Image: Norbert Kundrak from Pexels
Overnight, our computers have become sophisticated, essential communication hubs. Paradoxically, we may actually be talking to each other more -- facilitated by technology. A friend of ours pointed out that we are actually practicing physical distancing and becoming adept at a new way of social interaction, while normal modes of interaction and intimacy are put on hold.
We’ve met with all of our clients (Google Hangouts, Zoom and Go-To Meeting) and have collectively consolidated our mutual workplaces using Google and Adobe tools to share and work in real-time on projects in progress.
As a partnership and studio who identify as architects, designers, teachers, leaders, mentors, board members, and parents, we’re adaptable and mobilized.
We’ve met with all of our clients (Google Hangouts, Zoom and Go-To Meeting) and have collectively consolidated our mutual workplaces using Google and Adobe tools to share and work in real-time on projects in progress. None of this is particularly novel in of itself, but to do this exclusively is bringing a new confidence and productivity.
Image: Marius Masalar, unsplash.com
A change in gravity
The crisis has energized late-adopters and, out of necessity, technologies are democratizing our workplaces. If technology was a barrier before, resistance is currently on hold. Slack-ing is no longer a bad thing -- it’s another layer of readiness, communication, project management, and delegation.
If technology was a barrier before, resistance is currently on hold.
Yesterday was supposed to be a day of advocacy in our State Capitol, with architects meeting (face-to-face) with our elected representatives. That on hold, we instead participated in an online webinar (Zoom - we ❤custom backgrounds) with architects across the state (over 12% showed up, and presumably even more will watch it later online). Concurrently, over 5,000 architects (as of this writing) have reached out to Congressional lawmakers to lobby in support of business stimuli and infrastructure incentives. All of this was precipitated via email, web-based forms, and with mobile device tools. This is an illustration of how technology unifies us, facilitates advocacy and is keeping an entire profession informed, educated, protected, and in-touch in a time of crisis.
Distance learning, once a curiosity and a marginal practice, is all of a sudden the norm. For every student in America.
Distance learning, once a curiosity and a marginal practice, is all of a sudden the norm. For every student in America. Already hybridized, blended learning is natural for children in elementary and high school environments where physical text books are rare. In a matter of days, every school and university has adopted this mode of learning across every department and field. This is extraordinary. A Socratic education is synonymous with freedom. At the outset of this crisis we asked ourselves “How will we do this?” A week later, the faculty, administration, and student mantra is “Let’s do this!” What we need to ensure in our society is that every student has access to these technologies. This is essential if we are to ensure equity and opportunity for all.
A change in concept
COVID-19 is currently isolating many of us in our homes. And while it is keeping us out of our usual hangouts and public spaces, this week we’ve spent time at virtual coffee mornings, and evening happy hours with our family, friends and colleagues, locally and globally. We’re actually dressing for it – putting our best faces on. It’s actually possible that we’ve become more social in recent days. It’s not the same as face to face, but in this time, we’ll take it. In these challenging times, it appears that a new social normalcy in the workplace, in our schools, homes, and public spaces is possible, productive, and can be conducive to happiness.
Normal social interaction will resume. In the meantime, use your ingenuity and technology to reach out, to check-in, and to be kind. Keep calm, and let’s carry on.
Make your own video conferencing backgrounds, or use online versions like these.
Contact your elected officials in Washington, D.C. here.