It’s no question that architecture is advancing at an extremely accelerated pace. Within Austin itself, the Republic, ATX Tower, and the Modern Austin Residences are all demonstrations of skyscraper projects that were once unimaginable, now reality that shapes the city’s skyline. And there’s plenty of other projects underway with the new convention center set to open in 2029 and the Waterline Tower, which now holds the status of the tallest structure in the state at 1,025 feet, scheduled for completion later this year, just to name a couple. But some of the best modern architecture creations take it a step further than building for height or glitz and glamour; they design to enrich human connection.
With locations in Los Angeles and Dallas, Cosm executes this idea through the implementation of immersive entertainment. Through “shared reality” spaces that screen sporting events, arts and entertainment, and films, the venue creates a surreal sensory experience for attendees, specifically through its “Dome” – an 87-foot diameter, 180-degree, 12K LED screen with seating for several hundred. Think Vegas’ Sphere, but with about 17,000 less seats, creating a much cozier viewing experience.
Tyler Washburn, senior vice president of venues and experience at Cosm and a speaker on the South by Southwest Architects of Emotion: Designing for Human Connection panel, said that the company was very intentional about creating an immersive yet intimate space.
“The design of our venues and dome has allowed us to identify that sweet spot between size and technology,” Washburn told the Chronicle.
That sweet spot, Washburn said, allows for Cosm to facilitate hospitable, innovative access to entertainment, which, in turn, curates a fascinating bond among attendees through an experience built around garnering emotional fandom.
“It’s about designing spaces and experiences where people want to be and share with one another,” he said. “Humans are social creatures. We are always looking for ways to connect with other people.”
Some architectural developments extend this human connection through tearing down systems that were built to push us further apart. Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Building Bridges Across the River works on bridging the economic gap that those east of the Anacostia River have faced since the city’s inception. The organization is involved in five main projects that help execute this goal – the most prominent being the development of the 11th Street Bridge Park, a nearly $100 million project that is expected to break ground this summer and open in 2028.
Utilizing old piers from the abandoned freeway, the organization’s goal is to construct D.C.’s first elevated park, creating easier access between the Southeast area to the rest of the city, ultimately working to mend the systemic damage created by redlining in the nation’s capital. Scott Kratz, president and CEO at BBAR and founding director of the multimillion-dollar project, has been working toward bridging this gap for 13 years.
“That community continues to exist with this scar, continues to have this pain, this sort of psychic, economic, and physical pain,” Kratz told the Chronicle.
Austin’s attempt to curb redlining, Cap and Stitch, continues to evolve as city leaders work toward a solution.
In Manhattan, N.Y., the West Side Elevated Line that once served as tracks for freight train delivery was abandoned in 1980. With the remaining line deemed an eyesore by residents, work began in 1999 to repurpose the deserted structure. After many phases of development, the space now serves as a 1.5-mile greenspace accessible to the public, known as the High Line, featuring food vendors, local artists and musicians, and other amenities that enable connectivity.
Kira Strong, senior director at the project’s nonprofit group, the High Line Network, which works on similar projects throughout North America, has partnered with Kratz and BBAR on the 11th Street Bridge development, with the two set to lead the South by Southwest Designing Great Public Spaces to Power Economic Opportunity panel. She said that these initiatives are innovative ways to facilitate uncommon relationship-building.
“They’ve become really compelling draws and real spaces to connect people in a way that brings both local residents and also visitors from other places,” Strong told the Chronicle.
And both Kratz and Strong understand that the work doesn’t stop when the last screw is in place; engaging individuals in the spaces after construction is complete is where the true change begins, and the two execute this through different programs and opportunities that empower these underserved communities.
“Then the fun really starts. … It’s not like we’re just building it and then leaving it alone, and that programming is a really essential element,” Kratz said.
“If you don’t have the right programming and the right people who staff and program these spaces, then they’re just spaces,” Strong said.
As the Cap and Stitch conversation continues, city leaders could find value in sitting in on this panel in order to execute a deeper analysis of not only how the infrastructure itself will uplift the Eastside, but proper programming and opportunities that follow to ultimately create economic change for a historically underserved portion of the city.
Architects of Emotion: Designing for Human Connection
Design track
Tuesday 17, 11:30am, Austin Marriott Downtown, Waller Ballroom A
Designing Great Public Spaces to Power Economic Opportunity
design track
Tuesday 17, 2:30pm, Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon A
This article appears in SXSW 2026 Festival Guide.
