Latest news with #UrbanDesign
Irish Times
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
‘Learning is never wasted'
I studied Biological and Biomedical Science, with a specialisation in Zoology, and graduated in 2023. By the time I got to my final year, after all levels of Covid lockdown and a year out as a student union (SU) officer, I knew that it probably wasn't Zoology that I wanted to pursue. However, the analytical and problem-solving skills I learned through my degree opened the door for me to explore further new interests. Specifically, my degree exposed me to urban ecology and the intersection of nature and society. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I was lucky enough to be awarded a George Moore Scholarship to explore these interests further. It took me to London to do a Master's of Public Administration focused on Urban Innovation and Policy at UCL. Here, I learned the foundations of how our public institutions work and I got the opportunity to develop my policymaking skills, both generally and related to the development of science policy. READ MORE What stood out to me most about this experience was realising how the foundational knowledge I developed in my undergraduate degree benefited me in navigating this new academic and professional landscape. I would use the scientific knowledge, problem-solving and analytical skills from my undergrad far more frequently than I had initially expected. One of the most useful aspects of my Master's was getting to work in industry with a partner organisation on the thesis component. Here, I worked with a London-based urban design firm on a project which explored the use of unconventional policy tools to create 'feminist cities' – safer, equitable and more inclusive cities for women, girls and gender minorities. It was really important to me to be able to directly apply my learnings in the real world while still studying, and to build professional connections across diverse, innovative and creative teams working on salient, real-world challenges. It was a great privilege to have been able to do a fully funded Master's degree and tackle these challenges at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to be a student, especially when the cost of living and housing crises are considered. My post-graduation pathway is somewhat unconventional when the title of my undergraduate degree is considered. I'm back reviving my old passions for SU politics as I work on developing and increasing democratic participation at one of London's largest SUs. Even here, I regularly use the communication, administration and technical skills from both degrees. My biggest takeaway, I guess, is that the learning is never wasted. My time at university was worth so much more to me than what was written on my degree in the end – from skills, to personal and professional development, I know that wherever I end up in my career, that these opportunities to learn so much, pivot and change my interests, and to work with so many diverse and interesting groups of people, are going to stand to me massively.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
South Al Batinah Design Hackathon kicks off
Al Rustaq: The South Al Batinah Design Hackathon, organised by the Governorate's Office in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al Musannah, launched at the Office of Wali of Al Rustaq on Monday. Held under the theme 'An Urban Design with the Identity of Place," the two-day event aims to design and develop an integrated tourism project for 'Khor Al Qareem" in the Wilayat of Al Musannah, combining the area's environmental and cultural identity with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The hackathon aligns with national approach in sustainable tourism and smart urban development, supporting the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Over 125 students from 25 educational institutions—both within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad—are participating in multidisciplinary teams specializing in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, and interior design. The program includes training workshops and consultative sessions supervised by experts to enhance participants' skills and refine their design ideas. On the final day, a judging panel will select six projects for evaluation based on criteria such as innovation, sustainability, environmental and cultural integration, space efficiency, and AI utilisation. The top three winning teams will receive valuable prizes, with the first-place project being implemented in Khor Al Qareem. The rights to the three shortlisted projects will belong to the South Al Batinah Governorate, which reserves the right to execute or modify them for public benefit. This hackathon serves as a platform to empower Omani youth, showcase their creative talents in design and urban planning, and engage them in developing sustainable urban and tourism environments that reflect community aspirations and cope with the national principles of the sustainable development.
Associated Press
06-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Gladys Margarita Diaz Elected to NAHREP 2025 South Florida Board, Champions Homeowner Advocacy and Cultural Initiatives Through Coral Rock Village Artist Residency Project.
Gladys Margarita Diaz, an award-winning entrepreneur, architectural urban designer, and community development professional. Renowned community development professional Ms. Diaz leverages several decades of public-private partnership expertise to advance Hispanic homeownership policy and creative projects for cultural benefit in the City of Miami Miami, Florida - 5 June, 2025 - Gladys Margarita Diaz, an award-winning entrepreneur, architectural urban designer and dedicated community development housing advocate, has been elected to the Board of Directors for NAHREP - the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals South Florida chapter. This milestone reinforces her commitment to shaping policy at the local, state, and national levels, while continuing to pioneer transformative projects such cofounding an AI tech company, Agent Mira, providing tools for homebuyers. Her support for the arts continues to be channeled through the Gaudí-inspired Coral Rock Village, a cultural haven for artists and scholars sponsoring Art Residencies. About NAHREP: Founded in 2001, NAHREP- the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals- is the leading authority advocating for equitable Hispanic homeownership and wealth creation across the US. With a network of over 100 chapters and over 40,000 members, NAHREP drives policy change, delivers homebuyer and wealth building education, and partners with industry leaders to close the Hispanic homeownership and wealth gap. Why Is Gladys Margarita A Leader In The Design Of Cities? Key Milestones & Achievements NAHREP South Florida - National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals NAHREP 2025 Gala- L to R – NAHREP Member, Anil Kaul CEO Agent Mira, Gladys Co-Founder Agent Mira, Ray Jourdain Broker, Agent Mira. Design Policy Leadership for Affordable Housing: Gladys Margarita Diaz at the NAHLFA National Conference in Las Vegas with the award for excellence in design of the project in Miami. Coral Rock Village – A Historic Landmark Development Project: Coral Rock Village Development (2000–2025): Spearheaded the restoration of historic Coral Gables cottages into a community that provides 'Homes for Creative Minds: Empowering the Artist in You'. The village features Gaudí-inspired mosaics, provides Art Residencies since Art Basel 2007 and includes year-round cultural programming. Coral Rock Village – A Historic Landmark Development Project by Gladys Margarita Díaz. Ford Motor Company Latina Entrepreneur Award: Gladys Margarita Diaz at her booth at the X Contemporary Art Fair at the Eden Roc Hotel during Art Basel 2016 with artwork by Cuban contemporary artists. Neighborhood Stabilization Program Developer: The lobby of Hampton House hotel is adjacent to the affordable housing development Hampton Village, developed by Gladys Margarita Diaz in partnership. American Landmark Apartments Artist In Residence Co-Founder: Image of feature article in Multifamily Executive Magazine with Gladys Margarita Diaz, Joseph Lubeck CEO and artist Artem Mirelovich. Cornell University Faculty Member: Cornell University article about Gladys Margarita Diaz faculty program. Policy and Society Influence: Gladys Margarita Diaz's leadership bridges the worlds of design and legislation. She ensures that public policy supports quality urban design and affordable housing initiatives meet technical standards. All her advocacy is to foster neighborhood vitality and design initiatives prioritize resident well-being, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment. Featured Quote 'I believe that every policy decision and design choice must uplift the people it serves. By combining art-inspired living spaces with sound legislative advocacy, we create homes—and communities—that enhance our culture.' — Gladys Margarita Diaz, Government Affairs Director, NAHREP South Florida Left to right: Jack Lowell (Partner, Codina/Bush Group), Governor of Florida (now U.S. Senator) Rick Scott, Gladys Margarita Díaz — honored with the Key to the City of Coral Gables in Miami — joined by her husband, Ray Jourdan, a leading realtor in Miami. Upcoming Visionary Initiatives: Press Release by: Reinaldo Vandres Media Contact: Reinaldo Vandres, Public Relations Manager, Coral Rock Village Email: [email protected] Phone: + 1 (714) 926-1058 Hashtags & Social Handles: #GladysDiazAdvocacy | #NAHREPSouthFL | #CoralRockVillage | @GladysMDiaz @NAHREP @UrbanizaStudio Media Contact Company Name: Coral Rock Village Contact Person: Reinaldo Vandres Email: Send Email Phone: (714) 926-1058 Address:1301 Milan Ave. City: Coral Gables State: FL 33134 Country: United States Website: Source: CORAL ROCK VILLAGE
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'State-of-the-art' football hub plans submitted
Plans for a multimillion-pound "state-of-the-art" football training centre in South Yorkshire have been submitted. According to the application, the Doncaster City Elite Training Centre in Bawtry would provide training facilities and accommodation for professional football teams. The man behind the proposals, former football agent Willie McKay, said the £55m centre would host elite sides and be "the only one of its kind in Britain", while local teams and groups could also use the facilities at quieter times. However, concerns have been expressed over developing on green belt land and the training centre's proximity to existing homes. If approved, the site on land near Martin Grange Farm would consist of five full-size pitches, including a show pitch with a 499-capacity stand. It would also feature an indoor pitch and goalkeeper training areas, as well as indoor facilities - including padel courts - and accommodation for up to three teams at any one time. In his application, Mr McKay said the "unique" facility would be fit to host the biggest clubs in the world playing in the north of England or on a training camp. According to a planning document, the site would be split into an "elite training hub" with five-star facilities and a "professional hub" for other teams. The plans have been endorsed by several professional football clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and the MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, Lee Pitcher, who described them as a "fantastic opportunity for our constituency". Mr McKay said he would be "disappointed" if the proposals were not approved, and claimed £1m had already been spent on them. However, numerous objections to the plans have also been submitted to the council. Urban Design, a department at Doncaster Council which advises on planning applications, said the "density" of the development "raises significant concern". "There is concern relating to how this development will sit within the wider landscape," its submission added. Concerns were also raised about an increase in traffic in the area. Mr McKay said the land, previously used as a farm and an equestrian holding, was "green belt in name only". "There's only so many things you can change green belt land for - a sports facility is one of them," he said. Meanwhile, Charles Dunn, a planning consultant advising Mr McKay, said the application would demonstrate the "very special circumstances" needed for planning approval on green belt land. Mr Dunn said that was "a combination of the economic benefit and, really, the uniqueness of what's proposed", as well as some of the facilities being available for community use. Any impact on neighbouring properties would be "minimal", he added. Mr Dunn said he did not know when the council would make a decision on the plans. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
