# Sorina Dumitru > Articles. This is where I keep thoughts on design recommendations, architecture research and feminine self development. --- ## Posts - [Propaganda by Edward Bernays](https://sorinadumitru.com/propaganda-by-edward-bernays/): A summary of Propaganda by Edward Bernays with 9 key takeaways of how propaganda is necessary in free societies. - [The Asch Conformity Experiments](https://sorinadumitru.com/the-asch-conformity-experiments/): Introduction In the 1950s, a social psychologist named Solomon Asch conducted the Asch Conformity Experiments. These were a series of... - [Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz](https://sorinadumitru.com/breakthrough-advertising-by-eugene-schwartz/): Introduction Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz is one of the most influential books ever written on copywriting, marketing psychology, and... - [Richest Man in Babylon and Wealth Creation](https://sorinadumitru.com/richest-man-in-babylon-and-wealth-creation/): The Richest Man in Babylon teaches that wealth creation is not about luck or inheritance. It’s about discipline. - [The Tower of Babylon](https://sorinadumitru.com/the-tower-of-babylon/): The biblical story of The Tower of Babylon as a demonstration of our power of working together towards a common goal without misunderstanding. - [Superstudio](https://sorinadumitru.com/superstudio/): Superstudio design research from the 1970s ironically depicts a world without architecture. Unironically this is the neoliberal city. - [Dubai Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/dubai-architecture/): Dubai architecture is shaped by free markets and minimal government intervention. It's also Superstudio's research brought to life. - [Vacation Mindset](https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-mindset/): Vacation Mindset is our predisposition to look outwards rather than inwards when we are in new environments. - [Passive Digital Footprint](https://sorinadumitru.com/passive-digital-footprint/): A passive digital footprint is the trail of data we leave without realizing it. You can take control of your digital footprint by intention. - [Intuitive Decision Making](https://sorinadumitru.com/intuitive-decision-making/): Intuitive Decision Making. Comparison between Kahneman’s stats judgment vs Klein’s natural decision making for top expert decisions. - [Ego versus Profit](https://sorinadumitru.com/ego-versus-profit/): Ego vs. profit: academia thrives on abundance, while the market masters scarcity. Who truly benefits from innovation? - [Off White State of Resistance](https://sorinadumitru.com/off-white-state-of-resistance/): Off White State of Resistance embodied a dystopian rebellion fit for the current political aesthetics of 2025. - [Gaming Fashion](https://sorinadumitru.com/gaming-fashion/): Coperni, Balenciaga, and Gaming Fashion of Paris Fashion Week 2025 Paris Fashion Week 2025 took... - [Neoliberal Architecture in Europe](https://sorinadumitru.com/neoliberal-architecture-in-europe/): Neoliberal architecture is the result in urban design and building practice that reflects the exertion of principles of neoliberalism. - [Brutalism in Interior Design Ecology](https://sorinadumitru.com/brutalism-in-interior-design-ecology/): Brutalism in interior design is an aesthetic that embraces raw, unrefined materials, minimal ornamentation, and a bold, monolithic presence. - [Political Aesthetics](https://sorinadumitru.com/political-aesthetics/): Political Aesthetics refers to the ways in which visual arts correlate with political ideologies and how they influence each other. - [Friedrich Hayek Signals in an Economy and Architects](https://sorinadumitru.com/friedrich-hayek-signals-in-an-economy-and-architects/): Friedrich Hayek's Signals in an Economy are the prices. They reflect supply, demand and resource scarcity. Architect's fees should participate - [Mission Economy in the European Union](https://sorinadumitru.com/mission-economy-in-the-european-union/): The actionable steps of Mariana Mazzucato's Mission Economy and how there can be a Mission Economy in the European Union - [Mission Economy in Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/mission-economy-and-architecture/): Mariana Mazzucato's Mission Economy can have practical applications in the built environment. Mission Economy and Architecture - [What is Mission Economy](https://sorinadumitru.com/what-is-mission-economy/): Mission Economy centers around the idea public private collaboration can drive innovation and long-term investments to solve problems. - [Yugoslavian Brutalist Monuments](https://sorinadumitru.com/yugoslavian-brutalist-monuments/): Yugoslavian Brutalist Monuments, also known as Spomeniks, are large concrete monuments with simple shapes, constructed in the Soviet era. - [Cycladic Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture-in-greece/): Greece has more than 2000 islands, so naturally, when you think of Vacation Architecture in Greece, you think of Cycladic Architecture. - [Vacation Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture/): The point of the series on Vacation Architecture is to further refine anyone’s perception on vacation architecture. - [Azores Vacation Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/azores-vacation-architecture/): Azores Vacation Architecture has noticeable physical and functional traits. We can notice them, understand them, extract and use them. - [Portuguese Vacation Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/portuguese-vacation-architecture/): A fine example of Portuguese Vacation Architecture is the adaptive reuse of former fisherman houses converted into accommodation. - [Spanish Vacation Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/spanish-vacation-architecture/): Spain's rich natural setting and historical context provided perfect conditions for developing many types of Spanish Vacation Architecture. - [Cortijo as Vacation Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/cortijo-as-vacation-architecture/): The architectural particularities of the courtyard make the Cortijo as Vacation Architecture a unique, site specific solution. - [Hacienda as Vacation Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/hacienda-as-vacation-architecture/): There is many potential for designers in using the Hacienda as Vacation Architecture typology. Haciendas have a rich history. - [Spanish Finca](https://sorinadumitru.com/finca-as-vacation-architecture/): Fincas are Spanish estates. More recently, the interpretation of an insular Spanish home is the Finca as Vacation Architecture. - [The Spanish Farmhouse](https://sorinadumitru.com/alqueria-as-vacation-architecture/): Alquerias are not buildings but clusters of buildings. This article explores the potential of the Spanish Farmhouse as Vacation Architecture. - [Mallorca Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture-in-mallorca/): The iconic Mallorca Architecture is just as recognizable as the clear blue water and the golden sands of the island. - [Spatial Typologies and Spatial Organisations](https://sorinadumitru.com/spatial-typologies-and-spatial-organisations/): Spatial typologies and spatial organisations are basic design tools used by architects in order for them to create coherent spaces. - [Do The Inner Work for Your Work](https://sorinadumitru.com/do-the-inner-work-for-your-work/): This article provides a set of actionable steps for Inner Work for the work environment. It is dedicated mostly to entrepreneurs. - [Architecture is a Hyperobject](https://sorinadumitru.com/architecture-is-a-hyperobject/): Many times, architects discussing architecture can be annoying. It's not their fault, it's because architecture is a hyperobject. - [Adaptable and Adaptive Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/adaptable-adaptive-architecture/): Adaptable and adaptive architecture are terms describing several types of interventions on existing buildings. - [Housebreaking an Adult Dog](https://sorinadumitru.com/housebreaking-an-adult-dog/): I've used self development techniques from several best selling books in successfully housebreaking an adult dog. You can do it too. - [Service Design in Architecture](https://sorinadumitru.com/service-design-in-architecture/): Service Design is a new area dedicated to customer interaction. It goes beyond UX/UI because it also considers the client outside the service. - [Brand Representation in Architecture. SERVE](https://sorinadumitru.com/brand-representation-in-architecture-serve/): Brand representation in architecture is an important part of communication, meant to express the brand identity in public spaces. - [How Eco is Eco Brutalism](https://sorinadumitru.com/how-eco-is-eco-brutalism/): Eco Brutalism is a recent term describing a certain architecture aesthetic revolving around abandoned concrete buildings. - [The Brutalist Style](https://sorinadumitru.com/the-brutalist-style/): The Brutalist style is widely known in architecture. Nowadays it is used to retroactively describe a certain aesthetic. - [Quit Smoking](https://sorinadumitru.com/quit-smoking/): After being a hardcore smoker for 11 years, I've finally quit, successfully. Here are 5 tips for anyone that wants to quit smoking. - [Mid Century Modern TV Stand](https://sorinadumitru.com/mid-century-modern-tv-stand/): Here’s some tips and tricks to finding a mid Century Modern TV stand that perfectly fits your home, choices for every budget. - [Brutalist Furniture](https://sorinadumitru.com/brutalist-furniture/): A quick guide dedicated to designers to what Brutalist Furniture is, how to spot it and what is the meaning behind its aesthetic. --- ## Pages - [Build a Profitable Digital Footprint](https://sorinadumitru.com/build-a-profitable-digital-footprint/): Congrats. You’ve achieved everything. You were told to be the best. To do your best... . - [Refund and Returns Policy](https://sorinadumitru.com/refund_returns/): Refund and Returns Policy for all available products on sorinadumitru.com website. Sorina Dumitru, all rights reserved. - [Transaction Failed](https://sorinadumitru.com/checkout/transaction-failed/): Your transaction failed; please try again or contact site support. - [Confirmation](https://sorinadumitru.com/checkout/confirmation/): Thank you for your purchase! - [Vacation Architecture vol I](https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture-vol-i/): Vacation Architecture vol I is part of a series about natural, sustainable practices in home architecture and a timeless way of building. - [Newsletter Archive](https://sorinadumitru.com/newsletter-archive/): This is where I keep the newsletter archive. It's where you can read all the past newsletters I've sent out. - [Articles](https://sorinadumitru.com/articles/): Articles. This is where I keep thoughts on design recommendations, architecture research and feminine self development. - [Work](https://sorinadumitru.com/work/): I reverse engineer experiences. My work consists of architecture research and service design from a feminine leadership perspective. - [Contact](https://sorinadumitru.com/contact/): Contact Sorina Dumitru for short term conceptual design, implementation strategies for public space or just to make a new friend. - [About](https://sorinadumitru.com/about/): I reverse engineer experiences. Design practice consists of architecture research and service design from a feminine leadership perspective. - [Work - Slider](https://sorinadumitru.com/): I reverse engineer experiences. Design practice consists of architecture research and service design from a feminine leadership perspective. --- # # Detailed Content ## Posts > A summary of Propaganda by Edward Bernays with 9 key takeaways of how propaganda is necessary in free societies. - Published: 2025-08-10 - Modified: 2025-08-10 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/propaganda-by-edward-bernays/ - Categories: Education Introduction First published in November 1928, Propaganda by Edward Bernays is regarded as a cornerstone in the study of public relations and mass communication. Bernays shows us how modern democratic societies rely on shaping public opinion via organized persuasion. He refers to it as an essential tool, not inherently negative, but a tool for organizing chaos and guiding collective decisions. Propaganda by Edward Bernays Summary 1. Organizing Chaos Bernays asserts that mass society depends on a small group of “invisible governors”. These are experts who shape public opinion and habits to maintain democratic function. Without them, voters and consumers would be lost in all the complexity. Political parties and PR narrow complex societal choices into manageable options. Advances in communication reinforce shared but scattered ideas across varied social groups. 2. Invisible Governors In Propaganda by Edward Bernays, the author expands on who exactly these “invisible governors” are. He argues that these “invisible” influencers effectively engineer consent. He emphasizes how propaganda can serve capitalism more than democracy. Propaganda taps into the audience’s hidden motives. Propaganda uses emotional responses to limit choices, thereby eliciting quick enthusiastic reactions. A story must be emotionally engaging, otherwise who cares? 3. Case Studies Propaganda by Edward Bernays makes heavy use of case studies as follows: 1. Women's Rights Objective: Shift public perception of women’s role in society and normalize new behaviors for women. Method: He describes how orchestrated events, symbolic acts, and media coverage can rapidly change cultural norms. Example: His real-life “Torches of Freedom” campaign... --- - Published: 2025-08-10 - Modified: 2025-08-10 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/the-asch-conformity-experiments/ - Categories: Education Introduction In the 1950s, a social psychologist named Solomon Asch conducted the Asch Conformity Experiments. These were a series of landmark experiments to test the power of group influence on individual judgment. The Asch Conformity Experiments The setup was simple: participants were shown a “target” line and asked to identify which of three comparison lines matched it in length. Unknown to the lone real subject, the other participants were all confederates instructed to give incorrect answers on certain trials. The results were striking at the time. About 75% of participants conformed to the group’s wrong answer at least once, and roughly 1/3 of responses overall were conformist. This was not due to defective vision, but to the social pressure exerted by the majority opinion. These findings illustrate a truth about the social nature of human beings. While we like to think of ourselves as autonomous decision makers, in practice our beliefs and opinions are shaped roughly 50% by internal conviction and 50% by the surrounding group. The internal half is informed by what we think are personal experiences, logic, and values. The external half is vulnerable to norms, peer pressure, media framing, and collective mood. The Asch Conformity Experiment shows that even when the truth is visually obvious, the gravitational pull of group consensus can override individual perception. Broader Statistics If we map general public opinion on almost any topic to a Gaussian distribution (bell curve), it tends to follow a predictable pattern: 10% strongly love it 10% strongly hate... --- - Published: 2025-08-10 - Modified: 2025-08-10 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/breakthrough-advertising-by-eugene-schwartz/ - Categories: Education Introduction Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz is one of the most influential books ever written on copywriting, marketing psychology, and buyer behavior. It's so important that you can barely find it. In public libraries, it oftentimes gets stolen. Below is a chapter-by-chapter summary of the book. You're welcome. Breakthrough Advertising Chapter by Chapter Summary Chapter 1: Mass desire is the force that makes advertising work. Core idea: You can't create new desire. You can only channel existing mass desires. Your job as an advertiser is to harness these already-present desires and show how your product satisfies them. Desires are universal and unchanging but the way they manifest varies based on sophistication, awareness, and culture. Chapter 2: The 5 levels of customer awareness. The audience progresses through 5 stages of awareness: Completely unaware: no awareness of problem or solution. Problem aware: knows they have a problem but not the solution. Solution aware: knows the result they want but not your product. Product aware: knows your product but unsure if it is right for them. Most aware: knows your product and wants it. Each level requires different messaging. Chapter 3: The 5 stages of market sophistication. As markets become more mature, your copywriting must evolve: State the claim: Loose weight fast. Amplify the claim: Loose 10 lbs. in 7 days. Differentiate: With our fat-burning formula. Elaborate mechanism: Breaks fat at the cellular level. Identification/Emotional Appeal: For women tired of fad diets. Your messaging must match the sophistication level of your audience. Chapter... --- > The Richest Man in Babylon teaches that wealth creation is not about luck or inheritance. It’s about discipline. - Published: 2025-07-05 - Modified: 2025-07-05 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/richest-man-in-babylon-and-wealth-creation/ - Categories: Education - Tags: personal finance, richest man in babylon, wealth creation Richest Man in Babylon and Wealth Creaction The Richest Man in Babylon teaches us about wealth creation. Few books have stood the test of time like George S. Clason’s financial classic. Written in 1926, nearly a century ago, The Richest Man in Babylon teaches us that wealth creation is not about chance. It’s about principles. It isn’t based on trends, apps, or markets. It’s based on human behavior. Through meaningful parables set in ancient Babylon, each story reveals a core lesson that still applies today. The subject of Babylon has been tampered with over millennia. The story of the people of Babylon from the Old Testament can be read differently here. At its core, this classic teaches that wealth creation is not about luck or inheritance. It’s about discipline. This article is about The Richest Man in Babylon and wealth creation through simple, human principles. 1. The Man Who Desired Gold Bansir, a chariot builder, wonders why he works hard but remains poor. He seeks advice from his wealthy friend Arkad, who reveals the first principle of wealth. Pay Yourself First Always save at least 10% of what you earn. Before you pay your bills, buy groceries, or go out to dinner—set aside at least 10% of every dollar you earn. This simple habit, over time, creates momentum. You’re not just saving money; you’re training yourself to build wealth. 2. The Tale of The Clay Tablets A series of tablets found in the ruins of Babylon reveal how a man... --- > The biblical story of The Tower of Babylon as a demonstration of our power of working together towards a common goal without misunderstanding. - Published: 2025-07-05 - Modified: 2025-07-05 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/the-tower-of-babylon/ - Categories: Education - Tags: dubai, political psychology, social sciences, tower of babylon The Tower of Babylon: A Story About Unity, Not Punishment When people hear about the Tower of Babylon, also known as the Tower of Babel, they often think of divine punishment for human arrogance. A group of ambitious builders tries to reach the heavens, and God scatters them by confusing their language. Hot take: I fully disagree. I think the story wasn’t initially meant to be a warning against reaching too high. Instead, I read it as a beautiful metaphor for the power of human unity. This article argues the reinterpretation of the biblical story of The Tower of Babylon as being a demonstration of our power of working together towards a common goal, without misunderstanding. What Happened in Babylon? We can find the story in Genesis 11:1–9. The action takes place after the Great Flood. You know, the one that determined Noah to build that big boat. At the time, humanity speaks one language. People work together, collaborate seamlessly. Eventually they decide to build a city with a tower “that reaches to the heavens,” in the land of Shinar, ancient Mesopotamia (today Iraq). Their goal was to demonstrate the true power of human collaboration. “Let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered over the face of the whole earth. ” The Tower of Babylon wasn’t just an impressive piece of architecture. It was meant to be an expression of shared purpose. Potential over Pride The common reading says God punished the people for their pride, for... --- > Superstudio design research from the 1970s ironically depicts a world without architecture. Unironically this is the neoliberal city. - Published: 2025-06-28 - Modified: 2025-06-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/superstudio/ - Categories: Design - Tags: continuous monument, dystopian architecture, radical architecture, superstudio, supersurface, utopian architecture The Practice of Superstudio Superstudio was a radical Italian architecture collective founded in Florence in 1966 by Adolfo Natalini and Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, later joined by Roberto Magris, Gian Piero Frassinelli, Alessandro Poli, and Alessandro Magris. They were central figures in the Radical Architecture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which challenged the values, aesthetics, and purpose of modern architecture. Core Concepts and Philosophy of Superstudio Superstudio was less interested in building real architecture and more in critiquing the profession itself. They questioned the role of architects in capitalist society. They looked into how architecture shapes our lives. Their work was utopian, dystopian, and conceptual. They would use techniques such as collages, drawings, films, and photomontages as their main media instead of architectural floorplans and models. Superstudio Key Themes Rejection of consumerism and formalism in architecture Critique of modernism's failures to deliver meaningful change Exploration of architecture as a system of control Using irony, fiction and visual story telling as critical tools The Continuous Monument (1969) The Continuous Monument is Superstudio’s most iconic conceptual project. It's a global megastructure, a seamless grid-like architectural object that spans the Earth. It was never intended to be built, but to provoke. Conceptual Meaning 1. The Endless Grid as a means of Total Order and Control The Monument is a metaphor for the extreme rationalization of architecture. It embodies the modernist fantasy of total order but also becomes a critique of it. It shows the absurdity and alienation of such control.... --- > Dubai architecture is shaped by free markets and minimal government intervention. It's also Superstudio's research brought to life. - Published: 2025-06-28 - Modified: 2025-06-29 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/dubai-architecture/ - Categories: Design, Education - Tags: dubai architecture, dystopian architecture, superstudio, utopian architecture Dubai Business Bay Dubai is a Continuous Monument. The concept is envisioned by the radical architecture research of Superstudio. If you are unfamiliar with their practice, you can read about it here. This article draws a parallel between architecture critique of the 1960s and the current state of Dubai architecture and urban planning. Introduction Dubai is not a city that evolved progressively, over centuries, like European cities have. It is a city that more or less spawned itself as a modern metropolis built for scale, from the ground up. When discussing slow, steady and somewhat sustainable growth, we tend to use the word “organically. ” However, one can argue that the “organic” nature of urban development is an exaggeration, if not even hypocritical. Unlike historical cities that adapt architecture to both local heritage and contemporary needs, Dubai made a conscious decision to construct a new narrative altogether. A narrative driven by ambition, shaped by climate, and most importantly, determined by the free market. The iconic skyline of isolated towers. The vast, climate-controlled shopping centers that act as substitutes for public space. These two key traits of Dubai urban planning start sounding pretty familiar to someone who studies architecture. Dubai evokes two of the most radical architectural concepts ever imagined. Superstudio. They were a group of visionary Italian architects in the 1960s, used design research to put together a series of provocative ideas. Their projects were supposed to act as tools for architecture critique. They were never meant to be built.... --- > Vacation Mindset is our predisposition to look outwards rather than inwards when we are in new environments. - Published: 2025-06-28 - Modified: 2025-06-29 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-mindset/ - Categories: Self Development - Tags: aldous huxley, the doors of perception, vacation architecture, vacation mindset, venice is a fish Photo credit: Alex Mihoc Introduction When you go on vacation, something changes. It’s not just your location, but your mindset as well. You look up more, notice textures, colors, smells, eventually walking a little slower, savoring details. You are more present. This is the vacation mindset: a shift from inward rumination to outward attention. And it’s not just a pleasant side effect of travel. It's a way of being that writer Aldous Huxley believed was fundamental to clear perception and, ultimately, to freedom. In a lesser known Huxley work, regarding vision, The Art of Seeing (1942), later collected in The Doors of Perception, Huxley argues that much of what we “see” is determined not by our eyes but by our mental habits. He warns that those habits are, most of the time, turned inward. This ultimately acts in our detriment. What is Vacation Mindset? The vacation mindset would be a psychological posture that favors attention over analysis. Last year, I finished a two and a half year spout of research on Vacation Architecture in Nonseasonal Places. I was trying to reverse engineer the experience of being in timeless spaces. More recently, I started correlating the experience not with the places and spaces, but with the mindset induced by being in a different environment. This means: Looking outward instead of obsessing inward Reclaiming wonder and childlike curiosity Observing without immediately judging or categorizing This mindset shouldn’t be reserved only for holidays. It represents an attentional shift that we can train. Huxley... --- > A passive digital footprint is the trail of data we leave without realizing it. You can take control of your digital footprint by intention. - Published: 2025-04-12 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/passive-digital-footprint/ - Categories: Education, Self Development - Tags: online creator, passive digital footprint, personal branding What Is a Passive Digital Footprint And Why You Should Care We often talk about personal branding as a conscious act. Curated photos, carefully worded bios, and strategic networking. But beyond what we intentionally share online lies something deeper, quieter, and more revealing: our passive digital footprint. What is a Passive Digital Footprint? A passive digital footprint is the trail of data we leave behind without even realizing it. Unlike the photos you post or the tweets you craft, this kind of footprint is created by your actions rather than your intent. It includes: Websites you visit Your location data from mobile devices The time you spend scrolling What you click on (and what you don’t) The metadata behind your photos Search engine queries Even if you're not posting, you’re still leaving signals. Subtle ones that algorithms and platforms register, interpret, and sometimes monetize. It's Not About Branding Many confuse the idea of a digital footprint with a personal brand, but there’s a significant difference. A personal brand is a performance. It’s often polished, sometimes exaggerated, and designed to appeal to others. It’s a version of you flattened into a profile. A product made to sell. Your passive digital footprint, on the other hand, is messy, real, and personal. It’s not trying to be liked. It simply is. It speaks more to who you are when no one’s watching: your habits, curiosities, desires, contradictions. It's genuine because it's not trying to be anything else. Why It Matters You might not... --- > Intuitive Decision Making. Comparison between Kahneman’s stats judgment vs Klein’s natural decision making for top expert decisions. - Published: 2025-04-05 - Modified: 2025-04-05 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/intuitive-decision-making/ - Categories: Self Development - Tags: daniel kahneman, gary klein, intuitive decision making, statistics, us tariffs Intuitive Decision Making: Comparing Kahneman’s Statistical Judgment and Klein’s Natural Decision Making As I’m writing this, intuitive decision making seems to be more crucial than ever. It’s April 2025 and the US stock market plummeted the way it did in 2020 because of US import tariffs. What is Intuitive Decision Making? In an attempt to define intuitive decision making, this post proposes a detailed comparison between Daniel Kahneman’s statistics based judgment, as detailed in Thinking, Fast and Slow, and Gary Klein’s natural decision making from Sources of Power. By exploring their different approaches and highlighting insights from their joint paper, I will try to shed some light on how both methods can shape expert decision making. Intuitive Decision Making in “Thinking, Fast and Slow” Daniel Kahneman’s work in Thinking, Fast and Slow introduces two systems of thought: the fast, intuitive System 1 and the slower, more deliberate System 2. Kahneman argues that much of our decision making is rooted in quick, heuristic driven judgments that rely on statistical probabilities and learned biases. His research emphasizes how these shortcuts, while efficient, can lead to systematic errors when the environment deviates from statistical norms. In this context, intuitive decision making is seen as both positive and negative. It enables rapid responses but may also propagate cognitive biases if unchecked. Intuitive Decision Making in “Sources of Power” Contrastingly, Gary Klein’s Sources of Power focuses on naturalistic decision making, where intuition is forged through real world experience and pattern recognition. Klein’s research demonstrates that... --- > Ego vs. profit: academia thrives on abundance, while the market masters scarcity. Who truly benefits from innovation? - Published: 2025-03-29 - Modified: 2025-03-29 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/ego-versus-profit/ - Categories: Education - Tags: adam smith, digital fabrication, eth zurich, mass customization Ego versus Profit: Academia, the Market, and the Ethics of Abundance I recently visited the Digital Fabrication department at ETH Zurich, where the sheer abundance of resources was impressive. I cried. With what seemed like an infinite budget, researchers had access to extremely advanced and robust equipment, enabling breakthroughs that would be unimaginable in a resource-constrained setting. This experience made me think about Ego versus Profit. I reflected on the contrast between academia and the free market. One operates in an environment of abundance while the other thrives on scarcity and competition. Which is the evil one, then? Academic Utopia and Free Market Reality The wealth of resources in academia is often justified by the pursuit of knowledge without immediate commercial constraints. Sometimes, innovation occurs in a vacuum, detached from the accountability of the market. Adam Smith’s insights into human nature and economics offer a useful lens to analyse this dynamic. Smith observed that we seek both self-improvement and social approval. In academia, recognition comes from intellectual contribution rather than financial gain. Yet, the very structure of funding, whether from governments, private donors, or industry partners, reflects a desire for status and impact. The monastery of academia, as Pekka Himmanen called it, is not immune to competition, politics and the ego. Meanwhile, in the free market, the pursuit of profit must align with demands. As Smith noted, “the trend of social interaction within the market is toward social progress” (Smith, 1776). The successful entrepreneur does not simply accumulate wealth but... --- > Off White State of Resistance embodied a dystopian rebellion fit for the current political aesthetics of 2025. - Published: 2025-03-15 - Modified: 2025-03-16 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/off-white-state-of-resistance/ - Categories: Design - Tags: brutalism, off-white, pfw 2025 State of Resistance. Off-White’s Paris Fashion Week 2025 Show Paris Fashion Week has long been a stage for high conceptual storytelling, but Off White State of Resistance took it to another level. Staged at 2 Place du Colonel Fabien, a building that felt like a relic from a retro-futuristic dystopian film. What comes to mind are worlds from THX-1138, 1984, or Dune. The collection looked like a rebellion in motion. The stark, monolithic setting, with its concrete corridors, provided the perfect backdrop for a collection that seemed fit for the resistance. State of Resistance Setting: Espace Niemeyer Guests entered what appeared to be an abandoned government complex, its brutalist architecture amplifying the tension in the air. The main space was inside an aluminium covered dome. A sense of surveillance loomed over the show, as if the models were under constant watch, like rebels of an authoritarian state. The venue’s lighting was soft, cast over sand colored concrete. Despite the warm color palette and light neutrals, the space gave a heavy feeling of oppression. IB Kamara, Off-White’s creative director, carried Virgil Abloh’s legacy forward with a narrative that felt eerily relevant in today's world. Off-White collections have always blended technical fabrics with dress code trims, but this time it was different. Instead of being a playful juxtaposition of street style and conservative, it felt more like protective equipment for something more specific. State of Resistance Collection: Armour For the Revolution Off-White’s latest collection wasn’t simply streetwear. It was combat ready attire... --- - Published: 2025-03-15 - Modified: 2025-03-15 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/gaming-fashion/ - Categories: Design - Tags: balenciaga maze, brutalism, coperni lan party, hacker ethic Coperni, Balenciaga, and Gaming Fashion of Paris Fashion Week 2025 Paris Fashion Week 2025 took an unexpected turn into the world of gaming, where digital aesthetics collided with the anxieties of the real world. We could call it gaming fashion. Coperni’s show resembled a LAN party, with computers lined up like an international gaming tournament. Balenciaga turned the runway into a literal game of Snake, with models navigating a maze as if trapped in a digital loop. 2025 Gaming Fashion Collections The collections were not just playful. They reflected how we engage with reality through simulation. If Off-White’s State of Resistance embodied a dystopian rebellion, Coperni and Balenciaga offered a more existential question: Are we playing, or are we being played? Coperni Lan Party The Coperni show was hosted in a neon lit, hyperdigital world. Rows of custom PCs lined the venue, together with artificial intelligence and real time digital renderings of the garments. The models walked through a space that felt like a tournament arena, evoking the electric intensity of an esports event. A few defining characteristics stood out: High tech textiles. Reflective surfaces and glitch prints imitated screen distortions, as if garments were buffering. Cyberpunk influences. Sleek bodysuits and modular outerwear suggested a world where identity could be uploaded and reconfigured like avatars. Tactical accessories. Harnesses and pouches were attached to seemingly regular day wear, similar to what we see on adventure characters. Coperni’s vision suggests that fashion is no longer just physical. It is data driven, responsive,... --- > Neoliberal architecture is the result in urban design and building practice that reflects the exertion of principles of neoliberalism. - Published: 2025-03-06 - Modified: 2025-03-07 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/neoliberal-architecture-in-europe/ - Categories: Education - Tags: architecture in europe, neoliberal architecture, neoliberalism Neoliberal Architecture in Europe Neoliberal architecture is the result in urban design and building practice that reflects the exertion of principles of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emphasizes free markets, minimal government intervention, and individual entrepreneurial freedom. It advocates for policies such as deregulation, privatization of public assets, reduced social spending, and free trade. The belief is that these measures will drive economic growth and innovation. An example for neoliberalism is the US concept of Reaganomics. Some argue that neoliberalism fosters efficiency and personal responsibility. Others say that it can lead to increased social inequality and diminished public services. Like other ideologies, it raises the question of how much should the government intervene in the citizen’s day to day life. Description The modern city is increasingly shaped by neoliberal ideologies. Policies that favor free markets and deregulation have transformed European cities in profound ways. As free travel and capital flows across the EU have accelerated, urban centers are witnessing many changes. Government spending is skewed toward car centric infrastructure, short term rental markets are displacing longtime residents and public spaces are being reinvented, if not eroded under market pressures. Architects are now confronted with reimagining spaces that not only accommodate economic imperatives while also taking into consideration both social inclusion and sustainability. This article addresses key areas in which neoliberal policies intersect with urban planning and architectural practice, specifically for countries in the European Union. They are: Free Markets and Travel Budget Allocation Short Term Rentals... --- > Brutalism in interior design is an aesthetic that embraces raw, unrefined materials, minimal ornamentation, and a bold, monolithic presence. - Published: 2025-03-05 - Modified: 2025-03-07 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/brutalism-in-interior-design-ecology/ - Categories: Design - Tags: alpine homes, brutalism, brutalist interior design, vacation architecture The Ecology of Brutalism in Interior Design Brutalism in interior design is an aesthetic that embraces raw, unrefined materials, minimal ornamentation, and a bold, monolithic presence. It takes inspiration from the Brutalist architectural movement of the mid 20th century, which prioritized functionality and exposed structural elements. Characteristics of Brutalism in Interior Design Raw Materials: Concrete brick, unfinished wood, and metal Minimalism: Spaces are stripped down to their essentials, avoiding unnecessary decoration. Monolithic Forms: Furniture is either built in or has a sculptural quality. Muted & Monochromatic Palette: Shades of gray create a stark yet cohesive look. Industrial Elements: Exposed concrete, steel beams and large glass panels are common. While traditionally perceived as cold or harsh, modern Brutalist interiors often incorporate warm lighting, textiles, and natural elements to soften the aesthetic. The result is surprisingly more livable and inviting. We witness Brutalism in interior design more and more in unique, one-of-a-kind accommodation projects. The minimalism leaves space for events, special moments, to take place and fill up the spaces. Boutique Hotels: A Premise for Brutalism in Interior Design Is it worth going all in on building accommodation? The idea of passive income is becoming more and more prevalent, especially post-COVID. People understood the true instability of the economy and, ultimately, of their jobs. More and more young professionals with disposable incomes flirt with the idea of getting into the hospitality industry as a side hustle. They either consider opening a coffee shop, a restaurant, or something bigger. They seek out unique... --- > Political Aesthetics refers to the ways in which visual arts correlate with political ideologies and how they influence each other. - Published: 2025-03-02 - Modified: 2025-03-02 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/political-aesthetics/ - Categories: Education - Tags: political aesthetics, post-democracy Political Aesthetics in Post-Democracy Political Aesthetics refers to the ways in which visual, sensory, and artistic forms shape political perception, ideology, and power structures. It examines how aesthetics, through images, symbols, architecture, media, and artistic expression, affect political authority. This concept is explored in the works of thinkers like Jacques Rancière, who argues that politics is fundamentally about who gets to be seen and heard. Philosopher Crispin Sartwell also emphasizes how political movements and figures use imagery to evoke emotional and ideological responses. Introduction Antonio Negri and Michael Hardt’s Empire (2000) redefines imperialism for the 21st century, arguing that sovereignty has become decentralized, operating through transnational networks of power rather than traditional states. This global order, what they call Empire, functions through economic control, cultural influence, and biopolitical regulation, rather than direct territorial rule. In this post, we will: Examine Empire's core arguments Connect them to post-democracy, where democratic institutions persist but real power has shifted elsewhere Explore how political aesthetics, particularly Crispin Sartwell’s 2024 insights, reveal the role of imagery and symbols in reinforcing or resisting Empire’s control. You can listen to him explaining his work in this video he posted on YouTube. What exactly is Post-Democracy Post-democracy is a political condition in which democratic institutions continue to exist, but real decision making power has shifted to elite networks, including corporations, lobbyists, and global financial institutions. By connecting post-democracy to the concept of Empire, political aesthetics demonstrates how power is exercised not just through laws and institutions but through... --- > Friedrich Hayek's Signals in an Economy are the prices. They reflect supply, demand and resource scarcity. Architect's fees should participate - Published: 2025-03-02 - Modified: 2025-03-02 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/friedrich-hayek-signals-in-an-economy-and-architects/ - Categories: Design, Education - Tags: friedrich hayek, road to serfdom, the brutalist Friedrich Hayek's Signals in an Economy and Architects Hayek's The Road to Serfdom and the Architect's Role in the Market Friedrich Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom (1944) is one of the most compelling critiques of centralized economic planning. Hayek warns that when governments intervene excessively in the economy through taxation, regulation, and subsidies they actually distort market signals. This could eventually lead to lack of competition. Arguably, it can also take a toll on individual freedom of choice in the market. In a later interview, Hayek posed a fundamental question: “How can you expect businesses to perform if, by centralized planning and taxation, you discourage economic growth? ” This insight is not only relevant to centralized economies but also to professions that interfere with market mechanisms, including architecture. When architects forfeit their fees to boost project budgets, they unintentionally distort the economic system, just as government interventions do. Hayek's Signals in an Economy Applied in the Architecture Industry Hayek emphasized that prices are the key signals in an economy. Prices communicate essential information about supply, demand, and resource scarcity. Prices guide rational decision making. If prices, or fees in this case, are artificially suppressed, these signals become distorted, leading to inefficiencies and ultimately lack of sustainability. In architecture, an architect’s fee is a price signal. It reflects the value of their expertise, labor, and time. In the movie The Brutalist, the architect, the main character, is confronted with the decision of the developer in making the ceiling lower in order... --- > The actionable steps of Mariana Mazzucato's Mission Economy and how there can be a Mission Economy in the European Union - Published: 2025-02-22 - Modified: 2025-02-22 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/mission-economy-in-the-european-union/ - Categories: Education - Tags: mariana mazzucato, mazzucato, mission economy, mission economy in the EU Mission Economy in the European Union Introduction The idea of a Mission Economy in the European Union is that, rather than simply regulating or facilitating markets, the state should take on a more active, mission-driven role, collaborating with the private sector to achieve common goals. Popularized by economist Mariana Mazzucato, this concept centers around the idea that governments can act as entrepreneurial agents, driving innovation and long-term investments to solve large-scale problems. You can read more about Mission Economy in this article. Source: Mazzucato, Mariana: Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism (2023). Current Mission Economy in the European Union Recent developments reflect the EU's commitment to this approach. The European Commission plans to boost the InvestEU guarantee by €2. 5 billion, aiming to mobilize an additional €25 billion in investments. This initiative seeks to reduce administrative burdens for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by 25-35%. (source) Additionally, the EU is proposing legislative packages to streamline regulations, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and investment. These measures aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, enabling more agile responses to emerging challenges. (source) By adopting these mission-oriented strategies, the EU aims to harness collective innovation, address complex societal issues, and steer its economy toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. Civic Engagement in Mission Economy in the European Union Citizen engagement is crucial in a mission-oriented approach, yet it's often the weakest link in EU policymaking. Listed below are some possible actionable steps. Participatory Budgeting & Citizen Assemblies The EU... --- > Mariana Mazzucato's Mission Economy can have practical applications in the built environment. Mission Economy and Architecture - Published: 2025-02-22 - Modified: 2025-02-22 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/mission-economy-and-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: mariana mazzucato, mission economy, mission economy in architecture Introduction Mission Economy's main idea is that, rather than simply regulating or facilitating markets, the state should take on a more active, mission-driven role, collaborating with the private sector to achieve common goals. Urgent global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity cause the pairing of a mission economy and architecture to gain traction. You can read about Mission Economy here. But how does this intersection between mission economy and architecture work? In this post, we will explore how the mission economy framework can inspire the architecture of tomorrow, addressing both the immediate and long term challenges our built environment faces. What is a Mission Economy? Mazzucato’s idea is the belief that governments should set ambitious missions aimed at solving significant societal challenges. These missions could range from tackling climate change to advancing social equality or creating sustainable infrastructure. Rather than relying on the private sector alone, governments are encouraged to take an entrepreneurial approach, directing resources and funding towards high-risk, high-reward innovations. This approach fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors, encouraging breakthrough technologies and processes that can create a lasting impact. Source: Mazzucato, Mariana. The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs. Private Sector Myths (2013). Mazzucato, Mariana. Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism (2023) The Role of Architecture in Mission Economy The built environment plays a major role in tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Architecture is not just about creating beautiful spaces. It can have a profound impact on... --- > Mission Economy centers around the idea public private collaboration can drive innovation and long-term investments to solve problems. - Published: 2025-02-22 - Modified: 2025-02-22 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/what-is-mission-economy/ - Categories: Education - Tags: mariana mazzucato, mazzucato mission economy, mission economy Introduction Conceptualised by economist Mariana Mazzucato, Mission Economy centers around the idea that governments can act as entrepreneurial agents, driving innovation and long-term investments to solve large-scale problems. The idea is that, rather than simply regulating or facilitating markets, the state should take on a more active, mission-driven role, collaborating with the private sector to achieve common goals. The author's concept relies on the example of the Apollo missions as a driving force in technological innovations, facilitated by public - private collaboration frameworks. Source: Mazzucato, Mariana. Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide To Changing Capitalism (2023). What is a Mission Economy? In a mission economy, governments don’t just facilitate markets. They drive transformation, especially in areas with long term payoffs, such as clean energy, healthcare, or infrastructure development. The role of the state is to help mitigate the risks that private investors may shy away from, providing the foundation for innovation. Actionable Steps Towards a Mission Economy In "Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism," economist Mariana Mazzucato outlines several actionable steps to reorient capitalism towards addressing societal challenges: 1. Setting Clear and Ambitious Missions Governments should define bold objectives, similar to the Apollo moon landing, to tackle pressing issues like climate change and inequality. 2. Public - Private Collaboration Establish partnerships where both sectors share risks and rewards, fostering innovation and ensuring that public investments lead to public benefits. 3. New Government Structures Enhance the agility and capacity of public institutions to manage and implement mission oriented projects effectively.... --- > Yugoslavian Brutalist Monuments, also known as Spomeniks, are large concrete monuments with simple shapes, constructed in the Soviet era. - Published: 2025-02-15 - Modified: 2025-02-22 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/yugoslavian-brutalist-monuments/ - Categories: Design, Education - Tags: brutalism, kosovo brutalism, postmodern architecture, spomenik, yugoslavian brutalism, yugoslavian brutalist monuments, yugoslavian modernism Yugoslavian Brutalist Monuments. How the future haunted the past. Yugoslavian Brutalist Monuments are concrete relics of the Soviet era. The imagery is raw, concrete, easily recognizable. Spomeniks are a specific type of Yugoslavian monuments, made mostly out of reinforced concrete. They have simple shapes and are mostly organised in basic compositions. They can be found on hilltops as solitary structures against the natural environment, acting as landmarks, visible from far away. This article studies three Yugoslavian Brutalist Monuments. All of them are located in The Republic of Kosovo, a newly established Republic, in 2008. Kosovo is a unique country in a diverse region. Introduction In a past article I mentioned that so-called Brutalists did not know they were Brutalists at the time. That is the case of Yugoslavian Brutalist Monuments as well - the authors were not aware they were practicing Brutalism. They were simply doing their job designing sculptural elements that were quick and easy to build. The shapes and the material working together tell the stories of the past, stories meant to last forever. As a consequence, their physical representations, the memorials, last forever as well. Former Yugoslavian countries still house these timeless, large scale monuments. Out of all, Kosovo is the newest and probably the most interesting to look at. It has always been an area inhabited by both Serbians and Albanians. These are two very distinctive cultures. One’s landlocked, the other is on the Mediterranean coast; one’s Christian, the other’s Muslim. One uses the Cyrillic alphabet,... --- > Greece has more than 2000 islands, so naturally, when you think of Vacation Architecture in Greece, you think of Cycladic Architecture. - Published: 2024-11-30 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture-in-greece/ - Categories: Education - Tags: cyclades islands, cycladic home, greece vacation, greek homes, vacation architecture Cycladic Architecture: The Soul of Vacation Homes in Greece The Cycladic Islands, including Naxos, Mykonos, and Paros, are famous for their distinctive architectural style. Cycladic homes are more than beautiful—they embody the region's traditions, functionality, and connection to nature. Greece has more than 2000 islands. Naturally, when you think of Vacation Architecture in Greece, you think of Greek Architecture in the Islands. Probably what most often comes to mind is the Cyclades Islands of Greece. The homes are part of The Cycladic Architecture genre. The Cycladic Islands include Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos, some of the most popular vacation destinations in Greece. This article analyses one distinct type of vacation home from one specific Cyclades Island: Naxos. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. If you'd like to learn about more types of vacation homes, you can order the book On Vacation Architecture in Nonseasonal Places. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Get the Book HERE > Cycladic Homes in Naxos: A Perfect Example Naxos showcases how Cycladic architecture harmonizes with the landscape. Homes blend into the rugged cliffs and turquoise seas, while outdoor terraces encourage gatherings under the Mediterranean sun. Naxos has the highest peaks out of all three islands we visited. The Cyclades themselves are, morphologically speaking, actually a set of mountain peaks belonging to a range that was submerged under water about 5 million years ago. This gives Naxos a... --- > The point of the series on Vacation Architecture is to further refine anyone’s perception on vacation architecture. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-11-23 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: architecture theory, christopher alexander, mediterranean homes, vacation architecture, vacation homes Vacation Architecture in Nonseasonal Places - Europe This past year, I've been lucky enough to travel to many parts of Southern Europe in my free time. The entire process of planning a trip, choosing accommodation and later on enjoying the home and the surroundings together with your loved ones is probably the single most reinvigorating activity one can have. I became obsessed with vacation architecture. The way the houses interact with the natural setting and the historical context is unique and impossible to reproduce. The more I looked into the details, the more the phenomenon of vacation architecture fascinated me. So I decided to write a book about it. Order the book here. About The Series This book studies Vacation Architecture, specifically in nonseasonal places. I chose this particular type of architecture to study because, for me, it’s the best kind of housing. Vacation homes are designed to be enjoyed, not just used. They are a perfect mix between universal comfort and local heritage. Moreover, nonseasonal places, such as the Tropics, Southern Europe, the Mediterranean coast, can lend themselves as architecture laboratories in which designers can experiment the distinction between indoors and outdoors. As time spent outside expands, so does the outdoor buffer between interior and exterior. And that’s where the magic happens. Architect and author Christopher Alexander mentions that the quality without a name is something that exists in buildings everywhere in the world, regardless of natural setting, historical context or style. The unquestionable beauty of these buildings is... --- > Azores Vacation Architecture has noticeable physical and functional traits. We can notice them, understand them, extract and use them. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-11-23 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/azores-vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: azores islands, casa acoriana, casa azoriana, vacation architecture, volcanic rock architecture Vacation Architecture in the Azores Islands If you were wondering which is the westernmost part of Europe, the answer is the Azores Islands. Halfway from continental Europe towards America, these volcanic islands are an autonomous region of Portugal. This article addresses Vacation Architecture in the Azores Islands. This article is a part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Order the book here. Natural Setting The Azores provide a very unique natural environment. The volcanic origin of the islands implies very steep hills, a complex relief consisting of high peaks with very low valleys, sometimes including perfectly round volcanic lakes. Specific to the volcanic geology is the very dark soil and large black, porous rocks. The climate is particularly mild for such a northerly position. The main influence is the surrounding ocean, together with the Gulf Stream. Temperatures have a slight seasonal variation while humidity remains high all year round. It’s a pretty wet and cloudy place. The rich volcanic soil together with the mild temperatures, high humidity and indirect sunlight provide a very unique habitat, particularly for plants. Deep green forests cover the rolling hills while species of palm populate the more flatter areas. Even though it may look wild, the vegetation found today in the Azores is not endemic - much of the biome has been eradicated as a consequence of human activity on the island. As you may... --- > A fine example of Portuguese Vacation Architecture is the adaptive reuse of former fisherman houses converted into accommodation. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-11-23 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/portuguese-vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: adaptive reuse, alcochete architecture, fisherman's house, lisboa architecture, portugal, vacation architecture Vacation Architecture in Coastal Portugal One cannot deny how much geographical position has shaped Portuguese culture. They host the oceanic entryway towards Europe, they have several types of coastal regions, their exposure towards the ocean is much larger than that of their neighboring country - Spain. This article describes a type of Portuguese Vacation Architecture we many times see in coastal areas. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Order the book here. Natural Setting The home we’re studying is located in the wider metropolitan area of Lisbon. Lisbon is one the oldest cities in the world. It is the westernmost major city in continental Europe. It has a very unique position. Although benefiting from direct access towards the Atlantic Ocean, it’s shielded from the ocean itself, orientated towards the East and South-East, opening towards the Tagus River - the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. This position, together with the mild Mediterranean climate, has offered many unfair advantages to the Portuguese for thousands of years. For a very long time, it’s been a place where city dwellers could thrive. As such, there is no trace left of the original natural setting, but the unique overall yellowish look of limestone facades against the clear blue skies. Yellowy-orange sunsets remind us that we’re not too far off from Africa. Historical Context Portuguese culture is widely shaped by its... --- > Spain's rich natural setting and historical context provided perfect conditions for developing many types of Spanish Vacation Architecture. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-11-23 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/spanish-vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: alqueria, cortijo, finca, hacienda, spanish architecture, spanish homes, vacation architecture Spanish Vacation Architecture The entire Iberian Peninsula has a rich history. A rich history of fighting over territory. For the past several centuries, it’s safe to say that Christianity has won. Regardless, a thousand years of territorial conflicts has undeniably shaped what we consider today as traditional architecture. This article studies contemporary possibilities for Spanish Vacation Architecture. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Order the book here. Natural Setting The name derives from the Ancient Greek word Iberia which wasn’t used to describe a distinct area or population. Unofficially, the word comes from the name of the river Ebro, the second largest river in the peninsula after the Tagus river - the one in Lisbon. The natural setting given by the mild Mediterranean climate, the two large rivers, coastal lines on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and its proximity to Africa made it a nice place to develop the first human establishments. The Iberian Peninsula houses prehistoric human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The southern region is most relevant to the architecture we’re currently studying. It’s a fairly mountainous region, with steep hills extending all the way to the Mediterranean coastline. The climate in the southern region is dry, almost categorized as desert climate. This, together with the presence of iron oxide give the region a distinct barren landscape, with reddish rocks, yellow... --- > The architectural particularities of the courtyard make the Cortijo as Vacation Architecture a unique, site specific solution. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-11-23 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/cortijo-as-vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: cortijo, spanish architecture, spanish homes, vacation architecture Cortijo as Vacation Architecture The Cortijo is a type of Spanish Vacation Architecture we can see many times in hilly or mountainous regions in the south of Spain. This article studies the Cortijo as Vacation Architecture. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Order the book here. History Cortijos have a very introverted architecture. They are typically closed off from the surroundings while the spaces are arranged around a courtyard. The name “cortijo” comes from the Latin word cortihulum which means courtyard. Roman urban homes were mostly clustered, tightly packed. Larger ones had a courtyard that provided sheltered outdoor space and natural lighting for the indoor spaces. Courtyards have been used for several centuries as a passive cooling strategy in Islamic architecture. Many times, the courtyard had a shallow pool that cooled the air which circulated through the surrounding indoor spaces. Contemporary Examples Nowadays, we usually see these types of houses isolated in the hills, a context in which the cooling effect is more important than the safety aspect. In vacation architecture, various adaptations of the cortijo can be observed. In some cases, one side may be removed in order to create a U-shaped building. On the other hand, in other cases, the corners are removed in order to create multiple entryways from the outside as well. Cortijos are mostly low in height, having a single ground... --- > There is many potential for designers in using the Hacienda as Vacation Architecture typology. Haciendas have a rich history. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-11-23 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/hacienda-as-vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: colonial architecture, hacienda, mexican architecture, spanish architecture, vacation architecture Hacienda as Vacation Architecture Haciendas have a very rich history of development and adaptation. This article studies the use case of the Hacienda as Vacation Architecture. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Order the book here. History The safety of the courtyard was heavily used in colonial times. Courtyards provide a transitional outdoor safe space while being closed of from the exterior. Spanish colonial homes, known as haciendas, are large estates, doubling as vacation homes as well as large scale farms. The term hacienda derives from the Spanish verb hacer (to make). They were meant not only to house Spaniards but also to produce goods for exporting. As Spanish architecture, haciendas have several similarities to cortijos however they are very different in nature. If we can consider cortijos as single family units, haciendas can host several isolated groups: owners, visitors and an entire staff of working hands. The vast spatial requirements of a hacienda sometimes implied taller structures as well, integrating towers on each corner. Parts of these structures serve as vacation homes for colonizers. As such, the beauty of these spaces was just as important as their functionality. Many times, we see Classical decorative elements integrated into the facade, elements such as columns and moldings. Contemporary Adaptation People have been using the term hacienda increasingly more, especially in the post-pandemic traveling wave, most of the... --- > Fincas are Spanish estates. More recently, the interpretation of an insular Spanish home is the Finca as Vacation Architecture. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/finca-as-vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: finca, ibiza homes, spanish home, spanisharchitecture Finca as Vacation Architecture More and more often, we see the term finca used in correlation to a type of Spanish house. In this article, we study the possibilities of the Finca as Vacation Architecture. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Get the Book HERE > History Originally, the term was used to describe Spanish estates. More recently, peoples started started heavily using it in the real estate market. Here, the term describes a certain typology of vacation homes usually surrounded by a large plot. Many times, we see this plot as a farm, an olive tree plantation, a fruit orchard or for raising livestock. Contemporary Adaptation We notice in some recent examples of fincas some pretty good of adaptive reuse, particularly in the Spanish mainland. For example, a traditional finca might be a main building, rectangular shaped, to which a tall cylindrical volume has been attached. The extra volume was originally used as storage for grains or hay. Nowadays, we can drastically alter the Spanish Finca. Through adaptive reuse, architects transform parts of the finca into extra guesthouses. The result is surprising and unique. You can usually find Fincas at the top of a hill to better observe the entire estate. The tallest part of the finca is the the converted silo. It offers a vast perspective not only over the estate, but over the... --- > Alquerias are not buildings but clusters of buildings. This article explores the potential of the Spanish Farmhouse as Vacation Architecture. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/alqueria-as-vacation-architecture/ - Categories: Education - Tags: alqueria, spanish architecture, spanish farmhouse, spanish homes, vacation architecture Spanish Farmhouse Architecture: Tradition and Timeless Appeal The alqueria, a traditional Spanish farmhouse, embodies rural simplicity and functional design. These clusters of homes, often found in Southern Spain, reflect a communal lifestyle while blending into the landscape. An alqueria is not exactly a type of building but a Spanish version of a rural housing cluster. This article studies the potential of the Alqueria as Vacation Architecture. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Get the Book HERE > History The subject of interest is not necessarily the houses themselves but the way they cluster together to form small citadels. The ones in mountainous regions are tightly packed and terraced, with narrow streets. In contrast, further away from the major cities, there are rural clusters that generate a small rural community made of a few isolated houses exploiting the surrounding lands for agricultural purposes such as farming or raising livestock. These clusters are known as alquerias. They are present in both Southern Spain and Portugal - known as alcarias, a word which we can often find in the names of small villages. What Defines a Spanish Farmhouse? Rural Clusters: Farmhouses are typically grouped, creating small communities. Materials: Limewashed plaster, brick, and Moorish tiles dominate. Design: Thick walls, terraced layouts, and pantile roofs ensure natural cooling and efficiency. Alquerias are mostly obsolete. Over the past decade, they have been... --- > The iconic Mallorca Architecture is just as recognizable as the clear blue water and the golden sands of the island. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture-in-mallorca/ - Categories: Education - Tags: mallorca architecture, mallorca vacation, possessio, spanish architecture, spanish homes, vacation architecture Mallorca Architecture Mallorca, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, is a haven for vacation architecture that fuses tradition with eco-friendly innovation. From ancient possessio estates to modern villas, this island exemplifies how design can harmonize with nature. Social media often depicts Mallorca as being the most beautiful vacation spot in Europe. The clear blue water, golden sand beaches, pine tree forests and unique architecture makes it immediately recognizable. The iconic Vacation Architecture in Mallorca is just as recognizable. This article is part of my architecture research, presented in a friendly way. You can order the book either as a collectible hardcover artbook or as an instant digital download. Get the Book HERE > Natural Setting Mallorca is the largest Spanish island, with mountain ranges, hilly regions and flat plains. It has a Mediterranean climate with dry, sunny summers and mildly rainy winters. There’s something about the bright blue waters, beige stony shores and humidity that make the sunsets have a pink hue. Historical context A large island relatively close to shore, Mallorca has a rich history of development and conflict as well. Under the Islamic regime, agriculture was thoroughly developed. Later on, the Balearic Islands were frequently under attack. It was only in the 1950s when tourism began to flourish. Architectural Solution The presence of limestone and coquina - a sedimentary rock made mostly of marine biome makes stone a widely used building material for houses, castles and towers. Mallorca has a rich heritage of row houses with stone... --- > Spatial typologies and spatial organisations are basic design tools used by architects in order for them to create coherent spaces. - Published: 2024-07-30 - Modified: 2024-08-06 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/spatial-typologies-and-spatial-organisations/ - Categories: Education - Tags: architecture studies, durand architect, francis ching, spatial organisation, spatial typology Spatial Typologies and Spatial Organisations Why are architectural spatial typologies and spatial organisations so important in design? It took me several years to understand what architecture is. It’s an abstract notion that for many could be difficult to grasp. Architects have very clear responsibilities however they have fluid, individual work flows. This is one of the reasons why architecture can be difficult to teach. Architecture universities have different ways of teaching design and the methods keep constantly changing and updating. I am thankful for this. When I was a student, the idea was to immediately start with design research. Iterate, iterate, iterate. Receive feedback, critiques and start over. It was a lot of work and many times frustrating. Returning back to uni as an assistant professor, I’ve had the opportunity to see how the teaching method has changed in a positive way. Before jumping into architectural design, students now go through spatial classifications. This is a spatial typology. This is a spatial organisation. Here they are, two distinct classifications, developed several centuries apart, still valid. Spatial Typologies Around the year 1800, French architecture teacher Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand anticipated the impact the Industrial Revolution would have on building construction. He and his students embarked on drawing a giant database of already constructed buildings, categorizing them according to their spatial qualities. Durand was a Neoclassical architect, so I had to slightly modify the list below in order for it to be used as a design tool for first year architecture students. 1. Centralized... --- > This article provides a set of actionable steps for Inner Work for the work environment. It is dedicated mostly to entrepreneurs. - Published: 2024-06-04 - Modified: 2024-06-04 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/do-the-inner-work-for-your-work/ - Categories: Self Development Introduction This article generally addresses tools that contribute to the process of Inner Work, specifically for the work environment. I’d like to start this article stating that I have no qualifications in human psychology. These statements are simply personal observations and must be treated as such. I recently saw on a Leila Hormozi podcast that most managers are unhappy. They either didn’t want to be a manager in the first place, are unhappy with the performance or with their own time management. I was all of the above. Over the past 7 years I have been president of a nonprofit organization specializing in practical education. The practical education consists mostly of educating young individuals on digital fabrication and a little bit of coding and electronics. Teaching them to take matter into their own hands, so to speak. Matter as in the thing the Universe is made of. I perform pretty well at the grassroots level. I love to teach, I love to problem solve, I love to be in the moment. I’ve wanted to step down from my leadership role several times, however no one else wanted to step in. So I got my shit together. The Actionable Steps Over the past several years, I’ve read the mandatory literature on self development. Most recently, the books I’ve been reading were more related to business growth than, let’s say, inner peace. Both, however, require a level of psychological health. In Jungian theory, we address the shadow. In Adlerian psychology, we address... --- > Many times, architects discussing architecture can be annoying. It's not their fault, it's because architecture is a hyperobject. - Published: 2024-03-17 - Modified: 2025-03-02 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/architecture-is-a-hyperobject/ - Categories: Uncategorized Buildings are objects. Architecture is a hyperobject. When architects talk about architecture, many times it’s inspiring. They describe their process of creation, the connections they find are surprising, their definition of humanity is inspiring. Sometimes, however, it can be annoying. I’ve heard several architects simply drag out phrases that weren’t going anywhere, many times because they just weren’t prepared for a speech. Other times, they were actually trying to describe some architecture. But it just came across oblique or even pretentious. Architect Rainier de Graaf writes about this in his books, especially in Architect, verb. Buildings are fairly easy to describe because they are objects: finite, they are tangible, they are physical. Architecture, however, is neither of these things. That makes it difficult to describe. So what type of thing is architecture? Architecture is a hyperobject. What is a Hyperobject? Author and philosopher (I think) Timothy Morton has a book on the matter. In Hyperobjects: Philosophy and Ecology after the End of the World, he uses the term hyperobject to describe stuff. Really big stuff like the universe or global warming. Or really small stuff like the climate or rainfall. Hyperobjects are things that are difficult to grasp because people have been used to object oriented observations (what he calls OOO), making it easy to deny the existence of certain things. But that’s a subject for a different post. Hyperobject characteristics Architecture is a hyperobject not because of its scale but because of its nature. I’ll use Timothy Morton’s 5... --- > Adaptable and adaptive architecture are terms describing several types of interventions on existing buildings. - Published: 2024-03-02 - Modified: 2024-03-02 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/adaptable-adaptive-architecture/ - Categories: Education Introduction In the last decades, we started paying more attention to the impact construction work has against the environment. While the first half of the 20th century marked the beginning of obsolescence in architecture, later on architects were more preoccupied with reusing existing buildings. Former factories, warehouses and office buildings, deemed unusable, transform in shape, size and functionality. They become something else, better suited for the current immediate urban environment. This is when we start noticing terms such as adaptable and adaptive architecture. This transformation is sometimes referred to as adaptive reuse. Also, buildings that are adaptable are buildings that maintain relevance with the passing of time. So, what’s the difference between the adaptable and adaptive architecture? Adaptable architecture What is architecture adaptability? To put it simply, architecture adaptability is the ability of a building to adapt. When we use the term “adapt” we’re referring to the building undergoing a series of transformations. These can be of several types. Here are the most common: 1. Interior adaptation This implies the overall change of floorplans. It is a more substantial transformation than just moving furniture around. Walls get torn down, levels appear or disappear, changes also affect the facade layout. When a building’s interior is easily transformed without having to make drastic changes in the technical layout of a building, we call this trait flexibility. Flexibility is most common in office buildings as renters must have the ability to easily change the space with minimum additional costs. Recently we’ve started seeing... --- > I've used self development techniques from several best selling books in successfully housebreaking an adult dog. You can do it too. - Published: 2024-02-02 - Modified: 2025-02-22 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/housebreaking-an-adult-dog/ - Categories: Self Development Introduction This isn’t a topic I usually write about, but I have a feeling it might come in handy for anyone who struggles with housebreaking an adult dog. At the same time, I remind you I am not a veterinarian. Please contact your pet’s veterinarian before applying anything you find online, regarding physiological processes. Housebreaking a dog at any age can be very frustrating. Sometimes you have several days with no accident, you feel you're making progress. Other times it’s the exact opposite and you can’t explain why you’re back to square one, even if you’re doing everything right. After trying many different things I found online, I realized that I had to be strategic about it. I used self development books and applied the techniques I found to housebreaking an adult dog. I've linked all the books I've referenced. All of them are free. Here’s a little step-by-step that I’m pretty sure will have your dog housebroken in less than a week. Why is my dog still peeing or pooping in the house? It’s difficult not to get upset about the accidents, I know. You feel you're doing everything right and then he pees somewhere he’s totally not supposed to, making it seem like a vengeful act. Odds are it’s probably not. It’s just a management issue. Start with the Why. Here’s my example. The subject in question is my dog, a 1 year old Doberman named Kenny. He’s had a pretty inconsistent upbringing. He left the kennel relatively... --- > Service Design is a new area dedicated to customer interaction. It goes beyond UX/UI because it also considers the client outside the service. - Published: 2023-11-06 - Modified: 2023-11-06 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/service-design-in-architecture/ - Categories: Design Introduction Service design is a new area of design that addresses many intangible aspects of public spaces. Although it can also be applied to virtual services, this article will focus on applying service design principles to physical places. What is Service Design? Because of its novelty, the fundamentals of service design have been put together by an interdisciplinary group of designers. These designers shared their experiences and their findings online and put together a series of guidelines dedicated to anyone practicing a service. Authors Marc Stickdorn and Jakob Schneider compiled this information into two handbooks. The first one, This is Service Design Thinking, focuses on the fundamentals of this new design domain and teaches us how to focus on the interaction between a customer and the service provider. The second book, This is Service Design Doing, is more of a workbook, offering methods, tools and best practices for a customer centric design approach. Service Design fundamentals If you’re interested in developing a business offering a service, either physical or virtual, it’s important to take into account all elements involved in the client-service interaction. Here are the main categories: Stage The stage is the fixed context of the service. We can view this as a background, immovable. It sets the basis for any visual representation of the service provided. For physical services, the stage is obviously the space the service takes place in. Walls, floors, ceilings, steps as well as fixed furniture represent the stage of any service. Props Props are... --- > Brand representation in architecture is an important part of communication, meant to express the brand identity in public spaces. - Published: 2023-11-06 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/brand-representation-in-architecture-serve/ - Categories: Design Introduction Brand representation can be tricky, especially for architects and interior designers. Sometimes, because of the demands of the client, who may see the brand identity too figuratively, it’s easy to fall into kitsch. I’d like to show you a project of mine that encapsulates both interior design and service design. The project implies representation of a wine company,far away from its vineyard, right into the heart of the city. What is Brand Representation in Architecture? The purpose of this brand representation is not to plaster the logo all over tables and chairs. It is to tell a story, to bring a little of the brand DNA from the vineyard right in the heart of the city, carefully, so they don’t disrupt each other. It is to provide a setting for the service that is wine serving. How do we do brand representation for a wine company? The wine company is SERVE and it has a complex history. The brand itself has existed for almost 40 years, however the owners, a noble French family, have a history of wine making of over 400 years. The wine brand itself has a specific archetype, directly linked to its founder - The Explorer. The French count wanted to develop his own, independent brand, a fresh start away from his family. After many travels, he chose a specific area in Dealu Mare, Romania. Using a hybrid of traditional techniques with modern technology, the newly founded wine company perfected several species of plants that lead... --- > Eco Brutalism is a recent term describing a certain architecture aesthetic revolving around abandoned concrete buildings. - Published: 2023-11-04 - Modified: 2025-02-15 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/how-eco-is-eco-brutalism/ - Categories: Education Introduction Pop culture only recently introduced Eco Brutalism as an architectural style. Most notably a TikTok trend correlated with dystopian imagery. The images depicted large scale concrete structures left abandoned, taken over by overgrown greenery and other rewilding natural elements. The term Eco Brutalism describes one of many recent interpretations of an architecture style from the 1960s. Its predecessor, Brutalism, is a popular term for the modern way of building large scale structures of visible concrete (in French “beton brut”). I plan to shed light on the topic of Eco Brutalism, the cultural meaning behind it, and also whether it’s actually a style that designers can use today. What is Eco Brutalism The year 2020 was a very unusual year. Locked up in our own homes, left with no physical Third Place, while The Second Place (work) mixed with The First Place (home). Commercial airplanes stopped flying for several months, entire commercial neighborhoods were abandoned, streets were empty. Forced to stay at home, our usual transportation activity disappeared completely. The air quality was visibly better, rain and snowfall returned to their consistent temperate frequencies. After a certain amount of time, in places reserved only for humans, urban environments, it was the humans that disappeared. Wild animals replaced humans, rewilding the city landscapes. We were used to seeing this seemingly dystopian aesthetic of a city left abandoned and reclaimed by nature. For a brief moment in time, it became reality during the lockdown of 2020. Taking this vision a little further,... --- > The Brutalist style is widely known in architecture. Nowadays it is used to retroactively describe a certain aesthetic. - Published: 2023-11-04 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/the-brutalist-style/ - Categories: Education Introduction If we were to further define Brutalist architecture as a style, we’d eventually reach a dead end. Most of the times, architectural styles are in direct cultural relation to its contemporary counterparts in art, literature and other mediums. Medieval literature written by authors like Goethe described actions that took place in medieval buildings such as fachwerk houses. Later on, the Age of Enlightenment gave us the all encompassing Renaissance movement with all its specific aesthetics and philosophy. The 20th century has mostly been shaped by the Modern movement and its successors, postmodernism. The latter, being too recent, is followed by poststructuralist styles such as deconstructivism. We see these styles in literature, philosophy and in architecture, interior design and even product design. On a span of several centuries, we notice a succession of cultural movements, followed by reactionary styles. The progression seems to be linear, causal, even time based. Brutalism as an architectural style however does not follow this rule. This article explores the what, the how and the why behind Brutalist architecture. In order to do so, we shall look at three consecutive historical contexts through three different perspectives. What is Brutalist architecture? I’ve read more than one definition of brutalist architecture. Brutalism unofficially has its origin in Neoclassical architecture. Some link it to Soviet architecture, others to Le Corbusier and the French term “bèton brut”. In the United States, architects Alison and Peter Smithson develop a style called New Brutalism. The two describe it as more than a... --- > After being a hardcore smoker for 11 years, I've finally quit, successfully. Here are 5 tips for anyone that wants to quit smoking. - Published: 2023-09-22 - Modified: 2024-03-02 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/quit-smoking/ - Categories: Self Development The Story of How I was Too Busy To Smoke There comes a time when, in a smoker’s life, the decision to quit smoking is more and more prevalent. Every time you talk to a smoker acquaintance of yours after they quit, you can’t help but think about quitting yourself. In my experience, the thought of quitting stirs up two reactions in you. The first one is trying on for size the thought of quitting. Afterwards, either you decide it’s not something you want for yourself or you start to feel guilty about it. Both cases, you probably light up a cigarette afterwards. My Smoking Years For me, most of the time, quitting smoking was definitely not something I wanted for myself. In my 20s, it was an appetite suppressant as well as something to do with my hands when I was out. In my 30s, it was either a reward, a consolation prize or simply a buffer between hearing some (either good or bad) news and reacting to it. How I Started Smoking I was a smoker for roughly 11 years. Started smoking cigarettes in order to stop smoking other things. I was late to pick up smoking, as in my generation smoking in high school wasn’t cool anymore. I was 23 when I started smoking cigarettes regularly. By 25 I was over 1 pack a day. The moment I started opening the second pack during one 24 hour span, I switched to rolling tobacco to make it a... --- > Here’s some tips and tricks to finding a mid Century Modern TV stand that perfectly fits your home, choices for every budget. - Published: 2023-09-09 - Modified: 2023-09-24 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/mid-century-modern-tv-stand/ - Categories: Design How to pick a Mid Century Modern TV Stand Mid Century Modern TV Stands are a paradoxical piece of furniture and so they can be somewhat hard to find. Here’s some tips and tricks to finding a mid Century Modern TV stand that perfectly fits your home. Instagram @helen. hjh Introduction Why are mid Century Modern TV stands so hard to find anyway? The reason is that TVs weren’t really a regular household item until the second half of the 20th century. Funny, isn’t it? There’s no reason to panic. We can find many substitutes for a perfect mid Century Modern TV stand that has a timeless design and premium build quality. All we have to do is use a little bit of imagination and a careful eye towards the available mid Century Modern furniture pieces out there. Instagram @friloconcept A short description of the Mid Century Modern Style Firstly, it’s important to specify the particular stylistic attributes of the Mid Century Modern furniture. As the name suggests, this furniture style is specific to the 1950s all the way through the 1970s. Its modernity is given by its simple, clean design and overall timeless look. The choice of materials (hard wood, metal, plywood) together with the aesthetic remind us of the Industrial Era manufacturing, leaning towards efficiency, low-waste, standardized designs while keeping a modern look. Options for a Mid Century Modern TV Stand Mid Century Modern furniture pieces can either be simple geometric compositions, single-material heavy hard wood pieces, lightweight... --- > A quick guide dedicated to designers to what Brutalist Furniture is, how to spot it and what is the meaning behind its aesthetic. - Published: 2023-09-09 - Modified: 2024-06-01 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/brutalist-furniture/ - Categories: Design, Education A quick guide to what Brutalist furniture is, how to spot it and what is the meaning behind its aesthetic. The term Brutalist describes many different things. Brutalist architecture, Brutalist design, Brutalist art. However, using the term to describe a certain type of Brutalist furniture may not come as easily. Introduction to Brutalist Design Historical context Brutalist design can be first identified as Mid Century concrete architecture, typically found in European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and the former Soviet bloc countries. The architectural design has a Brutalist approach as buildings have stern concrete facades or simplistic geometric compositions. The design gestures are simple, brutalist, as the eye can easily understand the simple shapes and how they come together to compose architectural spaces. We can find these distilled gestures in brutalist furniture as we shall see further on. Unite d'Habitation, Le Corbusier, Zurich, Switzerland Short description Brutalist buildings are mostly large scale, capable of housing large social groups and date back to the Post War era, when many people’s homes were destroyed and moved to the cities, causing a massive housing crisis. This was the beginning of modern architecture, characterized by simple shapes, by architects such as Peter Behrens, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe. Modern architecture aspired to be timeless, to withstand the test of time, to be functional, efficient as the machines of the Industrial Revolution. Transition to Brutalist Furniture Product Design After the First World War, modern architects such as Walter Gropius and Mies van der... --- --- ## Pages - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-06-29 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/build-a-profitable-digital-footprint/ Congrats. You've achieved everything. You were told to be the best. To do your best. You were taught there is a certain standard of achievement for people like you. Your dad was proud of you every time you hit one of the designated achievements. Your mom sometimes reminded you of the sacrifices they both did in order to give you the best chance of success. That was motivation enough, especially in a world of increasing uncertainty. When you didn’t know what to do, you turned to The North Star: being the best. You smashed all your testing. You landed that high paying job. Your home looks nice. You’re on track with your fitness goals. You spend your money and your free time the ways which society expects from you. You go on vacation where you are supposed to, the popular places, in the highest of seasons. By any standards, you are a successful individual. There's still something missing. And yet, most of the time, you just want to die. If I were to tell you that you’re actually in the wrong social circles, would you believe me? That you’re discussing the wrong topics with the wrong people, simply because they have been your friends for so long, would you understand that that’s exactly what’s holding you back from reaching the next level? Like all other tests from before, this is also a test. It’s an exam you’re not yet willing to prep for. Of course you’re not. That's why you're... --- > Refund and Returns Policy for all available products on sorinadumitru.com website. Sorina Dumitru, all rights reserved. - Published: 2024-11-06 - Modified: 2024-11-06 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/refund_returns/ Refund and returns Policy Overview Our refund and returns policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we can’t offer you a full refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases. Additional non-returnable items: Gift cards Downloadable software products Some health and personal care items To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer. There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted: Book with obvious signs of use CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened. Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery Refunds and Returns Policy Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will... --- - Published: 2024-11-05 - Modified: 2024-11-05 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/checkout/transaction-failed/ Your transaction failed; please try again or contact site support. --- - Published: 2024-11-05 - Modified: 2024-11-05 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/checkout/confirmation/ Thank you for your purchase! --- > Vacation Architecture vol I is part of a series about natural, sustainable practices in home architecture and a timeless way of building. - Published: 2024-10-29 - Modified: 2025-08-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/vacation-architecture-vol-i/ On Vacation Architecture in Nonseasonal Places Vacation Architecture vol I Timeless Homes of Oceanic and Mediterranean Europe After reading Vacation Architecture vol I you will: discover a timeless way of building for homes that seem to have directly grown out of the natural setting have practical, easily applicable key takeaways for your architecture, interior design or simply for your own home have a comparative overview of homes along the entire coast of Southern Europe and easily decide your next vacation get an instant dopamine hit €39. 00 – Purchase the eBook Checkout Added to cart €39. 00 – Purchase the eBook Checkout Added to cart Are you a student? Please write me at sorina@sorinadumitru. com and I'll hook you up. --- > This is where I keep the newsletter archive. It's where you can read all the past newsletters I've sent out. - Published: 2024-06-06 - Modified: 2025-04-06 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/newsletter-archive/ Hi there. This is where I keep the newsletter archive. You can read all the past newsletters I've sent out. You'll be able to see if it interests you. Or just see what you've missed as it sometimes goes to spam. Please mark "Not Spam", btw. An archive for the newsletter I started this newsletter when, professionally and personally, everything I've built during the previous 10 years I had to start dismantling. And so I needed to talk about it. I needed to structure the thoughts and figure out what was happening to me. I also needed to hear how other people handle their shit. What's in it for you The topics I discuss are: interior design: practices, strategies, examples, tips & tricks architecture theory: flexible architecture, adaptive architecture, brutalist architecture leadership: stuff about money, health and human interaction that I can't post on social media I encourage replies to the newsletter. This weekly email is meant to spark a discussion on specific subjects so we can all keep learning. And maybe even develop one of those... what's the word... . community. Even if you're not into the newsletter, I encourage you to reach out. Meeting new people makes us smarter. Newsletter Archive All we have is the present next time you space out, think of me. Truth is Concrete. Trigger Warning on Everything haha Some people thought these buildings are ugly AF I love you. I'm in Piatra Neamt, bitches. Hi, I'm back in your inbox again. It's Never... --- > I reverse engineer experiences. My work consists of architecture research and service design from a feminine leadership perspective. - Published: 2019-11-15 - Modified: 2023-09-23 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/work/ Sorina Dumitru Context of Research My work consists of the automated study of public spaces, both in usage and over time. I hold a PhD in Architecture. Here are some of the directions for the architecture research, applied mainly to public spaces of social nature. Definition of Terms The subject studied is the behaviour of architecture over time. We use the term flexible architecture to describe spaces that can change on the inside, without changing the general mass of the architectural object. In flexible architecture, the function remains the same. We use the term adaptable architecture to describe buildings that deserve to undergo the process of adaptive reuse. We use the term adaptive architecture to describe spaces that have the capacity to change quickly. My work consists of the study of these three traits in public spaces. Importance of Research Public spaces are the most fitting as they tend to fall into obsolescence faster than other programs. They undergo intense cycles of use. The subject of the behaviour of architecture in time will forever remain open ended. My work tries to develop tools to study new dimensions of the public space. These new dimensions take into account people's movement as opposed to static hypothetical activities. All of these aspects make distinction between traditional floor plan representation and true activity study of public spaces. In addition to the above, in the study of the built environment, my work includes fabrication research. As a designer specialised in digital fabrication, new ways of... --- > Contact Sorina Dumitru for short term conceptual design, implementation strategies for public space or just to make a new friend. - Published: 2019-11-15 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/contact/ Subscribe to my newsletter here.   It's actually a good read. If you don't believe me, check out my newsletter archive. Contact Sorina Dumitru Address sorina@sorinadumitru. com Follow DM me on Instagram   If you're still a little shy, just read some of my articles. window. onload = function { Calendly. initBadgeWidget({ url: 'https://calendly. com/sorina-dumitru/design-meeting', text: 'Schedule time with me', color: '#1a1a1a', textColor: '#ffffff' }); } --- > I reverse engineer experiences. Design practice consists of architecture research and service design from a feminine leadership perspective. - Published: 2019-11-15 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/about/   Design ResearchLicensed PhD in Architecture StrategyIdeation. Spatial Strategy. User Experience. Management Tools. Design & DevelopmentArchitectural Research. Design Concept. Service Design. Public Spaces. EducationArchitecture Theory. Digital Fabrication. Architecture AI Tools. Architecture Research My architecture research consists of public spaces. I specialise in understanding how users flow within a space, how they interact with each other and with the space itself. I use both academic research and computational tools to analyse existing public spaces. Afterwards I draw the relevant conclusions in order to either create an in-depth audit or develop a site specific, seamless spatial experience your visitors can enjoy. My research consists of determining the behaviour of public space architecture over certain spans of time. These spans of time could be weeks, months or several years. I use self developed computational tools together with academic research strategies in order to determine the flexibility and adaptability of a certain public space. Service Design Together with a team of architects, interior designers, engineers and branding specialists, we can provide a detailed masterplan in both space and time. If your business consists of overnight hospitality, service industry, event planning or product exhibiting, we can offer detailed planning of all building phases, from concept to implementation, as well as effective communication strategies. I develop strategies in space and time for service design, determining the necessary flow of visitors, employees, resources on both short term and long term spans. Value Based Leadership I'm very passionate about feminine entrepreneurship and self development. I formulate a holistic,... --- > I reverse engineer experiences. Design practice consists of architecture research and service design from a feminine leadership perspective. - Published: 2019-11-15 - Modified: 2024-05-02 - URL: https://sorinadumitru.com/ Sorina Dumitru --- ---