hcma

Case Study

How do you know if your designs are having an impact? hcma is an architecture and design firm that is always curious to know, see how our storytelling helps them to understand.

The Space Between:
this is where the magic hapens

The humble, transformative power of human connection. The conversation held with a stranger while watching a game, the coffee shared between neighbours, the mentorship provided to someone learning a new skill.

After 40 years, hcma has heard a lot of stories emphasizing how their work can deliver life-affirming, life-changing impact. We’re excited to now share these stories with you.

How do you measure impact?

hcma's bold vision for transformative urban spaces frequently encounters resistance within conventional civic planning processes. How can architects truly understand the lived experience within the spaces they design? And how can they effectively showcase the human impact of their innovative design work?

Cities often default to conventional approaches over potentially more impactful, forward-thinking designs. hcma's commitment to applied curiosity requires authentic storytelling that demonstrates real impact – illustrating how their imaginative solutions not only enhance community life but deliver measurable economic and social benefits to the communities they serve.

See YouTube Comments

“Beautiful short story and great art!"

I want to give him a hug.

@lynnretzlaff2656

“Thats awesome!"

Made me cry... Art has an effect on the dopamine levels, builds self esteem! Better than drugs for sure.

@billw8648

“This was so beautiful."

Thank God for art, precious daughters and special dads ❤️

@jkstubbington

“Yeah, brought tears to my eyes.”

Actually I want to run art workshops for wellbeing like this. It's all about being immersed in the process and feeling connected to your inner self and to each other in the group creating side by side, each expressing their own individual identity.

@JGalegria

“beautiful work”

thank you for sharing you've inspired me

@casskidd1

“What a fantastic story.”

Art has saved me too, as I plow through grief I have my art to lift me up.

@macgurrl

“Beautiful”

I am a huge fan of the Kahani process. Stories with heart.

@RS-kt7oj
“We’ve had the delight of working with the creative minds at Kahani Pictures for several years now and feel absolutely confident in their ability to understand our marketplace and offer brilliant and unique ideas that speaks to the ethos of our brand.”

- Kati Varga, Fmr. Marketing Director, hmca
Kahani’s involvement

Kahani's journey with hcma began with a deep dive into the firm's culture, forging personal connections with their leadership and staff. Through these interactions, we recognized hcma genuine commitment to elevating human experiences through thoughtful design.

Inspired by their ethos, we proposed a bold idea: a serialized storytelling program that would amplify diverse community voices and showcase the profound impact of hcma’s work. This concept evolved into "The Space Between," a captivating series that has since taken on a life of its own.

The project not only garners substantial online engagement but has also become a powerful business development tool, attracting new clients drawn to hcma’s human-centric approach.

Moreover, "The Space Between" has ignited a sense of pride and purpose among hcma’s employees, reinforcing their commitment to meaningful design. By weaving together personal narratives, design insights, and community impact, the series has become a testament to hcma’s vision, fostering deeper connections with both clients and the communities they serve.

Do you have a story that needs telling?

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