May 24, 2023
Gensler honors APDesign interior architecture student with 2023 Brinkmann Scholarship
Gensler, an award-winning global architecture and design firm, named Henry Hammes, fourth-year interior architecture graduate student, Lenexa, as a recipient of the 2023 Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship, an annual program that celebrates design excellence and innovative thinking.
Established in 1999 as a memorial to Donald G. Brinkmann, an inspirational interior designer and former Gensler principal who personified the essence of design, vision and leadership, this year marks the 25th anniversary of his passing.
"I view design as a transformative power on our perspective of the world, it surrounds us and helps define our everyday experiences," Hammes said. "As such, I believe design should create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing human experience rooted in the science of evidence-based research."
The panel concluded that Hammes' submission tackled the design of a modern workplace for Next Robotics that acknowledged the company's goal of fostering an innovative and diverse future. Pulling inspiration from one of the most overlooked diverse networks of individuals existing today — public transportation — Hammes developed solutions and special typologies that allowed for underrepresented groups within the workforce in comfortable and casual environments to converge. This also meant providing zones that accommodated five key work modes and a central circulation path that connected different departments to allow for planned and spontaneous interactions between coworkers.
"Henry is a talented young designer whose concept is rooted in the public transit system and has a deep connection to both the client's goals and the Seaport District of Boston, where the Next Robotics project is located," said Michelle Wempe, professor of practice, APDesign. "Henry's design solution is based firmly in his concept, solving real problems in an empathic, diverse and inclusive way using his unique creative and analytical skills."
Gensler has 53 locations and more than 7,000 professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally across more than 29 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, community and health sectors. They are guided by their mission to create a better world through the power of design, and the source of their strength is their people. By leveraging their diversity of ideas, their research and innovation, their shared values, and their One-Firm Firm culture, they are working seamlessly as a borderless firm in 140 countries and making the greatest impact on their communities as they continue to tackle the world's challenges.