It’s time!

You can now join the ArchiSensing Design Lab.

If you are ready, go here now -

http://archisensing.com/resources/

Simply put, this course will help you to boost your architectural designs to create more notable architecture that truly makes a positive difference in people’s lives.

The ArchiSensing Design Lab will teach you how to boost your design process by showing you powerful ArchiSensing strategies, concepts, and techniques which you can apply immediately.

To find out more about the program and to sign up, click on the following link —

http://archisensing.com/resources/

I’ll see you on the inside.

Looking forward to working with you!

Here’s to your design success,

Maria Lorena Lehman
http://archisensing.com/resources/

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

I am thrilled to be launching the ArchiSensing Design Lab within the next month — that means that this online architectural design course’s doors will be opening very soon. So, if you’re interested in taking the course and haven’t done so already, you need to sign up for the early notification list today. To do so, simply click on the following link:

http://archisensing.com/official/early-notification-signup/

With that in mind, I would like to tell you a bit more about the course in terms of how it is structured and how it can help you.

Course Structure — Work at Your Own Pace

The course is made up of 12 core module lessons which you will be able to go through at your own pace. In addition to the 12 core lessons are several bonus video lessons. All lessons target helping you to boost your design process using Archisensing techniques and concepts which you can integrate into your design process immediately. This includes lessons that pull from design strategies, latest scientific advancements, sensory design techniques, and so much more.

In addition to the core module lessons and bonuses, there will also be an online forum where you will be able to ask me questions, or even collaborate or get feedback from other ArchiSensing students. My hope is to grow this forum into a thriving community which stays on top of leading-edge ArchiSensing topics.

Course Benefits – How It Can Help You

Some of the benefits of taking the course include:

• Boost your current design process, to save time and effort while improving your design’s overall quality and performance.
• Gain strategic design thinking expertise to become a more notable and respected architect with increasingly beautiful and highly effective projects.
• Bring greater value to clients — and thus, get more business as you will be able to solve for more complex design problems, more creatively.
• Understand how latest advancements in architecture all “fit together” so you can pull from them to advance your own work.

The beauty of this course is that since it is online and all of the learning materials are ready for you immediately — you can go through this course at your own pace.

Be Notified When The Course Opens for Enrollment

Already there has been a great response from prospective students. So, if you haven’t done so already, I urge you to sign up for the early notification list — I will be giving first priority for “online seating” to those on this list. And please keep in mind that enrollment will be limited in order to accommodate a nicely sized class.

To sign up for the early notification list, simply click on the following link:

http://archisensing.com/official/early-notification-signup/

I look forward to working with you!

Maria Lorena Lehman
ArchiSensing Design Lab

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

The year 2011 has proven to be a great year for Sensing Architecture. Traffic has grown by approximately 30% in 2011, and there are now approximately 4,600 subscribers who have joined the Sensing Architecture community! (If you have not joined yet, you can do so here.)

Additionally, Sensing Architecture continues to reach its readers internationally, where I receive an abundance of emails from you, my readers, with kind words about my work on Sensing Architecture — thank you to all of those who took the time to send me such an email.

Looking Ahead Into 2012:
Exciting New Developments for Sensing Architecture

I predict that Sensing Architecture will continue on its upward trend of growth in 2012, but in addition to this, there will be several exciting new developments for which you should be on the lookout. They are as follows:

• ArchiSensing Design Lab Launch: First and foremost is the launch of the ArchiSensing Design Lab, a course which I have been working on for launch in 2012. I am very excited about this course, for it will provide opportunity for me to teach you at length and in sequence about many of the topics covered here at Sensing Architecture. If you would like to learn more about how the ArchiSensing Design Lab course can help you, simply click here.
• Book Publication Contributor: In 2012, a chapter which I wrote on the subject of Sensory Design will be published in a text book — I can’t say more than this now, but I will let you know as soon as the book comes out on the market. It should be a great read and a great resource for you.
• Design Insight Subscriber Growth: I predict that subscriber growth for the Design Insight newsletter will continue to rise at a rapid pace. Already, there are over 4,600 members who have joined — and that number keeps on rising steadily. Again, if you have not yet joined the Design Insight Newsletter, you can do so by clicking here. It’s a great way to get exclusive content that is not available on Sensing Architecture — plus, as a member, you will be among the first to know once doors to the ArchiSensing Design Lab open for student enrollment. In short, I extend a big “thank you” to all of my subscribers for keeping Sensing Architecture’s readership not only steady, but rapidly growing.
• Increased Twitter, Facebook, and Google + Integration: In 2011, it was no secret that Google + surfaced and is being used by many today. Well in 2012, I aim to integrate social media even further into Sensing Architecture’s growing community. Many of you, my readers, access the SA site content from Twitter, Facebook, or Google +, so I aim to connect a bit more with you in those social media spaces as well.
• Sensing Architecture iPhone App: In 2011, the Sensing Architecture iPhone App was released, and I do hope that those of you that downloaded it are enjoying it. It’s a great way to access Sensing Architecture while on the go! If you would like to download this Sensing Architecture App, simply click here.
• Audio & Video Podcasts: In 2011, the addition of multi-media articles were published on Sensing Architecture to diversify the content, and to use media to better communicate teachable concepts. In 2012, more emphasis will be placed on such multi-media articles — including the “Gallery Image Strategies” which I can tell that you, my readers, love. So, be on the lookout for some additional multi-media podcasts and image galleries that further our architectural design discussions on Sensing Architecture. I hope you will enjoy experiencing them, as much as I enjoy creating them!
• And So Much More: The next year will no doubt be full of other wonderful surprises. In the meantime, know that I appreciate your taking the time to participate in Sensing Architecture — I hope you have a wonderful new year. Here’s to making your 2012 the best year yet!

Happy New Year!

Maria Lorena Lehman
Founder of Sensing Architecture

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Maria Lorena Lehman featured in ESQUISSES Magazine

Maria Lorena Lehman is featured in ESQUISSES magazine, where the article entitled “Une Conception du Bonheur” by Marie-Claude Morin, explores how receptive architects are to findings in the environmental psychology and cognitive science fields. This article is originally written in French, as this is the official magazine for the Quebec Architect’s Association of Canada. The following is a brief excerpt translated from the original French version:

Some individuals also make efforts to disseminate information and educate their fellow architects to the latest discoveries in psychology and cognitive science as they apply to architectural practice. This is the case of Maria Lorena Lehman, American architect, a Harvard graduate [...] —

“I was fascinated when I came across research showing that the construction of a hospital room could have a significant impact on drug consumption, sleep, mood and even the propensity to take a shower [and engage in Activities of Daily Living]. I decided to dedicate my work to better understand this interaction between the individual and the building.”

— Quote by Maria Lorena Lehman

To read this ESQUISSES Magazine article in full, click here. (The article is from pages 15-17.)

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Sensory Design Research Paper by Maria Lorena Lehman Published in Intelligent Buildings International

Today, I am eager to announce that my latest research paper has just been published in the peer-review research journal, Intelligent Buildings International.

The paper, entitled How Sensory Design Brings Value to Buildings and their Occupants by Maria Lorena Lehman, delves into why sensory design has such potential to make a positive difference in the way we live within architectural spaces. Furthermore, the research paper discusses specific ways that value can be obtained from a sensory design approach, particularly as emerging technologies continue to develop.

To learn more about how you can get access to this sensory design research paper, please click on the following link.

Click here for the Sensory Design Paper by Maria Lorena Lehman

Please Tell Me What You Think

I would really like to get your feedback on my post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it with your Twitter and Facebook followers by clicking on the “re-tweet” and “like” button at the beginning of this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

I do hope that you had a great holiday season — and an even greater start to our first month in 2011. I know that 2010 was a good year for Sensing Architecture and that will hopefully mean even more good things for our year ahead in 2011.

Because of a lot of the work that I was able to do both on the Sensing Architecture website as well as multiple other projects I was working on behind the scenes last year, I do expect that within this upcoming year you will be using some great improvements here on Sensing Architecture. Thus, I have compiled a list of some of the key additional features which you should expect to see on this site during 2011. In fact, some of them are already live and running in an effort to make your Sensing Architecture experience even better:

So without further ado, here are ten exciting new features that will go live on Sensing Architecture during this upcoming year…

1. Audio & Video Podcasts: I will soon be launching a Sensing Architecture YouTube channel that will broadcast more new and unique Sensing Architecture content using an exciting new video format. In addition, later in the year I plan to integrate audio podcasts as well, not only to extend Sensing Architecture’s reach and accessibility, but also to convey architectural design ideas in different mediums to accommodate your different learning styles and to expand upon much of what Sensing Architecture does best.
2. Sensory Design Research Paper Publication: Within the earlier part of 2011, a peer-review research paper of mine will be published which delves into how and why sensory design is so critical for architectural designers to get right, particularly in this day and age. I cannot mention more than this now, but once the paper is published I will let you.
3. Rapidly Growing Daily Readership: Sensing Architecture’s readership has been steadily growing since it was first launched at the end of 2008. Since then, it has been rapidly growing as evidenced by its 82% growth during 2010. And with the many exciting directions in which Sensing Architecture is developing, I do eagerly anticipate even more steady and rapid growth during the year 2011. This is great, because the more readers there are…the more resources I will be able to create and make available to you. For the growth thusfar, I thank all of you, my loyal readers who have read both diligently and who have passed along word about Sensing Architecture to many of your colleagues, friends and other associates. Again, thanks for that! If you are a first time visitor…Welcome! I hope you enjoy what you find here.
4. Design Insight Subscriber Growth: not only do many of you visit the Sensing Architecture website on a daily basis, but very many of you have also signed up to receive my Design Insight newsletter which also includes free immediate access to my book, Bringing Architecture to the Next Level. In fact, we now have over 2,200 subscribers and that number is growing every day. Additionally, there are many exciting things going on behind the scenes which you would have access to as a Design Insight subscriber. So, if you haven’t done so already, you can sign up by simply entering your first name and e-mail address once you click on the following link —
   • Design Insight Newsletter Sign Up - Including Free Book Bringing Architecture to the Next Level
5. Sensing Architecture Sponsors: Sensing Architecture is also now proud to have Archi-Expo and VistaPrint as its sponsors. If you would like to set up an advertising campaign on Sensing Architecture for you or your business, then simply visit – Sensing Architecture Sponsorship Opportunities. Or you can contact me, Maria Lorena Lehman, directly at mll(AT)sensingarchitecture.com.
6. Major Site Speed and Performance Boost: due to the rapidly growing Sensing Architecture community of readers that I mentioned earlier, I am happy to say that the Sensing Architecture site is now operating on a much more powerful server that is prepared to handle the growing volume of readers that visit the Sensing Architecture. Additionally, I have also finished integrating some major site speed updates which are now live — this is exciting because it enables you to browse around Sensing Architecture’s pages at much quicker speeds so you can get to the content you like most even faster. Really, both of these upgrades make for a much better visitor experience… I do hope you enjoy this!
7. More Architectural Design Book Reviews: Within 2011, you can also expect to read more of my book reviews concentrating on the subjects of architecture and design, and even more specifically targeting books that cater to the many current topics, issues and discussions that are ongoing on Sensing Architecture.
8. Facebook & Twitter Integration: since Sensing Architecture is a dynamic site, which changes almost daily, I will be further integrating both Twitter and Facebook for the Sensing Architecture community – it’s a great way to access newly published articles as well as participate in discussions that may take place on Facebook or Twitter Sensing Architecture communities. So, if you would like to stay connected using Facebook or Twitter, you can sign up and follow along with other Sensing Architecture members who are already there. To gain access to follow the discussions simply click on either or both of the following links – Sensing Architecture on Facebook and/or Sensing Architecture on Twitter.
9. Guest Posting Opportunities: If you would like to be considered for publication on Sensing Architecture then simply send me your written article (about 700-1,000 words or so). I won’t be able to publish all of the articles that are submitted, but I will publish the best ones. So, if you are interested, please send in your article that relates to Sensing Architecture’s content and readership by emailing it to me, Maria Lorena Lehman, at mll(AT)sensingarchitecture.com.
10. And So Much More… there are also various other Sensing Architecture projects on my “drawing board” that I hope to release in 2011 and early in 2012. Some are quite large and involved projects which I am very eager to release to you; however… I will have to let you know more about these closer to when they go live and are launched.

Stay tuned to Sensing Architecture and here’s to a healthy, happy and exciting 2011 year ahead!

Please Tell Me What You Think

If you have any additional suggestions for what new things you would like to see on Sensing Architecture, or if you have any comments about what you would like to see more or less of — simply enter your feedback within the form at the very bottom of this page. Also, if you enjoyed this post make sure you share it with your Twitter and Facebook followers by clicking on the “re-tweet” and “like” button at the beginning of this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

A New Dawn For Healthcare Architecture
Maria Lorena Lehman
Featured in Building Tomorrow Magazine

I am pleased to inform you that a commentary which I wrote, entitled A New Dawn for Healthcare Architecture, was recently published in the fall edition of Building Tomorrow magazine.

You can access the full feature article by clicking on the following link:

A New Dawn for Healthcare Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

In essence, this published piece focuses on the power of healthcare architecture and innovation, and how they can work together with sensory design to improve healing time and quality for patients, which is much needed today.

Here is an introductory excerpt:

“Healthcare architecture and innovative design plays a critical role when it comes to the quality of treatment and care for patients and the medical teams who support them. Maximized to its full potential, architecture has the ability to ease painful suffering, guide patients toward faster and better quality healing, and solve healthcare challenges which often detrimentally affect patients….”

— Maria Lorena Lehman, Founder Sensing Architecture
Building Tomorrow Magazine

Again, if you would like to read more of the article as it was published in Building Tomorrow, please click on the following link which will take you directly to the online version of the full article.

A New Dawn for Healthcare Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Please Tell Me What You Think

I would really like to get your feedback on my post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it with your Twitter and Facebook followers by clicking on the “re-tweet” and “like” button at the beginning of this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

To create great buildings, one needs to maintain passion, focus and drive. A critical component to all three of these is inspiration. As you engage in the day-to-day aspects of your work, what keeps you inspired? What keeps you wanting to make your next design even better than your last? And how do you carry this through your entire career?

Inspiration is a key ingredient to keeping your work fresh and yourself refreshed. For this reason, I have put together the following list of unique ways for you, as an architect, to stay inspired.

1. Read A Lot: The more knowledge you can get from other thinkers and innovators (in other fields), the better. Doing this, you will probably find some new ways to approach complex problems, break them down and come up with sophisticated and practical design solutions.
2. Bend Boundaries: Set creative boundaries for yourself when you are facing a challenging design issue or problem. By exaggerating or minimizing boundaries that you are used to, it will force you to think about your design dilemma in new ways. For instance, give yourself a small allotted amount of time in which to “solve” a design issue. Or, pretend that you have three times the budget than you actually have. This might just free your mind, getting you to think of a totally different way of solving your original problem.
3. Streamline your Organization: Become an active thinker. During or after visiting a site, another great building, reading a magazine or even having a discussion with a fellow architect , make it a habit to record the most important thoughts that will spark your future action(s). Organizing your ideas will result in better ways for you to create new ones. Organization actually can spark creativity and innovation.
4. Switch Your Perspective: While working on the day-to-day details that surface for specific building projects, don’t forget to take that eagle-eyed view. Think of how Norman Foster or Zaha Hadid would approach your design problem. Or think of what a good architectural critic might say about your design challenge.
5. Get Out More: Although having a consistent design setting (like your office) is very conducive to being creative, so too is changing your scenery. Try thinking about a design problem in a totally different place. Go see a great architectural lecture. Or go have a brainstorming session with your colleague in a new setting.
6. Remember Your Colleagues: Don’t forget about the people around you. They can help you stay inspired too. Coming up with new ways to communicate with your colleagues to generate creative ideas can be quite motivational.
7. Set Your Goals: Don’t lose sight of your goals, whatever they may be. Be sure to revisit them often — both so your time is spent working toward them and so that you remember why you are doing what you do. One of the keys to maintaining inspiration, is also to reward yourself. After you reach certain goals be sure to enjoy them, take a break and then use that energy to renewing your momentum.

Please Tell Me What You Think

I would really like to get your opinion on my post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it with your Twitter followers by “tweeting” it using the re-tweet button on this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Thank You, Readers — for the Exponential Growth

After one full year of blogging, I would like to extend appreciation to my readers, for all of the support that you have shown through your comments and e-mails in 2009.

It is very encouraging to know that so many of you truly care about the advancement of architecture — all in efforts to make architectural design even better. For this reason, it is a pleasure to share with you my findings, thoughts and theories, here on my site.

Shortly after its inception, Sensing Architecture’s readership started to grow at exponential rates — and I would like to thank each and every one of you for helping to make that happen. (These growth rates are still compounding today, so I project 2010 will be a fantastic year of growth for Sensing Architecture as well.)

For those that take the time and effort to participate in Sensing Architecture discussions by sharing your insights, questions and observations — thanks for helping to make Sensing Architecture an even richer site. After all, it is through dialogue that we can spread good ideas, and then make them even better.

Here’s to a wonderful 2010!

Please Tell Me What You Think

I would really like to get your feedback on my post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it with your Twitter followers by “tweeting” it using the re-tweet button on this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

2009 Has Been an Amazing Year

Sensing Architecture has had quite an amazing year in 2009. Really, this website was brand-new at the beginning of the year, in January. Ever since then, it has been rapidly growing and now its readership is exponentially compounding. Projected to reach approximately 20,000 visitors this month, it is safe to say that 2010 will hold great things in store for the Sensing Architecture community.

Readers range from architecture professionals, to architectural scholars to design enthusiasts. I continuously receive a wide range of reader insightful comments, questions, “thank-you” letters and e-mails asking for architectural design advice and reviews.

I am certainly encouraged by such a pro-active reader response!

Plus, I love working with all of you.

2010 Will Be Full of Nice Surprises

Already, there are a variety of plans in the works for Sensing Architecture in 2010.

For starters, I will be launching a free Report entitled Bringing Architecture to the Next Level. To make certain that you receive this, be sure to sign up for my free Sensing Architecture newsletter — you can sign-up using the simple form here. All newsletter members will be first to receive this free Report in late January of 2010.

For later in the year, I plan to introduce new content in varying media formats — which I think will be a rich addition to the site…particularly for those that like to learn in different ways.

Another goal on my 2010 plan is to add more community enhancements to increase member interactivity and lateral learning. This will be a very desirable addition as our community continues its rapid growth and healthy response rates.

There are, of course, more 2010 ideas brewing on my drawing board at the moment. Those, I will share with you in the future. But for now, I can tell you this…

This is only the beginning.

Please Tell Me What You Think

What do you think should be added to Sensing Architecture In 2010?

I would really like to get your feedback on the post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you are a reader that enjoys Sensing Architecture, please also tell me why — this will also tell me what works and what can be expanded upon in the year ahead.

Also, make sure you share this post today with your Twitter followers by “tweeting” it using the re-tweet button on this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman