modern architecture Archives

How Architecture is Working to Combat Dementia

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Hunter

At Optima®, we’ve always believed that architecture is more than just buildings — it’s about creating environments that enrich lives. Today’s architectural innovations are showing remarkable potential for enriching lives, and specifically for supporting individuals with memory loss, offering not just safety and comfort but also a touch of joy in their daily lives.

Imagine a space that’s easy to navigate, where each corridor and room feels familiar and safe. This is the main goal when designing for dementia care. Simple layouts and clear signs help reduce confusion, making spaces feel more like a home and less like an institution. Safety is also paramount, but so is the freedom to explore. Thoughtful design usually includes secure outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy a bit of nature without the risk. Indoors, non-slip floors and good lighting are essentials, not afterthoughts.

But it’s not all about functionality. Sensory engagement through architecture can bring immense comfort. Picture a room bathed in natural light, offering views of a serene garden, or the soft melody of a familiar tune playing in the background. These elements can awaken memories and provide a sense of calm to those with dementia.

The Village’s nature walk, Courtesy of Départment Landes YouTube

Social spaces are also crucial to these designs. A well-designed common area can invite residents to interact, participate in activities, or simply enjoy each other’s company, all of which are vital for emotional well-being.

One of the leading examples of architecture designed to combat these diseases is the Alzheimer’s Village in Dax, France, the first of its kind in the country. Designed by the Danish architecture studio NORD Architects, the village features a handful of design elements that pull from Dax’s old town to create sensory familiarity for its residents.

The Alzheimer’s Village design is one brimming with intention. Pulling on the ideas of recognition and readability, the village is arranged in a bastide-like structure, broken up into four clusters that each house around 30 residents. The village features a grocery store, a restaurant and a hairdresser in its main square to help welcome familiarity. The thoughtful design, however, goes much deeper than just the facilities.

An overhead view of one of the village’s four clusters, Courtesy of Départment Landes YouTube

NORD architects purposely used local materials like timber planks, plaster and clay tiles to bring forth textures, colors and forms that are familiar to the residents. Other design elements, like the pattern of concrete arches and the inclusion of gardens and greenery throughout the community, all call back to the bastide design of old Europe.

Architecture, in its most profound sense, is about creating spaces that resonate with human needs. For those living with dementia, a thoughtfully designed environment, like the Alzeimer’s Village, can offer a semblance of normalcy, comfort, and dignity. It’s a bridge between the challenges of memory loss and the pursuit of a fulfilled life.

Women in Architecture: Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Hunter

As part of our ongoing “Women in Architecture” series, we’re turning our attention to Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky — an architect whose visionary designs and commitment to social consciousness have left an indelible mark on the field. Her story stands out as a testament to creativity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to innovative design. Join us as we dive into the extraordinary life and career of this influential figure:

The Life of Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky was born on January 23, 1897, in Vienna, Austria. Growing up in this vibrant city, she was captivated by its blend of historical charm and modern ambition, fostering a deep appreciation for architecture from a young age. The dynamic cityscape became a canvas for her budding architectural imagination.

Frankfurt Kitchen, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, 1926

Her educational journey began at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, where she faced the challenge of being the first woman to attend the school. Undeterred, Lihotzky excelled in her studies, laying the foundation for a groundbreaking career. In school, she studied under the famed Australian architect, Oskar Strnad and before graduating, was awarded a handful of prizes for her work.

Notable Works and Achievements

Schütte-Lihotzky’s architectural legacy is defined by designs that transcend mere structures, becoming narratives of history, environment, and society. Much of her early work involved designing settlements and affordable housing projects across Europe. Eventually, she was approached by German architect, Ernst May, to help construct an affordable public housing project called New Frankfurt.

Perhaps her most groundbreaking contribution to New Frankfurt is the Frankfurt Kitchen, a marvel of efficiency and modern design. This kitchen was a pioneering attempt to apply scientific principles to domestic kitchen design. It aimed to optimize space and workflow, featuring built-in storage, sliding doors, and specialized work areas—a revolutionary concept that transformed the way we think about kitchen spaces.

A floorplan for Lihotzky’s Frankfurt Kitchen, University of Applied Arts Vienna

Later in her career, Lihotzky provided her expertise to projects across the world, from the creation of the kindergarten schools in Bulgaria and Germany to consultant jobs in China and Cuba. Alongside her revolutionary work, she has received various design awards and achievements, including the Architecture Award from the City of Vienna in 1980 and the Austrian Decoration for Science and Arts in 1992.

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky’s enduring legacy lies not just in her architectural creations but in the inspiration she provides for architects, especially women. Her life’s work serves as a reminder that architecture is a powerful medium for storytelling, heritage preservation, and the design of a sustainable future.

Women in Architecture: Ada Louise Huxtable

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Hunter

As part of our “Women in Architecture” series, we’re examining the life and work of luminary architectural critic, Ada Louise Huxtable, who proved that a pen could be as mighty as any structure.

Born in 1921 in New York City, Ada Louise Huxtable pursued her passion for architectural history, culminating in a master’s degree from New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts. However, her broadest impact came when she broke a glass ceiling as the first full-time architecture critic for The New York Times, in 1963. This was a cultural shift, bringing architectural discourse from the drafting tables to the dining tables of everyday readers.

Will They Ever Finish Bruckner Boulevard?

Amid the changing skyline of New York City, with events like the heart-wrenching demolition of Penn Station and the emergence of modern architectural wonders, Huxtable offered crisp, hard-hitting, pointed, and elegant critiques. She ventured beyond aesthetic judgment, assessing structures for their context, their dialogue with the urban environment, and their societal implications.

One of the hallmarks of Huxtable’s career was her advocacy for architectural preservation. She awakened a sense of loss in the public, making them realize the cultural and architectural wealth embedded in historic structures. But her criticism wasn’t just limited to the annals of the past. Contemporary designs, when lacking in vision or disconnected from their surroundings, didn’t escape her discerning eye.

While her newspaper columns reached a vast audience, Huxtable extended her influence through her books. Over the span of her career she authored several titles, dissecting architectural trends, urban developments, and the intricate relationship between society and design. With books like Will They Ever Finish Bruckner Boulevard? and Frank Lloyd Wright: A Life among others, she penned a total of seven significant works, each contributing to architectural discourse.

Because of the depth and breadth of her contributions, Huxtable earned recognition across numerous fronts. In 1958, she received a Guggenheim Fellowship. In 1970, she became the first recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, an accolade that underscored her trailblazing efforts in the field. Alongside this, she secured a MacArthur Fellowship, firmly cementing her position as one of the foremost voices in architectural criticism.

Huxtable continued to spearhead architectural preservation efforts well into her later years. And in spite of passing at the age of 91 in 2013, she serves as a powerful reminder of how a single voice can challenge us to see, think about, and engage with our built environment in deeper and more meaningful ways.

Women in Architecture: Elizabeth Diller

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Hunter

In our ongoing “Women in Architecture” series, we’re highlighting Elizabeth Diller, a visionary who turns metaphors into brick and mortar and continues to challenge conventional architecture.

The Life of Elizabeth Diller

Elizabeth Diller was born in 1954 in Łódź, Poland, and moved with her parents, who were Holocaust survivors, to the United States when she was six. She was deeply affected by the social unrest of the late 1960s, which ultimately led her to enroll in the Cooper Union School of Architecture in 1970 which, at the time, was a creative hotbed and home to avant-garde design.

Initially, Elizabeth intended to pursue art or filmmaking, but ultimately found herself captivated by alternative methods of space-making. Even then, she was much more interested in the East Village music and art scene than in her classes. It wasn’t until Elizabeth met one of Cooper Union’s design professors, Ricardo Scofidio, that she became fully invested in design. After graduation, Diller and Scofidio became both romantic and creative partners, and emerged as prominent conceptual artists, focusing on comically dark design hacks and advancing the idea that “anything can be architecture” in their 1994 book, Flesh. This conceptual approach that challenged traditional architecture also earned them the coveted MacArthur Fellowship (known as the “Genius Grant”) in 1999.

On the Blur Building. Photo: Projectes I-II grup 12b

Notable Works

By 2000, Diller Scofidio projects were gaining considerable traction and scale, as demonstrated by their design for the Blur Building at the Swiss Expo in 2002. Utilizing a cloud of mist produced by 31,500 high-pressure nozzles over Lake Neuchâtel, this project encapsulated the team’s belief that architecture isn’t just about concrete unmovable structures, but can be an immersive, sensory experience. And as the partnership expanded to include Charles Renfro, the trio transformed the very essence of what a building could represent.

Approaching the High Line, 2009. Photo: StaceyJean

In 2006, their firm took on the ambitious project of renovating a historic elevated train line in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. The result? The High Line, an urban park that floats amidst the skyscrapers, becoming an iconic piece of the city’s architectural landscape.

During the 2010s, Diller’s stature in the world of architecture expanded greatly as the firm undertook a host of ambitious, institutional and municipal projects, culminating in designing a massive extension to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2019 as spaces for modern and contemporary installations. Beyond allowing the museum to grow its exhibition footprint, this project redefined urban space, blurring the lines between public and private, museum and city.

MoMA Museum of Modern Art. Photo: Salon NYC

Just north of Chelsea, this stunning structure boasts a movable shell, allowing it to be reconfigured based on how the interior space is programmed. More recently, the team has undertaken numerous cultural and institutional projects, including the London Centre for Music and revitalizing the historic Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, further securing a place for Diller and her partners in the architectural canon by creating a new language of contemporary design.

Elizabeth Diller’s journey redefines the essence of architecture, merging innovation with functionality. Her transformative works extend beyond physical spaces to influence the cultural fabric of society. And her legacy is not solely in the impressive silhouettes of her buildings but in the way she inspires future generations to envision and craft the world anew.

Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Nancy

At Optima®, we relish the opportunity to immerse our residents in experiences enriched by cultural discovery and aesthetic delight…which is exactly what you can expect when you wander through a captivating wonder nestled in the heart of Chicago – the Garden of the Phoenix.

Situated within the lush expanses of Jackson Park, the Garden of the Phoenix, once known as the Osaka Garden, gracefully expresses the timeless allure of traditional Japanese aesthetics. With a history that dates back to the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, it stands as a picturesque landscape on its own, while also serving as the canvas for cross-cultural dialogue between Japan and the United States.

As global nations joined the Exposition, Japan, in particular, sought to cast an enduring impression in Chicago. And with the inception of the Phoenix Pavillion between 1891-93, the U.S. received its first glimpse of the refined nature of Japanese architecture and landscape design. It even drew the attention of a young Frank Lloyd Wright and served as a revelation in his practice.

In 1935, the land surrounding the Phoenix Pavilion was transformed into a picturesque Japanese strolling garden that harmoniously blended with its surrounding environment. However, the escalating tensions between Japan and the U.S. during World War II took a toll on the garden, which fell into disrepair for decades due to a lack of funding. In 1981, the Chicago Park District completed efforts to restore and reimagine the garden, working with luminary landscape architect Daneji Domoto. Once the work was completed, the garden was renamed ‘Osaka Garden’ to honor Chicago’s sister city relationship with Osaka, Japan, strengthening this unique cross-cultural bridge.

Over the past several decades the garden has enjoyed waves of transformation. In 2013, the garden welcomed a new resident, Skylanding, a mesmerizing art installation by Yoko Ono. With 12 large steel lotus petals rising from the earth, Ono’s vision of peace and harmony came alive, inviting visitors into a unique, multi-sensory encounter.

Yoko Ono's Skylanding — Yoko Ono’s Skylanding sculpture, Jackson Park. Photo: Richard Bartlaga

Today, the Garden of the Phoenix breathes harmony and balance within the energetic pulse of Jackson Park and will be home to the Obama Library. As a symbol of rejuvenation, resilience, and enduring friendship, the garden offers a cherished sanctuary within Chicago’s vibrant cityscape.

Nic Behrends Team Member Spotlight

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Hunter

At Optima®, every individual on our team brings a unique story and perspective that enriches our community. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Nic Behrends, Optima Lakeview’s Leasing Consultant. From a rich background in hospitality to his heartwarming transition into the world of real estate, Nic shares his journey and insights about what makes Optima stand out. Dive in below:

Tell us a bit about your background and the role you play at Optima.

My background is actually not in real estate. I spent over two decades in hospitality during which I also ran a non-profit focused on bartenders for several years. During my time in hospitality, people kept telling me I would be a great real estate agent, so eventually, I was convinced to get my leasing license. I worked as an agent for a couple of years and realized chasing all over town wasn’t my cup of tea and that I would be much happier managing buildings. I learned that I can be an expert in one specific community and get to know the residents instead of grinding through different prospects, and now I’m one of Optima Lakeview’s Leasing Consultants!

How did you first begin your journey at Optima?

I interviewed with Optima and immediately fell in love with the team and how they illuminated the brand for me. Everything I learned about Optima was far more attractive than any of the other properties I had interviewed with, so I knew I had to work here. Everyone encouraged me to be myself and understand how I could bring my true self to the position, and once I was encouraged to bring that person out, sales just started erupting for me. It’s been great to work in a place where I know that I’m not judged because maybe I’m not the most proficient typist or super skilled in Excel, but I can relate to people.

How do you view the concept of community at Optima? How does it differ from other properties/buildings?

It’s unique that with Optima, we are all a part of this community. The fact that I see our chief engineer working out in the gym alongside a resident, sharing tips with each other, or I see another staff member at the pool with his partner exemplifies that we’re not just the staff here, we’re also members of the community, and the residents respect that and treat us as neighbors since we’re all here together. In most of the other communities that I interacted with as a broker, there was always an issue with control or power, and there is usually a disconnect between the residents and the staff. But at Optima, everyone is heard. Residents see that we care about what’s going on in their lives and it makes everything much more warm and happier.

Optima has a unique set of values that differentiates it from other company cultures. How does that affect the quality of your work life? What values matter most to you?

Being bold. It takes a lot to put your true self out there and to let the walls down. And to be in a building that lets me do that has allowed me to progress in my career very rapidly. Becoming not only successful but also happy in this career has come from the opportunities that being bold has given me. All of our work here is done with intent and purpose, so in every action, we’re acting bold. It’s been an amazing opportunity to work with Maike and the team here because everyone truly embodies that value.

What are some things you’ve learned during your time at Optima?

What I’ve learned most here at Optima is that there is a way to do this business that is beneficial to both the property owner and the residents. When you produce a premium building that you can stand behind, you’ve got to be willing to put in the effort and show residents that we’re invested in their lives and are here to help them at all costs. Too often, at other properties, the solution is a rebuttal with a demand that you live with it, and here, we’re always looking for a way to solve problems.

What makes you most proud to be a part of the Optima team?

What I’m most proud of is the fact that I made a huge career change after doing the same thing for 20-plus years and made it into an environment that makes me feel valued. I walk into the most amazing building and am greeted by spectacular residents every morning. I work with a team that is not only going to work as hard or harder than me but also respects me for who I am. I’m over the moon to tell everybody how happy I am here and how proud I am to know I made it onto this team.

Odile Decq: The Rockstar of Modern Architecture

Posted on July 26, 2023July 26, 2023 by Hunter

In the dynamic world of architecture, there are creators, and then there are revolutionaries – those who dare to redefine the conventions of the craft. Today, we shine a spotlight on one such rockstar of the architectural world – Odile Decq. Born in Laval, France, Decq first delved into the disciplines of history and art history, later shifting her focus to the vast, creative expanse of architecture. This foundational base in the arts became the cornerstone for her future architectural exploits, fueling her rebellious yet constructive spirit.

Decq’s works echo her unique vision, transcending conventional design norms and boldly experimenting with innovative elements. Every project she has embraced manifests her distinct design philosophy – a play of bold geometric forms, the artful manipulation of light, and the fluidity of lines. It’s as if each design is an architectural manifesto that dares to defy the ordinary and push boundaries.

A prime showcase of her ethos is the Phantom Restaurant within Paris’s Opera Garnier. Here, Decq’s prowess is fully displayed in her ability to juxtapose contemporary design elements within a historic setting, engendering an intriguing dialogue between the past and the present, between tradition and modernity.

L’Opéra Restaurant, Palais Garnier, Paris│ | © Art2welp / Wikimedia Commons

Beyond her design exploits, Decq has made significant contributions to architectural education. With the establishment of the Confluence Institute for Innovation and Creative Strategies in Architecture in Lyon, France, Decq was able to translate her design philosophy into an educational context, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving in future architects.

Decq’s architectural flair and contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the 2016 Jane Drew Prize and the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Her rise to prominence in the industry has been marked not only by the brilliance of her designs but also her unrelenting commitment to equality and progressive thinking in architecture.

Confluence Institute for Innovation and Creative Strategies, Lyon, France. Photo: Jeanne Menjoulet

Her legacy extends far beyond the physical structures she has designed and the students she has mentored. As a true rockstar of modern architecture, Decq has blazed a trail for future generations, particularly for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her work continues to inspire, challenging conventions and reshaping the architectural landscape.

Today, as we celebrate Odile Decq and her remarkable journey, we honor her pioneering spirit and her unique contribution to the field of architecture. Her commitment to challenging norms, her avant-garde designs, and her impactful initiatives truly exemplify the essence of a rockstar architect, who not only shapes the world around us but also how we perceive and interact with it.

Alexander Girard: A Vibrant Symphony of Modern Design

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Hunter

In the grand scheme of modern architecture and design, each virtuoso brings their unique understanding, forever shaping the field. Today, we celebrate one such figure, Alexander Girard, whose contributions have resonated through time, echoing his innovative spirit, unparalleled creativity, and ceaseless passion for design.

Born in 1907 in New York City and raised in Florence, Italy, Girard was an architect, interior designer, furniture designer, textile artist, and much more. His work was a vibrant fusion of colors, patterns, and cultures, weaving together aesthetics from around the world to create a visual language that was uniquely his own.

Braniff Airplane Makeover. Photo: Michael Dant

An integral part of the American mid-century modernist movement, Girard worked alongside luminaries such as Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson at Herman Miller. His work, however, extended beyond the confines of a singular style or discipline. From his iconic textile designs to his whimsical braniff airlines makeover, Girard was a master of imbuing spaces and objects with a sense of joy and vibrancy. His designs always held a humanistic approach, seeing each project as an opportunity to enhance the daily lives of people.

His interior design for the Miller House in Columbus, Indiana, stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent. This residence, considered a landmark of modernist architecture, perfectly illustrates how Girard’s playful approach to design transformed the idea of what a domestic interior could be.

Miller House Interior, regarded as the world’s first conversation pit. Photo: Newfields

Beyond his professional work, Girard was an ardent collector of folk art, believing in its ability to inspire and influence contemporary design. His vast collection found a home in the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, a testament to his global perspective and appreciation for diverse cultures.

His bold use of color, his human-centric approach to design, and his innovative interpretations continue to inspire architects and designers worldwide. As we appreciate the rich tapestry of modern design, the work of Alexander Girard stands as a timeless composition of innovation, creativity, and humanism — a celebration of life, color, cultural diversity, and a reminder of how design can bring joy and meaning into our everyday lives.

Women in Architecture: Elisabeth Scott

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Hunter

Optima® delights in celebrating the visionaries of modern architecture, individuals whose innovative designs have profoundly impacted the spaces we work and inhabit. Among these luminaries is a woman who left a remarkable imprint on her era and the course of modern architecture: Elisabeth Scott. Today, we pay homage to this trailblazer, whose architectural genius transformed the landscape of theater design.

Born in 1898 in the quaint English county of Bournemouth, Scott was nurtured within a family that recognized and fostered her creative prowess. Her odyssey began with her enrollment at the Architectural Association School in London. At the time, it was one of the few institutions breaking the gender barrier by welcoming women into its architecture program.

Proscenium arch within the auditorium building in Chicago. Photo: Wikipedia

Scott’s career had a dramatic turning point when she entered the international competition for the design of the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, now known as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. At just 29, Scott eclipsed nearly 70 competitors, securing her position as the youngest and the first female architect to clinch an international competition. Her triumphant design broke away from the conventional proscenium arch stage, marking a modernist departure that enhanced the intimate engagement between actors and audiences.

Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. Photo: Steve Knight

However, the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was only the beginning of Scott’s illustrious portfolio. She further honed her architectural craft by designing an array of other significant structures. Among these were the Pier Theatre in Bournemouth, the Fawcett Building for Newnham College in Cambridge, and the Marie Curie Hospital in Hampstead. Each creation was a testament to Scott’s ability to envisage and realize structures that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also served the needs of the greater community.

Fawcett Building, Newnham College. Photo Credit: Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections

We’re honored to pay tribute to the remarkable journey and enduring legacy of Elisabeth Scott. She dared to chart her own course in an era when the architectural field was almost exclusively male. Her trailblazing efforts underscored not just her exceptional architectural prowess but also her dedication to empowering society through conscious, innovative design.

The Writers Theatre in Glencoe

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Hunter

Tucked in the vibrant downtown of the Glencoe community — just down the road from Optima Verdana®, stands the Writers Theatre, a monument to the creative spirit and architectural prowess. A testament to the convergence of the arts, architecture, and community, the Writers Theatre is a touchstone of cultural life across the North Shore. At Optima®, we share a deep appreciation for such special places that elevate design and aesthetic experiences while enriching the community.

Conceived in 1992, the Writers Theatre was designed to celebrate the raw power and intimacy of the written word. It is a professional theater company that, since its inception, has nurtured a strong commitment to the appreciation of intricate writing and profound performances. This dedication has earned the theatre numerous awards, including the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award and being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal.

The current structure, designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, was unveiled in 2016, offering a splendid canvas for the theatre’s vision — to be a socially vibrant venue that redefines the audience-performer interaction. And Gang’s design does just that, by providing a sense of inclusion and participation that blurs the lines between the stage and the audience.

The Writers Theatre’s Alexandra C. & John D. Nichols stage

As you step inside, you’ll notice the theatre houses two stages. The primary Alexandra C. & John D. Nichols stage, accommodating 250 people, captures the essence of a traditional theatre, while the secondary Gillian theatre, a more intimate space, caters to 99 patrons, making each performance a personal experience. Architecturally, the building’s wood truss system is both aesthetically striking and acoustically vital, further enhancing the audience’s experience.

A rooftop pavilion and patrons’ lounge are not just architectural details but social spaces. In essence, the Writers Theatre transcends the function of a theatre, transforming into a hub for community activities and social interaction.

The Writer’s Theatre’s patrons lounge and pavilion, Courtesy of Steve Hall and Hedrich Blessing

Looking into the Writers Theatre’s story, we see an embodiment of Optima®’s values— the fusion of beautiful design, functional spaces, and community enrichment. We take great pride and joy in showcasing gems like the Writers Theatre, a testament to what can be achieved when creative storytelling meets architectural brilliance.

As we celebrate the Writers Theatre and its remarkable journey, we’re reminded of the importance of places that are not just seen, but felt. Spaces that invite you in, captivate your senses, and leave an enduring impression. And at Optima®, we remain committed to creating and appreciating spaces that, like the Writers Theatre, stand as enduring testaments to design, culture, and community. Explore some of their upcoming events and shows here!

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Tag: modern architecture