About lesliesaulandasso

Here are my most recent posts

Self Healing Technology: Concrete on the Mend

damaged concrete

When we think of the terms smart or innovative architecture, we usually consider things like energy efficiency or universal design. However, these days, scientists are creating new technologies that go beyond basic structural form and function. A while back, we posted a blog about Organic Designs, which discussed a bacteria that can be used to seal cracks … [Read more...]

Sustain & Restore: Loreto Bay and Providence Riverwalk, Part II

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Welcome back to our two part series on how sustainable restorations have breathed life into two different communities: Loreto Bay, located in Baja, Mexico, and the Waterplace Park and Riverwalk, in Providence, Rhode Island. Read their histories in Part 1. While both waterfront communities suffered from poor development decisions during the 1960s and 70s, … [Read more...]

Sustain & Restore: Loreto Bay and Providence Riverwalk

Loreto Bay 2013

At first glance, the communities of Loreto Bay, located in Baja, Mexico, and The Providence Riverwalk, in Rhode Island, USA might not seem to have much in common. In fact, both areas were once a pile of concrete and asphalt, offering little commercial or cultural value to their communities. Now, due to the hard work of citizens and developers … [Read more...]

Restaurant Design: Combining Diversity, Nature and Delectables

Oleana herb garden patio

Restaurant owners often believe their restaurant design should be upscale to attract a crowd. However, with the right location and an open mind, you can create designs with enough diversity and character to attract foodies galore. The following Boston and Miami restaurants exemplify how creative design will win over "swank" any day. Beach and Harbor … [Read more...]

The Use of Color in Design

C and B class room

Color is a crucial element of architectural design because when applied right, it adds to the energy and feel of a building. Two recent examples of architectural design, which have infused entire spaces with color, are the U Mass Dartmouth Library and the Chesapeake Child Development Center in Oklahoma City. While both facilities are designed using bright … [Read more...]

Co-Working: Exploring Shared Social Space for Working

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Most freelancers don't miss the mandatory office schedules, politics, and "The Boss". However, many freelancers are discovering things they do miss from the office: getting out of PJs once in a while, socializing, and collaboration. In addition to that, many small companies and start ups are re-thinking their office space to give their employees the social … [Read more...]

The Accessible Home Reviewed in NY Times also Achieves Top Amazon Sales

The Accessible Home
Source: Amazon

How pleased we were to read the accolades received by our friend, Deborah Pierce. Her book, The Accessible Home has achieved the #1 mark in Amazon sales for publications on design, and was recently given a fabulous review in the New York Times. Deborah Pierce highlights the fact that universal home design can be luxurious, elegant, and aesthetically … [Read more...]

The New Sketchbooks: Architecture Apps

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Source: evermotion

Until recently, meeting with clients met bringing sketchpad, pencils, erasers, and other architectural design toys to draw as the client and/or architect(s) brainstorm. Now, architecture apps have reinvented the wheel, making it easy to create and share ideas/plans with nary a traditional sketchpad in sight. Here are some of our favorite … [Read more...]

Rising Technology:Turning Surfaces into a Touch Screen

Microsoft Home Test Kitchen Interactive Projector

Source: Microsoft via Houzz

It seems we are on the cusp of entering the Jetsonian or Trekie lifestyle we've imagined since we were kids. Though the incarnations may be slightly different, rising technology makes seemingly impossible things entirely possible. The newest innovations happening at Microsoft, Fujitsu, and other IT/tech companies are transforming the way we behave, and will … [Read more...]

20/20 Campaign Ends With Candlepin

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Leslie Saul & Associates celebrated the end of a successful 20/20 Campaign with a celebration at Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Somerville.    LS&A ran a campaign through the LS&A blog and Facebook page to help celebrate 20 years of sharing their vision of good design at work by asking friends and associates for $20 donations to go toward the United … [Read more...]

Are Modern Homes Really Liveable?

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So what gives with all these modern home designs involving lots of concrete, steel, and minimal white and colorless decor? Is this how people really live? If you have a normal life, and/or children, the term "minimalism" might set you on edge, as you wonder how on earth you can maintain that kind of existence without destroying the design. As architects … [Read more...]