As designers, we remain cognizant of the EDSA brand and the value our clients put in us. Our brand is more than our logo, name or slogan — it's the entire experience our clients have with our company and how consumers perceive and interact with the environments we create.
In developing our 2013 Business Plan, we re-evaluated our values, brand promise and corporate essence along with the way we share information with our clients and colleagues across the globe. With this introspective exercise, came the reality of consumer information overload and making sure the right messages are getting to the right people by the most efficient and effective means. As your design partner, we want to provide you with a collective of information critical to your every day business ventures.
On behalf of the entire EDSA team, we welcome you to the debut issue of eReach. Through the dissemination of this e-communication, we aim to provide you with valuable insights that can spark innovative ideas, captivating case studies that will feature breakthrough methods, cutting edge concepts that can be applied to your industry, consumer market dynamics and thought provoking perspectives.
A global leader in the development industry, we understand that consumer behavior drives demand and that our projects must respond and integrate what buyers, tourists, students and visitors are expecting before they even know it. With this in mind, we are tracking some consumer trends as revealed by Trendwatching.com. The ideas at EDSA are already percolating. Here are the trends that caught our eye….
- Mobile Moments: In 2013, consumers will look to their mobile devices to maximize absolutely every moment, multi-if-not-hypertasking their experiences, purchases and communications. What will this mean for the designs, properties and structures touching these super mobile users?
- Celebration Nation: Emerging markets will proudly export and even flaunt their national and cultural heritage in the next 12 months. Symbols, lifestyles and traditions that were previously downplayed if not denied will be a source of pride for domestic consumers, and objects of interest to global consumers. Will we explore ways to incorporate celebrities, VIPs or influentials in our work?
- DataMyining: The discussion of "big data" has focused on how customer data helps businesses. Consumers are increasingly aware of this, and will expect to turn this around, and benefit from the value of their lifestyle data. They'll start to look for brands that use it proactively (but not intrusively) to improve their behavior and/ or save them money. How can we learn more information that will make a difference?
- Brand Transparency and Social Responsibility: Just making statements and running advertisements on social responsibility isn't good enough. Consumers' trust in brands to tell the truth or do the right thing has declined significantly over the past few years. Increasingly, they want to see evidence and actual results. How will we communicate economic, social and environmental sustainability efforts to consumers?
We hope you find the eReach newsletter informative and that we spark your own thinking and discussions about a new and exciting future. We welcome your reactions, thoughts and questions to these trends as well as all future editorial content presented.
Please feel free to email us at communications@edsaplan.com or call me at 954.524.3330.
All the best,
Jill L. Martinez
Director of Marketing
With a record of high quality design work coupled with solid construction experience, the Sutton Studio knows what it takes to get projects built in diverse geographic regions, varying terrains and across project types. Direct experience allows them to be responsible and realistic while pressing creativity in the front-end design process.
Their studio motto is to nurture client relationships, never step down from a design challenge and continue to be passionate and open-minded when approaching new work. They are skilled at absorbing a client's idea and exemplifying, expanding and altering it to create an implementable, design vision that reaches beyond client expectations.
"We thrive on brainstorming for new ideas and discovering creative alternatives whether for a small conceptual urban park effort in Puerto Rico, an expat village in Riyadh, a historic hotel
project in Miami Beach or ecolodges on the island of Dominica. Our team's talent and experience afford us the ability to take advantage of opportunities provided from our diverse clients." – Gregg R. Sutton, Principal
The fun, friendly people that comprise the Sutton Studio are more than just designers. Their active artistry reaches beyond the confines of their office space with hobbies, interests and talents as photographers, musicians, motorcycle enthusiasts and life-long soccer players.
In 2013 the Sutton Studio will focus on building market share in the Middle East, Latin America and domestically with an emphasis on resort destinations, mixed-use entertainment districts and urban green spaces.
For more information on the Sutton Studio visit: www.edsaplan.com/en/Team/Studios/Sutton
Derek Gagne's design inspiration is fueled by the places he visits and the experiences he has had while working on projects all over the world in his last 10 years at EDSA. As the recipient of the 2013 Joseph J. Lalli Fellowship, he looks forward to collecting a few more stamps in his passport as he travels to Scandinavia to examine the aesthetic and ingenuity that emerged from mid-century furniture design. The focus of his research compares the unique principles that drove this design movement and how the region has been re-focusing this spirit into the values and ideals of the current-day urban landscape. As an international designer working on a diverse range of projects, Derek knows the importance of being a deliverer of ideas to our clients. As a member of the EDSA Baltimore Studio, he approaches all projects with this in mind. |
A champion of design excellence, Josefina Lanza Castelli began her career at EDSA as an international intern and since joining the firm full-time in 2010 has gained project experience working in several countries throughout Latin America. A native of Argentina, she is known for respecting the surrounding landscape, local conditions and traditions, as well as the client's wishes. Finding beauty in her surroundings, travels, and life experiences provides inspiration for Josefina's design. A synergistic melding of mind, hand, and color lays the groundwork for her precise and innovative design. A part-time crusader in the architecture world and team member in the Larrea Studio, Josefina has the ability to seamlessly mesh landscape works with the built environment. |
Preparing for his move to Shanghai to begin operating EDSA's new office, Courtney Moore has collaborated on several high profile international projects, including Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai and the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay which is currently under construction. Since joining the firm in 2004, Courtney has acquired a spectrum of skills, from planning and design development to construction oversight that he elucidates through his imaginative, perceptive talents. The most gratifying projects for him are those which come to realization, and he enjoys solving design problems throughout the process. Most recently his highly attuned eye was an integral part of the team that completed the Viceroy Resort on Anguilla. Courtney hopes to translate these past experiences into a new adventure that will expand EDSA's reach into new markets. |
The tradition of Montenegro is the outcome of countless cultural influences and conquests while stretches of sandy beaches, historical places and a seismic history have resulted in an almost immediate transition from high mountains to a deeply rutted coastline adding to its appeal. This richly textured landscape and sense of outdoor enclosure, combined with a strong history and pure authenticity of place provided the inspiration for the planning and design of Luštica Bay.
As a new resort community in an emerging hospitality market, the master plan design of Luštica Bay intentionally draws upon the local cultural, regional vernacular and the site's unique terrain and flora. With the goal of setting a new standard in quality development, the plan responds to landforms, ecosystems and historic village patterns to create a contemporary expression of the regional heritage. Both in the overall master plan and detailed implementation of each phase, this vision is realized by capitalizing on the physical and cultural attributes of the site and its context.
Within the development's built environment, architectural massing has been carefully developed to create outdoor living spaces, preserve view sheds and step buildings organically down the hillsides. Interior spaces unite with outdoor spaces to create a complete design environment that takes advantage of Montenegro's special climate. Site grading is carefully orchestrated so buildings feel tied to the earth and appear to "grow out of the land." Site steps and walls link the architecture together both in a horizontal and vertical sense. Site materials emphasize the natural and complement the unrefined colors found in the soils, rock outcroppings and landscapes of the property. Consequently the use of indigenous materials such as local stone, clay tile, and wood are incorporated into the structures, plazas and spaces and designed on a human scale.
Luštica Bay is committed to creating and operating a healthy and sustainable resort environment, whereby economic, ecologic, and social aspects are balanced in the framework of every decision. Throughout the design process, sustainability issues remained in the forefront with special attention to preserving the existing ridgelines, protecting archaeological remains, maintaining the site's natural hydrology, building orientation, waste management, reduced energy consumption, and the use of native plants and regional materials. These green building principles not only represent the most responsible of design methods, but remain consistent with The Parliament of the Republic on Montenegro's "Declaration of the ecological state of Montenegro".
In response to green design practices, the plan uses renewable energy sources, preserves large areas of native flora and fauna, incorporates energy-efficient architecture and creates a protected marine environment in the Trašte Bay. Trees, shrubs and groundcovers complement the composition of the built environment, provide relief from the summer sun and chilling winter winds, as well as establish a signature look and feel for the resort. Further innovations, such as a manmade lake for thermal storage and irrigation as well as several public mobility options, reflect the client's commitment for having the greatest positive economic impact on the region while respecting the existing natural environment.
Upon completion, the multi-phased destination will include seven hotels, 1,600 apartments, 750 villas, a mixed-use village with retail, school and medical clinic, two marinas, yacht club, marine biology institute, conference center, and Montenegro's first and only 18-hole golf course. A green space network and trail connections will allow pedestrians to move through the site and access the conservation areas, coastal zones and botanical gardens as well as agricultural, archeological and community gathering spaces. The initial phase which includes the marina hotel, marina retail, apartments, townhomes, villas, a 120 berth marina, a Gary Player 18-hole golf course and club house as well as hilltop village with office space and a school is under construction.
Montenegro symbolizes unspoiled nature, authentic village character, fresh air, crystal clear water, and a tradition of hospitality that has survived many centuries. The Luštica Bay Development reinforces these embedded traditions and in doing so helps raise awareness of Montenegro as a hospitality destination.
Location: Radovici, Montenegro
Client: Lustica Development AD
Scope: Master Planning and Detailed Design
Scale: 440 Hectares
As designers, we are cognizant of our surroundings and embrace the initiatives of our constituents in improving quality of life. We are excited about improvements in our hometown and commend the individuals involved on their foresight and determination to move the Greenways Master Plan forward.
A project that began in the spring of 1999 is making strides as of late to improve the quality of life in Broward County's urban environment by creating a county-wide system of greenways. Over the years, we have seen this project evolve from a simple idea amongst the Board of County Commissioner to something that citizens have already begun to use in some areas, like the completed Flagler Street Greenway featured above.
Broward County's Greenways System will be a network of safe and clean bicycle paths, equestrian and nature trails and waterways. The greenways will connect neighborhoods all the way from the Everglades to the Atlantic Ocean linking conservation lands, parks and recreational facilities, cultural and historic sites, schools and business areas while providing opportunities to enhance and restore the native vegetation and wildlife habitats as well as providing an alternative mode of transportation.
For more information you can visit the website for the Broward County Greenways System or view a map of existing and proposed Greenways by clicking here.
We find inspiration through many sources – music, sports, entertainment, art, food, books and more. As part of our e-series, we plan on sharing with you places that have touched our hearts, hands, souls and stomachs – places we think are worth visiting if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Bruges is a charming town filled with incredible history, beautiful scenery and friendly locals. Plus, it's a pedestrian's dream. The medieval overtones of Bruges' cobblestone streets lead to countless historic, architectural and artistic wonders. Marveling at ornate houses lining intricate canals, one can certainly understand why this is one of our favorite destinations. Enjoy people watching in the main square, walk to the top of the Sint Salvador Cathedral, then stop by Bien Soigne cafe and have a Belgium waffle. Trust us, there is no comparison. It is almost like a steak with chocolate sauce!
In the spirit of giving and appreciation for our environment, EDSA arranged with Plant a Billion Trees to have trees planted in the Atlantis Forest in Bahia, Brazil to celebrate our amazing clients and dedicated staff. Response to our holiday offering was exceptional and we are proud of our affiliation with The Nature Conservancy in helping to restore and protect the rainforest, grasslands and coral reefs. To learn more visit www.nature.org, to see how you can make a lasting difference.
