When Robin Randall and Sylvia Kowalk of Legat Architects begin a project, inspiration abounds.
Read MoreTopics: Insider, Design, Human Development, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, Technology, Back-to-school, Teacher's Favorites, Thrive, Educators
6 Considerations for Space Design in a Post-Pandemic World
In the 1920s, the United States experienced a modern renaissance. An era of economic prosperity, burgeoning art, societal change, and scientific discoveries occurred throughout this decade. There was a boom of energy, hope, and optimism. What had happened just before this decade will resonate with many today. The global pandemic brought on by the Spanish Flu killed over 600,000 Americans. It was a time of sadness, fear, and trial. But what followed was a time we still think of as a new era.
Read MoreTopics: Insider, Design, Human Development, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, MooreCo Workplace, Ergonomics, Thrive
What the 2021 Winter Storm Revealed About Texans
When 4th Grade Teacher Elizabeth Smith of Austin's power went out late Sunday night, she didn't imagine she'd be spending the next 5 days freezing in her home with her family. But a polar vortex brought a cozy Valentine's Day to a grinding halt, affecting families all over the middle and southern areas of the United States. Although Texas bore the brunt of the worst due to power and water loss, the state is now working to regain its footing after a year of a pandemic and now a natural disaster with deadly consequences.
Read MoreTopics: Well-being, Thrive
How to Thrive in Times of Uncertainty
Part 1: Social-Emotional Development
Topics: Collaboration, Active Classroom, Covid-19, Thrive
Whether at Work or School, Design to Activate a Hungry Mind
From antibiotics and the printing press to electric lights and the internet, many of the world’s breakthrough discoveries and inventions share one thing in common: They were the result of curiosity.
Curiosity makes us eager to learn and to solve problems. It’s a special spark that seeks out new knowledge and the desire to learn how things work.
Topics: Design, Human Development, Thrive
If you’ve ever sat at a rigid, fixed desk and chair for any length of time you know how uncomfortable this unforgiving setup can be. Whether a student trying to learn and engage in a classroom, or an employee expected to be productive and creative at work, natural body comfort and alignment is closely tied with how well we feel and perform.
In fact, study after study confirms we know intrinsically that our physical surroundings — from the chair we sit in to the air temperature in a room — make a difference. Energy levels, the ability to focus, and even rates of absenteeism are all linked to our physical surroundings.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Thrive
6 Stages of Human Development That Inspire Design Strategies
Although the nature of work, school, and how we take care of ourselves is changing, we humans — whether as children or adults — continue to spend a significant amount of time together in a physical place, such as an office building, school, or health facility.
What impact do these spaces have on our engagement and well-being? And how can we create environments that encourage greater interconnection and productivity?
Topics: Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Active Classroom, Thrive