Let’s build back beautifully, not just better

The Biden-Harris Build Back Better plan calls for a trillion-dollar investment to modernize the country’s infrastructure. But according to architect Peter Ruggiero, “better” isn’t good enough. As he writes, America has a civic obligation to make these new public spaces and systems both functional and beautiful: “Instead of making a negative impact on its immediate environment—which has happened all too often in the recent past—well-conceived, thoughtfully designed infrastructure will catalyze positive change” and create the sustainable, equitable future the country deserves. Read his essay on why the Biden administration should champion design excellence here.  — Co.Design Editors   Let’s build back beautifully, not just better Architect Peter Ruggiero makes the case for using design excellence as a key component of President Biden’s infrastructure plan.   READ MORE   How Assassin’s Creed is bolstering tourism in Ireland, Italy, and beyond Video games are all about escaping from reality. Now they’re being used to market real-life escapes.   READ MORE   A fascinating design history of the filing cabinet The new paper-storage system was part of a reimagining of office space, emphasizing the order and productivity of American capitalism. Just like the skyscraper.   READ MORE   This ASMR tableware will make you go ‘mmmmmbbbvvvvrrrrrshhhhh’ A clever student project aims to make food even tastier through sound.   READ MORE

See the Rainbow Flag transformed into an awesome font It’s called “Gilbert” and it translates the iconography of the famous flag into another medium for expressing diversity and inclusion.   READ MORE

Support strength in journalism Join Fast Company Premium for $1   If you don’t want to receive Compass anymore, unsubscribe here. If you were forwarded Compass and like it, subscribe here. View this newsletter online. 7 World Trade Center, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10007-2195