This year marks 10 years since a unique moment of international attention was bestowed upon Kansas City. On a sunny day in June 2007, Henry Bloch and others were hoisted into the air in the bucket of a construction lift to celebrate the opening of the Bloch Building expansion at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

In retrospect, this new building and the decisions leading to the selection of its architect, Steven Holl, for a commission far different from his past portfolio were a result of true civic leadership and vision.

Ten years ago, an F5 tornado destroyed more than 90% of Greensburg, Kansas. Following the disaster, Governor Sebelius and the AIA contacted BNIM to assist in rebuilding and recovery due to our history of helping communities in the wake of natural disasters.

The Devastation in GreEnsburg following the May 4, 2007, Tornado

Reflection & Momentum

Catching up with Aaron Ross after his presentation at the ASLA Annual Meeting and Expo, the following Q&A explores the session "Serious Fun: How Tech Companies Are Using Landscape Architects to Attract Talent." Ross represented BNIM and was joined by Renee Bihan, FASLA, SWA Group and Steven Spears, FASLA, Design Workshop, Inc. The session covered BNIM's Pacific Center Campus project, examining how design can appeal to human nature to attract and retain the best tech talent through integrated work environments.

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When it comes to the evolution of Modernism, few names have more recognition than Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. This seminal architect — often associated with such phrases "less is more" and "God is in the details" — designed the Federal Home Savings and Loan building in 1962.

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.  HELEN KELLER

The following editorial is the first in a series of writings that explore BNIM’s human-purposed approach to design grounded in a project called designing practice; the subsequent posts delve into BNIM’s process and culture through individual reflections. 

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