Knowledge

Technology and Innovation

Technology has created the most significant changes in human behaviour since the industrial revolution. As the places we create respond to human behaviour the value of established design methodologies has never been more valuable.

Our challenge is to match the evolving needs of society with the fast paced evolution that is occurring in technology.

Thumbnail for the article 'Paying attention: How to beat the retail goldfish bowl' by Harold Perks and Dr Emil Jonescu

Paying attention: How to beat the retail goldfish bowl

Harold Perks and Dr Emil Jonescu

The key is starting with our understanding of the unique behavioural, cultural and psychological drivers we’re experiencing right now and how this may evolve in the future.

Thumbnail for the article 'An explosion of activity-based retail is about to hit our shopping centres' by Harold Perks, Madeleine Steele, Yaara Plaves and Dr Emil Jonescu

An explosion of activity-based retail is about to hit our shopping centres

Harold Perks, Madeleine Steele, Yaara Plaves and Dr Emil Jonescu

As Australia ramps up to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, new and existing multi-city sports infrastructure will cater for athletes competing and millions of spectators watching on the world stage. But what will happen to these spaces afterwards? And how can we learn from them to create healthy and thriving communities for the future?

Thumbnail for the article 'The future of emergency departments in Australia'

The future of emergency departments in Australia

By the time the design and construction of a new hospital is completed in Australia, it may already be outdated due to a lack of flexibility and the rapid development of technologies and services. Design and construction limitations were highlighted during the pandemic, with a pronounced shift from face-to-face services to remote telehealth services. While telehealth services continue to grow as important tools for providing care to our growing population, who knows what’s coming next?

Thumbnail for the article 'Food for thought' by Talia Uylaki

Food for thought

Talia Uylaki

What are the current, and possible future initiatives food retailers in Australia have enacted to respond to the expectations of their consumers to be socially and environmentally proactive?

Thumbnail for the article 'Electric vehicles in higher-density residential developments' by Research & Development, Residential Thought Leadership Group

Electric vehicles in higher-density residential developments

Optimising shared carparking facilities through planning, design, and early engagement

Research & Development, Residential Thought Leadership Group

The number of EVs linked into the grid will grow significantly over the next decade, which presents several key global challenges including meeting overall energy and power demands, developing ‘smart charging’ or vehicle-to-grid service from linked cars, and for designers; developing spaces designed with sufficient forethought surrounding flexibility and systems integration.

Thumbnail for the article 'Reactivating city laneways with virtual infrastructure' by Research & Development

Reactivating city laneways with virtual infrastructure

Research & Development

The city laneway is often viewed as narrow, dark, lined with rubbish bins and vehicles parked on the verge, tagged with graffiti, and used only for transitionary foot traffic. They are characterised as potentially unsafe areas, especially at night and if the laneway has inefficient lighting.

There is potential in reactivating existing laneway infrastructure to create vibrant, active spaces that promote increased foot traffic to the buildings that back or open onto the laneway, as well as facilities and services on the streets at either end of the laneway.

Thumbnail for the article 'Knowledge is power' by Talia Uylaki, Archivist and Researcher

Knowledge is power

The value of our archives

Talia Uylaki, Archivist and Researcher

Archives are valuable repositories of information to us at Hames Sharley, but you won’t think of it at first when the next batch of boxes are brought out: crumbling cardboard boxes with dusty files filled with yellowed papers held together by rusty staples and paperclips that crumble into bits as they are pried off. But take the time to go through each individual project file and decades of hard work and the character of a business begins to gleam from beneath 50 years of dust.

Thumbnail for the article 'Defining regenerative design'

Defining regenerative design

The foundation to systematic understanding, adoption and practice

The world is currently on the brink of irreversible damage due to climate change. At the 2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it was noted that many vulnerable communities had already started to experience food insecurity and ecosystem crises, with the projected rise in global temperatures set to cause such significant environmental damage that it would displace an estimated 200 million global citizens by 2050. That’s less than thirty years away.

Thumbnail for the article 'Trickle down technology'

Trickle down technology

How major technological advancements transform the everyday retail

This article by Harold Perks, Hames Sharley was first published in SCN’s Little Guns edition, November 2021.

Thumbnail for the article 'An EPiC initiative to build more sustainable cities'

An EPiC initiative to build more sustainable cities

With global temperatures steadily increasing, sustainable design is more important than ever. But beyond constructing energy-efficient buildings, embracing biophilic design and finding clever ways to capture and recycle rainwater, architects must also consider the life cycle of their building materials for minimal impact on the environment.

Thumbnail for the article 'The Design Matrix'

The Design Matrix

How Simulated Environments are Shaping our Future

Exploiting the data provided by new technologies is making a big difference to the architectural process, with environmental simulations becoming increasingly important in early project design.

Thumbnail for the article 'Architecture in an Age of Augmented Reality'

Architecture in an Age of Augmented Reality

How Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will shape the future of built environments

To those outside of the industry, the idea of taking a virtual tour of a new building before it’s even been constructed, every detail brought to life by wearing VR goggles, might sound like science fiction. But for designers, these futuristic technologies are becoming par for the course, rapidly transforming architecture as we know it.

Thumbnail for the article 'The road ahead for driverless cars' by In collaboration with EasyMile

The road ahead for driverless cars

In collaboration with EasyMile

For years, we’ve been told to expect a transport revolution: get ready for the driverless car! And yes, there are little signs of it happening – from universities using automated vehicles to ferry guests around on open days to the deployment of driverless transport as a way of circumventing coronavirus restrictions. But aside from feeling twinges of jealousy when watching self-controlled limos speeding characters around on shows like Westworld, we’ve more or less let the whole idea slip from our consciousness.

Thumbnail for the article 'Next Generation of Innovators'

Next Generation of Innovators

Dubai Design Week 2019, the Global Grad Show brought together the world’s top Graduates to showcase a diverse range of innovative design projects between 12-16th November. Hames Sharley’s WA Studio Project Assistant Georgina Spooner attended the event and presented her Honours thesis project in the ‘Planet’ category of the exhibition.

Thumbnail for the article 'Flying cars and sustainable design…' by Harold Perks

Flying cars and sustainable design…

The shopping centre of 2100

Harold Perks

If we can trace the idea of a shopping centre as far back as the Roman Empire then it’s safe to imagine shopping centres will continue to exist in 2100. But what they might look like, that’s another question entirely.

Thumbnail for the article 'Architects and engineers, R U OK?'

Architects and engineers, R U OK?

Architects and engineers rate worryingly high for risk of suicide. As part of RU OK Day on 12 September, we look at the factors behind this trend and what can be done to mitigate them.

Thumbnail for the article 'Home sweet home'

Home sweet home

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who believe chocolate is the best thing ever, and those who are wrong. But it’s safe to say that there won’t be too many who will be upset to learn that July 7 is World Chocolate Day.

Thumbnail for the article 'Sufficient unto the data'

Sufficient unto the data

A recent report from the BBC suggests that if at any point in the last week you’ve struggled to find a digital file on your phone or computer, you may well be guilty of digital hoarding…

Thumbnail for the article 'Why architecture hasn’t changed in more than 2,000 years…' by The National Design Forum with Derek Hays

Why architecture hasn’t changed in more than 2,000 years…

The National Design Forum with Derek Hays

Hames Sharley’s National Design Forum Leader, Derek Hays, considers why the three fundamentals of architecture have remained unchanged for 2,000 years.

Thumbnail for the article 'Stable designs'

Stable designs

Not only can design help settle your mind through creative pursuits, it can also result in products that enhance mental health in other ways. Here are five ideas that employ good design to improve mental wellbeing – from the very simple to the more complex and innovative.

Thumbnail for the article 'Scraping the sky'

Scraping the sky

September 3rd marks World Skyscraper Day, a day to recognise the architectural and engineering feat that encompass some of the worlds tallest and most magnificent buildings.

Thumbnail for the article 'Here we grow'

Here we grow

Earlier this month, the population of Australia hit the 25 million mark, with the number of migrants outpacing the number of births at a rate of almost two to one - a figure reminiscent of gold-rush days…

Thumbnail for the article 'Architecture; art vs science'

Architecture; art vs science

In August each year, the nation celebrates Science Week. It’s a government initiative to fuel society’s interest and understanding of importance in the subject.

Thumbnail for the article 'Urban innovations for closing the fiscal gap' by Darren Bilsborough

Urban innovations for closing the fiscal gap

Darren Bilsborough

Director of Hames Sharley, Darren Bilsborough explores biophilic urbanism as a way of increasing quality of life without increasing tax.

Thumbnail for the article 'Inspiring research and philanthropy through art at the Perkins' by The Tertiary, Education, Science & Research portfolio

Inspiring research and philanthropy through art at the Perkins

The Tertiary, Education, Science & Research portfolio

Five Western Australian artists express their support for medical research by decorating lab coats for the Harry Perkins Institute.

Thumbnail for the article '6 ways reverse innovation could improve our hospitals' by Ron Bridgefoot

6 ways reverse innovation could improve our hospitals

Ron Bridgefoot

Reverse innovation in Australian healthcare can bring valuable lessons into hospital design and patient care from developing countries.

Thumbnail for the article 'Mitigating the potential threats of Artificial Intelligence on our cities' by Jacinta Houzer

Mitigating the potential threats of Artificial Intelligence on our cities

Jacinta Houzer

It’s predicted that robots and Artificial Intelligence will play a large part in our lives by 2025, but as anyone who’s seen a Terminator movie knows, these are exactly the kinds of technology prone to misuse or mishap. Here we investigate a report highlighting the potential use of Artificial Intelligence for malicious means.

Thumbnail for the article 'Uber and above' by Jacinta Houzer

Uber and above

Jacinta Houzer

Ride-sharing service Uber could soon disrupt the transport sector again with a new project, Uber Elevate.

Thumbnail for the article 'Digital era calls for new style of placemaking' by Jacinta Houzer with Rachel Seal

Digital era calls for new style of placemaking

Jacinta Houzer with Rachel Seal

Today, people are increasingly communicating online rather than face-to-face, replacing social spaces with social networks. So, what does this mean for physical communities? Are they diminishing in value?

Thumbnail for the article 'Pup-ular Architecture' by Jacinta Houzer

Pup-ular Architecture

Jacinta Houzer

It’s Chinese New Year, and 2018 is the year of the dog. To recognise the focus on man’s best friend, we’ve delved into the weird wide web to bring you designs from leading architects, made especially for dogs.

Thumbnail for the article 'A future family day at their local library' by Michael Cooper

A future family day at their local library

Michael Cooper

In recent years we’ve found great benefits in using 3D printers and virtual reality hardware, but it’s our investment in a time machine that’s really allowed us to experience what life is like for communities in the future.

Here we follow the Mancio family as they set out for a day at their local library…

Thumbnail for the article 'Byron’s new railway a shining example' by Jacinta Houzer

Byron’s new railway a shining example

Jacinta Houzer

The town of Byron Bay has launched Australia’s first entirely solar-powered train, turning a heritage engine that has sat idle for the past 25 years into an important transport solution for the area.

Thumbnail for the article 'Drones to take on choppers?' by Michael Cooper

Drones to take on choppers?

Michael Cooper

Each year, 15 billion trees are chopped down. The rate at which they are felled currently makes it difficult to keep up with replenishing them. Fortunately, drones are now available to help…

Thumbnail for the article ' Dear Santa…' by Jacinta Houzer

Dear Santa…

The Hames Sharley Christmas Gifts Guide for 2017

Jacinta Houzer

Christmas is just around the corner and we are all left scratching our heads wondering what presents to buy. Here’s a guide to a handful of options for the creatives in your life…

Thumbnail for the article 'The shape of Things to come'

The shape of Things to come

By connecting devices to the internet – and to each other – The Internet of Things has the potential to revolutionise the way we live and do business. And the architecture industry is no exception.

Thumbnail for the article 'Trade Runner' by Pete Kempshall

Trade Runner

Pete Kempshall

For some people, it’s a dream, for others a nightmare – the vision of a future in which you won’t have to work because a robot will exist that can do the job for you…

Thumbnail for the article 'Artificial constructs' by Michael Cooper

Artificial constructs

Michael Cooper

In the 21st century, automation is a fact of life, with robots having a metallic hand in the production of everything from cars to toys, but when it comes to the construction industry, the automated workforce is conspicuous by its absence. In a recent address to Consult Australia, Valentina Sansbury asked why construction has been so slow to build on automated assistance, and offered a vision of how robotics can be an asset to increase productivity within the industry.

Thumbnail for the article 'A future family day at their local shopping destination' by Michael Cooper

A future family day at their local shopping destination

Michael Cooper

At Hames Sharley, we like to invest in the latest technology, which allows us to provide a better service for our clients and partners. In recent years we’ve found great benefits in using 3D printers and virtual reality hardware, but it’s our investment in a time machine that’s really allowed us to experience what life is like for communities in the future. Here we follow the Mancio family as they set out for a day at their local shopping centre…

Thumbnail for the article 'Do you accept cheques, mate?' by Michael Cooper

Do you accept cheques, mate?

Michael Cooper

This month we discovered the ultimate gift for architecture and chess aficionados - who may also want to invest in what looks like becoming a best selling board game.

Thumbnail for the article 'What’s new in home automation' by Vanessa McDaid

What’s new in home automation

Vanessa McDaid

Home automation is getting a whole lot closer to the average family. Currently the domain of top-end residential builds and the tech-savvy, the Internet of Things (IoT) is coming soon to a neighbourhood near you…

Thumbnail for the article 'Six advantages of VR' by Michael Cooper

Six advantages of VR

Michael Cooper

Hames Sharley has known for some time that VR technology would become a real game-changer within our sector, but since we initially invested in the hardware we’ve been surprised by some of the advantages that augmented reality can offer our designers and clients.

Thumbnail for the article 'The future is (virtually) here' by Michael Cooper

The future is (virtually) here

Michael Cooper

Over the years futurists have predicted many innovations that have failed to come to fruition, from flying cars to hoverboards, but when you consider the cost implications and logistics of these inventions, it’s understandable that technology might fail to keep pace with our aspirations for the world of tomorrow. That said, one exciting and long-anticipated innovation is so close you can… well, you can almost touch it.

Thumbnail for the article 'Function and form in protecting buildings from earthquakes' by Michael Cooper

Function and form in protecting buildings from earthquakes

Michael Cooper

As Mexico recovers from the devastating effects of its recent earthquake, The Malay Mail has reported on a Japanese innovation that looks to add protective functionality to buildings while introducing an aesthetically pleasing, sleek design motif.

Thumbnail for the article 'Urban growth creates a perfect storm for flooding' by Michael Cooper

Urban growth creates a perfect storm for flooding

Michael Cooper

Extreme weather conditions have made news headlines in the past month, with major hurricanes making landfall in large parts of America. As floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey receded, The New York Times reported that much of the damage to infrastructure could have been avoided.

Thumbnail for the article 'Who gives a crap? A lot of us, apparently' by Vanessa McDaid

Who gives a crap? A lot of us, apparently

Vanessa McDaid

There is a motza to be made in the sustainability industry, according to the successes of some of Australia’s leading sustainability entrepreneurs. Dana McCauley reports that two such winners are KeepCup and Who Gives a Crap.

Thumbnail for the article 'Encyclopedia of man-made plants and animals released' by Vanessa McDaid

Encyclopedia of man-made plants and animals released

Vanessa McDaid

From tuskless elephants and hornless rhinos to glow in the dark fish and square apples, the modification of flora and fauna has been going on for eons, both by design and accident.

Thumbnail for the article 'Wholly cow!?!' by Pete Kempshall

Wholly cow!?!

Pete Kempshall

Its composition is the same as the stuff you’d carve off cattle, but is the world ready to eat meat created entirely in a laboratory? And if we could all be persuaded to chow down on faux-flesh, what would the effect be on the environment, both natural and built?

Thumbnail for the article 'Maximising workforce engagement: the corporate conundrum' by Michael Cooper

Maximising workforce engagement: the corporate conundrum

Michael Cooper

Countless surveys indicate that an engaged workforce is more productive and profitable. Yet maximising employee engagement has become one of the 21st century’s biggest corporate conundrums, with alarming statistics showing far more than 80 percent of staff lack workplace engagement.

Thumbnail for the article 'Mercedes-Benz continues its assault on Tesla’s energy storage solutions' by Vanessa McDaid

Mercedes-Benz continues its assault on Tesla’s energy storage solutions

Vanessa McDaid

Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz has made its promised entry into the home energy storage market in the UK, taking on Tesla and its Powerwall, according to a recent article in Road Show.

Thumbnail for the article 'The Roadmap to Power' by Vanessa McDaid

The Roadmap to Power

Solar Panels and Battery Storage to Lead the Way

Vanessa McDaid

The CSIRO and Energy Networks Australia have just released a new plan to secure Australia’s energy supply, reduce our bills and reduce our emissions to zero by the middle of the century. Their roadmap relies upon a coordinated approach by the states in order to potentially save Australians AUD$1 billion by 2050 and cut residential power bills by an average of $414 annually.

Thumbnail for the article 'Driving sales' by Harold Perks

Driving sales

Harold Perks

Imagine this: you walk into your local retail centre, aiming to pick-out an evening gown and shoes, grab a quick chef-prepared meal for lunch, and organise your grocery drop-off to your house. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you spot the plush lounge of a major auto brand…

Thumbnail for the article 'Attack of the $350 Billion Retailer…' by Pete Kempshall with Dean van Niekerk

Attack of the $350 Billion Retailer…

Pete Kempshall with Dean van Niekerk

It’s coming… a giant of the retail industry, dwarfing its competitors as it strides into view, trampling traditional Australian shopping culture into the dust, and smashing any who stand in its way. But how on earth can you compete with a well-drilled organisation that has indomitable global brand recognition, a reliable reputation and, let’s face it, better prices? By changing the rules…

Thumbnail for the article 'Moral machines' by Sally Raphael

Moral machines

Sally Raphael

New technology raises a myriad of questions about how the design of our cities will change to accommodate them. But what is of increasing interest is how machines will be programmed to make difficult, even moral, decisions…

Thumbnail for the article 'From off grid homes to high-rises' by Kate Fuller

From off grid homes to high-rises

Kate Fuller

Move over driverless cars, Tesla is ready to make an even bigger impact on our lives, our cities and our homes, with their recently announced off-grid solar technology offer. But how will this accessible new solar technology impact our lives, economy, environment and our architecture?

Thumbnail for the article 'Driverless cities – preparing for a transport revolution' by Kate Fuller

Driverless cities – preparing for a transport revolution

Kate Fuller

With driverless cars already taking to the roads in Pittsburg, San Francisco and even on trial in Adelaide, the autonomous vehicle revolution is upon us – whether we like it or not.

Thumbnail for the article 'Science and technology advances for a new world' by Michael Cooper

Science and technology advances for a new world

Michael Cooper

Seven top futurists have shared their predictions on what the next decade will bring in science and technology.