SEVEN Front Facade | Lyndon Douglas SEVEN, located off Park Avenue in New York City, is a project by Adjaye Associates that redefines the interplay between historical preservation and modern intervention. Originally a 1897 carriage house, the structure has been transformed into a contemporary residence that accommodates a young family and their extensive art collection. The project presents an architectural response to the challenges of retaining the historical integrity of the landmark faade while reimagining the interior to meet contemporary needs.SEVEN Residence Technical InformationArchitects: Adjaye AssociatesLocation: Park Avenue,New York, USAArea: 900 m2 | 9,700 Sq. Ft.Original Structure: A 1897 carriage house off Park AvenueCompleton Year: 2010Photographs: Lyndon Douglas, Robert PolidoriThe faade remains true to its history and landmark status, while the interior has witnessed the removal of the old building and excavation of a deep cellar. Adjaye Associates ArchitectsSEVEN Residence PhotographsRear Facade | Lyndon DouglasPatio | Lyndon DouglasEntrance | Lyndon DouglasEntrance | Lyndon DouglasStairs | Lyndon DouglasCourtyard | Lyndon DouglasBathroom | Lyndon DouglasWindow | Lyndon DouglasStairs | Lyndon DouglasLibrary | Robert PolidoriLiving Room | Robert PolidoriSEVEN Residence: Preservation of the FaadeThe faade of the original carriage house, dating back to 1897, has been carefully preserved in adherence to the buildings landmark status. This decision retains the buildings historical identity within the urban streetscape while juxtaposing the radical changes made to the interior.Preservation regulations required precise restoration techniques and design strategies to integrate the faade with a new structural framework. The project navigates these challenges by employing modern materials like black concrete, which contrasts yet supports the restored faade, creating a deliberate dialogue between past and present.Interior TransformationThe interior of SEVEN diverges significantly from its historical exterior. A deep cellar was excavated to provide additional usable space, allowing for a six-story interior while maintaining the external appearance of a more modest structure. This design choice exemplifies how subterranean construction can expand urban living space without impacting the visible scale of the building.Black concrete, a primary material within the house, provides structural stability while introducing a contemporary aesthetic. Its rough texture contrasts sharply with the finely detailed historic faade, inverting traditional expectations of material use. This contrast also emphasizes the different eras represented in the project, visually marking the transition from preservation to modernity.At the center of the building, a courtyard with a fountain serves as an open-air atrium, linking various levels through natural light and spatial continuity. Adjacent to the courtyard, a floating staircase connects the interior spaces and leads to a planted roof garden, further enhancing the vertical flow of the design.Sustainability and the Roof GardenThe roof garden introduces an ecological dimension to the project. Planted with sedum and moss, the garden provides year-round greenery that requires minimal maintenance, contributing to the environmental efficiency of the building. Beyond its sustainability features, the garden serves as a private outdoor space for the residents, integrating nature into the urban setting.This element reflects Adjaye Associates broader interest in embedding sustainable practices into their designs. By incorporating natural elements like the roof garden and central courtyard, SEVEN offers strategies for enhancing environmental performance in dense urban contexts.Through its careful attention to materials, space, and context, SEVEN serves as a case study in navigating the complexities of adaptive reuse. For architects and designers, it offers insights into how history can coexist with innovation in a way that enriches both.SEVEN Residence PlansSection of the Residence | Adjaye AssociatesSEVEN Residence Image GalleryAbout Adjaye AssociatesAdjaye Associates is an internationally renowned architecture and design practice founded by Sir David Adjaye in 2000. With offices in Accra, London, and New York, the firm has become synonymous with innovative and culturally resonant design. Adjayes work spans a diverse range of projects, including private residences, cultural institutions, and public spaces, each marked by a deep understanding of context, history, and materiality. His notable works include the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and Ruby City in San Antonio. Notes & Additional CreditsArchitect: Adjaye AssociatesClient: Adam Lindemann and Amalia DayanMechanical Engineer: Altieri Sebor WieberStructural Engineer: Dewhurst Macfarlane & Partners

You know John Wongs work even if you dont. Youve seen it if youve ever visited the Stanford University campus, where over a span of 30 years Wong has evolved and modernized Frederick Law Olmsteds historic landscape. Or if youve stumbled upon Tulsas Guthrie Green, an urban park and outdoor amphitheater that supplies district heating and cooling to the surrounding buildings. Or if youve ever seen Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, in which Tom Cruise is framed by the elliptical landforms of Wongs groundscape as the actor scales the Burj Khalifa. Wong is a design principal in SWAs Sausalito office, where he has worked since 1978. His legacy in the field of landscape architecture is freshly evident thanks to a new book, Selected Works of Landscape Architect John L. Wong: From Private to Public Ground, from Small to Tall, a monograph that, at 588 pages, shares something with Wongs oeuvre. Spanning cultures, climates, and scales, the Hong Kongborn landscape architects work has been an influential part of a growing movement to bring the natural landscape back into urban centers and to dissolve the artificial barrier between cities and nature. Timothy A. Schuler spoke with Wong to learn more about the making of the book and its resonance.Cover design of Selected Works, published by Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers (Courtesy Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers)Timothy Schuler: Did the book project reveal any new insights about your own body of work?John Wong: Absolutely. Most of the projects are large-scale, mixed-use and have a major impact on urban living. Many were completed during a period when the world was growing. As you know, landscape architecture began in the United States back in Olmsteds day, and many of the skills have only been passed on internationally over the last 30 years. Oscar [Riera Ojeda, the books publisher] was trying to capture how I developed a body of work that spans not just the local or regional but the international scene. He hadnt seen someone like that, until recently. In the last ten years or so, a lot of landscape architects have gone overseas. But I started in the 1980s. I was very fortunate to be part of that opportunity, riding the waves and working with many different clients, engineers, and architects. It taught me a lot about how to design in a different culture, in a different setting. What have you learned over the years about designing in not just climatically responsive but culturally grounded ways?I approach projects with one general design methodology, and that doesnt change from one place to anotheralthough the application will be different. I try to teach our young people, as well as students, that you want to have a full understanding of the place. You need to go there. You need to walk it, learn it. What is the vegetation? What is the topography? Is there something that is part of the overall ecological system? When I was at graduate school, I had lunch with Dan Kiley many times, and he always said, John, whenever I go to a place, I just walk around the block and look at what trees do the best. And thats how I develop my plant palette. I do that too. But I go beyond just learning about a palette of trees and shrubs. I learn about materials, about weathering. You know, this handrail, how come its falling apart? For me, theres no boundary between culture and environment. Its about the importance of the place. You have to respect it. You have to learn from it.SWAs public realm design for Expo 2020. (David Lloyd)The books title is The Selected Works of Landscape Architect John L Wong. Many people might know that these are SWA projects but not associate any one name with them. Has the anonymity that came with working at SWA ever been a struggle?I decided to do the book to highlight that, yeah, I was part of SWA, but for all the projects that are showcased, I was the principal in charge, meaning these are projects I brought in myself, through my own work and through my own [relationships]. Its a little bit of ego on my part, right? But I also wanted to show that you might be working for a company, but that doesnt mean that all the work is designed in a certain way or under a single direction. You have a lot of say. You can be your own person, and you can provide your point of view.When I look back, the most important thing I hope the book does is inspire students and young professionals. We need more young practitioners. The field is overwhelmed with opportunities, and were just not able to meet the challenges with the talent that we have. Wong has worked on the Stanford University campus for over a span of 30 years. (Jonnu Singleton)How many of the comments from colleagues and friends have been about the weight of the book? Its very big.[Laughs] Everybody weighed it. It varies between 9.5 and 9 pounds, 7.5 ounces. The good news is I made it to all their coffee tables. I consider that a success.Timothy A. Schuler is an award-winning writer and design critic whose work focuses on the intersection of the built and natural environments. He lives in Manhattan, Kansas.

Its been decades since the mighty Don River fed into Lake Ontario through Torontos Inner Harbor. A levee, aptly called the north plug, stood in the way, that is until last week when the stop was removed, and the water sources were reunited at last. The north plug was taken out on November 8 at a ribbon cutting ceremony, eliminating the barrier between Keating Channel and the Don River, south of Lake Shore Bridge. The occasion marked a major milestone for federal, provincial, and city leaders looking to transform the Port Lands, an area on the eastern shoreline ravaged by settler-colonial industrialization.A crane removes the last remnants of the north plug (Waterfront Toronto/Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker)The project to rectify Torontos eastern shoreline, the Port Lands Flood Protection and Enabling Infrastructure Project, constitutes the largest public works project in Canadian history. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) is leading the $1.4 billion program. MVVAs master plan also extends public transit and cycling options along Queens Quay East, opening up the eastern shoreline to development. Now that the north plug has been removed, and with new transit options underway, the city has its sight set on a new island, Ookwemin Minising, where it hopes to build homes for over 100,000 people and createnew parkland.The restoration project is sited near a new bridge. (Waterfront Toronto/Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker)Today, much of Torontos eastern shoreline is infill land. But for thousands of years, before industrialization, the area was First Nations territory, and home to countless wildlife species.That all changed in the 19th century, when the city of Toronto was established, and the eastern shoreline saw its coast dotted with petroleum factories, and other industrial uses. The Don River quickly became one of the most polluted water sources in the world. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel flooded much of Toronto, revealing the downsides of infilling marshland to make buildings. Three decades later, in 1989, federal, provincial, and city government leaders got serious about fixing the problem, put their heads together, and began ideating solutions.The restoration also includes new playgrounds for children (Waterfront Toronto/Vid Ingelevics/Ryan Walker)MVVA first joined the project in 2007, after beating out two other firms in a competition for the commission. Its master plan will deliver new public parks, restored habitats, and mixed-use development informed by leading-edge sustainability and smart growth principles, designers said.Ookwemin Minisings planning is part of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chows Reconciliation Action Plan, which centers First Nations peoples in development processes.

Opened in 1962 as the Newton Savings Bank, this unique Mid-20th century Modern banking structure showcases the forms and materials not conceived in previous decades. The building is located on the Newton Centre Green, adjacent to the former Newton Centre Methodist Episcopal Church, and provides a sharp contrast between the stone building in the Romanesque style and more contemporary forms. The bank was designed by Bastille and Halsey Associates, established in 1953 by partners, Robert Adams Bastille and William Ashbaugh Halsey. Now occupied by a Citizens Bank with professional offices also inside, the building exhibits precast concrete zipper banding between floors that are broken up by solid brick masses in the facade. What do you think of these corporate modern buildings?

This building, the former Newton Centre Methodist Episcopal Church, is Romanesque in style, and is one of the more notable adaptive reuse projects in Newton. The church was designed by the esteemed architectural firm of Andrews, Jacques & Rantoul and completed in 1899 for the local Methodist Episcopal congregation. The edifice is built of locally quarried rubblestone, often called Roxbury Puddingstone, and trimmed with rough cut Milford granite. The granite is used at the windows, forming the arches and heads, and most strikingly in the large arched entrance. The church eventually closed and was renovated with modern windows, additions, and more, and currently houses a restaurant, bank, book store, and professional offices.

Carr Fleuri, antique samples of hand-painted flower patterns for dress fabric, France, 1841 (2023), collage, hand-cut, Japanese paper, paper weaving, gold leaf, and acrylic painting, 26 x 26 inchesMyriam Dion Weaves Milestones of Womens History from Vintage NewspapersNovember 19, 2024ArtCraftKate MothesFrom found vintage newspapers and hand-painted designs, Myriam Dion composes remarkably detailed collages. Known for reimagining newspapers into sculptural, geometric works, the Montral-based artist (previously) has recently begun experimenting with a range of found materials, like gouache-painted samples of antique textile patterns and pages from old garden books.The stories Dion chooses to highlight often revolve around women and their accomplishments. It is interesting to see how women are documented in the media, she says, especially at a time when newspapers were written by men for men and how this evolves and sometimes regresses depending on the subjects, the artist says.Detail of Carr Fleuri, antique samples of hand-painted flower patterns for dress fabric, France, 1841Through a painstaking process of cutting and weaving tiny strips of material, Dion adheres gold leaf and adds drawing and painting details. I also include folding techniques that allow me to create relief and a textile look to the paper, she says. Drawing allows meto develop patterns through repetition and is conducive to larger installations.The artist currently has work on view in Timelines, her solo exhibition at Arsenal Contemporary in New York City, which emphasizes her interest in milestones like womens labor rights and suffrage throughout the 20th century, especially in the U.S.These themes are expressed through headlines in a dated language as evocative as the homespun crafts that Dion elevates, says a gallery statement. By exploiting the metaphoric potential of ephemera, she underscores the vulnerability of these rights while offering a timely reminder of their importance.Miss Marion Cassidy, Daring Canadian Aviatrix, New Mexico, Wednesday, May 21, 1919 (2024), collage and weaving of newspaper and hand-cut Japanese paper, acrylic paint, pencil drawing, and gold leaf, 47 x 47 inchesDion has recently become fascinated by darning samplers, which like other embroidery samplers, were historically used to showcase ones knowledge and skills with different stitches. In terms of darning, a method of mending, the patterns often mimicked different weaves or knitting to show that the samplers maker was capable of mending a variety of fabrics. These are objects rich in know-how and historythey are magnificent and very inspiring for me, both formally and conceptually, Dion says. These objects evoke repair and care, which give a second life to damaged fabrics. They are linked to women, indeed: traditional crafts and artisanal virtuosity, elements to which I am sensitive and which greatly influence my creative process.Dion is particularly drawn to the samplers geometric characteristics, which she incorporates into her own compositions. Patterns and floral motifs intertwine in meticulously detailed pieces, often transforming into ornate framing devices for intimately scaled photographs of women snipped from the newspaper.The artist recently won a commission for a large public artwork inspired by darning samplers, which will be installed in a new hospital in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Qubec, in 2027. Another public work will be installed at the Santa-Cabrini Hospital in Montral next summer.Timelines continues through December 14. Find more on Dions website and Instagram.Girl in Knicks on the Links, Miss McMillan, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, New York, Monday, May 8, 1922 (2024), collage of hand-cut newspaper and Japanese paper, drawing, painting, paper weaving, and gold leaf, 116.5 cm x 108.5 centimetersDetail of Girl in Knicks on the Links, Miss McMillan, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, New York, Monday, May 8, 1922Women Workers, Daily Republican Eagle, Red Wing, Minnesota, Friday, October 2, 1942 (2024), collage and weaving of newspaper and hand-cut Japanese paper, acrylic paint, pencil drawing, and gold leaf, 40 x 40 inchesDetail of Women Workers, Daily Republican Eagle, Red Wing, Minnesota, Friday, October 2, 1942Marie Curie, Radium discoverer to visit America, February 10, 1921 (2024), collage and weaving of newspaper and hand-cut Japanese paper, acrylic paint, felt, and gold leaf, 42 1/2 x 43 inchesNext article

Goldeen. Photo by Yuta Studio. All images courtesy of Sangmin Oh, shared with permissionSangmin Oh Illuminates Upcycled Industrial Fiber in Knitted Lighting SculpturesNovember 19, 2024DesignKate MothesSprouting like coral or fungi, Sangmin Ohs biologically-inspired lighting designs and furnishings merge form and function. Based between The Netherlands and South Korea, the designer (previously) is fascinated by the interplay of material, aesthetics, and sustainability.Ohs sculptural pieces revolve around the use of textiles to create knitted or woven shades for lamps and other objects. In a new project titled SOIL TO SOUL, he and a team of studio assistants have assembled an installation using Heracron brand aramid yarna type of lightweight and strong polymer fiber that is resistant to the effects of heat, abrasion, and chemicals.Installation view of SOIL TO SOULAramid yarn is often used in bulletproof vests, heat-protective clothing, and as coverings for optical cables. Oh utilizes scraps of the material discarded by the manufacturer, turning to 3D knitting technology to reimagine colorful, textural pieces of fabric.The functional narrative of Heracron aligns with that of mushroom, which protects and sustains the earth, Oh says of the works in SOIL TO SOUL. Its hair-like strands mirror the skein of mycelial threads. Inspired by this similarity, the shape and pattern of the knitted fabric were designed to reflect these qualities.Ohs work is currently on view in Seoul at RE;CODE, a brand focused on upcycling, where pieces like a sprawling, fungi-inspired floor lamp comprise the illuminated window installation. See more on his website and Instagram.Woven fabric for SOIL TO SOULPink Dendrogyra MutantInstallation view of SOIL TO SOULInstallation view of SOIL TO SOULDetail of fabric used in SOIL TO SOULAcroporaWoven fabrics for SOIL TO SOULPrevious articleNext article

By David Nath Fox News Published November 19, 2024 11:52am EST close New tech platforms focus on helping legal immigrants Legal immigrants are increasingly turning to high-tech solutions to help navigate Americas immigration landscape. Its no secret that Americas immigration policy is in desperate need of a high-tech overhaul. Most online immigration tools so far have been rudimentary, and thats often left legal immigrants complaining of long wait times, contradictory instructions, and a web presence that doesn't help with things like green card renewal or family petitions. Now President-Elect Trump is promising a big deportation push when he comes into office for his second term, and its more important than ever for immigrants to have their paperwork in order."Immigration, legal immigration should be efficient and accessible and affordable for everyone," says Yasaman Soroori, the co-founder and CEO of Consulta, a new A.I.-powered platform offering high-tech solutions for those immigration issues. Its thought to be the first online platform dedicated specifically to helping legal immigrants navigate Americas complicated immigration landscape. Their goal is simple; integrating tech with personalized support, hoping to bring order and affordability to a complex and costly process.And Soroori says their intake protocol is much more simple and cost-effective than going to see an immigration attorney. "Once the user finds us on our website and goes to the platform," she explains, "they are able to select the service that pertains to them, answer a simplified questionnaire, upload the necessary documents, well even take care of the passport pictures for them. And that's it."As the immigration debate heats up, Consulta is getting more visibility; it has a number of high-profile backers, including the founder of Venmo. Right now, services include renewing green cards, petitions for family visas, and help with citizenship. Its all part of using A.I. to deliver a more streamlined immigration experience."We always talk about the negativity about immigration, but we don't focus on the legal immigrants that are in this country," says Soroori. "And we wanted to offer them the most stress free, affordable option in order for more people to pursue it."

Tech Data breach exposes over 56 million clothing store customers This data includes email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, more Published November 19, 2024 10:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': This years most devastating data breaches Kurt Knutsson: Data breaches in 2024 exposed info of millions, stressing the need for better cybersecurity. A cybersecurity vendor claimed last month that a hacker stole data from the fashion retailer Hot Topic, including the personal information of millions of customers. At that time, there was no confirmation from the retailer itself. However, a breach notification site has now confirmed that the personal data of 56,904,909 users was found online and leaked from customers of Hot Topic, Torrid and Box Lunch.This data includes email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, purchase history, gender and dates of birth. Partial credit card data was also included in the breach.IM GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYSEnter bysigning up for my free newsletter. Image of a person shopping (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to knowThe breach notification serviceHave I Been Pwned (HIBP) announced this week that it alerted 56 million Hot Topic customers about a data breach compromising their personal information. While Hot Topic, which operates more than 640 stores across the U.S., has yet to confirm the breach, HIBP reported that it occurred on Oct. 19. Just two days later, a threat actor using the alias "Satanic" claimed responsibility.Satanic alleges that the database contains details of 350 million users, though that number seems inflated. The leaked data does, however, include names, email addresses, physical addresses and dates of birth; all information collected through Hot Topics loyalty program. The hacker is offering the database for $20,000 and demanding that Hot Topic pay $100,000 to prevent its sale.Hudson Rock, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, initially reported the breach and considers it credible. The firm traced the issue back to a malware infection on an employees computer at Robling, a third-party retail analytics firm. Hudson Rock, which operates the cyber intelligence platform Cavalier to monitor compromised devices, discovered the infection and flagged it for clients.Its likely that the threat actor used credentials stolen by info stealer malware to gain access to an analytics platform used by Hot Topic, potentially allowing them to infiltrate the retailers cloud environments. Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Hot Topics silence after the breach is suspiciousEvidence of a data breach at Hot Topic keeps piling up, but the company hasnt said a word yet. Customers and state attorneys general havent been notified, either. Hot Topics silence could mean a few things, especially with such a big breach. They might still be investigating, working with cybersecurity experts to confirm what happened and figure out the extent of the damage. Sometimes, companies stay quiet, hoping to delay or dodge bad press. But this strategy can backfire, leading to more scrutiny and skepticism.We reached out to Hot Topic to request a comment on our story but did not hear back before our deadline. Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 ways you can stay safe in the event of a data breach1) Keep a strong password:With the Hot Topic data breach exposing sensitive information, its essential to update your passwords. Use a strong, unique password for each account, especially for services where your personal details are stored. A mix of letters, numbers and symbols will make it harder for hackers to guess. Consider using apassword manager to keep everything secure and easily accessible.2) Beware of suspicious links:After a breach, phishing attempts increase, and hackers may use your leaked email to send fake links or emails. Never click on suspicious links, especially those that ask for personal information. Always double-check the sender's email and look out for strange language or urgent requests. If in doubt, go directly to the website instead of following the links in the message.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.3) Invest in a data removal service:Since your personal information could be floating around on the dark web or public databases, its a good idea to invest in a data removal service.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.4) Watch out for the risk of identity theft:The leaked data includes sensitive details like addresses, birthdays and purchase histories, which could be used for identity theft. Be extra cautious when sharing personal information moving forward, and if you notice anything unusual, report it immediately. If you are a Hot Topic customer, you might also want to consider an identity theft monitoring service.See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.5) Monitor your accounts regularly:Keep an eye on your bank accounts, credit card statements and even loyalty programs where your information is stored. Set up alerts for transactions and logins so you can act fast if anything seems off. Regular monitoring can help you catch fraudulent activity early, minimizing the damage if your data is misused.Kurts key takeawayThe Hot Topic data breach is alarming, especially since it affects over 56 million people. What makes the situation even more concerning is that Hot Topic has stayed silent about it. The company hasnt notified those affected, leaving many unprepared for potential cybersecurity threats. Hackers could use this gap to target victims with scams, leading to financial losses. This situation is a strong reminder of the importance of maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene, whether youre impacted by a breach or not.Should companies be forced to compensate customers whose data has been exposed instead of just staying silent? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

My husband has to sew my buttons on I still cant sew, confesses co-CEO of technology education charity Tech She Can, Sheridan Ash.This years Computer Weekly most influential woman in UK technology has always had a sense of wanting to right the injustice inflicted on women by gender stereotyping.At school, the girls had to do sewing or needlework or typing, and the boys did metalwork and woodwork. So I went to the local newspaper. I set up a petition. I got other pupils to stand outside the school with placards. Anyway, I got it changed. Hence, I cant sew or type, but Im great at welding, says Ash.Computer Weekly attended the launch of the first Tech She Can research eight years ago, when it was still a part of Ashs work at PwC.Ash has since left the professional services firm to focus on the technology education charity full-time, but like many women in the tech sector, her journey has not been linear.Ash left school at 16 with no qualifications, which she puts down, in part, to undiagnosed dyslexia. Not knowing what to do, she accepted a modelling job she was offered when window shopping with her mother in London.While this sufficed for a while, in her early 20s, Ash needed a career change for various reasons. After getting help with her dyslexia, she returned to education to study psychological sciences, then worked in the pharmaceutical industry before returning to school again to gain a masters in business administration.Eventually, Ash was offered a job at PwC to implement the firms health and technology practice.Ash has always been passionate about equality hence wanting to weld at school and in her role at PwC, she started to notice the diversity gap in the technology sector.What was going wrong? Why was it so predominantly male? she found herself wondering at the time.After the firm selected its first technology leader to sit on the board, the work Ash had done to collect data around diversity, both within PwC and the wider sector, began to pay off in a big way.She explains: I worked directly for that technology leader. I wrote the whole technology and innovation strategy for the firm, and at the heart of that, I embedded the piece around diversity.It was when working with the board of PwC eight years ago that Ash was inspired to commission the first piece of research on diversity, which eventually evolved into the Tech She Can movement.Ash says while there had been research at the time about the lack of women in the sector and the reasons for that, there was not enough around why younger girls were overlooking jobs in tech.After asking thousands of young people between the ages of 18 and 24, Ash explains: They said, We know who Sheryl Sandberg is, and Ada Lovelace, but ones been dead a long time and the others a COO. What they were looking for is relatable role models, people [in roles] they could see a pathway to.The research also found girls were less likely than boys to have technology suggested to them as a career option by others in their lives, such as teachers, parents or career advisors.Girls were also more likely to say they wanted a career that has a positive impact on society, but Ash speculates the digital native generations dont see how technology can achieve that because its so embedded in their lives.Read more about diversity in techResearch by organisations Women in Tech North and Tech Returners finds that women believe developing alternative routes into tech jobs will help close the industrys diversity gap.Research from the Institute of Coding has found UK adults dont think tech represents the wider UK population, and are uncertain about the level of education needed for a tech job.She explains: They wanted to have a positive impact on themselves, the community, their family, the UK and the wider world, and they didnt understand the relationship between technology and doing that.Recognising that no single person or organisation will be able to shift the dial alone, Tech She Can is focused on acting as a bridge between government, schools and industry.Were quite good at bridging that demand and supply [gap], along with [addressing] whats putting girls off, the perception issues and all of those things, Ash claims. Often, you dont get [to hear] teachers, schools and childrens voices.Tech She Can was launched as a charter with 18 partner organisations to collaborate on improving the pipeline of women going into technology roles. As part of this, it has become focused on helping educate children about tech careers.A common barrier between young girls and tech careers is a lack of understanding about what a tech career involves, what roles are available, how to go about pursuing a tech career, and the kinds of people who work in the industry.This goes hand in hand with a lack of visible and accessible role models, as young women are less likely to be drawn to a career if they dont see anyone like them in such roles.Photographer: Elyse MarksI want to persuade girls they have a role to play in making sure that the world isnt just developed by a lot of white tech bros, that they could be part of making sure the world is a fit place for everybody, and that it is somewhere women are treated equally in creating that worldSheridan Ash, Tech She CanAsh urges: Weve got to start changing these perceptions and addressing the inspiration and aspiration gaps very early on, and childrens understanding of what technology is and what roles and careers there are out there. Nobody seems to be doing that.Tech She Can regularly visits schools and provides online learning to prepare young people for technology careers, educating them about possible roles and how technology will play a role in their future careers. It also helps government and industry connect with schools with the aim of closing the technology skills and diversity gaps.We dont teach the coding. We teach the inspiration, the aspiration, and show them how the technology they can use [translates into] careers and jobs.Last year, Ash left PwC to pursue Tech She Can full-time, launching the initiative as a charity in partnership with co-CEO Claire Thorne.The programme has gone from strength to strength. It now has 200 member organisations, 800 registered champions, and has reached more than 130,000 children.At a time when so many organisations are stepping back when it comes to implementing diversity and inclusion in their technology remit, how does Tech She Can make sure those involved are not using it as lip service?What we concentrate on is what we call our strategic partners, which are the people who fund us, and across all our partners we train champions to go into schools, we package up all our live lessons in a way that the champions can take them out and deliver them in person. In primary schools, they often do it to a whole assembly, and in secondary schools, its usually to individual classes.During these sessions, the champions explain technology concepts, how they apply in the real world and what tech jobs involve, which over time has changed the way children perceive technology, the subjects they choose to study and what careers they consider in the future.Underpinning it all is data. For example, the organisation uses social mobility data to ensure it offers its services to schools that have the greatest need for it.Wearing other hats, Ash is a non-executive director for several other organisations, leaning into her life-long need to help women achieve equality.But she still has moments when she needs to perform a Wonder Woman-style power pose to amp herself up.We often talk about technology role models, and in Ashs childhood, she aspired to be Wonder Woman.She kicked the ass of the baddies, she says. She wanted to have a positive impact. She did good shit. And that felt right from a young age, whether I was conscious or not about what I wanted in life.There is plenty of research highlighting the importance of role models for young women, especially in the technology space. Ash is a role model herself.Ash says she wants every young woman to know that not only is technology a joyful career, but it is going to be one of the most important factors of shaping her world.She says: I want to persuade girls they have a role to play in making sure that the world isnt just developed by a lot of white tech bros, that they could be part of making sure the world is a fit place for everybody, and that it is somewhere women are treated equally in creating that world.