Tomorrow by Design Tomorrow by Design

This episode of Tomorrow Design dives into biophilia, our inherent love for nature and its influence on design. We explore how incorporating natural elements like light, plants, and even local materials into buildings can significantly improve our well-being. We're joined by Wangui Mwangi, an interior designer who champions biophilic design, particularly within the context of African architecture. Mwangi, who captivated audiences with a TED Talk on the topic, shares five key principles for incorporating biophilia from an African perspective. You can tune into this insightful talk here https://youtu.be/4Jzlxdc0MjI?si=lLZiBk_cTNZIeHl2. These principles include using local, environmentally friendly materials, embracing natural shapes and patterns, maximizing light and creating open spaces, and fostering a deep respect for nature's role in our lives. The episode unpacks the science behind biophilia, explaining how our brains are wired to respond positively to elements that echo our evolutionary experience. Ultimately, the conversation today concludes that biophilic design offers a powerful tool to reconnect with the natural world and experience the profound benefits it brings to our mental and physical health so that all of humanity can thrive.

On this episode of Tomorrow by Design, hosts Louis, Sid, and Leanne delve into the world of gender-inclusive design with Maryam Wangeshi, an architect and passionate advocate for creating spaces that work for everyone. Wangeshi's journey began with a simple observation: sports grounds, supposedly public spaces that are often designed primarily with men in mind, lacked inclusivity for women. This led her down a path with the mission to make the built environment more equitable and responsive to all genders.The conversation unfolds with humor and personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs in this field. Wangeshi highlights the need for diverse sports facilities, safe and well-lit spaces, thoughtful consideration of non-linear travel patterns, and even motherhood amenities like breastfeeding areas. But the fight for inclusivity goes beyond bricks and mortar; it extends to dismantling gender bias within the design and construction industry itself.A beacon of hope shines through with positive developments like Kenya's Women in Construction forum and the UN Habitat's Her City toolkit (that you can check out here: https://unhabitat.org/her-city-a-guide-for-cities-to-sustainable-and-inclusive-urban-planning-and-design-together-with ), promoting gender balance in design processes. Wangeshi emphasizes the crucial role of data collection and collaboration, paving the way for future design that considers the entire building life cycle, including construction by diverse teams and the use of inclusive materials and techniques.This episode is more than just informative; it's a call to action. It reminds us that true progress lies in designing not just for some, but for all. By embracing gender-inclusive design, we can create spaces that empower, celebrate, and reflect the richness of our diverse human experience.

This episode tackles spaces beyond bricks and mortar – we're venturing into the realm of Neuro-architecture, where buildings resonate with the human mind. Our guest, Sanjotz, dreams of inclusive spaces that cater to neuro-diverse minds. His brainchild, the Senseum museum, uses multi-sensory experiences to create unforgettable journeys. But Neuro-architecture goes beyond museums – it's about understanding how spaces impact our emotions and well-being. Join us as we explore:Designing for every mind: How Sanjotz envisions a future where buildings work for everyone, not just the average brain.Beyond sight: Creating spaces that engage sound, touch, and even smell for a truly immersive experience.Building bridges: Learn how neuroscience and architecture converge in Neuro-architecture.Learning resources: Discover where you can study Neuro-architecture, like the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture and the Kenya Interior Design School.Get ready to reimagine buildings as interactive experiences that nurture all minds. This is Tomorrow by Design, where the future is shaped by empathy and understanding.Key takeaways:Neuro-architecture designs spaces that consider the diverse needs of our brains.Multi-sensory experiences can create deeper connections with places.We can learn to build structures that cater to every mind, just like we build accessible spaces for physical disabilities.Want to delve deeper? Check out the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture here ( https://anfarch.org/ ) and the Kenya Interior Design School's short course on Design for Neuro-Divergence.This episode will leave you thinking: How can we use architecture to create a world where everyone feels welcome and understood?

TBD hosts take a stab at understanding why culture exists in buildings and spaces around us, and why it is important that we continue to embed culture in the built environment.

Show Notes


Projects: Damburtang Museum
“Makofi” meme https://x.com/ntvkenya/status/1126860119105359879?s=46
Roy’s LinkedIn

As always, hit us up on IG and Twitter @tbdkenya.

Welcome to the second season of TBD!! A whole lot of content planned this time kicking off with a walk around the CBD with Dorcas Nthoki Nyamai, Urban Development Researcher at the IPS research group at the Department of Spatial Planning in Dortmund University. We explore what its like to travel by foot around the busy capital, and redesigning what walking in Nairobi could look like.


Show Notes:


Equality vs Equity Illustration (Angus Maguire adaptation) - https://interactioninstitute.org/illustrating-equality-vs-equity/
A Historical Account of Walking in Nairobi Within the Context of Spatial Justice by Dorcas Nthoki Nyamai - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12132-022-09476-6
eBee (E-Bicycles for Africa) - https://ebee.africa/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhL6pBhDjARIsAGx8D5_p1gqFZC1PZpe0Wd8-W_1b3ZoCC9jf4DVqBaGu2ySSB8qrLPun8hQaAmU-EALw_wcB
Business Daily Article regarding NTSA Data on Pedestrian Deaths - https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/shipping-logistics/pedestrian-deaths-remain-top-as-road-fatalities-drop-4170326
Feedspot’s Top 60 Built Environment Podcasts - https://podcasts.feedspot.com/built_environment_podcasts/

Are you ready??

Due to public demand, the crew is back! And what a way to get back but to make it on to Feedspot's Top 60 Built Environment Podcasts on the web.

A big thank you to Feedspot for the recognition, whose list can be viewed in the link below:

https://blog.feedspot.com/built_environment_podcasts/

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