Enter Swami Vivekananda, a 30-year-old monk in saffron robes, who had traveled from India with little more than conviction and a deep knowledge of Vedanta philosophy. Though virtually unknown when he arrived, Vivekananda quickly captivated audiences with his eloquence, humility, and message of spiritual unity.

In his speech, he emphasized the ancient Hindu ideals of tolerance, pluralism, and the universality of truth. “We believe not only in universal toleration,” he declared, “but we accept all religions as true.” This radical idea—that no single faith holds a monopoly on truth—was as startling to some as it was inspiring to others.

Chicago as the Gateway
Chicago was more than just the setting for Vivekananda’s speech—it was the launchpad for his global influence. After the Parliament, he remained in the city for several months, supported by local patrons who offered lodging and helped organize lectures. He gave talks in homes, churches, and halls throughout the city, deepening his engagement with Western audiences hungry for alternative approaches to spirituality.

During his time in Chicago, Vivekananda made a deliberate effort to bridge Eastern and Western thought. He spoke of the Atman (the inner self), of karma and rebirth, but also of ethics, service, and compassion in ways that resonated with both intellectuals and laypeople. He demystified Hinduism not by watering it down, but by connecting its ancient wisdom to universal human experience.

Chicago, with its industrial muscle and cultural ambition, became an unlikely home for a spiritual revolution. From here, Vivekananda would go on to tour other parts of the U.S. and Europe, but his time in Chicago laid the foundation. It gave him a platform—and more importantly, it gave the West a new way to understand the East.

Legacy in the Modern World
Swami Vivekananda’s visit changed the Western understanding of religion itself. He was one of the first to articulate the idea that spirituality could be experiential, rather than dogmatic. His teachings influenced generations of thinkers, including Aldous Huxley, Joseph Campbell, and even leaders of the American civil rights movement.

Today, Chicago continues to honor his legacy. A plaque at the Art Institute of Chicago commemorates his speech. Across the city and beyond, yoga centers, interfaith dialogues, and global spiritual movements still trace their roots back to that singular moment in 1893.

A Global Voice Born in Silence
Swami Vivekananda’s message began in meditative silence on the banks of the Ganges—but it found its voice in Chicago. In a city known for building skyscrapers and railroads, he built something else entirely: a bridge of understanding between East and West, body and soul, self and world.

At Optima®, we celebrate that same spirit of interconnectedness—across cultures, disciplines, and design philosophies. Just as Vivekananda invited the world to see unity in difference, we continue to craft spaces that bring people together in light, openness, and shared humanity. His words still resonate, reminding us that sometimes the most enduring monuments are not made of stone—but of speech, spirit, and the courageous act of imagining a more unified world.

 

Anni Albers: Weaving Modernism into the Fabric of Design

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Anni Albers stands as one of the most compelling figures in twentieth-century design, particularly within the Bauhaus movement and its far-reaching influence on modernism. From her pioneering work in textile art to her enduring impact on how we view the intersection between craft and architecture, Albers’s legacy continues to resonate with contemporary creators—including those of us at Optima®, with our dedication to modernist design and architecture. Listening to the podcast from Dialogues: The David Zwirner Podcast, Anni Albers: Her Life, Her Work, Her Words, offers rich insights into her life, philosophy, and groundbreaking approach to weaving. Here, we delve deeper into Albers’s story and reflect on why her legacy remains so vital in today’s architectural and design landscapes.

Born in Berlin in 1899, Anni Albers (née Annelise Fleischmann) found her true artistic calling at the Bauhaus, one of the most progressive art and design schools of the early twentieth century. It was there that she met her husband, Josef Albers, and discovered her passion for weaving. Although the Bauhaus promised a forward-thinking approach, its workshops often remained hampered by traditional views of what was considered “women’s work.” As a result, many female students—Anni included—were guided toward textiles. Far from allowing these gendered expectations to limit her, however, Albers used weaving to propel her artistic vision into entirely new territory. Her work fused creative experimentation with technical rigor, ultimately transforming the loom into a site of modernist innovation.

One of Anni Albers’s defining contributions was her ability to blur the boundaries between artistic mediums. At the Bauhaus, the reigning ethos was that no single discipline (painting, sculpture, architecture, craft) was more or less important than another. Albers embodied this principle by refusing to see weaving as mere craft; instead, she treated threads as a vehicle for pattern, texture, and even acoustic manipulation. Her textiles were not just decorative finishes, but integral elements that interacted with architecture—softening the light, affecting sound absorption, and contributing to the spatial experience. At Optima®, we share this commitment to holistic design. Much like Albers, we believe that every detail—from the largest structural element to the subtlest finishing—is an opportunity to enrich the built environment.

After the Bauhaus was forced to close in 1933 under political pressures, Anni and Josef Albers moved to the United States, where they joined Black Mountain College in North Carolina. In this experimental academic setting, her work took on further breadth. She continued to push the boundaries of textile design, drawing from unexpected influences like pre-Columbian weaving traditions. Exploring alternative materials (including cellophane and metallic threads) enabled her to create dazzling pieces that balanced geometry, color, and tactility in unprecedented ways. This blending of old and new—ancient craft techniques alongside modern materials—reflects a forward momentum integral to modernist design. At Optima®, our appreciation for heritage and innovation in tandem mirrors this sensibility, ensuring each new building resonates with both timeless design principles and progressive technologies.

Listening to a podcast about Anni Albers can be an illuminating experience because her story exemplifies the synergy between art, craft, and architecture. She didn’t simply weave beautiful textiles; she transformed interior spaces through meticulously considered patterns, textures, and colors that complemented and elevated the architectural framework. Her approach holds a direct kinship with our own design ethos: just as Albers experimented with pattern to create a harmonious unity in a space, we at Optima® strive to orchestrate an aesthetic dialogue between interior and exterior, blending form and function with grace and precision.

Albers’s legacy underscores the importance of collaboration. Throughout her career, she worked alongside architects and other designers to create textiles that were not afterthoughts but vital components of the overall environment. This spirit of collaboration resonates deeply with us; the relationship between structural design and interior detailing shapes the essence of modern architecture and continues to inspire us in creating innovative, interconnected spaces.

Ultimately, Anni Albers remains a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of design. Her fusion of craft and modernism, her championing of textiles as an art form, and her unwavering dedication to experimentation have ensured that her work transcends any one era. Podcasts such as the one linked above remind us that, even decades after her time at the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College, Albers’s influence endures in every design-minded individual who values the profound interplay of texture, color, form, and space. As we reflect on her contributions, we, too, reaffirm our mission at Optima®: to carry forward the modernist torch in ways that honor the past, shape the present, and pave the way for bold, beautiful innovations in the future.

Women in Architecture: Marina Tabassum’s Visionary Approach to Sustainable Modernism

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At Optima®, we take great pride in highlighting the extraordinary achievements of women who are reshaping the architectural landscape. In our ongoing “Women in Architecture” series, we turn the spotlight to Marina Tabassum, a pioneering Bangladeshi architect whose cutting-edge projects bridge cultural heritage, environmental responsibility, and modern design. Tabassum has garnered significant acclaim around the globe for her human-centered approach, particularly following her Aga Khan Award-winning Bait Ur Rouf Mosque — and she’s poised to reach new heights with her commission to design the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London. Her practice offers a glimpse of how architecture can honor local contexts while embracing fresh ideas to address today’s evolving challenges.

Redefining Modern Architecture from the Global South
Born and raised in Dhaka, Tabassum founded Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) in 2005, with the goal of creating designs that serve their communities’ immediate needs while reflecting the region’s deeper cultural identity. Through her concept of “architecture of relevance,” she focuses on local materials, passive-cooling innovations, and cultural considerations—especially vital in a place like Bangladesh, where climatic shifts and rapid urbanization exert intense pressure on built environments. Tabassum’s buildings step beyond mere aesthetics; they become dynamic, adaptable entities that resonate with their local setting.

Her success story challenges the traditional assumption that modernism is solely shaped by Western architects. As one of the few architects from the Global South, and the first from Bangladesh to gain widespread international prestige, Tabassum paves the way for a more inclusive generation of designers. She exemplifies how “modern” can also be deeply rooted in the cultural complexities and ecological realities of an emerging nation.

Bait Ur Rauf Masjid, Dhaka. Designed by Marina Tabassum, 2012. Credit: trevor.patt on Flickr Creative Commons, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Bait Ur Rouf Mosque: A Triumph of Simplicity and Light
Tabassum’s most celebrated work to date is perhaps the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, which earned her the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Constructed using locally fired brick and minimalist forms, the mosque stands out for its peaceful geometry and interplay of natural light. Tabassum deliberately avoided ornamental flourishes, letting the building’s subtleties speak volumes. A rotated, cube-like form maximizes ventilation, while perforated screens and skylights fill the prayer hall with sun-dappled illumination—providing spiritual tranquility without relying on mechanical cooling or elaborate decoration.

Locals gather daily on the building’s raised plinth, an extension of its community-friendly ethos. Children can play safely above monsoon flood levels, while worshippers relish a dignified setting for prayer and reflection. This human-focused approach underscores how Tabassum’s design seamlessly integrates social well-being, a guiding principle we deeply value at Optima®.

Credit: @dsignbit (Instagram).

2025 Serpentine Pavilion: A Global Stage for Sustainable Innovation
More recently, Tabassum was selected to design the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London—one of the world’s most prominent architectural commissions. Known for showcasing provocative, forward-thinking designs, the Serpentine Pavilion is a natural fit for an architect who believes that climate and cultural identity should be at the forefront. Tabassum plans to create a semi-open, transformable structure inspired by the South Asian Shamiyana tent, melding local craftsmanship with a modern flair for reconfigurable spaces. Her design aims to encourage communal interaction, paying homage to her homeland’s tradition of gathering around courtyards and communal platforms while employing modern materials that address environmental performance.

For Tabassum, this commission marks a triumph of inclusive design on an international platform. The resulting pavilion will not only introduce a wide audience to her innovative, climate-responsive methods, but also validate the notion that architects from the Global South can redefine our collective vision of modernism.

Charting a Vision for the Future
Marina Tabassum’s projects blend elegant geometry, local resources, and a people-first philosophy to address urgent challenges, from urban density to rising sea levels. In doing so, she leads by example: architecture that marries bold aesthetics with tangible social value.

As the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion approaches, the global spotlight on Tabassum continues to grow—affirming her status as a transformative force in contemporary design. Her story underscores how the hallmark of true modernist innovation isn’t found only in glossy skyscrapers or high-tech facades; it’s also shaped by thoughtful, locally attuned strategies that honor both human needs and environmental responsibilities. This holistic spirit is precisely what drives Optima® in our mission to create spaces where modern architecture and community well-being thrive together.

 

 

Finding Mental Clarity and Motivation Through Japanese Philosophy: Small Steps to Lasting Change

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At Optima®, we believe that a fulfilling life is built on meaningful engagement, whether that’s through thoughtful design in our communities or day-to-day personal well-being. One enriching way to cultivate greater vitality is by drawing on insights from Japanese philosophy. From small, continuous improvements to steadfast perseverance, these principles can motivate, help overcome inertia, and lead to a balanced, productive life.

Photo by Daniel Tuttle on Unsplash.

Kaizen: Embrace Small, Consistent Improvements
Kaizen is the concept of making steady, incremental improvements in every aspect of life. Rather than aiming for one colossal overhaul, kaizen emphasizes small, manageable steps. This mindset is especially helpful when fighting laziness: set a modest goal for the day—like tidying your kitchen or completing a short workout—and gradually build upon it. Over time, these minor achievements stack up, spurring greater momentum and boosting self-confidence.

Ikigai: Discovering Your Life’s Purpose
The Japanese word ikigai translates loosely as “reason for being.” It’s the confluence of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what can potentially be monetized. Finding your ikigai gives you a powerful sense of direction, turning tasks that might feel mundane into integral parts of a bigger picture. For Optima® residents, identifying your ikigai might involve revisiting passions you once set aside or uncovering new volunteer roles in your community—actions that naturally generate energy because they align with your core purpose.

Shoshin: Cultivating a Beginner’s Mindset
Shoshin means “beginner’s mind,” emphasizing openness, curiosity, and freedom from preconceptions. When we grow complacent or lazy, it often stems from boredom or a belief that we already know everything. A beginner’s mindset invites us to rediscover excitement in the familiar. Approach a routine task—like reorganizing a closet—as if it’s a brand-new challenge. This mental reset can spark renewed energy, transforming reluctant chores into mindfulness practices.

Hara Hachi Bu: Moderation in Eating
In addition to boosting your routine, watch your diet. Hara Hachi Bu is the practice of eating until you’re about 80% full—guarding against sluggishness caused by overeating. Combine healthy, moderate meals with occasional breaks, such as relaxing in a sauna or practicing yoga, to keep your body and mind energized rather than weighed down by lethargy.

Ganbaru: Persevere with Dedication
The Japanese phrase ganbaru encapsulates perseverance and unwavering commitment. Even if a task feels repetitive or challenging, pushing forward to complete it can train your mind and body to resist laziness. “Finishing strong” on a project at work or a personal goal echoes ganbaru, reinforcing self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment.

Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Bathing for Rejuvenation
Finally, Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in a natural setting to reduce stress and rekindle focus. While it might be a stretch to find an ancient forest near downtown Chicago or Scottsdale, seeking out green spaces—like the rooftop gardens or landscaped courtyards at Optima® communities—can mimic this restorative effect. A leisurely walk amid greenery can refresh your senses and renew motivation for the day ahead.

By blending these Japanese concepts—kaizen, ikigai, shoshin, hara hachi bu, ganbaru, and shinrin-yoku—into daily life, you can break free from patterns of inactivity and reclaim a sense of purpose and well-being. At Optima®, we encourage you to explore these small yet meaningful shifts, transforming everyday tasks into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Fostering Connection and Resilience Through Community-based Design

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At a time when workplaces are undergoing some of the most dramatic changes in decades, Steelcase offers a refreshing perspective on how to navigate these shifts. They call it Community-Based Design, an architectural and spatial approach inspired by the vibrancy of city life. Much like a well-planned urban neighborhood, Community-Based Design aims to create workplace “districts” that bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, and continually adapt to changing technologies and cultural needs. For Optima®—where innovation, design, and resident well-being stand at the forefront—this outlook resonates strongly.

A City-Inspired Blueprint
In a thriving city, you’ll find bustling downtown areas, quiet residential zones, parks for relaxation, and cultural centers for learning. Steelcase noticed how these varied spaces weave together to encourage activity, social interaction, and a sense of identity. Translating this idea into workplace planning, Community-Based Design breaks the office down into five mixed-use “districts,” each tailored for a range of activities:

City Center: The social hub, or “town square,” of the workplace. This central area serves as a gathering spot for impromptu chats, large-scale events, or simply grabbing a coffee. It’s designed to pull people from their desks and spark those chance encounters that foster creativity.

Team Neighborhoods: Modeled after residential blocks where you know your neighbors, these neighborhoods provide home-base workstations while also offering collaborative corners. They balance open interaction with personal retreats, ensuring employees can both connect with teammates and find their own space when needed.

Business District: The engine for problem-solving, this zone groups together spaces designed for meetings, presentations, and collaborative deep dives. Inspired by commercial areas in cities, it focuses on productive synergy, often integrating advanced AV tools for hybrid collaboration.

Papagayo Buttes, in close proximity to Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®. Credit: Joe Flood on Wikimedia, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Urban Parks: Serving as communal “breathing rooms,” these park-like lounges or relaxed nooks let people unwind and recharge. Designed to mimic the calming effect of green spaces, they invite individuals to take a few minutes away from the hustle of emails or calls, boosting overall well-being.

University District: A dedicated learning center, encouraging workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing. Similar to how universities anchor communities with libraries and lecture halls, these areas offer structured learning spaces to help employees continually upskill and innovate.

Why Community-Based Design Matters
According to Steelcase’s research, this approach is grounded in a few critical shifts reshaping work today. People are spending more time “living on screen,” thanks to hybrid and remote models. They’re grappling with AI integration at unprecedented speeds, aiming for more sustainable operations, and seeking better mental well-being—all while balancing in-person and digital collaboration.

Community-Based Design responds by creating a holistic infrastructure where employees feel connected, not isolated. By mimicking city patterns—short walkways that encourage mingling, diverse “architecture” for different tasks, and intuitive “public” and “private” zones—the workplace becomes a living ecosystem. This fosters social interaction, emotional support, and the kind of creative collisions that make in-person collaboration worthwhile.

Lessons for Optima®
For all of our communities at Optima®, this concept resonates. Both residents and staff crave flexibility, meaningful interactions, and efficient use of space. Our amenity spaces have been designed to reflect people’s needs, facilitating a stronger sense of community and adaptability, and our common areas, lush green spaces, and exemplary rooftop sun decks reflect the principle that variety, user control, and comfortable social infrastructure lead to higher satisfaction.

Toward a More Human-Centered Future
Community-Based Design reminds us that the best spaces function much like welcoming, active cities—versatile, connected, and always open to transformation. As we shape the next generation of environments at Optima®, focusing on community benefits everyone. By designing with human needs at the center, we inspire innovation, reduce stress, and create spaces where people truly feel they belong.

Celebrating 2024 and Building a Bright 2025

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At Optima®, 2024 was a year of achievements, growth, and community celebration. Rooted in our core values of innovative design, sustainability, and vibrant living, we made great strides in our projects, earned prestigious accolades, and fostered a sense of togetherness within our communities. As we embark on 2025, we are excited to carry forward the momentum and continue shaping spaces and experiences that inspire.

Celebrating Excellence: Awards and Recognition
This year, Optima® once again demonstrated its leadership in architecture and design, receiving numerous accolades that celebrate our unwavering dedication to creating exceptional spaces:

  • Green Good Design Award: Honoring Optima Paradise Valley, Optima Lakeview®, and Rising Sun for their exceptional contributions to environmentally conscious architecture.
  • American Architecture Award: Acknowledging the visionary designs of Optima Paradise Valley, Stagecoach, and Rising Sun as leading examples of modern architecture.
  • International Architecture Award: Recognizing the global impact of Rising Sun, Stagecoach, and Optima Paradise Valley in setting new design standards.
  • Architecture MasterPrize: Celebrating Optima Verdana® for its outstanding design and innovation in creating a dynamic living experience.
  • Design Evanston 25-Year Architecture Award: Honoring 840 Michigan for its enduring architectural significance.
  • Multi-Housing News Excellence Award for Design & Development – MidRise: Recognizing Optima Verdana® as a standout example of exceptional development in the mid-rise category.

These awards underscore the values that drive Optima®—thoughtful, sustainable, and innovative architecture that seamlessly blends form and function. Each project showcases our ability to harmonize modernist principles with the natural environment, creating spaces that inspire and enrich lives.

Team Optima at the NAA Apartmentalize 2024

Projects and Communities: Building for the Future
2024 was a landmark year for projects and properties across the Optima® portfolio. Optima Verdana® and 7190 Optima Kierland Apartments successfully stabilized their lease-ups, marking a major milestone in their journey to becoming thriving, vibrant communities. In Wilmette, Optima Lumina™ was officially approved by the Village, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in design and community development.

Construction began on Building 2 at Optima McDowell Mountain, the first apartment tower of this new Scottsdale project, which is set to deliver next year. The future of this innovative community continues to evolve, as we are equally thrilled to begin sales on Building 3 in 2025.

Our properties also welcomed two exciting new commercial tenants:

  • GoodVets at Optima Lakeview, bringing top-tier pet care to the community.
  • Reform Studios at Optima Signature, offering residents unique, innovative Pilates experiences.

These partnerships underscore our commitment to creating dynamic environments where residents and businesses thrive together.

Celebrating Our People and Culture
At the heart of Optima® is a culture that celebrates community, creativity, and collaboration. In 2024, our founder, David Hovey Sr., received an honorary Doctor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field of architecture.

And we proudly participated in a range of events that brought our teams and residents together:

  • The 46th Annual Highland Park Run, celebrating fitness and local engagement.
  • Festive gatherings for Cinco de Mayo, International Women’s Day, and the Optima® Summer Olympics.
  • Creative competitions like the Halloween Costume Contest and Pumpkin Carving Contest that showcased community spirit.
  • Heartwarming Holiday Parties in Arizona and Illinois.
  • Giving back through initiatives like Feed My Starving Children, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our properties.

We also participated in industry events, such as the Apartmentalize Conference, to stay connected and inspired by broader trends in design and community living.

Looking Ahead: Ambitions for 2025
As we gear up for 2025, our team is energized by the possibilities ahead. We’re excited to begin work on Optima Lumina™ in Wilmette, which promises to elevate the standard for design and sustainability in the area. In Scottsdale, we’re thrilled to launch sales for Building 3 at Optima McDowell Mountain, continuing our legacy of integrating luxury living with the stunning desert landscape.

Beyond our projects, we look forward to growing our team and fostering success together. With each new project, tenant partnership, and community initiative, we remain committed to creating environments that embody our values of modernism, sustainability, and connection.

Continuing the Journey
As we step into 2025, we are reminded of the incredible momentum we’ve built and the exciting journey that lies ahead. Each award, project, and celebration has been a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence. At Optima®, every step we take is rooted in the belief that great design can transform lives and communities.

Here’s to an extraordinary 2024 and an even brighter 2025—thank you for being a part of our story. Together, we will continue shaping spaces that inspire and thrive. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and we’ll see you in the new year!

Thank you to our residents, team members, and partners for being an integral part of this journey. Together, we are building more than just places to live — we are creating a legacy of timeless design and vibrant living that will endure for generations to come. Here’s to an exciting year ahead!

“Get Crafty”: The Weaving Mill in Chicago

Posted on by Nancy

At Optima®, because we believe that fostering creativity is essential to building vibrant, connected communities, we’ve launched a new blog series called “Get Crafty” — celebrating the rich creative resources in our local communities. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or a curious beginner, “Get Crafty” is your gateway to discovering hands-on workshops, art studios, and maker spaces that inspire creativity and connection. In this series, we’ll highlight unique opportunities for Optima® residents to engage with local makers, learn new skills, and explore the beauty of craftsmanship right in your neighborhood.

For Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview® residents, The Weaving Mill is an incredible find. Tucked away in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, The Weaving Mill is a one-of-a-kind artist-run studio and resource that brings together contemporary textile art, community-driven initiatives, and traditional craftsmanship. The Weaving Mill operates as a vibrant hub for weaving enthusiasts, offering educational programs, collaborative projects, and unique access to industrial-grade weaving looms. Whether you’re a seasoned textile artist or someone looking to delve into the world of fabric arts, this mill has something for everyone and has become a true gem within Chicago’s artistic community.

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
The Weaving Mill was co-founded by Emily Winter and Matti Sloman in 2015. Both are artists with a passion for textiles, who recognized an opportunity to create something unique within the Chicago art scene. Winter had previously worked at a sheltered workshop for adults with developmental disabilities, which was closing its textile program. Rather than letting the resources and equipment go to waste, she, along with Sloman, took the initiative to restart the program with a new, community-focused vision.

At its core, The Weaving Mill seeks to preserve the rich history and craft of weaving while pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with textiles in contemporary art. Housed in a former industrial laundry building, the mill is equipped with restored industrial looms and other textile machinery, allowing artists to create intricate and large-scale works that wouldn’t be possible in a typical studio setting.

Jelly Bean Plaid Napkins made at The Weaving Mill. Credit: The Weaving Mill Instagram.

Programs and Collaborative Work
One of the distinguishing features of The Weaving Mill is its dedication to accessibility and community collaboration. The mill’s core program, the TWM Residency, brings in artists from across the country for intensive, process-focused residencies. This program provides a unique opportunity for artists to explore textile production using industrial looms, with access to mentorship and a community of like-minded creators.

Beyond residencies, The Weaving Mill has deep roots in community engagement. One of their most notable projects is Soft Goods, an ongoing collaboration between the mill and Envision Unlimited, an organization serving adults with developmental disabilities. This initiative not only teaches participants the fundamentals of textile production but also empowers them through the creation of beautiful, handwoven items that are sold to the public. Soft Goods stands as a testament to how art and social enterprise can intersect to create meaningful work and provide opportunities for underserved communities.

Additionally, the mill hosts workshops, weaving classes, and community events, making textile arts accessible to people of all skill levels. Whether someone is just starting or looking to hone their craft, these workshops create an inclusive space for creative expression.

Sustainability and Local Impact
Sustainability is a significant aspect of The Weaving Mill’s ethos. In a world dominated by fast fashion and disposable textiles, The Weaving Mill embraces a slower, more thoughtful approach to textile production. They often use upcycled and repurposed materials in their projects, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Their focus on handcrafted goods and sustainable practices aligns with broader movements toward ethical consumption and the preservation of artisanal traditions.

Moreover, The Weaving Mill is a catalyst for local impact in Chicago. As an artist-run organization, it is committed to fostering creative connections and supporting the city’s artistic community. From hosting open studios to partnering with other local nonprofits, The Weaving Mill plays an integral role in enriching Chicago’s cultural fabric.

The Weaving Mill’s Legacy and Vision for the Future
Since its founding, The Weaving Mill has become a beloved fixture in Chicago’s artistic landscape. It stands out not just for its focus on textiles, but for its emphasis on collaboration, community, and inclusivity. As an artist-run space, it provides a sanctuary for creators who want to experiment with new techniques while also keeping traditional crafts alive.

For the residents of Optima®’s Chicago communities, The Weaving Mill offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with local art, support community-based initiatives, and even try their hand at textile production. With its commitment to creativity, sustainability, and social impact, The Weaving Mill perfectly aligns with Optima®’s ethos of fostering artistic expression and supporting the cultural vibrancy of its surrounding neighborhoods.

To learn more about upcoming programs, workshops, and events at The Weaving Mill, visit their website and discover how this innovative space continues to weave together art, community, and craftsmanship.

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