Nowadays, attention to mental health and well-being—not only physical but also emotional and psychological—has become an increasing focus not just in clinical settings but also in relation to numerous everyday factors. A notable example is the White January campaign, which emphasized this urgency, inviting us to reflect on mental and emotional well-being. In this scenario, neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture emerge as fields that serve as allies in this pursuit. They are not merely academic disciplines; they are practical approaches that seek to understand how our physical environment affects our psychological state. Neuroaesthetics, in particular, studies the relationship between aesthetic perception and neurological processes, as highlighted by Colin Ellard, a psychologist at the University of Waterloo and author of Places of the Heart: The Psychogeography of Everyday Life (2015).

For the 5th Anniversary Edition of the "Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous", M3 Monaco unveils the new theme of its annual international architecture competition. Students, young architects, and professionals are challenged to imagine a new vision or rethink the development of Certosa Island's infrastructure in Venice, creating a unique dialogue that incorporates regenerative tourism, the maritime journey, the UNESCO World Heritage listing, and the context of "La Serenissima."

Humid environments present some of the most complex challenges in architectural design. From the tropical monsoon season of Southeast Asia to the equatorial heat of Central Africa, these environments demand solutions that account for intense moisture, high temperatures, and the constant battle against mold, decay, and stagnation. Yet, for centuries, communities in these regions have developed architectural techniques that do not fight against humidity but instead work with it, leveraging local materials, climate-responsive design, and passive cooling techniques to create sustainable and livable spaces. By considering atmosphere as a sensory and climatic phenomenon, architects will craft spaces that are not only evocative but also responsive, adaptive, and sustainable.

Challenging conventions has been a constant in artistic production throughout history, always seeking to reframe established limits. In the 20th century, societal, historical, and technological changes created the perfect context for profound architectural reconfiguring. In this process, modernism introduced new ideas around functionality, breaking with the ornamentation of the past. However, building on that foundation, minimalism further refined the reduction of form to its essence. Focusing on the relationship between space, restraint, and light, the Minimalist movement transformed contemporary architecture and interior design, turning windows into a fundamental resource for sensory perception and interaction with the atmosphere and space, opening up a realm of introspective, sensitive, and refined exploration.

Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) is building more than just a structure—it’s creating a home for worship, learning, and community impact. This transformative vision has been made possible through the generosity of the DMIRIE Foundation and the Espejo Family, who have graciously donated the land on which this development will rise. Their act of faith has paved the way for a future where thousands will gather to worship, future leaders will be shaped, and generations will be equipped to make a difference for Christ.

Publicly occupied spaces can be overwhelming. Airports, schools, stadiums, and workplaces all feature environments with visual chaos that can be disorienting and stressful for individuals, especially those who are neurodiverse. The bombardment of stimuli, unpredictable movements, and competing visual information can create barriers to occupant comfort. Architects are regularly encouraged to create spaces that recognize and honor individual differences. Designing for neurodiversity is one way of championing inclusivity and extending principles of universal design.

Transforming urban buildings into clean energy plants is a bold and powerful strategy to combat the climate crisis, reduce dependence on centralized grids, and promote more resilient, sustainable cities. Since 2010, cities have been responsible for over 75% of global electricity use, a demand historically met by fossil fuels as urbanization has increased since the Industrial Revolution. By the late 19th century, hydroelectric power began gaining relevance as a renewable alternative. However, with rapid advancements in solar technology, urban buildings now have the unprecedented potential to become self-sufficient power hubs.

The hospitality industry continues to navigate a complex recovery and growth phase in 2024, marked by varying international and regional dynamics and evolving market priorities. The expected long-term surge in travel demand has been tempered by various factors, including economic uncertainties, inflation, and changing consumer behaviors.

The impact of design goes far beyond physical structures; design is a catalyst for vibrant communities and cohesive neighbourhoods. When thinking about social value and elevating the “S” in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), there are some essential elements to consider. Our mission is to create spaces that not only put a roof over people’s heads but that nurture a sense of belonging and well-being within the neighbourhood. It’s about fostering environments that naturally reduce vacancies, encourage resident retention, and organically form cohesive communities. By prioritising these principles, we not only enrich the lives of residents but also lay the foundation for sustainable and thriving developments.

As urban populations continue to grow and housing costs climb, middle-income families increasingly face being priced out of cities they call home. This pressing issue demands attention from urban planners, developers, and policymakers alike. Industry experts including Kelly Farrell of Gensler, Rosemarie Hepner of the Urban Land Institute, and Phuc Tran of Jair Lynch have been examining the crucial differences between affordable and attainable housing in today's market.

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new focus on well-being, not just physical, but also emotional well-being and other factors that support a multidimensional approach to health. This is especially relevant on college and university campuses, where the current cohort of students had their education disrupted by the pandemic. Whether in high school or college at the time, they were forced to isolate during a critical point in their personal and academic development.

Because a large portion of campuses are made up of office space, many of our higher education clients are wondering if they are making the best use of this real estate. In our work at Gensler, across all project types, we look to the needs of the future users of the space to inform key decisions about strategy, planning, and design. In the case of campus office space, especially now in the age of hybrid work, we are helping many campuses understand the workstyles and attendance patterns of educators and staff in order to determine the right balance of space.