Spring 2019: Editorial

As I’ve delved deeper into the idea of sustainability these past few months, it’s encouraging to see the emphasis both the A&D and manufacturing communities are putting on its importance. The idea has moved well beyond post-consumer content and indoor air quality to touch what would have once been considered unrelated topics. Sustainability today has social, economic and environmental implications — each of which are being explored by the design community. What’s inspiring is the recognition across multiple disciplines of the direct relationship between human and ecological health and commercial building.

This idea is being examined through a number of new design concepts. Biophilia, our human connection to nature, for example, while not a new concept has only in the last few years gained traction as an applied science. In this issue of GO, we’ve taken a deeper look into what biophilic design means today and how it is impacting human health and wellness.

One topic that is less discussed within the commercial space (but hard to escape the truth of) is the impact of climate change. Fires, floods, hurricanes and droughts have hit hard, not only in the U.S. but around the globe. The lasting impacts of those weather events on our built environment are beginning to be examined. Building for the future is no longer a conversation for tomorrow; it’s a conversation for today. We’ve started that conversation in this issue, where we discuss major projects that are built on fault lines and flood zones; the need to look to potential trends rather than historic; and the business of resiliency.

While I’m proud to share with you some of the topics we’ll be covering in this issue, I also want to rouse a call to arms. Here at GO, we are injecting a new passion for sustainable materials, sustainable design and sustainable growth in all aspects of the built environment into our presence within the industry. We are again working tirelessly to engage with designers and architects, manufacturers and building owners to push GO and its content into the new age; an age where sustainable design reigns. But, as we navigate this new age, we also want you to help us steer. If there are topics you think warrant discussion, if there are projects that deserve a spotlight, if there are movers and shakers that need a voice, feel free to tap us on the shoulder. We strive to be your go-to resource. We want to get to the bottom of what makes — and what will make — the commercial built environment thrive, and we’re open to your input. Let’s delve a little deeper, together.