Buildings 2.0
In this episode of the Buildings 2.0 podcast, Jose speaks with Robin Elmslie Osler, Principal and Creative Director at Arcadis, as they explore the interweaving of creativity, architecture, and design. From the intersection of generations to the power of storytelling and technology in shaping human-centered spaces, Robin shares her insights into the enduring principles of successfully creating immersive spaces.
She also talks about the delicate balance between technology and the human element of inspiration and innovation and how she helps her team harness both.
Topics discussed:
- The influence of Robin’s family background on career choices in architecture and design.
- The importance of exposure to diverse experiences in shaping design perspectives, such as traveling and looking at art.
- Balancing efficiency and empathy in creating human-centered spaces: making things beautiful and captivating but also intuitive to use.
- The role of storytelling in design and architecture, particularly in retail and mixed-use environments.
- The evolution of design education and the impact of technology on design principles in architecture.
- Nurturing a creative mindset and fostering unique design voices within herself and her team.
- Creating dynamic, flexible experiences in architecture to engage and entice visitors.
Guest Quotes:
#1.)
“It was joyful, and it was, you know, design was really just a part of our daily life. So it was in the objects, it was literally in the silverware and in the candelabra and in the furniture and the textiles and everything. Everything was chosen because it had been designed with thought and heart. You know, there was definitely a sense of emotion that was embedded in a lot of the things that my parents chose.”
#2.)
“I look at landscape, I look at photography, I look at sculpture, I look at art, I look at textiles, I look at fashion, I look at the natural environment. I mean, you know, you can look at microscopic views of plants, and they're amazing. You know, they look like textiles or they look like. I mean, they're all structures.”
#3.)
“That's basic stuff, right, where you just think the technology is gonna solve it, right? It's like, no, you forgot about the human. You forgot about instinct and intuition.”
#4.)
“You want to entice them. You want to make them want to explore the story deeper, you know, and come back. And also, maybe that means there's like, if you think about it in architectural terms, it's like, maybe it's about making the place, like, super flexible so that maybe that when they come back, it doesn't look quite the same.”
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