Who are we without each other? I’m a wife, a mother, a friend, a daughter — without others, none of those roles would apply. Sure, even if I were the last person on earth, I’d still be a word nerd, a book enthusiast, and a design lover. But who writes books, who shapes space? People do.

There’s an African philosophy known as ubuntu that perfectly encapsulates this idea of our interconnectedness; it translates to, “I am because we are.”

Our world is fueled by relationships, and the built environment can help foster connection, or frustrate it. The Spring issue of Perspective is all about designing for human connection — in healthcare, hospitality, spiritual spaces, even eco-parks. Yes, eco-parks.

Our cover story zooms in on the work of landscape designer Michael Skowlund of Hoerr Schaudt, who helped bring Chicago’s Wild Mile, the world’s first floating eco-park, to life. Located along the North Branch of the Chicago River, the 17-acre park, which is filled with native plants and floating habitats, allows visitors to commune with nature and each other. It’s a space for recreation, research, and respite.

We also spend a day in the life of Lori Mukoyama, a hospitality design leader at Gensler whose work is, by definition, the art of welcome. She gives us a glimpse into her daily rituals and shares her proudest moments (spoiler alert: they’re less about design elements and more about the elation she feels when a finished space is alive with people sharing a laugh or a meal.)

And because connection reaches beyond the material world, this issue also features a roundup of award-winning spiritual spaces from around the globe, places where great design helps people find their way to each other, and toward something larger than themselves.

The through-line is this: We need each other, and we need well-designed spaces to help us look inward and reach outward. At its best, the design industry offers the world the gift of reflection, growth, and connection. It’s a It’s a profound responsibility, and a profound privilege — one we shoulder together.

Nature by Design

For our cover story we talk to landscape architect Michael Skowlund on designing urban gardens and parks — including his work on the world's first floating eco-park, the Wild Mile. He shares what it takes to design for the outdoors when the climate, seasons, and need for connection are always evolving. Read here

11 Questions with Michael Skowlund

We ask our cover subject our 10 most burning quick-fire question, plus one that needed a little explaining. From his favorite plant to his favorite spot in Chicago. This is a members-only feature, you'll have to log in to get the scoop. Read here

Shaping Spaces for Connection

Andrea Benatar and Erin Peavey, AIA, share how empathy and compassion are shaping spaces that truly support the human experience. They highlight how thoughtful design can shape everyday spaces and create small moments of connection for the end-user. Read more

Day in the Life with Lori Mukoyama

What does it really look like to lead global design projects from a single city? Step inside a day in the life of Lori Mukoyama as she takes us behind the scenes of her life and work in Chicago as Gensler's principal and global hospitality leader. Read more

The Future of Healthcare Design

What would it look like if we designed healthcare spaces in the same way we approach hospitality spaces? IIDA and AIA design leaders explore how a hospitality mindset can transform patient care. Take a look at these six transformative takeaways that are changing the future of healthcare design. Read more