New York-based architect and educator Deborah Berke has won the 2025 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal for her architecture and educational work that "exemplifies innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability".Deborah Berke is the recipient of the 2025 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in the field and the organisation's highest honour.Architect and educator Deborah Berke has won the 2025 AIA Gold MedalFounder of architecture studio TenBerke (formerly Deborah Berke Partners) and dean of the Yale School of Architecture since 2016, Berke's work often integrates sustainable and context-sensitive strategies across a range of scales including residential projects and university buildings.The AIA cited Berke's commitment to sustainability, as well as her efforts at Yale, as the basis for this year's Gold Medal."Berke is a transformative figure in architecture whose career spans over four decades," said the AIA. "She has combined design excellence, academic leadership, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.""From founding her practice, Deborah Berke Partners in 1982 to becoming the first female dean of the Yale School of Architecture, her journey exemplifies innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability."The AIA referenced projects such as the Richardson Olmsted Complex as an example of her commitment to sustainability and adaptive reuseThe AIA referenced projects such as Dickinson College High Street Residence Hall in Pennsylvania and her award-winning Richardson Olmsted Complex in New York as examples of her commitment to sustainable design, in particular a specialization in adaptive reuse projects.Completed in 2017, the Richardson Olmsted Complex encompassed partially restoring and converting a 19th-century mental hospital into the hotel Hotel Henry. The project won several awards including the AIA National Architecture Award and the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of New York State.Read: "Now's the time to shelter all species" say 2024 AIA Gold Medal winnersCompleted a year later, the High Street Residence Hall was the first residential project on the Dickinson campus in decades. Berke used several cladding types to respond to different aspects of the campus, while the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification.More recently, TenBerke modified a 1950s law building on Harvard's campus, which included adding extensions and reconfiguring the interior to meet the more socially driven needs of modern law pedagogy.Projects such as the High Street Residence Hall in Pennsylvania showcase contextually sensitive architecture"Her practice has consistently prioritized adaptive reuse, transforming historic structures into vibrant, functional spaces," said the AIA.Berke's work as the dean of the Yale School of Architecture was previously awarded the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion in 2022 and has "profoundly influenced" wider architectural pedagogy."As an educator, Berke has profoundly influenced architectural pedagogy," said the organisation. "At Yale, she has advanced financial aid initiatives, increased accessibility, and championed interdisciplinary programs, making architecture education more inclusive."The architect also serves on multiple boards, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize and the Norman Foster Foundation and has won awards such as the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.Much of her work, such as a law building on the Harvard campus, centres around converting historical buildings to meet modern needs"Throughout her career, Berke has exemplified the power of architecture to transform lives and communities," said the AIA. "Her work, teaching, and advocacy collectively underscore a profound belief in design as a tool for social good, leaving an indelible mark on the field and inspiring a more inclusive and sustainable architectural future."The AIA Gold Medal was established in 1907 and is awarded annually to an individual whose work has "a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture".In 2024, it was awarded to David Lake and Ted Flato of Texas-based Lake Flato Architects and Chicago architect Carol Ross Barney in 2023.Dezeen named Deborah Berke as one of the 50 most powerful women in architecture and design earlier this year.The post "Transformative figure" Deborah Berke wins AIA Gold Medal appeared first on Dezeen.

Furniture brand Paulin, Paulin, Paulin and American football player Stefon Diggs have displayed the athlete's personal furniture collection and a hybrid speaker/sofa prototype by the brand at a Miami residence during the city's art week.The Stefon Diggs is in the House show took place at the M Building in Wynwood, a former warehouse turned residence and event space by Chad Oppenheim and interior designer Chahan Minassian.Paulin, Paulin, Paulin and Stefon Diggs displayed an orange Video Barnum couch for an installation during Miami art weekThe installation showcased a variety of Paulin, Paulin, Paulin (Paulin) pieces, the majority of which were from Houston Texan wide receiver and Liem founder Stefon Diggs' personal collection as an exploration of the intersection of sports, design and the home according to the team.The first set displayed a bright-orange couch that was designed by Paulin founder Pierre Paulin in the 1980s but was only prototyped recently by the brand with slight adjustments and debuted in collaboration with Nike at the 2024 Olympic Games earlier this year.Pieces such as red Elyse Floor Lamps and a moss-green Tapis-Sige couch were also displayedThe orange Video Barnum couch comprises five, thin geometric seating units that lay close to the ground, with upturned triangular corners that act as backrests.Speakers were embedded within each backrest to create an immersive sound system, reflecting the multi-sensory experience Paulin intended in his original design.Read: Exclusive photos reveal Jaguar Type 00 concept car at Miami art week"Like many innovations, the world was not ready for the Tapis-Sige (Carpet Seat) when [Peirre] conceived the idea over 50 years ago," said the furniture brand."The idea came when he started to believe that the future of furniture was in its disappearance instead, creating 'programs', modular furniture systems that could fluidly facilitate experimental communal experiences of space."Diggs' personal Paulin collection was showcased throughout two galleries and outdoors, including the rectangular Angular Moon Table and a scalloped, white Alpha Club ChairDuring the installation, the seating was hooked up to an AUX cord, which generated music throughout the piece.In an adjoining room, Digg's collection was displayed in a tight cluster, rendered in custom colours. The collection included pieces such as red Elyse Floor Lamps, a moss-green Tapis-Sige couch and a light blue Dune Ensemble couch, a seating unit with geometric padding and hump-like dividers that emerge from its surface.A Miami Table unit was set up outdoorsOther pieces showcased include the rectangular Angular Moon Table, a scalloped, white Alpha Club Chair and a black leather Declive recliner.A Miami Table with multi-coloured cushions was also displayed outside a singular unit that encompasses four benches and a central table.The collaboration explored the intersection of sports, design and the home"By juxtaposing Pierre Paulin's iconic designs with objects reflecting Diggs's life and values, this temporary house becomes a space of exploration where design and sport intersect to challenge our understanding of space, identity, and performance," said the team."This project demonstrates how furniture and personal artefacts can transform architecture into a home imbued with meaning and individuality."Other events that took place during this year's Miami art week included the second installment of Alcova Miami and the unveiling of the Jaguar electric concept car Type OO.The photography is by Pierrick RocherStefon Diggs is in the House took place from 4 to 8 December at the M Building in Miami. For more global events in architecture and design visit Dezeen Events Guide.The post Paulin, Paulin, Paulin and Stefon Diggs deck out Miami's M Building appeared first on Dezeen.

For every schlocky consumerist invention spammed into our inboxes this year, we did see some true innovations. Objects and systems intended to improve society and businesses, created by clever designers, engineers and inventors. Here's what jumped out at us in 2024:Vertical farm pioneer Plenty says "We can grow an entire soccer field worth of produce in the size of a goal." For pop-up event spaces and exhibitions, this Expandable Touchdown Trailer can move its own wheels out of the way, then lower itself to the ground. Pipe Lighting's inflatable, lightweight LED lights provide better UX for production crews. This CruiseUp, a new type of flying vehicle, uses innovative "CycloRotors" to move the vehicle in all directions. The Aerocart is a goose-inspired towed cargo glider that aims to slash shipping costs. This PlugVan system offers modular, hot-swappable van interiors for camping and work. Maxim de Jong, a pioneer of "soft system space architecture," designed this revolutionary inflatable space station. It's a more economical way to get a space habitat into orbit.Design researcher Sasha McKinlay, of MIT's Self-Assembly Lab, has developed a revolutionary clothes production method using an industrial knitting machine and a heat-blasting robotic arm. UK company RapidRoot has developed a lightweight, concrete-free building foundation system that allows for building in remote locations. Japanese researchers have developed a flying fire hose that can reach through windows. In Washington State, a frustrated DOT official worked out a way to use drones to erase difficult-to-reach graffiti. Bounce Imaging created a throwable panoramic thermal camera and two-way speaker for the military and police. It provides better tactical awareness and aids with hostage negotiations. The Spacetop, now coming to market, is a no-screen laptop. AR glasses provide the screens. Swiss company Zippsafe has designed a space-saving locker room that utilizes textile lockers. This brilliant hardhat design blows an air curtain in front of your face, serving as a safe and less cumbersome alternative to wearing facemasks.These cleverly-designed anti-flooding barriers by AquaFence keep structures safe during hurricanes. The Spider X1S is a large-format laser cutter with a compact form factor.Airback's backpacks and luggage can shrink their contents with a vacuum, allowing you to carry 50% more stuff. Former architect Hoxxoh, now a mural artist, hacks sprinklers to spray paint.

Compact tiny homes are all the craze nowadays, and theyre ready to purchase in different shapes and sizes. These homes are practical, functional, and sustainable, with the ability to support an off-the-grid lifestyle. European tiny homes tend to focus on minimalism and sustainability, and this tiny home by Madeiguincho is one such example. Called Concha, this home is easy to tow, allowing residents to adopt a true off-the-grid and free-spirited life. Concha is an eco-friendly home that will let you set up house anywhere in nature.Designer: MadeiguinchoIt is based on a dual-axle trailer and allows residents to live a truly mobile life. It merges traditional wooden homes with modern features to create a living space that feels comfortable and warm. The interior and exterior are made using locally sourced wood to create an inviting and organic atmosphere. Multiple windows allow daylight to stream into the home. The exterior also features dark burnt wood siding which is complemented by lighter wood trim on the windows and the door. The interior features durable materials likemodified wood, birch plywood panels, and pine floors.The interior is open-plan, and it occupies around 130 square feet. As you enter the home through a double glass door, you are invited into a comfortable living area. This space includes a two-tier raised platform. The lower section functions as a bench/sofa, while the upper section serves as a day bed. This clever design offers multiple functionalities, and the bench section also includes three storage compartments. The opposite section of the home includes the kitchen and the bathroom. The kitchen is quite simple and is amped with plywood cabinets and hardwood countertops.A staircase offers access to the sleeping loft. This is connected to the lounge, and it includes a built-in sofa. Drawers and cabinets have been integrated under the stairs to provide storage. The bathroom is also under the stairs, and it is equipped with simple and basic bathroom amenities. The loft has sufficient space to hold a double mattress. It also includes a window for ventilation, and it does have a low ceiling. The home also has solar panels on the roof to successfully support an off-the-grid lifestyle.Explore purposeful living with our curated Tiny Homes Collectioncrafted to maximize style and functionality in every small space.The post Embrace A Minimalist & Free-Spirited Lifestyle With This Wooden Off-Grid Tiny Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Banksys latest work, revealed on December 16 via Instagram, brings a familiar theme back into the spotlightthe Madonna and Child. The black-and-white stencil depicts a mother breastfeeding her baby, with classical undertones that immediately echo Renaissance-era iconography. Unlike traditional renderings, however, the piece introduces an unsettling detail: the womans breast appears punctured by the corroded rust of the metal sheet it sits on. The babys expression adds to the unease, its distressed gaze amplifying the sense of vulnerability and suffering that radiates from the composition.Artist: BanksyThe Instagram post, which surfaced without location details or accompanying context, offers Banksys signature ambiguity. It leaves room for interpretation, allowing the public to form their own connections to the work. Social media, unsurprisingly, was quick to fill that gap. Many commenters noted the murals religious undertones, connecting the Madonna-and-Child imagery to Bethlehema city synonymous with the Nativity story. Banksys choice to depict such a scene on a rusted surface may evoke a broader narrative of resilience and struggle, themes that often resonate deeply in his works. Its a reminder of how place, texture, and subject can intertwine to amplify meaning, inviting viewers to reflect on the contrast between tradition and modern hardship without anchoring the interpretation to one specific event or location. The suggestion isnt without weight. Banksy has frequently highlighted conflict zones, particularly through his work in the West Bank, where his art has often blurred the line between activism and visual commentary.Nursing Madonna by Leonardo da Vinci, circa 1490, Hermitage Museum, St. PetersburgOthers on social media posited a more personal interpretation. One user speculated on maternal choices and how they might impact the child, writing: Could this imply a mothers lifestyle choices affect the milk she feeds to her baby who has no choice but to accept it? Another raised the issue of food systems and environmental contamination, suggesting the mural comments on the transfer of chemicals from mother to child through breastfeeding. While the work refrains from offering answers, it invites the viewer to wrestle with questionsa hallmark of Banksys approach.The artists choice of material plays a significant role in amplifying the murals message. The rusted metal sheet, punctured and weathered, creates a sharp juxtaposition to the serene expression on the mothers face, amplifying the emotional weight of the mural. This contrast transforms the nurturing act into something unsettling, a visual reminder of how tenderness and suffering often coexist in harsh realities. The hole itself becomes part of the art, uncomfortably aligning with her breast and turning the nurturing act of breastfeeding into a symbol of intrusion or decay. This deliberate use of a rough, industrial surface introduces tension that contrasts the gentle intimacy of the figures. Banksy has often used urban textures to reinforce his themes, whether its the crumbling walls of Gaza or derelict buildings in London.This isnt the first time Banksy has explored Madonna and Child imagery. His 2003 piece Toxic Mary depicted a similarly maternal figure feeding an infant from a bottle marked with a skull and crossbones. The message was starka direct critique of societal toxins or corrupted systems infiltrating innocence. In this new work, the commentary feels subtler yet no less pressing. The babys upward gaze and the pierced breast create a layered dialogue that bridges personal suffering and broader societal dysfunction.Banksys Toxic MaryDesign-wise, Banksys technique remains meticulous. The stencil work is precise, from the soft gradients on the mothers cheeks to the babys expressive features. These fine details pull viewers in, lending a sense of tenderness to an otherwise stark and unsettling image. The composition itself follows a classic triangular structure reminiscent of Renaissance paintings, yet stripped of color and placed on a decaying backdrop. This interplay between the traditional and the raw adds to the murals emotional impact, drawing on familiarity while subverting expectations.The timing of this release is notable. Banksys last post was in August, where he unveiled a series of animal-themed worksplayful and dynamic depictions of creatures like elephants, monkeys, and a gorilla breaking free from London Zoo. In contrast, this mural marks a tonal shift back toward social and political commentary, which has long been Banksys most impactful territory. Whether intended or not, the release of this Madonna-and-Child mural during the holiday season highlights the pieces resonance. It engages with themes of birth, suffering, and survivalconcepts deeply tied to both the Nativity and contemporary struggles.From a design perspective, Banksys use of grayscale aligns perfectly with the mood of the mural. The monochromatic palette eliminates distractions, sharpening the focus on the emotional weight of the figures. Its also a technique that feels uniquely Banksyvisually minimal but layered with meaning. The contrast between the figures and the rusted void gives the piece depth, a dynamic relationship between subject and medium. The metal itself becomes part of the narrative, its imperfections reflecting the realities of hardship and decay. I particularly appreciate how this choice resonates with Yanko Designs own thematic approach to monochromatic imagery. The raw simplicity of grayscale, when paired with thoughtful design, often elevates emotional depth while maintaining visual claritya principle we hold close in the way we capture and present our work here. Its art that speaks volumes without saying too much, a balance of restraint and impact that mirrors the very ethos of great design.Banksys strength as an artist is his ability to merge visual simplicity with complex storytelling. This mural speaks to multiple audiences at once. For some, its a commentary on war and suffering. For others, its a personal reflection on motherhood, environmental degradation, or systemic failure. Banksy leaves the door openan approach that turns art into a conversation rather than a definitive statement. That openness is what gives this work its staying power, allowing viewers to project their own experiences and concerns onto the imagery.Viewed through the lens of modern design, Banksys ability to adapt his art to found surfaces is particularly noteworthy. The rusted metal panel, punctuated and scarred, transforms into an active participant in the composition. Its not a passive backdrop but a critical element that shapes how the figures are perceived. This blending of subject and medium aligns with contemporary design principles that celebrate material honesty and storytelling through texture. Its a reminder that designlike artis as much about what you include as what you leave exposed.Shredding the Girl and BalloonBanksys mother-and-child mural lingers with its contradictions. It is tender yet brutal, serene yet distressed, timeless yet urgent. The piercing through the breast might symbolize harm, but it also forces the viewer to confront resiliencea mother who carries on despite the intrusion. That duality mirrors the struggles we see across the globe, where hope persists amid destruction. Themes of maternal strength, innocence under siege, and societal decay converge into a single powerful image that refuses to fade from memory. Banksy doesnt hand us solutions, but he compels us to look closer, to sit with discomfort, and to consider our role in perpetuating or alleviating these struggles. Whether interpreted as a political critique, a personal reflection on motherhood, or a commentary on environmental and societal erosion, the mural carries a weight that feels impossible to ignore. Its quiet power stays with you long after youve looked away, demanding reflection and offering no easy answers. That is where Banksys brilliance liesin his ability to ask the hardest questions through the simplest forms, leaving us to wrestle with the uncomfortable truths he reveals.The post Banksys Madonna and Child: A Haunting Vision of Resilience and Decay first appeared on Yanko Design.

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