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<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>An egg-shaped pod made of biodegradable material could change the way we think about death, says its designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel.</strong></p><p>Called the “Capsula Mundi”, the pod offers an alternative option to widely practiced burial methods. </p><p>Capsula Mundi is currently on display at the XXII Triennale in Milan, as part of an exhibition curated by Paola Antonelli, the Senior Curator of Architecture and Design from The Museum of Modern Art in New York.</p><p>The exhibition, <em>Broken Nature: Design takes on Human Survival</em> explores the threads connecting humans to the environment. </p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/vertical-high-rise-cemeteries">Densifying Death And High-Rise Cemeteries</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/53c28eb7-627f-4dd7-b026-2ad3b75f2719.jpg" width="3264"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>How the pod works: departed loved ones are placed inside in the foetal position before buried in the earth.</p><p>“A tree, chosen in life by the deceased, will be planted on top of it and serve as a memorial for the departed and as a legacy for posterity and the future of our planet,” Citelli and Bretzel explain.</p><p>The vision, as tree after tree is planted the cemetery will become a forest.</p><p>“Instead of the cold grey landscape (cemeteries) we see today, they would grow into vibrant woodlands sacred forests.</p><p>“And family and friends can continue to care for the tree as it grows.”</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/these-are-the-three-biggest-threats-to-humanity">These Are The Three Biggest Threats To Humanity: Report</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/0c0810b8-efa4-4504-9ee3-63acaeea7628.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Capsula Mundi on display: Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the XXII Triennale in Milan.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>In examining the role of designers in today&#x27;s society the pair were inspired to create the pod. </p><p>“In a culture far removed from nature, overloaded with objects for the needs of daily life and focused on youth, death is often dealt with as a taboo,” Citelli and Bretzel said.</p><p>“We believe that this unavoidable passage, so meaningful, is not the end, but the beginning of a way back to nature.</p><p>“We decided to redesign the coffin — an object entirely left out of the design world — using ecological materials, and laic and universal life symbols, such as the egg and the tree.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-is-australias-most-sustainable-city">Australian Cities Lag Behind In Global Sustainability Index</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/6e68655d-371a-4dba-a5a3-dbcd6d6a0c37.jpg" width="3264"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">A tree takes between 10 and 40 years to reach maturity, while the coffin is generally of use for three days.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The Broken Nature exhibition, which spans from March through to September this year, is self described as an in-depth exploration of what connect humans to the natural environment “that have been intensely compromised, if not entirely forgotten”. </p><p>“By casting a wide net on architecture and design projects, the exhibition’s aim is to underline the concept of restorative design.”</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sustainable-buildings-and-the-case-to-transform-healthcare">The Green Revolution: Developing Buildings that Heal</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/272f9b34-6528-449f-bece-b5508e1befc5.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Ashes will be held in small egg-shaped urns while bodies will be laid down in a foetal position in larger pods.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

The Capsula Mundi envisions a different approach to the way we think about death.

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<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>As the investor market stalls, the growing downsizer and empty-nester demographic has buffered an otherwise slowing property market.</strong></p><p>Developers are altering their product to better capture this market, with high-quality, low-maintenance apartments chock full of premium product performing best. </p><p>And kitchens are becoming increasingly important, according to Craig Handley, general manager of kitchen appliance giant Shriro.</p><p>“When discussing projects with clients, the kitchen is becoming an increasingly critical component of a project sale,” says Handley.  </p><p>“The design needs to respond to the emerging demographic and behavioural trends that modern Australian families are in the market for.”</p><p>Often given little thought in the design process, the kitchen is now a key centrepiece of a contemporary home. As demonstrated by the success of reality TV cooking programs, the kitchen continues to be a key part of the decision-making process for any new home buyer or investor.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><iframe sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-pointer-lock allow-same-origin allow-top-navigation allow-presentation" class="embed-responsive-item" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" style="max-width:574px;width:-webkit-fill-available" height="300px" src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&amp;v=BXJyAPTBmyc&amp;feature=youtu.be"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Here are four of the emerging kitchen design trends.</p><p><strong>Easy to maintain</strong></p><p>The hectic lifestyle of Australians mean any feature that saves them time is a luxury. </p><p>Providing easy access for cleaning cabinetry, minimising spaces between cabinets and installing appliances that incorporate pyrolytic cleaning are all great selling points. In addition, easy clean surfaces that repel grime and stains for messy chefs is a bonus.</p><p><strong>Size</strong></p><p>Inspired by cooking shows, families are increasingly throwing large gatherings at their homes, showcasing their culinary expertise. A kitchen that can cater for extended family parties will allow clients to see the longevity and potential of the kitchen. For example, the Omega Inverno can fit up to nine chickens in one cooking cycle! </p><p><strong>Design</strong></p><p>Along with project location, a project’s design is a key differentiator for your development. Clients are becoming increasingly savvy for the latest design trends and are always on the lookout for projects that are forward thinking and meet these expectations. Two trends in particular – black glass appliances and minimalism – are flooding social media design feeds.</p><p><strong>Durability</strong></p><p>Especially for families with young children, being able to showcase the durability of your project’s kitchen is a certain selling point. From hardy cabinets and drawers that can take heavy loads, to well-engineered kitchen appliances that can go through hundreds of cooking cycles without issues, durable appliances are always in demand.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>The Urban Developer is proud to partner with </strong></em><a href="http://www.winningcommercial.com.au/"><em><strong>Winning Commercial </strong></em></a><em><strong>to deliver this article to you. In doing so, we can continue to publish our free daily news, information, insights and opinion to you, our valued readers.</strong></em></p></div></div></div></div></div>

The role of the kitchen in modern Australian life is evolving.

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<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>The global market for 3D rendering technology has grown exponentially in the last few years, which is perhaps not surprising for an industry that is barely a decade and a half old.</strong></p><p>And Australian design firm, Binyan Studios, is at the forefront of the industry’s expansion.</p><p>With a team of 114 people working from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and a newly-opened studio in New York, Binyan Studios is working on 200 major regeneration and development projects internationally, from entire precincts in Saudi Arabia to the multi-billion-dollar Hudson Yards and the recently-unveiled <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/snohetta-releases-design-nys-latest-residential-skyscraper">Snøhetta residential skyscraper</a> on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.   </p><p>Related reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/-how-to-give-your-building-an-identity-">How to Give Your Building an Identity</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/7ee9e079-5716-44bb-ab81-b42f959b77df.jpg" width="2000"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>For Binyan Studios founder Andrei Dolnikov, the goal isn’t necessarily world domination but participation. </p><p>“Our goal as a company is to be to be involved in the conversation about any exciting project happening anywhere on the planet. </p><p>“This allows us to bring the best of the best ideas and innovation to our home base clients in Australia and to keep our team constantly challenged to keep raising the bar.” </p><p>Current projects in Australia for Binyan include <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mab-launches-130m-docklands-tower">MAB Corporation’s Escala project</a> in the Docklands, the <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/probuild-to-construct-far-east-consortiums-west-side-place">$2 billion West Side Place apartment project</a> in Melbourne for Far East Consortium and Crown Group&#x27;s $1 billion Eastlakes town centre development. </p><p>The studio has projects for Cbus in Brisbane, Aqualand in Sydney and Geocon in Canberra also in the pipeline. </p><p>Related reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/canberras-tallest-ever-building-gets-green-light-">Canberra&#x27;s Tallest Building Gets the Green Light</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/c656d5e7-a582-4389-9102-896b23766f31.jpg" width="667"/></picture><div><span style="float:right;opacity:0.8">Image: Binyan founder Andrei Dolnikov. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Although Binyan is perhaps best known for its hyper-realistic renderings of residential towers and apartment interiors, Dolnikov has worked on everything from commercial and retail spaces to product and furniture renders to an aquarium in Beijing. </p><p>“We work on many other projects types outside of residential, we have two shopping centres currently in production, entertainment and leisure projects – we are working on two Four Seasons in the US and the Ritz Carlton in Melbourne and we recently worked on two university projects, one in Wollongong and one in Melbourne.</p><p>Related reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/leveraging-3d-renderings-maximum-attention-get-projects-noticed">3D Renderings for Maximum Attention: How to Get Your Projects Noticed</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/18786837-e53c-42ec-9e2e-749b8b4f90e7.png" width="1441"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>For work in residential development in Australia, Dolnikov has noticed a shift in the market as investors fall away.</p><p>“A far higher proportion of our projects are now aimed at an owner-occupier market, it’s a fascinating trend for us as these types of projects often do not have budget or location to have a display and therefore need to show their product in a more virtual – but life-like – manner.</p><p>“Generally, when the market is a bit soft, developers need to work harder to market their projects and will need marketing consultants like 3D agencies and firms to be more effective and provide more value,” Dolnikov says.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/5eefc4fd-c1dc-4cab-8e56-568b19d0200e.jpg" width="2000"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>So, what’s next for a firm that has already worked with some of the world’s largest developers and well-known architecture firms? </p><p>Dolnikov says that Binyan Studios has a robust plan for innovation and development.</p><p>“While we have always tried to disrupt ourselves year on year, some of our most talented R&amp;D people are working on all sorts of ideas three to four months prior to them being ‘market ready’.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/e9407166-5a76-42a8-9656-a1204b22489b.jpg" width="2500"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>&quot;This is a super exciting time to be in our industry, the more artists that have 10-plus years of experience behind them, the more creative, agile and innovative we are becoming.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><blockquote><p><b>Between tech innovation, creative growth and educational progress – I see the next two to five years as being incredible, and we are making sure we will be a big part of driving our industry to the new and as-yet-unknown frontier. I don&#x27;t see any limits on what we can achieve.</b></p>--– Binyan Studios founder Andrei Dolnikov</blockquote></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><iframe sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-pointer-lock allow-same-origin allow-top-navigation allow-presentation" class="embed-responsive-item" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" style="max-width:574px;width:-webkit-fill-available" height="300px" src="https://vimeo.com/247674140"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>As the company grows, Binyan is adopting more of a strategic advisory role for its clients.</p><p>“What is particularly satisfying is that these days clients are coming to us to help them with strategic advice on the marketing and content of the project as a whole – not just a shopping list as used to happen a few years ago.” </p><p>“We are no longer just ‘hired guns’ but ‘trusted advisors’. We are on a journey [with our clients] and this is very exciting.”</p><p>For Dolnikov, who started the studio out of a spare room in his Sydney apartment just seven years ago the future is looking pretty bright.  </p><p><em><strong>Main image: A Binyan rendering of 130 William Street, New York for British architect David Adjaye.</strong></em></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em>The Urban Developer</em> is proud to partner with <a href="http://www.binyan.com.au/#/">Binyan Studios</a> to deliver this article to you. In doing so, we can continue to publish our free daily news, information, insights and opinion to you, our valued readers.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

The global market for 3D rendering technology has grown exponentially in the last few years...

Desk Article piece

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>Office culture has evolved more over the past decade than anytime in the last century — from flexible workspaces to the rise of the co-working and on-demand space. </strong></p><p>Traditional corporate offices are moving away from the white-collar cubicle of the mid-19th century and big players like Google and Facebook have shown us how work places can be fun. </p><p>Confined cubicles are less common, and co-working companies like <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-co-working-spaces-for-melbournes-tg-building">WeWork</a>, <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-co-working-hub-to-open-in-melbourne">Hub Australia</a> and <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-co-working-spaces-for-melbournes-tg-building">Spaces</a> are hosting an ever-growing freelance workforce.</p><p>But the humble office desk is a mainstay — at least for now.</p><p>Gabrielle Deed from DB Projects has submitted her top office desk picks.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>1.Max Writing Desk</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/71eb34d0-8f34-40ec-8fbf-d84a981cb08a.jpg" width="1500"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Simple, minimal desk with a solid top available in various oak finishes including grey oak, brushed light oak, brushed black oak, smoked oak or Sucupira. </p><p>The top includes a small hidden drawer to stow away your office supplies. The legs come in bronze, bright chrome, nickel or black painted steel. This Italian-designed desk has been available since 2001.</p><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$13,740 <strong>Lead Time:</strong> 12 - 14 weeks <strong>Supplier:</strong> Space Furniture <strong>Website:</strong> spacefurniture.com.au</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>2. Tycoon</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/313c84c5-58a0-4eba-8ee6-bfed328846ae.jpg" width="3000"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>An executive desk with two 4-drawer chests and one door with internal open compartments. The structure and the dividers of the top are in poplar plywood and solid maple. The top is available in saddle leather or in Indian rosewood with central insert in saddle leather. </p><p>It is equipped with two adaptors to charge all your gadgets. The chests of drawers are in curved plywood covered with saddle leather, that have completely removable drawers with recessed sliding runners and silent system closing. A bold statement. </p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $70,000 <strong>Lead Time:</strong> 18 - 20 weeks<strong> Supplier:</strong> Space Furniture <strong>Website:</strong> spacefurniture.com.au</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>3. Oosoom Classic Desk</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/ac0fd0b4-f6fb-4d74-8870-2f5a4a4fde84.jpg" width="2500"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>When designer David Cameron first envisaged the Circle Design, he wanted a piece of furniture that was simple, functional and beautiful for his work as an interior architect.</p><p>He began to design with the idea of helping workflow without distraction. Circles first desk &quot;Oosoom&quot; is the outcome. Its full-width drawer allows the users to put objects out of sight, out of mind’ as they concentrate solely on their work. The removable top allows monitor cable to run through the bodies cavity for multiple power outlet options. </p><p>The Classic Desk uses powedercoated steel legs with a high quality birch plywood top and a white acrylic monitor stand.</p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $2,499 <strong>Lead Time: </strong>2 - 4 weeks <strong>Supplier:</strong> Circle Design <strong>Website:</strong> circledesign.com.au</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>4. Oosoom Premium Desk</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/a58de26b-b66a-4fca-b887-b26dac467ad5.jpg" width="2500"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The Oosoom Premium is a step up from the Classic, it incorporates high quality oak legs with a synthetic acrylic stone top and body. Having both a reductive and utilitarian approach to design leaves this furniture with a refined aesthetic.</p><p>Beauty comes solely from their purpose; the function they serve. A desk that suits any space and compliments any workstations. All Circle’s furniture aspire to the notion of clean workspaces and tidy home offices being simple, functional and beautiful. European design with local manufacturing has improved lead-times.</p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $4,999 <strong>Lead Time:</strong> 2 - 4 weeks <strong>Supplier:</strong> Circle Design <strong>Website:</strong> circledesign.com.au</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>5. Collector</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/f0f880d0-685c-4d99-b227-a1ba5e7a0aaa.jpg" width="1500"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Collector desk is designed by Gamfratesi for Porro with metal structure in lead effect varnished finish on which are grafted a top and some drawers in apple tree essence finish. </p><p>The Collector desk&#x27;s construction rotates around the essential open structure, a metal bridge onto which various elements are mechanically hooked: drawers, containers, interior panels and a work surface.</p><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$8,030 <strong>Lead Time:</strong> 12 - 14 weeks <strong>Supplier:</strong> Space Furniture <strong>Website:</strong> spacefurniture.com.au</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>6. Cupertino</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/3de33b31-204e-4149-a123-0a46e9423902.jpg" width="2000"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The Cupertino desk combines workspace and storage in a perfect home office solution. Different compartments in the desk allow you to keep your work area clutter free and the clean lines and slim proportions provide a minimalist touch to your work area. </p><p>Available in a choice of sizes and matt white lacquered with oak panels or espresso oak veneer with walnut veneer panels. A light design and feel with Bo Concepts website also recommending using their professional assembly service to ease the home assembly process.</p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $2,499 <strong>Lead Time:</strong> 12 weeks <strong>Supplier:</strong> Bo Concept <strong>Website:</strong> boconcept.com</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>7. Carafe Table</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/4abfec3e-a800-49b2-9671-78dc7eb0fa7b.jpg" width="818"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The Carafe table, by Australian designer Charles Wilson, responds to these shifting conditions by providing an attractive, adaptable work and entertaining surface with subtle storage options. Hidden drawers enable users to store objects and assorted work clutter, allowing the table to transform quickly and easily, transforming from work to dining modes.</p><p>Discrete, carved slots in drawer bases allow easy cable connectivity. The desk comes in various options.</p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $5,330 <strong>Lead Time:</strong> 12 weeks <strong>Supplier:</strong> Living Edge <strong>Website: </strong>livingedge.com.au</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h3><strong>8. Airia Desk</strong></h3></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/06455545-f496-4636-a949-7c8ce23052db.jpg" width="2000"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The Airia Desk is a functional desk with cord management, storage drawers and a durable work surface whilst also being a beautiful, designer piece you’re happy to display in your home. </p><p>An uplifting orchestration of form and functionality, the Airia desk supports technology with simple, integrated cord management and an elevated second surface to keep the primary work area clutter free. Materials include solid walnut frame with inset white laminate, cast aluminium legs and cork lined drawers.</p><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $2,995<strong> Lead Time:</strong> 12 weeks <strong>Supplier: </strong>Living Edge <strong>Website:</strong> livingedge.com.au</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cell-sm-6 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/4b9f122e-6088-4d98-851b-b9429690f157.jpg" width="400"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div><div class="cell cell-sm-6 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p></p><p><em>Contributed by Gabrielle Deed -  Interior Stylist at DB Projects </em></p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The Urban Developer will occasionally publish opinion pieces written by outside contributors representing a wide range of viewpoints.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

The evolution of the work place is evident. Employers are understanding the importance of their employee’s well-being. The considered corporate offic

MODE's Julia Reserve Community Centre.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Now in its 30th year, international design practice MODE say it is continuing to deliver social infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, producing designs that cater for residential, education, health, and community clients. </p><p>Defined as “services and structures that support the quality of life of a city or neighbourhood”, MODE’s designs are helping those communities and their residents to connect and thrive.</p><p>As a multi-disciplinary design practice offering services in architecture, interior design, master planning, urban design, landscape architecture and graphic design, being able to offer a “whole package” of services affords MODE a foot in front of many of its competitors, with the ability to deliver unique outcomes for its clients. </p><p>MODE recognises that residential developments, education, health, and recreation centres form the social cores for communities, and that it involves far more than building just homes and roads, with a focus on the long-term planning, designing, and delivering multi-faceted projects. </p><p>Key to the success of these social infrastructure projects is MODE’S pivotal tool Innovation Capitalisation (IC), a thought process initiated to consider a project from the outset before any design has occurred, a way to align community needs with commercial outcomes, assessing the expected project outcomes against the four key pillars of social, economic, environmental, and educative returns, to deliver comprehensive and innovative design solutions. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/e34e7ddd-1b77-418e-807b-8f9b86163c35.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ MODE&#x27;s Richmond Apartments in Bowen Hills, Queensland.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>MODE’s managing principal and social housing lead Rhonan O’Brien said the group had had great success using IC to reach better outcomes on not only social and affordable housing projects but larger infrastructure. </p><p>“The more successfully we integrate multiple disciplines into our design from the start and work together to get the environmental, educational, social, and economic returns, the better the outcome for all stakeholders,” he said.</p><p>MODE’S extensive residential portfolio, led by O’Brien, has been a key foundation of the practice since its launch in 1991, allowing it to grow as an industry leader. </p><p>Having successfully delivered social and affordable housing projects in Australia and New Zealand during the past three decades, it continues to deliver more in 2021 with numerous projects under way, including flagship social housing project 139 Greys Avenue in Auckland for client Kāinga Ora (previously Housing New Zealand). </p><p>Julia Reserve Community Centre (NSW), The Amberton (WA), Port Macquarie Airport Terminal (NSW) and the Samford Community Hub (QL) are other examples of multi-sector infrastructure delivered by MODE, that have created places for families to meet, for the community to gather,</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/37819080-7d48-4c1b-9e3e-822c1c5d0429.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ MODE&#x27;s ALC Cultural Centre, Angurugu, Groote Eylandt, NT.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Room to Breathe Housing (NT) and the Anindilyakwa Land Council Community Centres (NT) have cemented commitment to delivering quality infrastructure projects for remote and Indigenous communities. </p><p>Ensuring projects are developed with input from communities, for communities, is essential to delivering meaningful and successful designs, providing spaces that are functional and flexible.   </p><p>“We want to deliver a legacy of projects that have made a difference on a small or large scale,” O’Brien said.</p><p>“Social infrastructure has been a key focus for the practice during the past 30 years and will continue so for the next 30, with projects that improve the communities where we work and live, with a commitment to infrastructure for schools, health, recreation, housing, and transport.</p><p>“This is why designing social infrastructure is so important.” </p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>The Urban Developer</strong></em><strong> is proud to partner with </strong><a href="https://www.modedesigncorp.com/"><strong>MODE</strong></a><strong> to deliver this article to you. In doing so, we can continue to publish our free daily news, information, insights and opinion to you, our valued readers.</strong></p></div></div></div></div></div>

Three decades on, MODE is as committed as ever to helping communities and their residents to connect and thrive…

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