Perspective 2022: Looking Back

Jan 03, 2023 By Vasia Rigou

Highlights from 2022 Perspective Magazines: State of Being, Changemakers, and Moving UP

By Vasia Rigou Jan 03, 2023

Published in Perspective

IIDA reflects on last year’s Perspective member magazine—the first-ever year of digital-only editions. Highlighting extraordinary creatives, breathtakingly designed spaces, and big ideas—think: futurism, sustainability, equity, and diversity in design and beyond—Perspective has been invaluable for our members and the community at large.

In our three issues, each introduced by IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, we focused on what makes our industry connected, powerful, and influential: Our debut digital issue, Perspective: State of Being, touches on the aftermath of the pandemic and provides insights on navigating a new world. Perspective: Changemakers, celebrates the people reinventing the way that we think, design, and live. Finally, our third and final issue of the year, Perspective: Moving UP, is one that looks fearlessly into the future—preparing us for what’s next by creating the conditions for confidence, optimism, innovation, and resilience.

As we prepare for 2023 we are delighted by the strength of our shared design community, grateful for your heartwarming support, readership, and care, and committed to sharing even more stories, members-only exclusives, tools, and insights in our future issues. Until then, take a look at some of our favorite stories of the year—enlightening, empowering, inspirational, and above all, human.

Perspective State of Being: Thinking Big with Barbara Bouza
The President of Walt Disney Imagineering, Barbara Bouza, IIDA, FAIA, on keeping her calm, creating authentic, impactful experiences, designing for inclusivity and accessibility, and using challenges as the fuel that powers greatness.

Issue 1 | Perspective: State of Being

"Renew"

Fantasy Babble Factory: a former soap-making factory within a 97-year-old industrial building once facing demolition becomes a retro sci-fi wonderland in the form of a museum, cafe, and gallery space. Read more about State of Being: "Renew"

"Talk Talk"

In this two-part conversation, Sarah Clair, IIDA, of HKS and Rolando Mendoza of Gensler continue their discussion on embracing new technologies—the Metaverse, extended reality, and the future of design. Read more about State of Being: "Talk Talk"

"How to X"

We visit Chicago-based designer, maker, educator, and all-around visionary creative, Norman Teague in his studio for a conversation on how to find purpose and navigate your own path towards a fulfilling design career. Read more about State of Being: "How to X"

"Ukraine-based YOD Group"

Designers Volodymyr Nepiyvoda and Dmytro Bonesko discuss the challenges faced during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the importance of utilizing creativity during a time of crisis, and where they find resiliency and inspiration. Read more about State of Being: "Ukraine-based YOD Group"

Issue 2 | Perspective: Changemakers

"Talk Talk"

Design Museum of Chicago’s Tanner Woodford and Quilen Blackwell of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms talk about the ways they are using design to bring change, beauty, and purpose to the world in this two-way conversation. Read more about Changemakers: "Talk Talk"

"Little Wing Lee"

Award-winning designer Little Wing Lee reflects on her unlikely path to design, art and nature as sources of inspiration, and Black Folks in Design (BFD), a platform she founded to showcase Black excellence across disciplines and the world. Read more about Changemakers: "Little Wing Lee"

"Dr. Jennifer Languell and Babcock Ranch"

Green building and sustainability expert, Dr. Jennifer Languell on the importance of urban planning and the built environment for resiliency in the face of climate change; and Babcock Ranch, the Florida community designed to withstand hurricanes that was just put to the test. Read more about Changemakers: "Dr. Jennifer Languell and Babcock Ranch"

Issue 3 | Perspective: Moving UP

"Next"

We highlight five design manufacturers who are leading the way to a new era of designing for people, space, and community—one that seeks to reduce negative environmental, social, and economic impacts and is focused on improving our health, well-being, and quality of life. Read more about Moving UP: "Next"

"Julia Watson on Sustainable Futures"

Author, designer, and researcher, Julia Watson shares how nature-based technologies developed by indigenous cultures from around the world can provide building blocks for designing more resilient, sustainable futures. Read more about Moving UP: "Julia Watson on Sustainable Futures"