On a recent trip to Barcelona for the first time, we visited the Barcelona Pavilion. The pavilion, designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and interior designer Lilly Reich, was the German pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition. The story of the pavilion is about its modernism before the time, using simple form and extravagant materials. Its deconstruction in 1930, followed by a recommissioning of the building in 1980 with work commencing in 1983 on the same site and footings, was completed in 1986. Both van der Rohe’s structures and Reich’s furnishings are simple yet timeless designs. He accredits the innovation to God working through him, bringing together those like Lilly Reich and others who commissioned him and did their part to deliver the pavilion on time.
Design Thinking in Construction
Besides his design, Mies van der Rohe was known for his many sayings, such as: “I don’t want to be interesting; I want to be good,” “Don’t talk—think,” and “God is in the details,” among others, denoting his recognition to Renaissance thinking. Following my trip to Barcelona, I attended a workshop here in the US called Co-Creating with God with Renaissance Thinking. The founder of the program, Greg Moyer, has studied many of the great innovators we know today from throughout the ages: Steve Jobs, Andy Warhol, Walt Disney, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Ludwig Van Beethoven and more, representing innovators in different segments of business, science and the arts. Greg’s findings exposed the sequence of thinking-and-doing habits these people shared. He then applied these habits to himself and developed superpower abilities in inventive thinking on demand, building programs for companies like Microsoft, HP, Siemens, Dell and Infosys while generating $5.5 billion in new revenue with 1100% ROI.
Co-Creation in Construction
Greg owns and operates The Inventive Guild, teamed with the founder of The Shofar Global Network, Brett Rademacher taking the Renaissance Thinking training to me and you. Greg and Brett’s efforts are dedicated to promoting and teaching creativity and inventive thinking on demand to everyone drawn to the program, and it is taught both in secular and Christian formats. Through his studies and associates like Brett, Greg found that when an individual intentionally invites God to co-create with them, not only is their power magnified but their purpose is revealed and their peace discovered as they are no longer surviving by the need for the next great achievement but thriving to seek, tune in and discover what God has destined for their life. Recently we have witnessed people like Elon Musk, Russell Brand and even our president-elect accredit God for their abilities and thank God for being able to persevere despite their faults and failures. They maintain a victor mentality and not a victim mentality, which could only be supernatural given their daily persecution and their past freewill choices. Most people think they have to clean up or change before they seek a relationship with Christ when Christ says come as you are to me your creator, and I will give you power, purpose and passion to develop superpower abilities like Greg and the others. Their innovation and generosity make life-changing differences here and abroad.
Innovative Construction Practices
Greg Moyer shared a story about working at the original Apple Campus and often looking out and seeing Steve Jobs walking through the park, thinking or walking side by side with another associate, but not talking, walking and thinking. He said the remarkable thing was the other employees did not bother him and stayed focused on their deliverables, with the more successful ones taking their own walks to stimulate their brains.
Steve Jobs had many sayings, including, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something—your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
Apple outgrew the original campus built in 1993 and commissioned architect Norman Foster to design the current mega campus, which started as a joint venture between DPR and Skanska and was then divided among many contractors, such as Rudolph and Sletten, Holder, Truebeck, Webcor and Granite Construction, to be completed in 2017. Although Steve Jobs did not get to enjoy the new campus designed for Renaissance thinking, he lived by his motto to think forward, leaving a legacy and lesson for millions.
Future-Focused Construction Strategies
Reflecting on the recent visit to the Barcelona Pavilion and learning about the timeless contributions of innovators like Mies van der Rohe and others in Greg Moyer’s Renaissance Thinking workshop, I see the importance of a forward-thinking approach that integrates creativity and intention with a mindset open to new possibilities. Moyer’s program, inspired by great thinkers, emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance in co-creation, leading to not only personal empowerment but also meaningful purpose.
Like the pioneers who saw beyond their present circumstances to shape the future, we, too, can embrace Renaissance thinking to elevate our approaches in career planning, hiring and personal development. To explore how this mindset can transform your approach, join us in a Renaissance Thinking Workshop. Learn how to connect the dots between purpose and success, setting yourself or your team on a path to meaningful achievement.
Visit this site or Call or text 305-361-0094 to attend a virtual event in 2025 and become master of innovation in the workplace and beyond.
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