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DLR Group Named as Finalist in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards

firm news

DLR Group Named as Finalist in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards

(NEW YORK, August 22, 2023) – We have been named a finalist in the Social Justice category of Fast Company’s 12th annual Innovation by Design Awards for Semillas y Raices, a mixed-use design concept. The category specifically examines “products, services, systems, and platforms that help underserved communities or developing countries.” Semillas y Raices, or Seeds & Roots, provides a vibrant, welcoming, and flexible environment for multi-generational farmworker families in Visalia, California, one of the world’s most productive farming regions, to plant their roots, find stability and build a flourishing community. 

Semillas y Raices mixed use housing development entrance with shops on 1st level, apartments above on either side of walkway

Semillas y Raices mixed-use development concept honored by Fast Company’s 2023 Innovation by Design Awards.

The Innovation by Design Awards program honors designers and businesses “solving the most crucial problems of today and anticipating the pressing issues of tomorrow” and judges criteria of functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact, and business impact.

Immigrant farmworkers make up an estimated 73% of agriculture workers in the United States, and unfortunately, they often lack economic resources and suffer from linguistic, cultural, and geographical isolation. Our design highlights security and independence to provide families and children better opportunities for growth that can become a foundation for future generations and throughout the community."

Jose Sanchez, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C Principal and Mixed-Use Design Leader

Semillas y Raices provides a vibrant, welcoming, and flexible environment for multi-generational farmworker families in Visalia, California, one of the world’s most productive farming regions, to plant their roots, find stability and build a flourishing community.

The design of Semillas y Raices models how these communities can meet the increasing housing demand and provide incentives for workers to emerge from the shadows of isolated work camps and establish roots and a space of their own.

Designed as a livable extension of nature, Semillas y Raices is comprised of terracing two and three-story structures interconnected and oriented to the sun and mountain views to promote sustainability and a healthy community. A balance of semi-private and public spaces layered throughout the site invite community members to come together while simultaneously allowing for residential privacy. The multiple public spaces, green areas, and gardens provide respite and restoration from the hard work and intense heat residents may experience during the day.

“The vibrancy and sustainability of Semillas y Raices can set the standard for future developments and positively influence the region through community public spaces, energy conservation, public art, and native landscaping, creating a new normal that best serves its residents,” says Sanchez.