Question 4

Q: Envisioning urban futures that blend imagination with pragmatism is a unique skill. How do you approach combining visionary concepts with practical considerations to create spaces that transcend the ordinary?

A: Great places are created by great ideas and amibitions. I believe that we should always dare to imagine the city we want to live in and not get caught up in the practicalities right from the start. Our role as designers is to illustrate what is possible, advise on the feasibility of ideas, and help identify priorities. And sometimes push the envelope to support meaningful change and improvements. Practical requirements do not necessarily need to stand in the way of a vision, if we understand and know how to use them. Constraints often spur creativity! But if issues such as costs or lack of support present seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, we can help craft approaches that work over time without loosing sight of the overall objective.