Jensen PLUS’ Post

Regenerative. Collaborative. Caring. Our approach to projects and teamwork and business keeps evolving. To meet client and community expectations, and the values of our team. We recently updated our business purpose and business planning around three objectives: Regenerative. Collaborative. Caring. You can read a short summary of our approach to business here https://lnkd.in/gSQ-kijf

"The future of senior living is innovative, inclusive, and designed for connection." BCT Design Group's Principal/Director of Housing, Janet Meyer, AIA, had the honor of moderating a dynamic panel at this year’s Interface Senior Housing Northeast conference. The conversation explored key trends shaping senior housing, including: - Larger units and repositioning/renovation to meet evolving demands. - A strong focus on wellness and incredible amenity packages. - Educational offerings and socialization areas catering to the Boomer generation. - Creative solutions like office-to-residential conversions. Thank you to the panelists: Shannon Remaley,NCIDQ, EDAC, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, Principal, Meyer Steve Ruiz, Principal, Moseley Architects Bud Grove, VP of Senior Living, Wohlsen Construction Alejandro Giraldo, Principal, Perkins Eastman #SeniorLivingDesign #InterfaceNortheast #WellnessLiving #HousingTrends #BoomerGeneration

Thank you to Sydney Build who invited me to speak in a panel discussion at their annual expo regarding “Designing Australia’s Cities to Last: Balancing the Old and the New’. I took the stage with Apeksha Wimalaweera of Gray Puksand , Nicholas Rouggos of CBRE and Michael Wiener of Mirvac - a great diversity of speakers with experience ranging from urban planning, to infrastructure, to re-purposing commercial buildings, to myself with low and medium rise residential, which made for a lively discussion with lots of great questions from the audience! From my perspective, working with single and multi-residential projects, in the heritage and contemporary fields, this comes at a crucial time, during the Minn's NSW Government proposals to increase housing density for affordability via their: " Changes to create Low and Medium Density Housing", and "Transport Oriented Development Proposal". Both documents propose substantially increasing housing density in zones up to 1200 metres from certain train stations and town centres. These areas include Heritage Items and Heritage Conservation Areas, and there was initially some uncertainty as to whether the proposal allowed demolition of buildings in these areas. Two days before the talk, an update was issued clarifying heritage areas would be required to go through the Development Application process, rather than the accelerated process, which is good news. In my opinion heritage is important, for our culture and identity. Heritage isn’t always a single property of value, it could be a group of buildings which together form a precinct. It would have been a great shame to lose these buildings in the designated areas. On the other hand, increased housing density is necessary for housing affordability. There may be some buildings and areas with lesser merit, where there is an opportunity to develop and increase density? However, how will this be managed? Its a balance between the old and the new. A merit based approach allows a professional panel to decide on a case by case basis for each individual Development Application. Existing Heritage Items and Conservation Areas could be re-assessed by the Councils affected to retain the items of higher value. Also, any new higher density buildings need to incorporate excellent design, construction and environmental standards. In any case, architects and heritage professionals need to be a part of this process to ensure quality of the built environment is first and foremost. #SydneyBuildExpo #SustainableArchitecture #HeritageArchitecture #MediumDensityHousing #DualOccupancy #TOD #BuildingConnections #Construction #Networking #ArchitectureSydney

With the Government pushing hard for new #housing, including affordable and social, what will create the quality, along with the quantity, that we urgently need to see? Speaking at this year’s Landscape Institute #JellicoeLecture, LDA Design Chair, Frazer Osment, will argue that there is a need for strong and creative landscape-led spatial planning to underpin growth and delivery of the Government’s housing agenda. Get this right and it could also accelerate delivery.   The call to action is to put #wellbeing at the heart of all future housing plans. In this, the roles of landscape architect, urban designer and planner have never been more important. Together, they have the expertise to lead the charge for change, and their collaboration is key to creating better places. All three need to be visionary in their approach and focussed on the widest positive outcomes. But what are the challenges to success and what are the practical steps to overcoming them?   Frazer is involved in #planning for growth and #masterplanning at scale and has been involved in the design and delivery of some of the largest new settlements and urban extensions in the UK, including Welborne Garden Village. He is an advisor to Homes England on strategic growth, including between Oxford and Cambridge.   The Jellicoe Lecture, a highlight of the Landscape Institute's calendar, will be well worth joining. Alongside Frazer will be Carolin Göhler FLI President of the Landscape Institute; Tim Slaney, Interim CEO, South Downs National Park Authority; and Harriet Bourne Director BBUK Studio. A Q&A will be chaired by Noel Farrer of Farrer Huxley Associates. Register now. https://lnkd.in/e5paw5gZ #masterplanning #planning #urbandesigner #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitects #agentsofchange #talklandscape #betterplacemaking #newhomes #development #bettercities #goodgrowth #socialvalue #netzero #lowcarbonplaces #spatialplanning #landscapeled #healthandwellbeing #wellbeing

🌆 Creating Places People Want to Live: The Ten Characteristics for Successful Placemaking 🌆 In urban planning, our goal isn’t just building structures – it’s about creating places that people genuinely want to call home. Recently, I revisited “Ten Characteristics of Places Where People Want to Live” by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), which outlines essential elements for vibrant, sustainable communities. Here are some key takeaways: The Right Housing in the Right Place 🏡 – Homes should blend into their surroundings, with access to essential services, nature, and transportation. A Place to Start and Stay🔄 – Creating communities where people can move through life stages without leaving. Sense of Belonging🌍 – Through distinctive, rooted design that reflects local character and promotes pride in place. Connection with Nature*🌳 – Green spaces and sustainable landscapes are vital for both biodiversity and quality of life. Inclusive and Lasting Design🛠 – Beautiful, diverse housing options that support different lifestyles and age groups. Focus on Health and Sustainability🌱 – Homes designed for future generations with health and environment in mind, from energy efficiency to smart technology. From aligning with environmental goals to ensuring community inclusivity, these tenets remind us that thoughtful design can redefine urban spaces. Let’s build the future of our cities around the people who will live, work, and thrive in them. #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities #Placemaking #CommunityFirst

Endicott would like to introduce you to our Pathway Aggregate. Read on and learn about the path at least resistance.

Lecture on a Boat: Chilly Revelations in Urban Design and Planning! Ever considered how urban design shapes our cities while braving a brisk boat ride? Yesterday, I braved the chilly winds along the Thames to soak up insights from the brilliant professors of the The Bartlett School of Planning UCL : Peter Reese, Ben Clifford, Michael Edwards, and William Walton. (Note to self: next time, wear a warmer jacket) As we cruised past iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, it struck me that urban planning isn’t just about regulations; it’s about crafting vibrant, resilient communities. Our discussion spanned everything from transport systems to drainage—and believe it or not, sewage even became a highlight! We also examined the trend of high-end investment apartments lining the Thames. The insights shared weren’t just relevant to London; they offered valuable lessons in urban design applicable globally. If you're as passionate about our cities as I am, let's dive into these lessons together to create brighter, more inclusive urban spaces—one insightful discussion at a time!

Urban Design in Action: Navigating the UK's Green Belt Debate As an urban design graduate, I’ve been reflecting on one of the most pressing issues currently shaping urban planning in the UK: green belt development. The Labour government's proposal to address the housing crisis by utilising “grey belt” areas, such as derelict lands and former airfields, to build much-needed housing is a bold step. While developments like the Wisley Airfield project, which aims to provide 1,730 homes, demonstrate a necessary response to the housing shortage, this approach raises critical concerns about the long-term impact on our landscapes. The debate over repurposing green and grey belts highlights a fundamental tension in urban design: balancing the demand for housing with the need to protect agricultural land and biodiversity. As cities continue to grow, the role of sustainable design becomes ever more important. Preserving green spaces is crucial not only for the environment but for the well-being of urban populations. We can’t allow the push for new housing to erode our commitment to creating resilient and sustainable cities. For me, the challenge is clear: how do we navigate urban expansion without compromising the natural assets that make our cities livable? The solution lies in innovative urban design—we must advocate for designs that incorporate both green infrastructure and efficient land use. Projects should prioritise multi-functional spaces, adaptive reuse, and sustainable growth strategies that don’t simply serve the immediate housing need but create long-term value for communities and the environment. This conversation goes beyond just green belt policy—it’s about redefining how we envision urban growth, pushing for holistic solutions that consider social, environmental, and economic sustainability. As planners and designers, we must drive these conversations forward and ensure that the urban spaces we create today will stand the test of time. Relevant Sources: The Guardian: Housing must take priority over nature, says Starmer in green belt reform plan. The Times: Grey belt policy 'puts farms near cities at risk' The Times: Cost of compulsory land purchase to be cut in housebuilding boost As urban designers, we are at the forefront of creating a future that integrates growth with sustainability. Let’s continue shaping spaces that are built to last. #UrbanDesign #Sustainability #GreenBeltDebate #UrbanPlanning #UrbanDesignProfessionals #Planners #ResilientCities #SustainableGrowth #UrbanDesignGraduates

Understanding the intricate relationship between humans and their surrounding environment is critical in large-scale master-planning projects. How do buildings interact with the city? How do they relate to their immediate surroundings? What natural energies are available, and how can they be tapped? How can architecture help shape neighbourhoods to promote community interaction? Can it influence health, behaviour, and patterns of living? How can we create places where people thrive?    On this World Town Planning Day, we strive to embrace the ideals that can bridge the gap between those who plan our cities and those whom our cities are planned for.    Read about our approach to urban design and master-planning- https://lnkd.in/dbMWi7zM     #WorldTownPlanningDay #Urban Design #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities #IMKArchitects