Category Archives: WORK/LIVE SPHERES

Kristian Kloeckl, Associate Professor of Design, Northeastern University
Monique Fuchs, Associate Vice President, Innovation + Entrepreneurship, Wentworth

In the FutureLab Talk #7 Monique Fuchs [Wentworth] connects with Kristian Kloeckl [Northeastern University] on the convergence of workplace design and the public realm before COVID-19 and how it may influence our connected and interdisciplinary environments in the future. Kristian serendipitously published his new book “Urban Improvise” just before the crisis emerged and it has now more relevancy than ever. Times of disruption always carry the opportunity and perhaps accelerate experimentation and iteration, which is precisely what improvisations are about.

Lynette Panarelli, Associate Professor of Interior Design, Wentworth

In the FutureLab Talk #8 Lynette Panarelli shares how architecture and interior design firms have responded to the rapidly changing design needs in the wake of the pandemic and the future of the industry. From sneeze guards to mudrooms, Lynette showed some real-world examples of how architecture firms everywhere are acting quickly to try to adapt workspaces to address new social distancing guidelines. Lynette’s examples demonstrated the close link between the development of apps and software that coordinate spatial use and occupancy patters with the configuration of furniture and spaces that keep the workforce safe. She also discussed the need for innovative, permanent solutions rather than a sole reliance on reactionary design. Lynette commented on the need for innovators and on how the architecture and design industry is sought after as it is in high demand to support companies and businesses transitioning and adapting their workspaces.

José Manuel dos Santos, Head of Design and User Experience, Signify
Monique Fuchs, Associate Vice President, Innovation + Entrepreneurship, Wentworth

In the FutureLab Talk #10 Jose Manuel dos Santos [Signify] shares with Monique Fuchs [Wentworth] future scenarios around cities and living and working from home, what challenges it may entail, how we can learn from other cultures and their living arrangements and seek inspiration in nature. Jose has significant international experience and is passionate about design education and entrepreneurship. He has incubated lighting innovations for Signify around our interactions with light defining how light will impact our everyday life at home, at work or in public spaces.

Disclaimer: The opinions and thinking expressed are those of Jose dos Santos as a Designer and citizen, and not as the Head of Design of Signify. No inference will be taken, or connection established to opinions expressed and those of the company or any of its members.