Gallaudet University was established in 1864, becoming the first American educational institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. The university is officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used throughout the educational programs. Over the years, the university has grown, adapting both its teaching methods and its spaces to the needs of its students, in turn learning from them how to counter the challenges they face and create a safer and more comfortable environment. These lessons turned into design guidelines, created to educate the architectural community about the strategies they can employ to create more accessible spaces for all.

With modern medicine, it may be difficult for many people today to imagine the devastation caused by Tuberculosis (TB) just about 100 years ago. Initially associated with insalubrious, overcrowded conditions, just in Canada it caused the death of approximately 8000 people annually in the late 19th century. During this time, before more advanced treatments were discovered, prescriptions from doctors involved sunlight, fresh air, and rest. As a response, sanatoria were established. These were places where patients could be separated from the community to manage their disease. One testament to that legacy stands in the heart of Montreal: the former Royal Edward Laurentian Institute, later known as the Montreal Chest Institute. Born from crisis, it has since become a symbol of resilience, transformation, and innovation, shifting from a space of isolation to a thriving hub for research and entrepreneurship in the life sciences.

The intersection of architecture and medicine profoundly shaped modernist design, where transparency, light, and air became essential tools in the pursuit of health. Emerging from the tuberculosis crisis of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sanatorium evolved beyond a medical facility into a testing ground for architectural innovation. The necessity of fresh air, sunlight, and sterility transformed these spaces into prototypes for modernist principles, influencing spatial organization, material choices, and design philosophies that extended far beyond healthcare.

As time progresses, our understanding of the spaces we inhabit evolves in response to changing circumstances. This transformation is natural and essential, as architecture must adapt to the unique demands of each era. Recent global trends, particularly remote work, have highlighted the need for adaptability in design. Coupled with a generational shift that brings fresh perspectives on the built environment, these factors have driven notable changes in interior design, reshaping our understanding of comfort—not just at home but also in gyms, where people now spend more time. This evolution invites a reconsideration of how we engage with our surroundings based on our experiences. As a result, fitness spaces are undergoing an interesting transformation in light of these changing perceptions.

The “loneliness epidemic” may well be one of the most consequential design challenges of our time. To respond to this pervasive sense of isolation, loneliness, and a need to reconnect, we can look to some of the oldest traditions — and newest techniques — within technology and hospitality to address this issue with the urgency and empathy it deserves. By the same token, the rise in culture of interest in and experiences geared toward self-improvement and personal and collective transformation underscores the appetite for care-driven, purposeful design beyond traditional hospitality settings.

In a future where healthcare prioritizes community health outcomes while addressing financial and workforce challenges, trust and access will be essential to success. Historically, medical services have been driven outward from hospitals, often through inequitable strategies. In contrast, Gensler’s proposed ecosystem centers health and care in a radically accessible, community-led model known as the community health hub.

Over the last decade, lab automation has surged, transforming research and discovery processes. The integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into lab spaces is streamlining R&D in ways that were once unimaginable. To maximize its potential, however, a holistic approach is critical. Automation in labs isn’t just about advanced tools; it’s about creating an entire ecosystem that considers workflow efficiency, spatial design, and environmental sustainability.