Placemaking, like architecture, has long been considered more of an art than a science, based on the notion that utilizing scientific approaches that optimize for efficiency would result in places that are soulless and uninviting.
But re-focusing science on people and quality of life presents an entirely new perspective: embracing complexity and studying the interplay of engineering disciplines in support of the art of design results in places that are more human, not less.
Engineers at BuroHappold have dubbed this approach—supporting the broadbrush strokes of designers with computational technology, data analysis, and a neural network to analyze data and reveal critical interrelationships—"Wechselwirkungen," a coming together of the seemingly unconnected.
Watch as Wolf Mangelsdorf, a Partner with BuroHappold, explains the science of Wechselwirkungen.