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Cambridge Seven Associates is a world-renowned architecture firm that maximizes the power of collaboration to bring fresh solutions to complex design challenges.
C7A Design
Our design process is open, non-linear and informed by the diverse insights and wealth of experience in architecture, construction, exhibit design, art, urban design and graphic design.
In our best work, we integrate research, program and design ideas through diverse points of view to create inspiring results.
C7A advocates a design methodology that values contributions from all team members and incorporates an evolving range of core aspirations to guide our work.
Unsuspected Manifesto
Push the” Big Idea”…Develop Clarity.
Take an idea to a place where it wants to be. Design explorations should be guided by a clear departure point and strong set of ideas that permeate the design process. Re-evaluation of the design idea constantly takes place at each project stage. Our work should strive to demonstrate the clarity, poetry and magic of an idea throughout the design process.
Do Your Homework… Lead.
Good ideas can emerge from anywhere. Recognize and promote research and analysis that fosters collaboration and open minds for creating memorable projects. The true benefit of team diversity comes by stirring the pot, taking risks and trying new things that come from challenges to convention and opposing points of view.
Allow Context to Influence You.
Study and experiment. Great design grows from a deep understanding of the nature of the context, culturally, physically and emotionally. A superimposed or pre-ordained solution preempts the possibility for site specific context issues to inform ideas in meaningful ways.
Embrace Our Time… We’re “Modern.”
We are of the time that we design. Go beyond the superficial influence of style and fashion to understand the deepest cultural, environmental and humanistic motivations for design. Understand the power of conveying continuity with the past while embracing the present.
Connect to Nature…Be “Green.”
To be relevant and beautiful with character and lasting value, design must embrace qualities that make connections to the land and a project’s site. At every opportunity advocate for design that enhances long-term environmental responsibility and connections with nature. Environmental friendliness must be a serious measure on every project.
Innovate…Play Around…but Pay Attention to Craft.
Design is serious play. Iteration is key to getting it right. While our words and discussions help to communicate and negotiate a design evolution, nothing beats quick simple sketches or models to move an idea forward. Draw, fiddle around with models, and sketch at every opportunity! Pay attention to details and how things go together. Care about the craft of the project at all scales.
Take Risks…Be Bold.
Transcend the multitude of basic project requirements to unlock the visceral, emotional qualities that will make the design appropriate and memorable at the same time. Each design problem poses a new challenge that can be addressed on the practical as well as theoretical and abstract level. Don’t be timid about how a strong idea can unlock new ways of problem solving. |
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