More evidence on how architecture can benefit our lives and health, the Supreme Court will weigh in on the TikTok ban, and one man’s mission to save a piece of Americana. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Architecture can help us lead better, healthier lives
Reddymade’s sensory healing room prototype for Johns Hopkins University; rendering courtesy of Reddymade
Neuroarchitecture is far from a fleeting trend—it’s a critical lens through which to view the impact of design on public health. Researchers Cleo Valentine and Heather Mitcheltree of the University of Cambridge emphasize in Dezeen how elements like spatial proportions and materiality influence psychological wellbeing. Lighting, for instance, has profound impacts on our circadian rhythm, while poorly designed spaces can contribute to discomfort that can exacerbate health problems in the long run. In the same vein, our latest HDAC interview highlights architect and artist Suchi Reddy, who shares why her work prioritizes neuroaesthetics, including in a recent collaboration with the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University. The sensory healing room, a hospital room prototype, helps regulate sensory inputs and minimizes disruptions for patients with consciousness disorders.
Supreme Court to fast-track TikTok ban challenge
Photo courtesy of tashatuvango/Adobe Stock
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok’s challenge to a federal law that mandates the app be sold by January 19th, 2025 or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns, reports The Washington Post. Having fast-tracked the case, the Court will hear oral arguments on January 10th to determine whether the law infringes upon First Amendment rights. This decision follows a December 6th ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the law, emphasizing the government’s authority to address potential threats from foreign adversaries. TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, contends the forced sale or ban violates free speech protections.
One man’s mission to rescue a dying Route 66 town
Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy, California, a Route 66 landmark with a 1950s Googie-style neon sign; photo courtesy of CLShebley/Adobe Stock
Amboy, California, a tiny town along Route 66 in the Mojave Desert, has been pulled from decline, thanks to the dedication of Albert Okura. In 2005, Okura (founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain) purchased the near-abandoned town and spent years restoring its buildings, writes Lynda Lin Grigsby for The Guardian. Although he passed away in 2023, Okura’s legacy endures there, symbolized by a 14-foot-tall roadside mural honoring his contributions to preserving Americana. His work in Amboy was deeply personal, driven by his family’s history—his Japanese American father was interned at one of the camps the U.S. built during World War II, and his uncle gave his life serving in the U.S. Army to prove his loyalty. Today, Amboy remains a nostalgic pitstop, with Roy’s gas station and midcentury buildings still standing as relics of a bygone era. As Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026, the Okura family hopes to open the town’s café and motel cottages to tourists.
New Vans concept store features skateable architecture
Andrea Caputo Studio’s architectural installation at the Vans West End store in London turns the space into a skatepark; photos by Rafal Wojnowski
Skateboarding shoe brand Vans has unveiled its latest retail concept in London, a dynamic skateable space located at its Oxford Street flagship. Originally opened in 2019, the store has undergone a dramatic transformation by Milan-based Andrea Caputo Studio, blending retail with skate culture. The highlight, writes Hypebeast, is a massive, 2,100-square-foot travertine stone ramp that runs through the store, offering a transformable surface for skate lessons, demos, and events. Designed to evolve with the brand’s cultural programming, the space will host skate shows, music performances, and art exhibitions.
HD Expo + Conference registration is open!
Photo by PWP Studio
Registration is now open for HD Expo + Conference 2025, returning May 6–8th to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. This year’s tradeshow promises a dynamic mix of conference sessions, networking, and product debuts, with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations. Highlights include the Owners’ Roundtable featuring 35 industry executives, the Women in Design Awards Breakfast in partnership with NEWH, and a new location for Party by the Pool at Marquee Dayclub. All sessions, including CEU-accredited workshops, will unfold at interactive spaces on the show floor designed by Flick Mars, HBA, and EDG. Plus, the 21st Annual HD Awards ceremony will celebrate design excellence live at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino on May 6th—don’t forget to submit your entries by February 10th, and register today to take advantage of the early-bird rate!
