The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.Neri&Hu is a practice that reimagines architectural reuse and renovations. Co-founded by Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, the firm operates out of its dynamic base in Shanghai, China, with an additional office in London. Their work is characterized by a meticulous approach to materiality, context, and storytelling, blending traditional and modern elements to create spaces that resonate with cultural and historical significance.This year, Neri&Hu has been honored with a prestigious Architizer A+Award in the Best Adaptive Reuse and Renovation Firmcategory. This accolade recognizes their exceptional ability to breathe new life into existing structures, transforming them into spaces that are both functional and deeply meaningful. Their projects are celebrated for their sensitivity to heritage and their innovative reinterpretation of space, making them leaders in the field of adaptive reuse.Neri&Hus portfolio is a testament to their versatility and commitment to thoughtful design. From chapels to cultural institutions, their work spans a diverse range of typologies and geographies, each project reflecting a deep understanding of its specific context. By integrating the old with the new, they create environments that honor the past while embracing the future, solidifying their reputation as a firm designing holistic environments for daily life.Lao Ding Feng BeijingBeijing, ChinaJury Winner, Architecture +Renovation, 11th Annual A+AwardsNeri & Hu transformed a former cotton textile warehouse in Beijings industrial Langyuan Station into the main office and retail store for the historic Beijing pastry brand Lao Ding Feng. The original brick structure, composed of a main warehouse and annex buildings, was reimagined with a cast concrete form molded within the old brick shell, symbolizing the brands traditional pastries shaped by decorative molds.This new concrete object, softened by bush-hammering, forms the main retail, gallery, and office spaces, while gaps between the new and old structures create flexible areas for a caf and multipurpose lobby. The design connects past, present and future, offering Lao Ding Feng a modern yet historically rooted home.The Relic Shelter | Fuzhou TeahouseFuzhou, ChinaJury Winner, Architecture +Preservation, 10th Annual A+AwardsInspired by Fuzhous iconic Jinshan Temple, Neri & Hus Relic Shelter teahouse encapsulates the citys rich heritage amidst rapid modernization. The design preserves and elevates a relocated Qing dynasty officials wooden residence, making it the centerpiece of the teahouse. The structure, set atop a rammed concrete base and crowned with a sweeping copper roof, mirrors traditional earthen dwellings and evokes a sense of raw monumentality.Visitors are greeted by the teahouses striking silhouette and its reflection in a surrounding pool, while contrasts of light and dark, heavy and light, play throughout the space. Natural light enters through sky wells, illuminating the ancient artefact, and a mezzanine level allows for close inspection of intricate carpentry. Below, a basement with a rotunda, sunken courtyard, and tasting rooms features an oculus that filters sunlight through a thin layer of water, creating captivating reflections.Waterhouse South BundHuangpu Qu, Shanghai, ChinaThe Waterhouse in Shanghais South Bund District is a four-story, 19-room boutique hotel, built within a renovated 1930s Japanese Army headquarters. Fronting the Huangpu River and facing the Pudong skyline, the hotels design by Neri & Hu emphasizes a striking contrast between old and new.The original concrete structure was restored, while new additions were crafted from corten steel to reflect the areas industrial history. The interior design blurs the lines between inside and outside, as well as public and private spaces, creating a unique and disorienting yet refreshing experience that connects guests to Shanghais urban fabric through unexpected visual corridors.The GarageBeijing, ChinaPopular Choice Winner, Factories & Warehouses, 5th Annual A+AwardsIn Beijing, where traffic congestion is a daily reality for millions, Neri & Hus renovation of an old army weapons factory into an Automobile Repair Shop seeks to rekindle the lost allure of cars. The design incorporates a caf and offices, transforming the space into a dynamic workshop with a blend of raw industrial elements and refined touches.The existing brick structure is preserved, while a new steel frame adds a third level to meet capacity needs. The faade features a striking combination of the original brick, steel frame, and a white volume, with black metal frames and mirrored glass enhancing the buildings modern industrial aesthetic. Custom signage and raw steel-edged glass garage doors guide visitors along the buildings length.Design Republic Design CommuneShanghai, ChinaJury Winner, Mixed Use, 3rd Annual A+AwardsDesign Republic Design Commune in central Shanghai serves as a design hub, blending a flagship store for modern furniture retailer Design Republic with a mix of design-focused retail spaces, including books, fashion, and accessories. Housed in a renovated 1910s British-built Police Headquarters, the project by Neri & Hu carefully restores the original red brick structure while adding modern elements, such as a glassy street-level faade, to breathe new life into the historic building.The interior features strategic architectural modifications that reveal the buildings history while creating a cohesive and engaging experience for visitors. The Commune also includes a design gallery, event space, caf, restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton, and a one-bedroom apartment.Junshan Cultural CenterBeijing, ChinaLocated near the Miyun Reservoir outside Beijing, the Junshan Cultural Center is a transformed two-story sales building reimagined by Neri & Hu as an iconic clubhouse and sales center. The design embraces the buildings courtyard typology, creating interlocking journeys for members and guests that connect with nature through layered courtyards and gardens.The architecture blends traditional northern elements with contemporary language, featuring a brick structure with carved-out spaces and warm-toned wood-patterned aluminum panels that soften the faade. The center offers a range of amenities, including a 100-person multi-purpose hall, business lounge, feature library, childrens reading room, art gallery, and rooftop deck with views of the surrounding mountains.The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.The post Renovation Redefined: How Neri&Hu Rewrites the Rules of Adaptive Reuse appeared first on Journal.

This interview was conducted by Vincent Martinez, Architecture 2030 President and COO. Architecture2030s mission is to rapidly transform the built environment from a major emitter of greenhouse gases to a central source of solutions to the climate crisis. For 20 years, the nonprofit has provided leadership and designed actions toward this shift and a healthy future for all.Ghaith Tibi is an urban planner and sustainable development advisor with extensive experience in city planning and sustainability advisory projects in the Middle East. He was a featured speaker for Architecture 2030s Official UNFCCC side event titled Planning, Design, and Development in the Global South: The How to for People & Planet at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.Ghaith and I had some time to sit down and chat at COP28 in Dubai about urban planning and decarbonization, including key principles for planning sustainable new cities. The following Q&A builds on some of that discussion and highlights new ways we think about the social and environmental implications of urban planning.Dubais Jumeirah Beach Residence Skyline | Photo by Ghaith TibiVincent Martinez: The global building stock is projected to double the current floorspace, adding approximately 2.4 trillion square feet (241 billion square meters) during the coming four decades. To support these buildings and their inhabitants, it has been estimated, by then-UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres of the UN Environment Program, that three-quarters of the infrastructure that will exist in 2050 has yet to be built. During your presentation at COP27 you highlighted key principles for planning sustainable new cities. Can you briefly describe what those are and why they are so important?Ghaith Tibi: Yes, sure. The principles are organized in the form of five questions and in the order of priority actions. The first question is whether we should build at all. This question really is trying to provoke the notion that we should look into the existing building stocks and explore how we could maximize their utility, which could involve changing their current use, modifying them and maybe adding some extensions to them, before exploring building new construction.The second question is how much do we need to build? The second question is about pushing ourselves to think carefully about how much more we should build, how much we really need, and that principle is about making sure that we are not building much more than we need and therefore ending up with waste waste of all sorts of resources, including financial resources.The third question is where to build? This is really another very important point to consider, and the reason it is a very important point is because where we build dictates how many resources were going to need to build there and also equally if not more importantly how many more resources well need to operate, maintain and sustain to keep that place up and running. For example, building close to an existing infrastructure network means youre going to need minimal intervention to extend the existing network, whereas building somewhere in the middle of nowhere means youre going to need to ship construction materials out there to the middle of nowhere to be able to build that place and youre going to have to invest a lot of resources and build from scratch every single supporting infrastructure system. Of course another aspect of this question has to do with risks associated with where were building, such as climate-related issues.Then, the fourth question: What form should be built. Are we going to go horizontal or vertical? Are we going to go somewhere in between? Are we going to have massive highways or small scale streets that are walkable and human-friendly? What form are we going to use? This question is critical because, again, what form we use dictates what kind of place well create and what resources were going to need to build and maintain and operate that place. What kind of investments are going to be needed to keep the place going. Most importantly, what kind of form will attract people to stay in this place and therefore utilize it as opposed to a form that isnt inviting for people, one that people use for very limited time in a day and then gets abandoned for the rest of the day, the season or the year. We need to think carefully about what form were using in the creation of those new places to make sure that those places are thriving as much as possible for as long as possible during a day, a season, the year and over the decades.Finally, the fifth question is about how were building that form. How can we build new places as efficiently as possible? How can we use past design strategies that are appropriate for the locations and environments were designing for to minimize use of resources and optimize the performance of what were building for people?Dubai skyline (background) and Al Mamzar Area, Dubai (foreground) | Photo by Ghaith Tibi.VM: I want to explore your first two principles, which question the need to build new and if we do, asking how much we need to build. These principles are elements of what is being called sufficiency avoiding demand for energy, land, water and materials while delivering well-being for all which according to the IPCC has the potential to reduce global building sector emissions by 17% by 2050. These principles also demonstrate the power of design to meet the projected global need, and doing so with less. Can you share some examples in your work where youve been able to meet the project/clients needs while utilizing what was already available, or showed them they could get what they needed with less than what they anticipated?GT: Sure, let me start by saying that beyond giving specific project examples, every building retrofit, neighborhood revitalization and urban regeneration project is really a form of applying the first two principles. These types of projects leverage existing resources and upcycle them, instead of using new resources, to create better places for people. I can share a couple of examples that are from my personal experiences working on different scales of urban planning projects in the Middle East.The first project was a Strategic Urban Plan for one of the emirates in the UAE. The plan had to provide land provisions for local citizens housing. The initial approach for providing this housing typology was to allocate greenfield areas that can accommodate the projected demand for citizens housing up to 2040. However, applying the first two principles allowed us to reduce the need for new land by proposing the redevelopment of old and under-utilized housing areas that citizens didnt use anymore due to their conditions. This also meant that most of the existing infrastructure (utilities and transport) corridors and networks will be utilized with limited need for new elements.The second example was for a planned development in Dubai surrounded by extensive transportation and utility infrastructure. Through a considered approach to the design of the masterplan, and specifically having the second principle in mind, we managed to reduce the number of new infrastructure elements needed for several systems such as power and transport, including the number of power substations and roads, which are all carbon-intensive elements.Dubai Media City (foreground) and Dubai Marina (background) are among the areas that have compact mixed use urban fabric | Photo by Ghaith TibiVM: Over the past few years Ive had conversations with urban planners and researchers as I try to understand the climate mitigation opportunities of planning. Ive explored ideas around ideal densities for embodied carbon reductions; the critical importance of mixed use development to reduce transportation emissions; and even unconsidered implications of planning bylaws allowing for higher embodied carbon building design. You have brought another lens to this discussion, highlighting the importance of social and economic factors in realizing the carbon reduction potential of these planning strategies. Can you explain how planning for mixed-income communities supports carbon mitigation goals?GT: Indeed, this is very important from my perspective. Not only because it has an impact on the environmental sustainability of our cities, but because it also contributes to the broader and more holistic approach to sustainable development, which includes, in addition to the environmental aspects, the social and economic aspects.Creating mixed-use and mixed-income developments (through providing affordable housing options with a range of types and densities, for example) within our cities supports our carbon mitigation goals in many ways. It allows us to reduce urban sprawl and create a more compact urban form, which leads to reduced use of many resources, including land and carbon-intensive utilities and transport infrastructures. This will result in fewer carbon emissions, as more people will be able to live and work within the same areas, commuting for significantly shorter distances between their workplaces and homes. They will also be able to share the same community facilities and amenities with others, such as community centers, green spaces, and recreational facilities. This sharing reduces the need for redundant resources and infrastructure, thereby lowering the overall environmental impact, including embodied and operational carbon emissions.Top image: Dubai skyline by Ghaith TibiThe jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The post Rethinking Urban Futures: Planning the Path to Decarbonization and Sustainable Cities appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.Ive only visited Albania once, around 2006 or so, on a family vacation. Having been just a kid, only two things left a lasting impression on me: the beautiful seaside and the sheer number of bunkers scattered everywhere. At the time, it was just an odd observation, but looking back now, it speaks to the countrys lingering signs of its difficult past (its safe to say that my conclusion as a kid wasnt this poetic).Now, as both an adult and an architect, its fascinating to witness Tiranas fast urban growth and the fact that its drawing in renowned architects and firms to create new landmarks. For anyone coming from the Balkans, this kind of rapid transformation feels almost surreal. The region saw significant setbacks in the 1990s, with political instability and economic struggles following the transition from communism. Yet, Tirana is now defying these challenges, leading a new wave of urban development that is rewriting its future.So, how did this come about? After the fall of Enver Hoxhas regime in the early 1990s, Albania began to slowly open up to the world, but progress remained gradual. It wasnt until when the economy started to grow in the 2000s that Tiranas leadership made urban development a key priority. The focus shifted toward improving the citys infrastructure, modernizing public spaces and rethinking its layout to meet the needs of a growing population.This article will take a closer look at the projects and landmarks that aim to redefine Tiranas skyline and turn it into a modern city on the rise.Tirana 2030 Master PlanBy Stefano Boeri Architects, Tirana, Albania View this post on InstagramA post shared by Stefano Boeri Architetti (@stefanoboeriarchitetti)First things first urban planning! Stefano Boeris Tirana 2030 Master Plan aims to transform the city with a focus on sustainability and urban greenery. The plan calls for tripling green spaces by planting two million trees in an orbital forest around Tirana, along with new parks, ecological corridors and nature reserves. The idea is to promote vertical growth to free up public spaces in the dense urban center while integrating green areas into the citys layout.Boeris plan also emphasizes improved public transport, introducing a congestion charge and expanding bus networks to connect key city areas. Additionally, it envisions the creation of new schools and the Park of the World, a square that will host global embassies, reinforcing Tiranas growing international importance.Mount TiranaBy CEBRA, Tirana, AlbaniaMount Tirana will be the tallest building in Albania at 185 meters, drawing inspiration from the countrys mountainous landscape. Located in central Tirana near the National Historical Museum, the project reflects Albanias cultural heritage and natural surroundings. The tower will feature housing, commercial spaces, a boutique hotel, offices and restaurants. Its design incorporates terraces with local plants to reduce the need for cooling, while the use of locally sourced materials, like natural stone, minimizes the buildings carbon footprint.With its mountain-like silhouette, Mount Tirana is envisioned to stand as a symbolic landmark in the city, offering a lively public space at street level that connects with the surrounding park.The Pyramid of TiranaBy MVRDV, Tirana, AlbaniaOnce a monument built to honor dictator Enver Hoxha, The Pyramid of Tirana has been dramatically transformed by MVRDV into a vibrant cultural hub. Originally a brutalist museum, the deteriorating structure has been repurposed into a space that serves Albanias youth and cultural life.The renovation maintains the concrete shell, adding green spaces and a new network of cafes, studios, workshops and classrooms. Half of the spaces will be used by TUMO Tirana, offering free tech education to young Albanians, while the rest will house cafes, studios and other public functions.Visitors can now climb the Pyramids sloping sides or take a lift to the top, while large glass flaps replace old glazing, allowing light and air to flow through the structure. The reborn Pyramid serves as a symbol of Tiranas transformation, shifting from a relic of dictatorship to a center for creativity and learning.Multifunctional Tower TiranaBy CHYBIK + KRISTOF, Tirana, AlbaniaThis 272-foot (83-meter) multifunctional complex is set to become a prominent feature of Tiranas skyline, situated in the heart of the citys developing Cultural District. This tower, part of the New Boulevard masterplan, is primarily residential, with the lower floors offering office and retail spaces.Its cascading design, wrapped in red concrete, connects key cultural buildings in the district, including the opera house, art gallery and cultural center. Positioned near River Park, the tower links the urban environment with nearby green spaces. The design emphasizes sustainability with green roof terraces and shaded loggias in the apartments, offering natural solutions for Tiranas climate. This project is a collaboration between private investors and the city of Tirana, representing a significant step in the citys continued development.ODA TiranaBy CHYBIK + KRISTOF, Tirana, AlbaniaODA Tirana is yet another project by CHYBIK + KRISTOF, bringing together residential, commercial and public spaces in the heart of Tirana. The development features three towers two residential and one for offices and a hotel surrounding a flexible exhibition center. The red concrete faade reflects Albanias architectural heritage, while green terraces and shaded loggias address the Mediterranean climate.Positioned between the New Boulevard and Central Park, the design encourages public engagement with a central piazza offering cafs and social spaces. ODA Tirana is a key addition to Tiranas rapidly evolving skyline.Hora VertikaleBy OODA Architecture, Tirana, Albania Hora Vertikale is a new residential project in Tirana that reimagines urban living through a vertical settlement inspired by the ancient Albanian Hora. The development features a series of towers designed as a vertical village, set amidst a green park. Sustainability is at the core of the project, with locally sourced materials used to minimize the carbon footprint and support the local economy.The design consists of seven different types of cubes, each with seven stories, creating a dynamic profile that integrates urban and rural elements. The project prioritizes community engagement, providing amenities for residents and visitors alike. With its unique form and emphasis on sustainability, Hora Vertikale is set to become an iconic addition to Tiranas skyline.MET Tirana Residential BuildingBy Mario Cucinella Architects, Tirana, AlbaniaA finalist at the WAF Awards 2019 in the Future Projects Residential Category, MET Tirana is a 12-story residential and mixed-use building in the center of Tirana. At 160 feet (49 meters) tall, the project contributes to the citys urban redevelopment plans, with a focus on maximizing pedestrian access at the ground level.The tower features a spiraling exterior design with green terraces that provide outdoor spaces for each apartment. The faade, with a mix of transparent and opaque sections, allows for optimal natural light while reducing solar heat. The ground floor opens up to commercial, public and sports facilities, creating a lively public space that connects with the surrounding area.A City in Transition: From Vision to RealityThe vision for Tirana and all of these bold projects is certainly ambitious, but will they actually come to life?While some, like Stefano Boeris Tirana 2030 Master Plan and the Pyramid of Tirana by MVRDV, are already making progress, others, such as Mount Tirana and ODA Tirana, remain in the design phase. Yet the fact that these plans are in motion is a clear signal: Tirana has caught the attention of renowned architects and design firms worldwide.The interest from firms like Steven Holl Architects, whose EXPO Albania project recently won an international competition, demonstrates how Tirana is becoming a focal point for bold and innovative architecture. The expo center, with its ecological focus and artistic collaboration, shows how art and sustainability are driving this new wave of urban development.So while some projects are still on the horizon, the involvement of world-class architects signals that Tirana is no longer a city on the periphery but a key player in the architectural and cultural scene of the Balkans. The Albanian capital is definitely rewriting its future, one landmark at a time.The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.The post Tiranas Radical Transformation: How Albanias Capital is Defying Tradition and Rewriting Its Future appeared first on Journal.

The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.What are your property priorities? Which non-negotiables guide you when designing homes? What do we actually need in a house?For 1.6 billion people worldwide, the answer is startlingly simple better shelter than the inadequate accommodation they currently have. Not least the 103 million globally displaced through war, famine, natural disasters and economic crises living in makeshift homes, from run-down British hotels to frontline refugee camps. A figure thats growing by the day as humanitarian flashpoints from Afghanistan to South Sudan, Palestine to Ukraine, Venezuela to Rakhine continue to force innocent civilians to abandon all they know and move in the hope of finding safety.Architects have long been trying to develop alternatives to the temporary accommodation solutions that define refugee camps. Many of these settlements surpass their limited intended shelf life, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] reporting on generations being born into hastily erected villages, which quickly swell into towns. Countless adults have now spent decades without a permanent place to call their own. Kutupalong, Bangladesh, currently the worlds largest refugee camp, is now home to over 785,000 people.Entrance to the prototype for Essential Homes by Norman Foster Foundation and HolcimThe Jury Winner in Architecture + Innovation at the 2024 Architizer A+ Awards, the Norman Foster Foundation and Holcims Essential Homes research project is the latest blueprint hoping to change conditions for the better. Presented for the first time at least years Venice Architecture Biennale as a full-scale prototype, each 580 square feet (54-square meter) home costs 20,000 to complete, can be adapted to suit a variety of situations, and is created from lightweight, low-cost materials that are easy to produce and transport, and are easy on the environment.Low-carbon, rollable concrete sheets serve as the external shell, providing robust protection from the elements outside. Modular in design, the concept can be adapted and expanded in response to a multitude of changing needs, with foundations made from recycled construction aggregate materials. A combination of used and decommissioned bits from other projects, putting circularity front-and-centre a major win given waste from camps is an ecological disaster in itself.The social and humanitarian impact of the Essential Homes research project is undoubtedly impressive, as are the eco top lines. Each structure will produce 5.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions, a significant reduction no less than 70% on the 19.9 tonnes created from an average brick-and-mortar home. Insulation adds to the efficiency rating, with boards and low-carbon aerated concrete foam helping bring down noise pollution and manage interior climate, particularly thermal retention.Interior of Essential Homes Model by Norman Foster Foundation and HolcimBut ultimately, where Essential Homes really shine is in their less tangible properties. The zeitgeist of what makes a house a home, and a shelter something more personal. These rightly award-winning designs call to mind numerous iterations of the tiny home, many of which were not conceived to answer demand for emergency refuge following devastating events.When erected en masse, Essential Homes masterplans begin to look like more familiar suburban residential neighborhoods, permeable pathways connecting each individual residence. Their light-absorbing properties emitting natural luminosity at night, another aspect bringing energy consumption down while contributing towards camp safety after dark sadly a major issue in many of these self-contained diaspora societies.Prototype of Essential Homes in a suburban setting with external greening and permeable pathways byNorman Foster Foundation and HolcimThe concept has already evolved from a single occupancy iteration to row house version, proving it could be appropriated for both urgent response needs and the more malignant slow creep of low cost housing shortages evident everywhere from Europe to the Far East, US to sub-Saharan Africa. And it wont be long until we begin to see what the impact looks like at scale.Less than two years after its debut in Venice, and following this summers working prototype at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London, Essential Homes are now about to be used in practice. A roll out is planned for South America in 2025, bringing with it an opportunity to turn the dream of a more sustainable, durable and crucially dignified place to live for hundreds of thousands of the worlds most vulnerable people into a reality. Perhaps not a cause for celebration we are still failing to address the root causes catalysing this design nevertheless this is a shining example of architecture focused on the good of humanity.The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The post From Displacement to Dignity: Rethinking the Architecture of Shelter as Essential Homes appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Since the bloom of artificial intelligence (AI), countless articles have been written on how AI tools are utilized throughout the architectural industry. From architects showcasing their new visuals and drawings using platforms such as Dall-e and Midjourney to firms that collect all sorts of data and create computational AI models that allow them to tackle large-scale projects, it is evident that AI is aggressively shifting the playbook of architectural practice.On the other hand, AI technology has been a lot quieter on the educational front, with universities gradually introducing it to their curriculum primarily through seminars, workshops and, perhaps less so, through fully evolved courses. In parallel, some academics (and architects in general) fear AI overshadowing the architectural design process, leading to hollow and surface-level designs that impress merely through stunning imagery. So, the question arises: Should universities introduce AI into the architecture school curriculum, and if so, how should it become integrated?Should it be treated merely as another visualization tool?Should it become part of the design course?Should students learn how to use it as a tool for architectural technology?The following examples outline four different university programs that recently introduced AI into their curricula some in the most unexpected ways possible.The University of Edinburgh | ESALAEPH-Berlin, Villa Malaparte in Capri, CC BY-SA 4.0In the autumn term of 2023, Mark Dorrian and Maria Mitsoula, ran a third year design studio titled AI + Explorations. The unit brief states We were interested in working inventively with generative image and text interfaces, developing lines of inquiry that didnt simply cede creative agency to the machine, turning the user into a consumer of what it returned. Instead, we sought to explore approaches that found critical ways of talking to the digital apparatus, fastening upon unexpected outcomes and moments of incoherence that opened possibilities for architectural speculation in otherwise apparently seamless images.The students had to choose from a list of architecturally famous modern houses (Casa Malaparte, Eames House, Villa Tungendhat etc.) and use AI platforms to enact a series of transformations to the original source. Arguably, this process puts a new spin to a precedent study and design research in general by encouraging the unknown. Similarly to how experimentation with analogue materials may lead to unprecedented design directions, the unit explored how AI can be used as a research design tool rather than a visualization machine, thus transforming canonic-iconic buildings into irregular spatial conditions for example an Eames House in which Dostoyevsky resides or Villa Malaparte becoming a prison.The University of Bath | Department of Architecture and Civil EngineeringIn October 2024 the course Artificial Intelligence for Engineering and Design MSc will run for the first time at the University of Bath. It is characterized as a course that is first-of-its-kind, teaching generative design and optioneering skills and delving into the more technical aspects of AI technology. They will explore automation and manufacturing processes as well as the roles of big data, digital twins and the Internet of Things and investigate how they can contribute to the creation of multidisciplinary and sustainable solutions to complex urban and construction problems.Florida Atlantic University | School of ArchitectureFAU School of Architecture is one of the first departments in the US to have integrated AI learning through its five-year BArch program at an advanced level. The first three years focus on the relationship between analogue and digital practices, in order to instill the students an understanding and appreciation for both. The aim is to train them to think about how to make the rules that will lead them to design, rather than the medium through which they will do it. In the final two years of the course, students are introduced to advanced AI technologies such as algorithms, 3D data sets as well as self-organization mapping and are encouraged to design beyond buildings, and instead create processes, systems and workflows to deliver certain results.School director Joseph Choma states: Im interested in how the normative starts to embed more innovative research, and how the projective starts to be grounded in more normative constraints. In other words, the school takes advantage of the rapid data processing speed AI technology has to offer to not only teach students how to design buildings (i.e. products) but also develop processes and systems through which they design (i.e. research methods).Institute for Advanced Architecture of CataloniaFinally, starting in IAAC in the Academic Year 2024/25, the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment is a unique program focusing on environmental sustainability and decarbonizing human activities in the architectural and construction industry. The course is based on real-world applications of AI, encouraging students to collaborate with an array of industries and delve into regenerative design, smart construction, natural ecosystems, carbon neutrality and co-design processes.Apparently, there is no precedent on how to integrate AI in architecture schools. These four courses tackle AI technology in their own innovative way, from focusing on its technical advantages to using it as a design research tool, all however, proving how imperative it is to start incorporating Artificial Intelligence into architectural education. Still, its most positive aspect lies in the fact that all these universities view AI as an opportunity to enforce research more aggressively to the architecture students curriculum, a practice which, if implemented correctly, will have a great impact to the future of the architectural industry.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Featured Image: Created by Architizer using Midjourney AIThe post Should AI Become a Mandatory Part of the Architecture School Curriculum? appeared first on Journal.

Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer whoworks as a Junior Architectat REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the worlds most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog,The Travel Album.In the competitive world of luxury retail, a stores faade serves as a silent yet powerful communication tool. More than just a barrier between the outside world and the opulent interiors, the faade is a critical element that defines a brands identity and allure. Luxury brands have perfected the art of using faades not only to attract attention but also to craft a narrative of exclusivity and sophistication. This article explores luxury stores architectural strategies to conceal and entice, transforming their faades into compelling visual statements that hide and reveal.The Faade as a StorytellerLouis Vuitton Ginza Namiki by AS Co., Peter Marino Architect, Tokyo, Japan | Glass by ShenZhen ShenNanYi Glass ProductEvery building is designed with a specific purpose in mind, with the contents or products offered inside often changing over time. For instance, clothing stores continuously introduce new collections and products, leading to a constant rotation of items on display. The same is true for car dealerships and jewelry stores, where the merchandise frequently evolves. While the goods inside these stores may change regularly, the building itself remains constant, designed to serve its original purpose year after year. This is why buildings should be designed with a timeless quality, enhancing the brands allure rather than detracting from it.In luxury retail, the faade is the first point of contact between the brand and the consumer. It acts as a storyteller, conveying messages of opulence, craftsmanship and exclusivity. Unlike typical retail spaces, where functionality may overshadow form, luxury stores typically invest significantly in the aesthetics of their exteriors. These faades are not merely entrances; they are architectural expressions that embody the brands essence and invite potential customers to explore further.One of my favorite examples is the Louis Vuitton Flagship Ginza Store in Tokyo, characterized by its translucent glass faade, which mirrors the surrounding cityscape during the day and emits a soft glow at night. The use of glass creates an intriguing sense of mystery, as little can be seen from the outside. Only the corner of the building is open, inviting people to come in and discover what lies within and to experience the interior for themselves. The buildings unique modern design embodies the essence of water with its smooth, undulating surfaces, naturally drawing peoples attention. The shimmering faade draws the eye, captivating passersby with its sparkle and reflections. The glass faade appears to dance with shifting colors, creating a sense of fluidity that is echoed inside with a feature staircase and fixtures, evoking the playfulness and rhythm of water.Concealment: The Power of MysteryDior Miami Faade by BarbaritoBancel Architect, Miami, FloridaHave you ever noticed that when you pass by a luxury store, you often cant see everything inside? Instead, you catch glimpses through carefully curated openings, doorways or windows. The faade may vary, being fully transparent in some sections while opaque in others, enticing you to enter and explore whats hidden inside. Luxury brands often use the strategy of concealment to create an aura of mystery and exclusivity. By limiting the visibility of the stores interior, these faades (that are often intriguing and beautiful themselves) generate intrigue, compelling passersby to step inside and discover what lies beyond. This approach capitalizes on the allure of the unknown, making the act of entering the store feel like a privileged experience.A great example is Dior Miamis faade, which is composed of sleek, overlapping white panels that resemble the delicate folds of fabric a subtle nod to the brands couture heritage. These panels are arranged in a way that allows for narrow, vertical openings to offer brief glimpses into the stores luxurious interior. A few large panels on the ground floor, and even fewer on the upper levels are left open to offer glimpses inside the store, hinting at what lies inside. This design choice offers tantalizing glimpses of the interior, sparking curiosity and engagement while maintaining an air of exclusivity unique to the Dior brand and its building.Enticement: The Play of TransparencyMiu Miu Aoyamaby Herzog & de Meuron, Tokyo, JapanIn contrast to the strategy of concealment, some luxury brands use transparency to offer tantalizing glimpses of their interiors. This technique strikes a delicate balance, providing just enough visual access to pique curiosity without revealing everything. Glass, and the way the glass is used creatively, is frequently the material of choice, allowing for a visual connection between the inside and the outside.This brings me to addressing an architectural detail: mastering light and shadow. A key feature of luxury faades is their intricate manipulation of light and shadow, which creates a dynamic visual experience that evolves throughout the day. By harnessing natural light, designers can help brands craft faades that are visually engaging and sometimes even ever-changing.The Miu Miu Aoyama store in Tokyo uses an opaque metal faade, giving the building a more intimate quality. The building resembles a partially opened gift box, perfectly suited to conceal the brands products while hinting at the excitement of unveiling its contents. The faade serves as a sun-shading device that controls light and shadow, while also providing an engaging visual experience without being over powering. It plays with perspective, revealing and concealing the interior as one moves around the building. Unlike the other examples in this article, the entire ground floor of this building is open, yet maintains a sense of concealment, offering just enough visibility at street level to intrigue pedestrians and entice them to enter. The rounded copper panels on the inside of the buildings faade add warmth and texture, contrasting with the sleek, sharp silver steel corners that appear lifted, as if the edges of the faade have been cut and raised.The Faade as a Branding ToolA well-designed faade is an extension of a brands identity. Luxury brands use architectural elements to differentiate themselves from competitors and to reinforce their unique brand image. Signature design motifs, colors, and materials become visual shorthand for the brands values and aesthetic.Chanel, for instance, a brand most of us know so well is instantly recognizable by its use of black, white and beige a color palette that reflects the brands commitment to timeless elegance. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic go beyond Chanels branding; they are reflected in Chanels faades, which emphasize the brands commitment to modernity and simplicity. These design choices ensure that each Chanel store is a distinctive embodiment of the brands ethos.Materials Matter: Conveying Luxury Through ChoiceFendi HQ by Marco Costanzi Architects, Rome, Italy The selection of materials is paramount in the design of any faade. High-end brands choose materials that embody luxury and exclusivity, such as marble, bronze, exotic woods, and occasionally even gold leaf. These materials are chosen not only for their visual impact but also for their tactile qualities, which can evoke an emotional response from customers.For example, Fendis headquarters in Rome is a stunning example of how a luxury brand can blend historical elegance with modern sophistication. Although it is not a retail store, Fendi HQ is an excellent example of how a luxury brand uses architecture and faade design to create a sense of mystery, allure, and enticement. Located in the Palazzo della Civilt Italiana, also known as the Square Colosseum, this iconic building serves as both a cultural landmark and a representation of Fendis commitment to preserving and reinterpreting heritage. The buildings faade is characterized by its series of symmetrical arches, a nod to classical Roman architecture, which lends the structure a sense of timelessness and grandeur.The glass elements provide transparency, offering glimpses into the interior while reflecting the surrounding cityscape, thus creating a dialogue between the past and present. Inside, Fendi has seamlessly integrated luxurious, modern interiors with the buildings historical context. The use of marble, wood, and other high-end materials reflects the brands dedication to craftsmanship and luxury, while the open spaces and strategic lighting emphasize the buildings architectural beauty. By combining classical architectural forms with modern design techniques, Fendi HQ encapsulates the essence of the brandrespect for tradition, a passion for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to luxury. This harmonious blend of old and new not only preserves the buildings historical significance but also propels it into the contemporary luxury market, making it a fitting home for one of fashions most revered brands.The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The post The Art of Allure: How Luxury Stores Use Faades to Conceal and Entice appeared first on Journal.

These annual rankings were last updated on September 13th, 2024. Want to see your firm on next years list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studios ranking.London is a city that has been forced to redevelop constantly. Like many cities, it has accrued layers of history. However, events like the Great Fire and The Blitz have also torn holes in the urban fabric, necessitating moments of reflection and rethinking. Nowadays, Georgian, Regency and Victorian architecture are intermingled with hulking Brutalist structures, curving glass faades and anonymous steel giants.Nowadays, the city remains home to preeminent architectural schools such as UCLs Bartlett School of Architecture. In addition, Londons galleries and museums nurture a design culture with thought-provoking exhibitions about space and society, including the ever-popular Serpentine Pavilion. Meanwhile, as a global metropolis, the British citys diversity is one of its great strengths, becoming home to a bevy of heavyweight firms and up-and-coming studios whose names are known locally and abroad.With so many architecture firms to choose from, its challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in London, United Kingdom based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.How are these architecture firms ranked?The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firms level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firms ranking, in order of priority:The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Project of the Day (2009 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Featured Project (2009 to 2024)The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of London, United Kingdom architecture firms throughout the year.Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in London, United Kingdom:32. Jamie Fobert Architects Jamie Fobert ArchitectsSince its inception in 1996, Jamie Fobert Architects has had a reputation for innovative and inspiring architectural design in the residential, retail and arts sectors. The practice has demonstrated a consistent approach to resolving client ambitions and site complexities into a tactile architecture of volume, material and light.Jamie Fobert Architects has garnered several awards, including the RIBA London Award 2014, the Manser Medal and the RIBA and English Heritage Award for a building in an historic context. The practice has won three major public commissions for cultural organisations: Kettles Yard Gallery; the Charleston Trust; and Tate St Ives.Some of Jamie Fobert Architectss most prominent projects include:Travertine Stair, London, United KingdomLuker House, London, United KingdomTate St Ives, United KingdomLevring House, United KingdomCamino de Playa, GA, Spain The following statistics helped Jamie Fobert Architects achieve 32nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 8 31. Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners Rogers Stirk Harbour + PartnersRogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) is an award-winning, international architectural practice based in London. Over three decades, RSHP has attracted critical acclaim with innovative projects across Europe, North America and Asia. The practice is experienced in designing a wide range of building types including: office, residential, transport, education, culture, leisure, retail, civic and healthcare. The quality of its designs has been recognised with some of architectures highest awards, including two RIBA Stirling Prizes, one in 2006 for Terminal 4, Madrid Barajas Airport and the other in 2009 for Maggies Cancer Care Centre, London. RSHP employs around 180 people in offices across the world London, Shanghai, Sydney and Madrid.Some of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partnerss most prominent projects include:Jean Prouv 66 Demountable House, 1944, Adaptation Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, 2015, Paris, FranceOne Park Taipei, Taipei, TaiwanInternational Towers Sydney, Barangaroo, AustraliaConservation and Storage Facility, Musee du Louvre, Livin, FranceOslo Airport Competition, Oslo, Norway The following statistics helped Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners achieve 31st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 15 30. Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Allford Hall Monaghan MorrisAt Allford Hall Monaghan Morris we make buildings that are satisfying to use and beautiful to look at; an architecture that is defined by the experience of users who should be able to understand and use each building with ease and enjoyment.We design very different buildings, for very different people to use in very different ways and, since our early days in the late 1980s, we have grown from four to over one hundred and fifty people and our budgets from a few thousand to tens of millions of pounds.Through our wide range of projects we search for the opportunities in every site, budget and programme and pursue a pragmatic, analytical and collaborative working method to produce a responsive, intelligent and delightful architecture.Some of Allford Hall Monaghan Morriss most prominent projects include:Alder Centre, United KingdomNorth London Hospice, City of London, United KingdomBarking Central, Axe Street, Barking, United KingdomBurntwood School, London, United KingdomAdelaide Wharf, Queensbridge Road, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Allford Hall Monaghan Morris achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 16 29. David Chipperfield Architects David Chipperfield ArchitectsDavid Chipperfield Architects was founded in 1985 and has offices in London, Berlin, Milan and Shanghai. The practice works internationally on cultural, residential and commercial projects providing full architectural and interior design, master planning, product and furniture design services for both public and private sectors. Our diverse built portfolio includes museums and galleries, libraries, apartments, private houses, hotels, offices, master plans, and retail facilities. David Chipperfield Architects has won more then fifty national and international competitions and many international awards and citations for design excellence.Some of David Chipperfield Architectss most prominent projects include:The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, United KingdomCafe Royal, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, City of London, United KingdomVilla Eden, ItalyJames Simon Gallery, Berlin, GermanyNobel Center, Stockholm, Sweden The following statistics helped David Chipperfield Architects achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 8 28. Jestico + Whiles Jestico + WhilesJestico + Whiles is an award winning architecture and interior design practice with offices in London and Prague. At the forefront of innovation and design excellence, the practice has won over one hundred national and international awards. We have proven expertise for excellent and sustainable designs across a wide range of sectors, including universities, schools, hotels, housing, cultural facilities, offices, transport infrastructure and retail, many within schemes involving major urban regeneration, refurbishment of historic buildings or low energy designs.Some of Jestico + Whiless most prominent projects include:National Graphene Institute, Manchester, United KingdomStoke Newington Sixth Form Centre, London, United KingdomHouse 19, Amersham, United KingdomSouthwark Town Hall & Theatre Peckham, London, United KingdomStoke Newington School and Sixth Form, Clissold Road, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Jestico + Whiles achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 8 27. Eldridge London Nicholas GuttridgeLondon architectural practice Eldridge Smerin was established in 1998 and has since relaunched as Eldridge London. Architect Nick Eldridges vision continues to inspire the design and material quality of the practices recent projects in the UK and abroad defined by a series of cutting-edge houses including the Stirling Prize nominated Lawns project and the House in Highgate Cemetery.The practice has also completed a number of high profile retail, commercial and cultural projects including interiors for Selfridges Birmingham, Villa Moda Kuwait, O2s Mobile Applications Development Centre, the Design Council Headquarters, The Business and Intellectual Property Centre and a restaurant at the British Library and the Globe Theatres Sackler Studios.The practice demonstrates a consistent approach to producing intelligent and unique solutions to specific client briefs and often constrained budgets with an unerring attention to detail from concept through to completion.Some of Eldridge Londons most prominent projects include:Cor-Ten House in Putney, London, United KingdomHouse in Coombe Park, Kingston upon Thames, United KingdomHouse in Epsom, Epsom, United KingdomHouse in Chelsea, London, United KingdomHouse in Highgate Cemetery, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Eldridge London achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 6 26. FORM studio (previously FORM design architecture) FORM studio (previously FORM design architecture)Architecture has the power to transform environments and quality of life.FORM studio aims to create places that can be inhabited and experienced by people in a natural and instinctive way. Enjoyable places with a tranquil sense of simplicity, which create a supportive and uplifting backdrop for life.Individual solutions are developed for our clients which are an intelligent, inventive and sustainable response to the complex matrix of issues that shapes each project. Solutions with a lucidity and apparent simplicity which belie their underlying complexity.Listening, analysis, discussion and clarification are at the heart of an inclusive approach that recognises the fact that some of the best ideas are generated in the space between people rather than by individuals.Some of FORM studio (previously FORM design architecture)s most prominent projects include:Bermondsey Warehouse Loft, London, United KingdomWalcot Square mews, London, United KingdomFlatiron House, London, United KingdomBenbow Yard, London, United KingdomNarrow House, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped FORM studio (previously FORM design architecture) achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 7 25. Studio Octopi Studio OctopiStudio Octopi is an award winning architecture practice based in central London, UK.Some of Studio Octopis most prominent projects include:Albion HousePark Avenue South, Park Avenue South, London, United KingdomOrchard House, Calne, United KingdomBradfield College Greek Theatre, United KingdomWrit in Water, England, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Studio Octopi achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 11 24. WilkinsonEyre WilkinsonEyreWilkinsonEyre is one of the worlds leading architectural practices with a portfolio of national and international award-winning projects. Since our inception in 1983, we have built a portfolio of bold, beautiful, intelligent architecture in sectors as diverse as culture, sport and leisure, education, infrastructure, residential, office and large-scale masterplanning. Project highlights include the Guangzhou International Finance Center one of the tallest buildings in the world, the giant, cooled conservatories for Singapores Gardens by the Bay, the new Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, the refurbishment of the New Bodleian Library for the University of Oxford and the acclaimed temporary structure of the London 2012 Olympic Games Basketball Arena. Our work is based on an informed use of technology and materials and combines a commitment to the spirit of the new with an awareness of context.Some of WilkinsonEyres most prominent projects include:Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, SingaporeMary Rose Museum, Portsmouth, United KingdomWellcome Collection, London, United KingdomMaggies Centre, Oxford, Oxford, United KingdomDyson Campus Expansion, Malmesbury, United Kingdom The following statistics helped WilkinsonEyre achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 21 23. Sheppard Robson Architects Sheppard Robson ArchitectsThe practices work is underpinned by fully integrating a sustainable design methodology that balances efficiency and performance with form.In the practices 75-year history, Sheppard Robson has designed award-winning architecture, interior design and masterplanning projects around the world, building a strong reputation across numerous typologies including office, education, residential, healthcare, science and retail projects.From our head office in London and studios in Manchester, Glasgow and Abu Dhabi, the founding principles of innovation and sustainability continue to shape the work of the practice and its interior design group (ID:SR), reinterpreted and enlivened by the creative talent of our designers. The work of the practice benefits from an ability to have a constructive dialogue with clients and end-users, as well as collaborating closely with other members of the project team throughout the design and delivery of a project.Some of Sheppard Robson Architectss most prominent projects include:Siemens Middle East Headquarters, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesBBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United KingdomThe Avenue, Manchester, United KingdomSt Ambrose College, Manchester, United KingdomWaingels College, Wokingham, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Sheppard Robson Architects achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 10 22. 6a architects Johan Dehlin6a architects was founded by Tom Emerson and Stephanie Macdonald in 2001. They are best known for their contemporary art galleries, educational buildings, artists studios and residential projects, often in sensitive historic environments. 6a architects rose to prominence with the completion of two critically acclaimed public art galleries, Raven Row (2009), which won a RIBA Award in 2011, and the expanded South London Gallery (2010). Recently completed projects include a new 68-room hall of residence at Churchill College, Cambridge (2016), which garnered a RIBA Regional East Award (2017), and a new studio complex for photographer Juergen Teller (2016), which was winner of both RIBA London Building of the Year (2017) and a RIBA National Award (2017).Some of 6a architectss most prominent projects include:Tree House , London, United KingdomFaade for Paul Smith, Mayfair, London, City of London, United KingdomV&A Gallery 40, London, United KingdomPhotography Studio for Juergen Teller, United KingdomCowan Court, Churchill College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom The following statistics helped 6a architects achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 6 21. Foster LomasLondon based studio specialising in craft and collaboration to create bespoke architecture and interior design.Unique to the practice is the pursuit of an architecture which is imaginatively responsive to site and place, whether an urban project or a rural retreat. We carefully craft buildings which are the result of working directly with leading structural engineers, artisans and craftsmen creating buildings which will remain relevant, sustainable and timeless.Since we established Foster Lomas Architects in 2005 we have developed a broad palette of work from urban penthouses to rural residential houses within heritage landscape areas, which have led to expertise in developing a uniquely sensitive and innovative approach.Some of Foster Lomass most prominent projects include:Hindmans Yard, London, United KingdomA Restorative Rural Retreat for Sartfell, Isle of ManBridge Apartment, London, United KingdomCliff House, Hythe, United KingdomRiverside Penthouse, Hester Road, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Foster Lomas achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 12 20. Carl Turner Architects Carl Turner ArchitectsCarl trained at the Royal College of Art, gaining a first class honours degree and a RIBA Bronze Medal (runner-up) before undertaking an MA at the Royal College of Art in London.The RCA provided a foundation for collaboration and working across platforms with an integrated approach; Carl sees his approach to design and construction as an extension of his time there as a maker.User-focused design was embedded as a founding principle for practice, through a two year research post for the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the RCA, investigating new strategies for wayfinding for BAA plc at Heathrows Terminal 5.After working for Norman Foster on the Citibank Tower (Canary Wharf), and Penoyre and Prasad on various community-based projects, Carl formed a partnership (TurnerCastle).Some of Carl Turner Architectss most prominent projects include:Slip House, United KingdomStealth Barn, United KingdomOchre Barn, Norfolk, England, United KingdomFrame House, United KingdomTulip Bar, Milan, Italy The following statistics helped Carl Turner Architects achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 5 19. Atelier Chang Ltd Kyungsub ShinAtelier Chang is an international design praxis based in South Kensington, London and Zurich since 2011. Our design philosophy is to create innovative design through focusing on the unembellished basics basics of nature, social behaviour, and urban phenomena. To achieve this absolute simplicity of content through impactful forms takes extra effort in researching the context, a devotion to material and technology, and active interaction with other industries. Currently we work on projects in Asia and Europe at multiple scales of design, covering master plans, architecture, interior design, installations, and products.Some of Atelier Chang Ltds most prominent projects include:Knot House, Geoje-si, South KoreaSJCC Glamping Resort & White Forest Restaurant, Suncheon-si, South KoreaGlamping, Yangpyeong-gun, South KoreaKCP Fffice, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Atelier Chang Ltd achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 4 18. Levitt Bernstein Phil BoormanAs architects, landscape architects and urban designers, Levitt Bernstein creates award winning buildings, living landscapes and thriving urban spaces, using inventive design to solve real life challenges. Putting people at the heart of our work, each of our projects is different but the driving force behind every one is the desire to create an environment that is beautiful, sustainable and functional.Some of Levitt Bernsteins most prominent projects include:Vaudeville Court, Saint Thomass Road, London, United KingdomSutherland Road, London, United KingdomKings School, Bruton, Somerset, England, United KingdomThe Courtyards, Dovedale Avenue, Lancashire, England, United KingdomInstitut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France The following statistics helped Levitt Bernstein achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 10 17. Architects of Invention Architects of InventionArchitects of Invention (AI) is an award winning international partnership practicing contemporary architecture, urbanism, and design led by Nikoloz Japaridze. To accommodate a range of projects throughout the world, AI maintains offices in London and Tbilisi. Since its establishment in 2010 AI has completed 10 buildings in 10 years and produced more than 100 projects and collaborations.The practice has good international experience contributing to project in Chile, Switzerland, Germany, Canary Islands, Seychelles, India, Russia, China, Czech Republic, France, UK and Georgia. AI has successfully collaborated with many international clients and consultants. Its core consultants teams are established in the UK as well as in Georgia.Some of Architects of Inventions most prominent projects include:Prosecutors Office Tbilisi, Tbilisi, GeorgiaNational Olympic Commettee House, Tbilisi, GeorgiaLazika Town Hall, Anaklia, GeorgiaHouse of JusticeCorporate HQ, Moscow, Russia The following statistics helped Architects of Invention achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 17 16. Hawkins\Brown Hawkins\BrownThe first time someone decided to mix sweet and salty popcorn, their guests must have been horrified. Minutes later though they would be guzzling the lot. Thats the thing about new combinations you have to be a bit odd to consider them in the first place, but when they pay off youre left wondering how you managed before they existed.Admittedly, this isnt a usual sort of About page for an architectural practice, but were not a usual sort of practice. We believe that projects come alive through uncommon combinations of ideas and people. In fact, we think thats the only way they really come alive at all.Some of Hawkins\Browns most prominent projects include:1235 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesCorby Cube, George Street, Corby, United KingdomStudent Village, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Brookmans Park, United KingdomBeecroft Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, United KingdomPark Hill, Sheffield, United Kingdom The following statistics helped HawkinsBrown achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 19 15. Bennetts Associates Bennetts AssociatesBennetts Associates creates sustainable and enduring architecture. As one of the UKs leading practices, their diverse portfolio has been celebrated with more than 150 awards over 30 years and covers education, cultural and workplace projects in both the public and private sector, ranging from masterplans to small historic buildings. They are an employee-owned trust of 70 people with studios in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, and have recently earned Building Designs Higher Education Architect of the Year 2019 Award.Bennetts Associates also leads in their field in sustainability in April 2019 they became the worlds first architects to secure Science Based Target approval and commit to the UNs Climate Neutral Now campaign.Some of Bennetts Associatess most prominent projects include:The Royal College of Pathologists, London, United KingdomStoryhouse, London, United KingdomJaguar Land Rover Advanced Product Creation Centre, Gaydon, United KingdomBennetts Associates London Studio, London, United KingdomLondon Fruit and Wool Exchange, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Bennetts Associates achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 19 14. Buckley Gray Yeoman Dirk LindnerFormed in 1997, Buckley Gray Yeoman is an award-winning architecture and design practice based in Shoreditch, London. Directed by Matt Yeoman and Paul White, the firm provides pragmatic and deliverable solutions to complex design issues. Founded on the premise that outstanding results require careful planning and an intuitive approach, Buckley Gray Yeomans designs adapt and respond to the context of each project to create intelligent and enduring architecture. The practices work is driven by the needs and ambitions of its clients.Some of Buckley Gray Yeomans most prominent projects include:Apparatus, London, United KingdomCarnaby Club, London, United KingdomHenry Wood House, London, United KingdomChanning School, London, United KingdomThe Buckley Building, Clerkenwell Green, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Buckley Gray Yeoman achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 10 13. AL_A Francisco Nogueira / Architectural PhotographyArchitecture studio AL_A was founded in 2009 by the RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architect Amanda Levete with directors Ho-Yin Ng, Alice Dietsch and Maximiliano Arrocet.Their designs are conceived not just as buildings, but as urban propositions. Spaces that promote reciprocity between nature and neighbourhood; projects that express the identity of an institution, reflect the ambitions of a place, and hold the dreams of a community.Recently completed projects include an undergraduate and outreach centre for Wadham College at the University of Oxford and a new centre for the cancer care charity Maggies within the grounds of University College Hospital in Southampton.Some of AL_As most prominent projects include:Maggies Southampton, Southampton, United KingdomV&A Exhibition Road Quarter, London, United KingdomMAAT, Lisbon, PortugalCorian Super-surfacesSpencer Dock Bridge, Mayor Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland The following statistics helped AL_A achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 10 12. Studio Seilern Architects Philip VileStudio Seilern Architects is a London based international creative practice established in 2006 by Christina Seilern with the intent of producing exceptional architecture that lasts, working across geographies, building sizes and typologies. Our diverse portfolio of built work spans the UK, Europe and Africa.While we tackle a diversity of projects, it is our conscious decision to keep working on the smaller and larger scales both simultaneously and continuously: from new build to restoration works. Irrespective of size or context, each project we undertake informs another. The smaller scale keeps our pencils sharp on questions of intricate detailing and the unraveling of the human condition both on the living and working fronts.Some of Studio Seilern Architectss most prominent projects include:Andermatt Concert Hall, Andermatt, SwitzerlandEl Gouna Plaza, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, EgyptG.W.Annenberg Performing Arts Centre, Reading, United KingdomBoksto Skveras, Vilnius, LithuaniaKensington Residence, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Studio Seilern Architects achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 9 11. Steyn Studio DOOK PhotographySteyn Studio is a collaborative architecture practice. We believe that design has the power to solve problems, inspire, and improve lives and work hard everyday to realise this ambition. We always aim to do this honestly and with the freedom to creatively explore meaningful design solutions. Designs that make a real difference to the end-user and the client; culturally and commercially.Some of Steyn Studios most prominent projects include:Bosjes Chapel, South AfricaSpens Garden Caf & Winkel Gift Shop, South AfricaSierra House, Madrid, SpainKombuis Restaurant, South Africa The following statistics helped Steyn Studio achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 4 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 4 10. Hopkins ArchitectsCopyright 2007 Paul Tyagi - Hopkins ArchitectsHopkins Architects is an international architectural practice with studios in London and Dubai. Led by its five Principals, the practices work is rooted in clear and logical design thinking, a deep understanding of the potential of materials and craft, and consideration of context. A consistent and rigorous approach has resulted in a portfolio of ground-breaking, beautiful and functional buildings across Europe, the US and Asia which have added tangible value for both clients and users.The practice has designed and delivered a portfolio of renowned, award-winning projects, including Portcullis House at Westminster and the London 2012 Olympic Velodrome.Some of Hopkins Architectss most prominent projects include:Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, Colby College, Waterville, ME, United StatesBuhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesEton Sports & Aquatics Centre, Windsor, United KingdomKhor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesLondon 2012 Olympic Velodrome, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Hopkins Architects achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 18 9. Haworth TompkinsPhoto: Philip Vile - Haworth TompkinsHaworth Tompkins is an award-winning British architectural studio united by a commitment to integrity, intellectual quality and the art of making beautiful buildings. Founded in 1991 by Graham Haworth and Steve Tompkins, the rapidly-growing London-based studio consists of 70 people, and specialises in bespoke buildings in the public, cultural, private and financial sectors. Acclaimed projects include the Everyman Theatre, winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2014, Young Vic Theatre, Royal College of Art campus in Battersea, Coin Street housing development and the London Library, for which they received the prestigious American Institute of Architects Excellence in Design award. The studio is currently working on a number of highly anticipated schemes including the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Fish Island Village, Bristol Old Vic and Kingston University.Some of Haworth Tompkinss most prominent projects include:National Theatre The Shed, London, United KingdomEveryman Theatre, Liverpool, United KingdomDovecote Studio, Snape, United KingdomOpen Air Theatre, Inner Circle, London, United KingdomPark View School, Birmingham, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Haworth Tompkins achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 9 Total Projects 10 8. Allies and Morrison Nicholas GuttridgeWe are architects and urbanists. We strive to design beautiful buildings that have long life and can adapt over the generations. We also shape enduring places whether new pieces of city or settlements at any scale. All our projects are concerned with the crafting of every detail and an appreciation for the uniqueness of each context.As architects, we are known for the rigour of our technical delivery, a commitment to quality, to embedded environmental performance. As urbanists, we are known for developing plans that are flexible and pragmatic, inspirational in vision, responsive to the local climate and character. Based in London and Cambridge, we come from around the world and our diversity is one of our fundamental strengths.Some of Allies and Morrisons most prominent projects include:Msheireb Downtown Doha Phase 4, Doha, QatarSir Michael Uren Hub, London, United Kingdom100 Bishopsgate , London, United Kingdom2150 Lake Shore, Toronto, CanadaThe Design Museum, Kensington High Street, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Allies and Morrison achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 4 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 24 7. bureau de change bureau de changeBureau de Change is an award winning architecture practice founded by architects Katerina Dionysopoulou and Billy Mavropoulos. Its work is a direct product of the founders upbringing, passions and experiences combining the pragmatism and formality of their architectural training with a desire to bring a sense of theatre, playfulness and innovation to the design of spaces, products and environments. The result is a studio where rigorous thinking and analysis are brought to life through prototyping, testing and making.Some of bureau de changes most prominent projects include:The Interlock, London, United KingdomClay House, London, United KingdomHomemade, London, United KingdomFolds House, London, United KingdomSlab House, London, United Kingdom The following statistics helped bureau de change achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 20 6. Alison Brooks Architects Alison Brooks ArchitectsFounded in 1996, Alison Brooks Architects has developed an international reputation for delivering design excellence and innovation in projects ranging from urban regeneration, masterplanning, public buildings for the arts, higher education and housing.ABAs award-winning architecture is born from our intensive research into the cultural, social and environmental contexts of each project. Our approach enables us to develop pioneering solutions for our buildings and urban schemes, each with a distinct identity and authenticity. Combined with rigorous attention to detail, ABAs buildings have proved to satisfy our clients expectations and positively impact the urban realm.Our approach has led ABA to be recognised with both national and international awards including Architect of the Year Award 2012 and Housing Architect of the Year 2012.Some of Alison Brooks Architectss most prominent projects include:The Smile, London, United KingdomLens House, London, United KingdomExeter College Cohen Quad, Oxford, United KingdomMesh House, London, United KingdomNewhall Be, Harlow, United Kingdom The following statistics helped Alison Brooks Architects achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 8 5. Squire and Partners Squire and PartnersSquire & Partners is an architecture and design practice with experience spanning four decades, earning it an international reputation for architecture informed by the history and culture of where it is placed. Their award winning portfolio, for some of the worlds leading developers, includes masterplans, private and affordable residential, workspace, retail, education and public buildings.In addition, the practice has a series of dedicated teams for modelmaking, computer generated imaging, illustration, graphics and an established interior design department, which has created a number of bespoke product ranges.Squire & Partners approach responds to the unique heritage and context of each site, considering established street patterns, scale and proportions, to create timeless architecture rooted in its location.Some of Squire and Partnerss most prominent projects include:Zubabox, Bogot, ColombiaThe Ark, Noahs Ark Childrens Hospice, Greater London, England, United Kingdom5 Hanover Square, 5, Hanover Square, London, United KingdomMayfair House, City of London, United KingdomReiss HQ The following statistics helped Squire and Partners achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 9 Total Projects 49 4. Adjaye Associates Adjaye AssociatesSince establishing Adjaye Associates in 2000, Sir David Adjaye OBE has crafted a global team that is multicultural and stimulated by the broadest possible cultural discourse. The practice has studios in Accra, London, and New York with work spanning the globe. Adjaye Associates most well-known commission to date, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), opened in 2016 on the National Mall in Washington DC and was named Cultural Event of the Year by The New York Times.Further projects range in scale from private houses, bespoke furniture collections, product design, exhibitions, and temporary pavilions to major arts centers, civic buildings, and master plans.Some of Adjaye Associatess most prominent projects include:Winter Park Library & Events Center, Winter Park, FL, United StatesThe Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesdot.ateliers, Accra, Ghana130 William, New York, NY, United StatesAbrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped Adjaye Associates achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 6 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 16 Total Projects 37 3. Heatherwick Studio Hufton+Crow PhotographyHeatherwick Studio is a team of 180 problem solvers dedicated to making the physical world around us better for everyone.Based out of our combined workshop and design studio in Central London, we create buildings, spaces, master-plans, objects and infrastructure. Focusing on large scale projects in cities all over the world, we prioritise those with the greatest positive social impact.Working as practical inventors with no signature style, our motivation is to design soulful and interesting places which embrace and celebrate the complexities of the real world. The approach driving everything is to lead from human experience rather than any fixed design dogma.The studios completed projects include a number of internationally celebrated buildings, including the award-winning Learning Hub at Singapores Nanyang Technological University and the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The studio is currently working on 30 live projects in ten countries.Some of Heatherwick Studios most prominent projects include:Coal Drops Yard, London, United KingdomMaggies Leeds, Leeds, United KingdomBombay Sapphire Distillery , Hampshire, United Kingdom1000 Trees Phase 1, Shanghai, ChinaZeitz MOCAA, Cape Town, South Africa The following statistics helped Heatherwick Studio achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 11 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 12 Total Projects 14 2. Foster + Partners Foster + PartnersFoster + Partners is a global studio for sustainable architecture, engineering, urbanism and industrial design, founded by Norman Foster in 1967. Since then, he, and the team around him, have established an international practice with a worldwide reputation. With offices across the globe, we work as a single studio that is both ethnically and culturally diverse.Some of Foster + Partnerss most prominent projects include:Omb, Madrid, SpainApple Battersea, Battersea, Greater London, England, United KingdomApple Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, United StatesHouse of Wisdom, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesLusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar The following statistics helped Foster + Partners achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 9 A+Awards Finalist 10 Featured Projects 37 Total Projects 94 1. Zaha Hadid Architects Zaha Hadid ArchitectsInternationally renowned architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects works at all scales and in all sectors to create transformative cultural, corporate, residential and other spaces that work in synchronicity with their surroundings.Some of Zaha Hadid Architectss most prominent projects include:Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijing, ChinaKnitCandela, 3000, Insurgentes, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de Mxico, MexicoLeeza SOHO, Beijing, ChinaHeydar Aliyev Center, Baku, AzerbaijanSalerno Maritime Terminal, Salerno, Italy The following statistics helped Zaha Hadid Architects achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in London, United Kingdom: A+Awards Winner 17 A+Awards Finalist 14 Featured Projects 44 Total Projects 68 Why Should I Trust Architizers Ranking?With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the worlds largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the worlds best architecture each year.Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlightedA Guide to Project AwardsThe blue + badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizers Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a projects likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:Project completed within the last 3 yearsA well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphsArchitectural designwith a high level of both functional and aesthetic valueHigh quality, in focus photographsAt least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the buildingInclusion of architectural drawings and renderingsInclusion of construction photographsThere are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizers Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.Were constantly look for the worlds best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.The post 30 Best Architecture Firms in London appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.Floating structures, plug-in cities, human pods, flying machines and buildings with walking tentacles. These are only a few of the speculative designs architects throughout the years have developed in an attempt to push the boundaries of the discipline forward and respond to the many challenges the global built environment is facing. From early drawings such as Giovanni Battista Piranesis Imaginary Prisons and Jean-Jacque Lecques Gate of a Hunting-Ground, speculative or paper architecture has been a subject of great experimental release since the 18th century.Even though they stay only on paper, these designs hold such enticing qualities not only due to the impeccable drawings that represent them but also for the fictional stories they tell. Through them, design and construction methods are questioned, and real-world problems are solved, thus becoming a source of inspiration for architects throughout the world. Especially during the 1960s-1970s, avant-garde architects spawned some of the most influential architectural movements of that time.Jean-Jacques Lequeucreator QS:P170,Q1684923,Lequeu Tor eines Jagdgelaendes Projekt, marked as public domain, more details onWikimedia CommonsArchigramPossibly the most well-known group of speculative architects, Archigrams unbuilt projects were developed after WWII, in an attempt to reevaluate the way in which people lived in urban centers. Plug-in City and Walking City were some of their most provocative projects, utilizing hypothetical technology to create energy efficient structures that introduced concepts such as movable cities, modular architecture and even nomadic living.Lebbeus WoodsGeomagnetic Flying Machines. Estate of Lebbeus WoodsDuring his career Lebbeus Woods focused on architectural theory and experimentation and co-founded the Research Institute for Experimental Architecture. Although his designs were unshackled by the constraints of the real world, i.e. finance, build-ability and technology, his work deals greatly with existing issues such as rebuilding post-war cities and architecture as a defense mechanism towards political upheavals. The Sarajevo Window for example, is a proposal for a wall and window repair after the Bosnian capital underwent terrorist attacks in the 1990s.Gaetano Pesce View this post on InstagramA post shared by Gaetano Pesce (@gaetano.pesce)The Italian architect and designer and his project the Church of Solitude addressed immigration issues and a corporate way of living. When experiencing New York in the 1970s, he witnessed large groups of people living together in helter-skelter conditions and thus developed the concept of an underground church fit for introspection, contemplation and a retreat from the citys institutional culture. Pesces excavated landscape became a refuge underneath the imposing, capitalist Manhattan skyscrapers.We are now a couple of decades later and still; paper architecture hasnt lost its allure for architects. There have been countless speculative proposals, breathtaking drawings and models as well as an abundance of theoretical and contextual writings that reveal that intent behind these designs.CJ Lim View this post on InstagramA post shared by cj lim IMAGINARIUM (@cjlimimaginarium)Food City is CJ Lims most recent project, in which he positions food in the core of national and local governance and influence the way in which a city is both spatially and functionally organized. The architect creates a hypothetical case study showcasing how a secondary environmental/food infrastructure can operate as a sustainable stratum over the city of London.Bryan Cantley View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bryan Cantley (@bcantl3y)Machno-morphic is one of the characterizations that vividly describes Bryan Cantleys work, which is comprised of speculative drawings that reflect upon the remains of mechanical realities within the landscapes of Southern California. He delves into the regions folklore, which mixes dreams of a suburban peace with Spanish Colonialism and mountainous landscapes, proposing future mechanical forms (instruments) that investigate, critique and oftentimes compliment the western industrial setting.Perry Kulper View this post on InstagramA post shared by Perry Kulper (@pkulper)Perry Kulpers proposals reach implausible dimensions. His drawing practices explore new ways of immersive design, investigating how architecture interacts with its cultural environment. Beyond inventing new modes of architectural representation, Kulper work looks at real places, landscapes and contexts and composes an array of possible and unexpected interactions between them.After exploring examples of paper architecture drawn in the past 50 years, it is safe to say that all these projects, albeit speculative, contain more than a dash of realism in them. They are practical interventions, situated in cities that face real-world challenges and propose solutions that tackle climate change, social housing, immigration, experiential design, food production, industrial production and so much more.At this point I want to borrow Lebbeus Woods quote stating that architecture is always constrained by the reality of technology. In other words, building all these paper architecture proposals is not impossible; it is merely a matter of whether technology can keep up with human imagination. The optimist in me believes that if we were to implement these designs with the same liberal manner in which they were conceived, i.e. breaking free from ulterior political and economic motives, architecture would truly and holistically impact our cities, our natural landscape, our resources and even reevaluate the (currently concrete) norms through which humans inhabit the planet.The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.Featured image: Giovanni Battista Piranesi artist QS:P170,Q316307, Piranesi01, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsThe post What if the World Built All the Paper Architecture Proposals? appeared first on Journal.

Architizer is thrilled to announce the world' best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.We each have our word for it: irregular, quirky, odd, eccentric nuanced, even. There are countless reasons a building is described as unusual, and sometimes, if youre lucky, its a compliment.In most cases, what might at first be seen as an anomaly is an intentional design decision. By introducing unconventional elements to a design, be it material, form or scale, architects can challenge norms to create focal points or express artistic vision. These anomalies can become a buildings signature feature, providing a distinct visual identity and creating impact. They are excellent marketing tools and ignite conversations.Other times, an anomaly arises because of the site; a project might have to change and evolve in response to its location. In doing so, the original design becomes distorted to accommodate the issue. These anomalies are endlessly interesting to architects and designers. Its fascinating to see how the context of the landscape can define the parameters of human intervention. Sometimes, with all the will in the world, nature prevails, and we must relent and conform, adjusting our designs to accommodate what came before.Then, of course, there is the anomaly that is created when a design takes a completely unexpected turn, creating something unplanned and imperfect. Most architects seek to smooth out these irregularities, but were making the argument that sometimes, though not always (safety first!), we should embrace the imperfections.As Frank Gehry aptly said, The creative act is not the province of visionaries alone. It finds expression in the choices we make, in the willingness to improvise, to adapt, to embrace the unexpected. Unsurprisingly, hes not wrong. In a world where uniqueness is few and far between and revival and reinterpretation are our lifeblood, perhaps its in these imperfections that we will find fresh inspiration and excitement in architecture. The following eight projects are perfect examples of the beauty of imperfection.The Grand MulberryBy MA | Morris Adjmi Architects, New York City, New YorkPopular Choice Winner, Faades, 12th Annual A+AwardsPhotographs by Glen-GeryThe Grand Mulberry is a modern building in traditional clothes. On the corner between Grand and Mulberry Streets in the heart of Little Italy, the design of the contemporary condominium takes its inspiration from the rich heritage of the historic Italianate tenements that are found throughout the surrounding neighborhood.Traditionally, Italianate tenement buildings featured a tripartite faade that consisted of a base, middle and top with differing details and brickwork used for each portion. Using custom-profiled brick, The Grand Mulberry is wrapped with a pattern of banding to replicate pediment windows, arched windows and a cornice. While the design does not align with the modern positioning of the windows, which is typical of a contemporary building structure, somehow, this offset pattern elevates the overall look of the building, making it stand out and say more.Urban Discourse MachineBy Darkefaza Design Studio, Yazd, IranPhotos by Mohammadhossein HamzehloueiDarkefaza Design Studios unusual project in Yazd reconsiders the role of a buildings faade. Using their expertise, they turned a once undefined exterior into a conversation with the city. Located in the modern Safayieh region, an area where many buildings follow a standard design strategy and appearance, the design began without a clear faade. Yet, over the course of the project it gradually evolved into a structure that uses its very surface to announce its purpose. The result is a building that draws on the historic motifs of Yazd to become a lively and engaging presence its local neighborhood.LHBy STARH, Varna, BulgariaPhotos by Dian StanchevSTARHs LH apartment building is as confident as it is white completely. The semi-modern structure is bright and bold amongst the historic architecture that surrounds it. The buildings crisp, white faade of suspended fiber cement panels is a contemporary choice that sits in sharp contrast to the areas traditional, highly decorative forms. Yet, this new design does not ignore its context. The faades rigid grid structure represents, thoughtfully, the original 1923 building, creating a conversation about old and new. In embracing this brave choice, LH adds a fresh layer to Varnas architectural history, showing a profound respect for the past with a clear vision for the future.Huizhen High SchoolBy Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group Co, ChinaImages provided by WAF23At Huizhen High School, the concept of wasting time is an intentional anomaly at a time where efficiency first typically dictates design. This approach turns its back on maximizing space and speed, instead offering its student body a floating forest where they can slow down and escape. The innovative design rejects a standard grid layout, scattering classrooms around the forest with perceived abandon. Meandering paths replace straight lines, and open spaces invite exploration, making this campus a rare exception an environment designed to encourage unstructured, leisurely moments in a demanding academic setting.Tile HouseBy The Bloom Architects, VietnamPhotographs by Hiroyuki OkiIts not often a client would be happy to have a hole in their roof. However, in the case of Tile House, its a positively positive outcome. In Bao Loc in Vietnam, The Bloom Architects have turned a supposed flaw into a clever feature. With long, dry, sunny days followed by relentless rain, typically, houses in the area are clad in corrugated iron, a practical but uninspired choice. Tile House, however, opts for something different embracing the natural elements rather than shutting them out. Using a strategically placed light-wind hole the house draws in the cool air to help ventilation. Its a practical and refreshing approach where the outside world is welcomed in without hesitation.Dalezhiye KindergartenBy DIKA Architectural Design Center, Leshan, ChinaPhotographs byArch-Exist PhotographyDesigned by DIKA Architectural Design Center, Dalezhiye Kindergarten is a reflection of its young inhabitants. A free-form structure, the building appears to emerge naturally from the land, its organic shape an architectural mirror of the regions mountainous terrain and red sandstone landscape. Rather than imposing itself on the land, the kindergarten becomes part of it. Its form is dictated by the sites sharp slopes and varying elevations creating a highly dynamic space that feels as though its grown out of the earth itself.Ushimaru RestaurantBy Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture, Sammu, JapanPhotographs by Axel VansteenkisteSometimes, a new addition can completely redefine a buildings presence. Ushimaru restaurant has long been known for its blend of European style and locally sourced cuisine. However, the recent redevelopment by Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture introduces a striking anomaly. The new addition, composed of two distinct volumes, extends the original structure while bringing a bold new look.One volume, with its sharply pitched roof, opens the lounge to sweeping views of the landscape, while cleverly concealing the adjacent parking area. The other, more discreet, houses the expanded kitchen and service areas. The buildings low profile emphasizes the contrast between the welcoming openness of the lounge and the functional spaces beyond. Clad in reflective silver galvalume, the restaurant is now a contemporary landmark in the countryside.The Wall Maze of Vi ParkBy XING DESIGN, Shanghai, ChinaPhotographs by UK StudioWhy is it we always put the interesting stuff on the inside? Well, at Vi Park, XING DESIGN are changing that. Located in the repurposed Shanghai Greater China Zhengtai Rubber Factory, the new design has a labyrinthine structure on the exterior. The so-called Wall Maze connects various offices and terraces spanning the faade, breaking the rigid order of typical office spaces, creating a new environment where work meets play. The maze-like design, with its ups and downs, becomes an unsuspecting experienceone where a casual walk can lead to new conversations or a moment of reflection amid the greenery. From the street, the faade appears playful and puzzling, with a hint of Esher, as paths seemingly cut off or go nowhere.Architizer is thrilled to announce the world' best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.The post Architectural Anomalies: 8 Times Unexpected Design Choices Created Memorable Buildings appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.In architecture, vernacular refers to a style or design indigenous to a particular region or culture. It is characterized by the use of local materials, traditional construction methods, and design elements that reflect the local environment and cultural practices.While vernacular architecture often involves knowledge passed down through generations and may not require formal architectural training, it does require specialized knowledge of local materials, climate and construction techniques. This expertise is typically held by local builders and craftsmen.Vernacular architecture can evolve with new technologies, but its essence lies in adapting these innovations in ways that remain true to local traditions and environmental conditions.Characteristics of Vernacular ArchitectureCroft and outbuildings near Catfirth, Mainland, Shetland Islands, Scotland | Photo by David Nicolson via Geograph under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 license.Are there typical characteristics of vernacular architecture?Vernacular architecture utilizes local materials and traditional construction techniques, creating structures that respond to the climate and harmonize with the landscape. It emphasizes sustainability and seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, reflecting the identity and culture of the community and capturing a strong sense of place.What materials are most associated with vernacular architecture?Vernacular architecture typically uses locally sourced materials suited to the environment. Common choices include local stone, wood, brick, adobe, thatch, and wattle and daub. These materials are selected for their availability, durability and ability to enhance sustainability and regional character.How is vernacular design sustainable?Vernacular design is sustainable because it uses local materials and traditional techniques, minimizing resource transportation and carbon footprint. It adapts to the local climate with natural ventilation and passive heating and cooling, ensuring energy efficiency and durability.History of Vernacular ArchitectureSantorini, Greece| Image by Fabrizio Ponchia from Pixabay.How is vernacular architecture different than traditional architecture?Vernacular architecture differs from traditional architecture in that it is deeply rooted in local customs, materials and climate-specific design, reflecting the culture and environment of a specific region. Traditional architecture, on the other hand, may incorporate historical styles and methods passed down through generations but isnt necessarily tied to local conditions or materials.Which architects work is inspired by vernacular architecture?In contemporary architecture, many architects are drawing inspiration from vernacular architecture. They skillfully blend traditional materials, building techniques, and cultural elements with modern design principles and technology to create sustainable and context-sensitive buildings.Francis Kr, a Burkinab-German architect, is celebrated for his innovative use of local, sustainable materials like compressed earth. His Gando Primary School in Burkina Faso is a climate-responsive and community-centered design landmark, showcasing how local resources can drive sustainable architecture. Vo Trong Nghia, a Vietnamese architect, incorporates bamboo and natural ventilation in his projects to suit Southeast Asias climate and culture. Australian architect Glenn Murcutt merges the principles of Aboriginal vernacular architecture with modernism.Spanish architecture firm RCR Arquitectes draws on local materials and techniques to craft their buildings. Their work, such as the Grove Park in Begur, Spain, combines natural elements like stone, wood, and water with modernist sensibilities, resulting in buildings that are in harmony with their surroundings and culture. New York-based Japanese architect Toshiko Mori integrates local traditions with contemporary practices, as seen in her Senegal projects like the Thread Artist Residency, which features traditional thatched roofs and natural ventilation suited to the local climate and culture.Green School by IBUKU in Bali, Indonesia | Photo courtesy of IBUKU via Flickr under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic licenseWhat are the different types of vernacular architecture?Vernacular architecture includes various construction methods adapted to local climates, materials and cultural practices. Some notable types are:Stone Construction: Using local stone for its durability and natural insulation, stone construction is found worldwide in different forms, such as crofts, castles and ancient ruins.Wood/Log Cabins: Built from locally available timber, log cabins are simple, sturdy shelters commonly found in forested regions.Mud Brick Adobe and Rammed Earth Construction: This technique uses sun-dried bricks made from mud and straw. It is known for its thermal efficiency and is prevalent in arid climates.Stilt Houses: Elevated on stilts to avoid flooding and pests, they are common in regions with heavy rainfall or tidal influences.Bamboo Construction: Bamboo is a sustainable, flexible and strong material used extensively in tropical regions for housing and other structures.Thatch Roofing: Made from natural vegetation like straw, reeds or palm leaves, thatched roofs are typical in tropical and temperate regions.Wattle and Daub: This method involves weaving wooden strips (wattle) and covering them with a mixture of mud or clay (daub) to create flexible and well-insulated walls.Yurts, tents, and Igloos: These temporary structures can be considered vernacular due to their use of local materials, cultural relevance and adaptability to local environmental conditions. Tents are widely used by nomadic groups like the Bedouin, Sami and Native Americans, crafted from hides or fabrics suitable for their environments. Yurts, originally from Central Asia, offer portable, well-insulated shelters using felt and wood. Igloos, built by the Inuit, utilize compacted snow for insulation in Arctic conditions.Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, United States | Photo by Hasselblad500CM via Wikimedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.What are famous examples of vernacular architecture?Notable examples of vernacular architecture include the ancient Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, made from adobe that provides natural insulation against heat and cold, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins in Africa, constructed using dry stone masonry, a remarkable example of Shona architecture in Africa. In Greece, the cave houses of Santorini are built into the volcanic rock, which keeps the interiors cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Japans Gassho-Zukuri wood farmhouses feature steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall.In water-rich regions, stilt houses like the Warao dwellings in Venezuela and the longhouses in Borneo are raised above ground or water to protect against flooding. Scottish Blackhouses are built to endure cold climates. These solid stone and thatched-roofed buildings blend with the rugged Scottish landscape. The Dogon cliff dwellings in Mali blend spiritual and practical needs, built into escarpments for protection and religious significance.Is vernacular considered an architectural style?Unlike architectural styles such as International Style, Gothic, Tudor, Colonial or Greek Revival, defined by specific aesthetic principles, historical influences and design theories, vernacular architecture arises organically from local needs, materials and traditions. It reflects ordinary peoples practical and cultural responses to their environment rather than the deliberate design choices of architects aiming to achieve a particular look or adhere to a set of stylistic rules.The Future of Vernacular ArchitectureFish Pavilion of Bamboo Shadow by CAA in Huzhou, China | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Sustainable Sports & Recreation Building | Photo by Min ZhuoWhat is Neo-Vernacular architecture?Neo-vernacular architecture, or new vernacular reinterprets traditional vernacular design principles in modern contexts. It preserves local heritage by incorporating traditional forms, local materials and regional construction methods, blending these with modern materials and techniques for improved durability, energy efficiency and functionality. This approach prioritizes sustainability and resilience. By bridging past and present, Neo-Vernacular architecture offers a sense of continuity, creating buildings that are rooted in tradition yet responsive to modern demands.What vernacular elements are common in contemporary architecture?Contemporary architecture often incorporates vernacular elements to create designs that are both modern and contextually relevant. These elements include the use of locally sourced materials, climate-responsive design and integration with the landscape, all of which help buildings harmonize with their surroundings. Additionally, contemporary architecture often emphasizes sustainability through traditional techniques like passive heating and cooling while also reflecting local culture through symbolic design elements.Further ReadingKomera Leadership Center by BE_Design, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda | Popular Choice Winner, Community Centers; Jury Winner, Architecture +Community; Jury Winner, Architecture +For Good; Jury Winner & Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Low Cost Design, 11thAnnual A+AwardsHumble Roots: 6 Contemporary Architecture Projects Grounded In Vernacular DesignVernacular architecture is a product of its locality. Its a patchwork of design languages, native materials and building traditions informed by centuries of lives before us. This distilled knowledge is part instruction manual, part storybook it summons rich cultural tales and imparts the blueprints for building on unique, regional terrain. Evoking the vernacular is a form of time travel a way of colliding the past and present. These six A+Award-winning projects each draw inspiration from historic, localized design and reimagine the vernacular spirit for the 21st century.Read more >A House in Yarmouk by STUDIO TOGGLE, Kuwait City, KuwaitModern Vernacular: Emerging Firm of the Year Studio Toggle on Pioneering Cross-Cultural ArchitectureSTUDIO TOGGLEs work ranges from public-sector, commercial, residential and hospitality architecture to interior design, seamlessly blending modernity and tradition. While cross-cultural architectural thinking is evident in their rethinking of private community spaces in residential projects such as Ternion, a deep understanding of the local environmental conditions informs their designs seen in Edges Al Barouk, but also explored through various passive cooling techniques across many of their designs. Learn more about the studio and its approach in this interview.Read more >Fyrgani by AKA Apostolou Colakis Architects, Sifnos Island, Greece | Jury Winner, Architecture +Color, 10th Annual A+Awards | Photo by Cathy CunliffeVernacular Vibes: 6 Modern Rural Homes Drawing on Local Construction TraditionsVernacular architecture gives each house a truly unique and inimitable character because it is so fundamentally tied to the local context. Some architects are embracing this building philosophy, whether by using local materials like drystone, wood, rocks, repurposed bricks or by adopting architectural concepts of the past. And though the buildings they create are contemporary constructions, they place themselves without pretentiousness within the cultural tradition of local architecture.Read more >Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post Architecture 101: What Is Vernacular Architecture? appeared first on Journal.

Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer whoworks as a Junior Architectat REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the worlds most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog,The Travel Album.As urban landscapes evolve and cities grow denser, architects face the unique challenge of designing within the constraints of narrow alleyways and confined spaces, often referred to as urban canyons. These areas, characterized by their limited width and high surrounding buildings, present significant design challenges but offer unique opportunities for creative and impactful architectural solutions. Buildings of this nature are particularly intriguing because they diverge from traditional structures that typically feature ample surrounding space. They prompt a deeper consideration of their design and construction, as well as how people navigate and interact within such confined environments. This article will dive into the complexities of designing in these constrained environments and explore innovative strategies that turn limitations into assets, transforming urban canyons into vibrant, functional spaces.The Challenges of Urban CanyonsskinnySCARby Gwendolyn Huisman & Marijn Boterman, Rotterdam, NetherlandsUrban canyons often present several intrinsic challenges that architects must navigate. One of the primary difficulties is the scarcity of natural light. The towering walls of adjacent buildings can severely limit daylight penetration, resulting in dimly lit and uninviting spaces. This lack of natural light can make narrow alleys feel claustrophobic and less appealing, impacting both aesthetic quality and the psychological comfort of occupants. Light plays a crucial role in architectural design, influencing mood, functionality and the overall atmosphere of a space.Another significant challenge is restricted access and circulation. The narrow dimensions of these urban canyons can complicate pedestrian movement and vehicle access. When spaces are confined, movement becomes less fluid, and there may be less room for people to pass each other comfortably. The same issues apply to vehicles. This can lead to congested areas, especially in high-traffic zones, and may hinder the efficient flow of people and goods. The confined nature of these spaces often means that traditional design approaches must be rethought to accommodate both functionality and accessibility.Furthermore, the small footprint of urban canyons limits the range of possible uses and design interventions. Architects must work within these constraints to optimize the available space, ensuring that it meets the needs of various functions while maintaining a cohesive and practical design. This requires a careful balance of creativity and functionality, pushing the boundaries of conventional design solutions.Innovative Design Solutions1. Maximizing Light and VentilationHouse and Garden by Ryue Nishizawa, Tokyo, Japan To counteract the challenge of limited natural light, architects have developed several innovative strategies. One effective solution is the use of light wells and skylights. Light wells are vertical shafts that allow daylight to penetrate deeper into the building, brightening otherwise shadowed spaces. For example, The House and Garden by Ryue Nishizawa incorporates a series of light wells and vertical gardens that not only bring natural light into the depths of the building but also introduce greenery, enhancing both light and environmental quality. Skylights, which are installed in roofs or upper walls, can similarly flood lower levels with daylight, making spaces feel more open and connected to the outdoors. The integrated garden spaces and terraces that extend the living areas outside, blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor environments. This allows natural light to be more effectively used and provides additional visual and spatial relief, enhancing the overall livability of the narrow space.2. Optimizing Space UtilizationThe Stackby GLUCK+, New York City, New YorkGiven the limitations of narrow spaces, architects often turn to vertical design strategies to maximize utility. Multi-level structures and mezzanines effectively expand the functional area within a confined footprint. Urban canyons are not limited to narrow homes squeezed between two buildings; they also encompass larger housing complexes where in cities like New York, space is at a premium. While designing slim homes that utilize vertical space can yield unique and efficient living solutions, this approach is also applicable to multi-unit buildings such as condominiums. In these larger projects, the design often incorporates multiple floors and innovative spatial configurations to maximize the use of a narrow site. This vertical integration enhances both the functionality and livability of the building, demonstrating how thoughtful design can optimize space even in constrained urban environments.Modular and flexible design solutions also play a crucial role in optimizing space. Modular furniture and movable partitions allow for adaptable use of space, accommodating various functions and activities. A great example of this, is The Stack by GLUCK+. The building illustrates this concept by maximizing the available footprint while maintaining functionality. It incorporates modular elements that turn a narrow plot into a versatile, multi-use space, utilizing innovative spatial configurations like open-plan layouts and integrated storage solutions to maximize functionality within the confined area. These design strategies enable the space to be reconfigured according to changing needs, making it versatile and adaptable.3. Enhancing Accessibility and ConnectivityHigh Line by Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York City, New YorkImproving accessibility and connectivity is essential for making narrow spaces more functional and user-friendly. Designing pedestrian-friendly pathways involves integrating features such as seating, lighting, and landscaping to create inviting environments. A prime example of successful architectural integration is New York Citys High Line, which transforms a narrow, elevated railway track into a vibrant, green corridor, revitalizing the urban area. I wanted to include this example because it offers a fresh perspective on what an architectural urban canyon can be. Unlike the typical image of buildings squeezed into narrow spaces, this example demonstrates how such environments can be reimagined in innovative ways.This project not only enhances accessibility but also creates a unique public space that fosters community interaction and engagement. It is integrated into the citys grid, connecting various neighborhoods and landmarks. The uninterrupted pedestrian path above street level, enhances connectivity by linking previously isolated areas and creating a continuous, accessible route through Manhattan. Maximizing the use of limited space, it successfully enhances functionality by creating an elevated, accessible pathway through a densely built urban environment. Its design functions as both a recreational space and a practical city route. By incorporating ramps, elevators and multiple access points, it ensures user-friendliness and accessibility for everyone, including those with disabilities. This thoughtful design not only enhances the overall user experience but also promotes inclusivity. Additionally, by connecting various parts of the city, the High Line demonstrates how improving accessibility can enhance urban connectivity, linking different neighborhoods and points of interest to create a more cohesive and navigable urban environment.Creating Aesthetic AppealStarbucks Coffee at Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando Dazaifu by Kengo Kuma and Associates, JapanAddressing the aesthetic quality of narrow spaces is crucial for making them appealing and engaging. I want to highlight one of my favorite examples by Kengo Kuma: an exceptionally unique Starbucks building in Japan. This design beautifully illustrates how focusing on the aesthetic quality of narrow spaces can make them both captivating and engaging. The design utilizes a distinctive faade of wooden slats that wrap around the interior of the narrow building. This not only provides visual interest but also creates a sense of warmth and texture. The natural wood contrasts with the surrounding urban environment, allowing the building to stand out while still skillfully complementing its context.The buildings design incorporates both vertical and horizontal elements to break up the narrow space visually. The wooden slats are arranged in a way that adds depth and dimension, creating a dynamic interplay of light, shadow and various textures. This technique helps to mitigate the sense of constriction often associated with narrow spaces. The use of natural materials and the buildings subtle yet striking design contribute to its visual appeal, making it a standout feature in a densely built environment. By addressing the aesthetic quality through innovative material use, light integration, and thoughtful design elements, the Starbucks Coffee at Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando transforms a narrow space into a visually compelling and engaging environment within its dense urban context.Designing in narrow alleyways and confined urban spaces presents distinct challenges that demand innovative and thoughtful solutions. This article aimed to redefine the concept of an urban canyon by showcasing diverse and unique examples and by addressing critical issues such as light, space utilization, accessibility, and aesthetics. Architects can transform these constrained spaces into vibrant and functional environments by utilizing the strategies discussed to demonstrate that even the most constrained spaces can be reimagined to enhance urban livability and contribute to the overall character of the city. Embracing these design opportunities not only addresses the challenges of confined spaces but also enriches the urban experience, turning limitations into assets and creating dynamic, engaging environments.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post Urban Canyons: Designing with Narrow Alleyways and Confined Spaces appeared first on Journal.

Underground living holds many negative connotations. Obscurity, claustrophobia, darkness. Yet, despite the premium we put on natural light and fresh air, there are benefits to subterranean habitation. Underground spaces benefit from thermal insulation against heat and cold, and building beneath the earths surface could help preserve ecosystems in the open air. What if we could embrace the benefits of subterranean dwelling while ameliorating the shortcomings? The Belgian design firmClaerhoutVan Biervliet Architects has a radical plan to do just this. The craziest part? Their prototype for the Periscope House could become a reality.The projects intricate complexity almost defies conventional design descriptions; it not only challenges common expectations of what architecture can and should do but also asks us to rethink the utility of imposing a dichotomy between physical and virtual realms, which are already merged in our lived realities. In short, the Periscope House which is built completely below terrain level yet features a large central patio and a contour of outdoor space addresses common issues associated with underground environments by introducing a dynamic system of movable double mirrors. These mirrors, functioning as periscopes, can be adjusted to bring natural light and expansive views into the heart of the subterranean dwelling, transforming the typically dark and oppressive atmosphere into a verdant oasis.During the day, solar-powered mechanisms elevate the mirrors, while at night, they retract, blending back into the landscape. This dual-purpose design also supports sustainability by utilizing gravitational energy, which is converted into mechanical energy to generate power (the upper mirror doubles as a plant container for hanging vegetation), integrating green infrastructure with cutting-edge technology. Most crucially, the projects thesis is that the periscope system is more than a reflection of reality. It revolutionizes our perception by entirely displacing it.In this exclusive interview, Architizers Managing Editor, Hannah Feniak, sits down with with Xaveer Claerhout, cofounder and architect at ClaerhoutVan Biervliet Architects, to uncover the ideas, inspirations and details behind the visionary design and to explore how a radical proposal is also a buildable reality and a plausible vision for the future.Hannah Feniak: Congratulations on winning your first A+Award! What does this kind of recognition mean for your firm, and how does it aid in developing your practice?Xaveer Claerhout: It is an important endorsement for us. Our architectural firm Claerhout Van Biervliet is engaged daily in designing and realizing architectural projects. These projects are continuously tested against reality. With Metamorphic Art Studio our artistic and creative studio, which operates from within our architectural firm we, together with our son and visual artist Adriaan Claerhout, conceive and develop innovative concepts such as the Periscope project on our own initiative. The common thread here for nearly two decades now has been our conviction that artifacts in the near future will partially be able to physically metamorphose, meaning that they will have the capacity to transform and adapt.In 2008, we launched the principle of this Metamorphic Architecture in conjunction with an exhibition of our first manifest movie, Kinetower, and the first metamorphic prototypes of transforming lamps in Verona (Italy). Today, this A+Award indicates that the Periscope project is relevant and appreciated by both a specialized architectural jury and a global audience of architecture enthusiasts.View over landscape on level -1: upper mirror up/lower mirror upNo view over landscape: upper mirror down/lower mirror up | PERISCOPE reality displacement as space enhancer and energy storage device by Claerhout Van Biervliet Architects, Concept | Popular Choice Winner, Unbuilt Private House (L > 3000 sq ft) | Visualizations by Adriaan ClaerhoutHF: Your portfolio largely consists of context-driven residential designs with striking geometric and textural elements. How would you define your firms architectural approach and design philosophy?XC: This is true for our specific architectural assignments we have realized so far with our architectural firm Claerhout Van Biervliet. We have clients who approach us for a tailor-made building for their specific program and context. We create their house, apartment, retreat or office with an organic and flowing feeling and functionality, where light and space play the key role. Our driving force is creating spaces that inspire happiness and well-being.Within Metamorphic Art Studio, we are looking for more archetype-driven solutions and innovations. The aim is not only to conceive but to also effectively realize these innovations as much as possible through integration into context-driven architectural designs.We have become convinced through designing and developing many transformative prototypes, metamorphic light fixtures, buildings and artworks that there is an archetypal relationship between open forms and a lot of light and air and vice versa. Some of our metamorphic artifacts, such as the artwork named Cuts and the lamp named New York, make part of the permanent collection of the Museum Centre Pompidou in Paris since 2016. Artifacts that can transform and metamorphose their shape in order to adapt to the needs of the moment are often intuitively and universally understood. Buildings come to life and open up in order to receive light and air where and when needed and can then close up again as if they were an organism.Right: Upper mirror down, building closed | Left: Upper mirror up, building accessibleUpper mirror up; view over the landscape | PERISCOPE reality displacement as space enhancer and energy storage device by Claerhout Van Biervliet Architects, Concept | Popular Choice Winner, Unbuilt Private House (L > 3000 sq ft) | Visualizations by Adriaan ClaerhoutHF: Your A+Award-winning project, PERISCOPE, imagines a semi-subterranean structure that uses retractable mirrors to bring light and atmosphere below grade to create a microclimate. What inspired or, led you to develop this project?A combination of several elements: The primal idea of retreating and being protected by a hole in the ground is a typically pandemic thought that triggered our imagination. The COVID-19 crisis gave us time to conceive and develop this innovative concept. The increasing scarcity of building land often results in enormous basements that nevertheless need to house primary living and working functions but always suffer from dreary basement architecture with a lack of light and view. By extrapolating the idea of retractable periscope mirrors on an architectural scale, light and view can be brought to underground levels, solving the above issue. The basic fascination of finding solutions to discreetly nesting a building in a valuable natural environment. The challenge of reactivating a Roman or Palladian building scheme by making it four-dimensional and adaptive. Finally, the intriguing challenge of combining the centuries-old periscope system to bring light and view to a subterranean level with a gravity battery.We have tried to bring all these elements together in a synergetic way. The short film, featured at the top of this article, illustrates how an underground building can come to life.Left: Upper mirror down/lower mirror up, providing a view over the inner gardens | Center: Upper mirror rising | Right: Upper mirror up Upper mirror up/lower mirror -2, providing a view over the landscape for level -2 | PERISCOPE reality displacement as space enhancer and energy storage device by Claerhout Van Biervliet Architects, Concept | Popular Choice Winner, Unbuilt Private House (L > 3000 sq ft) | Visualizations by Adriaan ClaerhoutHF: With its dynamic solar-powered framework, imagined as a space enhancer, PERISCOPE presents an architecture that blurs the distinction between the physical and virtual realms a phenomenon we experience daily. Why do you think it is important that architects explore this concept?The physical reality is increasingly cannibalized by virtual reality. The latter tries more and more to compete with the static physical world. It is Metamorphic Art Studios aspiration to provide a counterbalance by focusing on virtualizing the physical reality. Hence our fascination to make this physical reality four-dimensional cinematographic or metamorphic through art, design and architecture. This opens up a new truly dynamic world. Architecture designed and functioning as a living organism where all parts will have to interact extremely sparingly and efficiently. The tools are already available: Parametrics to design skin and bone architecture and by implementing mechatronica, Metamorphics to make this architecture smart.HF: Conceptual projects are key for firms to hone their design approaches and fine-tune visualization styles. What role do paper projects like this one play in your studios culture?In our view, Periscope is not a paper project that fits within a utopian tradition. It is a visual 4-dimensional manifesto that opens up a world of possibilities and longs to be built in order to prove its case. The project goes beyond being an innovative concept, since the technical aspects and feasibility have already been elaborated quite extensively. Our goal is to find a client with vision, combined with a skilled team of executors in order to create magic, push boundaries and bring this project to life in this shape or another.Left: Lower mirror descending | Right: View over the landscape, lower mirror downAngle view of the upper mirror up and the lower mirror up, reflecting the inside | PERISCOPE reality displacement as space enhancer and energy storage device by Claerhout Van Biervliet Architects, Concept | Popular Choice Winner, Unbuilt Private House (L > 3000 sq ft) | Visualizations by Adriaan ClaerhoutHF: What are some of the key aspects of the process of creating PERISCOPE that will impact your built output moving forward?A periscope is bidirectional. From underground, the view over the landscape suddenly comes inside. But what is underground is suddenly also displayed above ground. Art or car collections can be stored underground and displayed above ground when desired. Geologically interesting layers or archaeological findings can be made visible at a higher level. The mirrors can also be tilted, varying the field of view. We are currently designing a ritual building where the mirrors transition from the earthly to the heavenly. The mirrors can also become screens and bring digital content. In other words, architecture in the sharp middle between the virtual and the physical world, or in Platonic terms the Periscope as a cave explores the difference between reality and shadow. Within a broader context, the Periscope project indicates that we are always looking to discover new design paths so we can create interesting buildings.HF: If you had one piece of advice to architecture firms considering entering the A+Awards next year, what would it be?An opportunity not to be missed!To see more of Claerhout Van Biervliet Architects visionary work, visit the firms in-depth Architizer profile, and be sure to explore the work of Metamorphic Art Studio and Adriaan Claerhout Studio as well.This article was produced in partnership with Claerhout Van Biervliet Architects as part of an A+Awards special feature series. Top image: PERISCOPE reality displacement as space enhancer and energy storage device by Claerhout Van Biervliet Architects, Concept | Popular Choice Winner, Unbuilt Private House (L > 3000 sq ft)The post Groundbreaking Design: The Belgian Architecture Firm Rewriting the Future of Subterranean Dwelling appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Cultural projects serve as more than just physical spaces; they embody collective identity, history and the evolving narratives of our communities. From the grand halls of theaters to the intricate layouts of museums, these spaces reflect the diversity of human experience and the role architecture plays in shaping how we engage with art, history and culture. The significance of such projects has never been greater as they continue to inspire, educate and bring people together across boundaries.For this years A+ Awards, architects and designers have again been recognized for exceptional cultural designs pushing the boundaries of form, function and innovation. This years winners showcase an array of projects that redefine the cultural landscape, elevating the experience of art and how to engage with the community. Across cultural centers, concert halls, theaters and museums, major trends are emerging that emphasize sustainability, inclusivity and accessibility. This years award-winning designs highlight how cultural architecture can lead the way in fostering a deeper connection between people and place.Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition HallBy LUO studio, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo, ChinaJury Winner, Cultural and Expo Centers, 12th Annual A+AwardsXiuwu County in Henan Province, historically known as Huaiqing Prefecture, is renowned for its production of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, including the highly valued Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang). In Houyanmen Village, the county has prioritized rural industrial revitalization, with the Ice Chrysanthemum Plantation and the Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall serving as key examples.Supported by government funding, these facilities employ local red bricks and engineered wood frames, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques to create durable, spacious structures that honor the villages architectural heritage. LUO studios innovative design for the exhibition hall integrates local materials and ecological considerations, challenging conventional industrial park construction methods while promoting the integration of agriculture, tourism and education in the region.Skamlingsbanken Visitor CentreBy CEBRA, Kolding, DenmarkPopular Choice Winner, Cultural and Expo Centers, 12th Annual A+AwardsThe visitor center at Skamlingsbanken, a historic site in southern Denmark, is designed to blend seamlessly with its glacial landscape, reflecting the areas rich history of democratic events and natural beauty. Built into the rolling hills, the center serves as both a gateway to the surrounding nature and a space for exhibitions on Skamlingsbankens past.The architecture, inspired by the landscape, features local materials like wood and terrazzo, creating an earthy, introspective environment. A collaborative effort expanded the protected area around the center, ensuring the preservation of local biodiversity with a custom grass mixture to support native species.Thtre de VerdureBy Lemay, Montreal, CanadaJury Winner, Hall / Theater, 12th Annual A+AwardsThe redevelopment of the Thtre de Verdure, originally opened in 1956, has transformed it into an inviting, year-round venue that harmoniously blends architecture and landscape. The project includes a new building, redesigned stage, amphitheater, and public spaces, all using modern materials that honor the theaters original modernist design.The structures transparent, open design creates a seamless connection between the theater and its natural surroundings, allowing it to comfortably host up to 2,500 people for major outdoor events while remaining sensitive to the enchanting site it inhabits.Perelman Performing Arts CenterBy REX, New York City, New YorkPopular Choice Winner, Hall / Theater, 12th Annual A+AwardsThe Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) is a key cultural landmark and the final public element of the World Trade Center master plan. This dynamic venue hosts music, theater, dance, opera and film, with a design that enhances artistic creativity and offers patrons ever-changing experiences. The buildings elegant form, wrapped in translucent marble, appears solid by day and reveals its vibrant interior at night.PAC NYC features three adaptable theaters with seating configurations ranging from 90 to 950, allowing for diverse stage formats. The structure, designed to overcome complex underground constraints, is supported by seven super columns and protected from external vibrations, ensuring uninterrupted performances. The faades 4,896 marble-glass panels, arranged in a biaxially symmetric pattern, add to the buildings striking aesthetic.Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and InnovationBy Studio Gang, New York City, New YorkJury Winner, Museum, 12th Annual A+AwardsThe Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History in New York enhances public understanding of science through experiential architecture. The design creates over 30 connections among 10 buildings, improving functionality and visitor flow with a new accessible entrance on Columbus Avenue. The buildings central five-story atrium, inspired by natural geologic formations, opens to natural light and invites exploration.The Center features an insectarium, butterfly vivarium, the Collections Core with over 3 million specimens, and immersive exhibits like Invisible Worlds. The Gilder Centers vertical design reduces energy use, with a high-performance envelope and passive cooling strategies that reflect the Museums commitment to the natural world.Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts ExtensionBy Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, XiAn, ChinaPopular Choice Winner, Museum, 12th Annual A+AwardsThe Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts in Xian, located near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, was designed by Neri&Hu as a monolithic urban monument. Serving as an architectural icon and cultural anchor at the museums East Entry, the design carefully integrates with the surrounding urban fabric.The building consists of four parts: a partially sunken concrete base that retains original museum spaces and adds new retail functions, a Sculptural Walk enclosing circulation, an elevated podium platform, and a monumental structure. Escalators within a sculptural form lead visitors from the ground plaza to the underground museum, creating a dramatic entry experience.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post Icons of Innovation: 6 Cultural Catalysts Bridging People and Place appeared first on Journal.

Get ready for a feast of architectural inspiration: Future Fest is back for a third season of engaging live talks with some of the worlds best architects!This years series will take place from September 24 to 26, and every talk is 100% free to attend. Weve assembled a roster of renowned speakers from around the globe, including speakers from REX, Alison Brooks Architects, Mecanoo and more, to offer their insights from three critical perspectives: Renewing, Rethinking, and Regenerating architecture.Explore the talks below and register for those that interest you. By registering, youll ensure that you receive a link to watch the talk on the day of the event completely free! We look forward to seeing you soon to learn and get inspired for the future of design.Day 1 | Tuesday, September 24The House of Courtyards designed by Studio VDGA, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Photo by Ema Peter Photography | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Photography, 12th Annual A+AwardsTalk 1 | How Collaboration Enhances Architectural Photography with Ema Peter and Studio VDGADate/Time: Tuesday, September 24, 10 am ETSpecial Guests: Ema Peter, Principal at Ema Peter Photography and Deepak Guggari, Founder of Studio VDGATo kick offFuture Fest 2024, discover the powerful partnership between Ema Peter and Studio VDGA as they explore the intersection of architecture and photography. This talk will reveal how architect-photographercollaboration transforms complex designs into compelling narratives.Register for this talk >Talk 2 | How MVRDVs Joyful Design Ethos Is Innovating Urban FuturesDate/Time: Tuesday, September 24, 1 pm ETSpecial Guest: MVRDVIn this presentation, learn how MVRDV revitalizes outdated structures and transforms urban environments into vibrant community spaces. Explore the firms innovative projects that blend functionality with joy, creating unique mixed-use developments that cater to diverse needs.Register for this talk >Talk 3 | How Foster + Partners Are Pioneering New Forms of Urban ArchitectureDate/Time: Tuesday, September 24, 3 pm ETSpecial Guest: Nicola Scaranaro, Partner, Foster + PartnersDive into Foster + Partners pioneering approach that harmonizes contextual sensitivity with technological innovation. This talk will explore how the firm tackles complex urban projects, including high-rise commercial and mixed-use developments, while integrating sustainability.Register for this talk >Day 2 | Wednesday, September 25Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center by REX, New York City, New York | Photo by Iwan Baan | Popular Choice Winner, Hall/Theatre, 12th Annual A+AwardsTalk 4 | How REX Is Reimagining Performance ArchitectureDate/Time: Wednesday, September 25, 11 am ETSpecial Guest: Joshua Ramus, Founding Principal, REXThe Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) is a cultural keystone in the World Trade Center master plan. Discover how this dynamic design integrates architectural ingenuity with community-centric values, resulting in an adaptable performance space that enhances artistic expression and fosters a deep connection between the audience and the performance.Register for this talk >Talk 5 | How HDR Is Designing Meaningful Architecture for a New EraDate/Time:Wednesday, September 25, 1 pm ETSpecial Guest: With 5 Practice Leaders from HDRLed by Global Design Director Brian Kowalchuk, FAIA, this conversation will explore how contemporary design addresses the evolving needs of institutions like hospitals and academic campuses, emphasizing the integration of technology, equity, and sustainability to create human-centered environments that drive positive change..Register for live event >Talk 6 | How Practice for Architecture & Urbanism | PAU Is Advancing Adaptive ReuseDate/Time:Wednesday, September 25, 3 pm ETSpecial Guests: Vishaan Chakrabarti, Founder & Creative Director, and Ruchika Modi, Principal, Practice for Architecture & Urbanism | PAUVishaan Chakrabarti and Ruchika Modi, as they discuss their transformative project, The Refinery, which revitalizes the historic Domino Sugar complex while preserving its industrial character. Attendees will learn about designing accessible, community-focused spaces, crafting narratives that honor history, and integrating biophilic elements with sustainable materials.Register for this talk >Day 3 | Thursday, September 26Exeter College Cohen Quad by Alison Brooks Architects, Oxford, United Kingdom | Photo by Hufton+CrowTalk 7 | How Alison Brooks Architecture Crafts Community and Civic SpacesDate/Time: Thursday, September 26, 11 am ETSpecial Guest: Alison Brooks, Founder & Creative Director, Alison Brooks ArchitectsJoin Alison Brooks as she discusses her practices unique approach to architecture, emphasizing the importance of cultural research in fostering community engagement. Discover how her projects exemplify a sculptural design language that enhances civic identity and inclusivity.Register for this talk >Talk 8 | How Mecanoo Finds Identity in a Globalized WorldDate/Time: Thursday, September 26, 1 pm ETSpecial Guest: Rodrigo Louro, Associate Architect at MecanooDelve into how unique architectural dialects shape our built environments, as Mecanoo discusses how contemporary buildings can contribute to local identity. This talk will showcase recent projects, highlighting their shared goal of area regeneration while emphasizing human-centered design, cohesive narratives, and fundamental sustainability in architecture.Register for this talk >Talk 9 | How Salagnac Arquitectos Connects With Nature Through ArchitectureDate/Time: Thursday, September 26, 3 pm ETSpecial Guest: Lucca Spendlingwimmer & Evangelina Quesada, Principals at Salagnac ArquitecosContemporary Tropical Architecture promotes the maximum integration of the building and the environment, lowering its impact on the natural world. Dive into this design philosophy with the award-winning Costa Rican firm Salagnac Arquitectos, as the firms founders explain the creative process behind their stunning, sustainable brand of architecture.Register to access recording >Interested in accessing the recordings to previous editions of Future Fest?Follow this link for the full 2023 program.Follow this link for the full 2022 program.Top image: Tainan Public Library by Mecanoo, Tainan City, TaiwanThe post Future Fest 2024: Invigorating Insights From the Worlds Top Architects appeared first on Journal.

The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.An ice-cold bottle on a sunny terrace, a crisp, fresh pint after a hard days work, a rich coffee malt on a rainy afternoon down the localbeer has been one of the most successful industries in the world since the monks began brewing in the early Middle Ages. We have loved it for centuries, and if the data is anything to go by, there is no sign of that changing any time soon.The global beer market, a long-standing economic powerhouse, is currently witnessing a period of robust growth. In 2024, the markets value soared to an impressive $860 billion, a figure that is expected to continue its upward trajectory. By 2032, the industry is predicted to reach a staggering value of around $1,167 billion.While beer has been popular for as long as we can remember, the recent growth is largely thanks to an increased demand for premium and craft beers, a side of the industry that is moving from strength to strength quite literally in the case of BrewDogs and Schorschbrus Strength in Numbers (the words strongest beer). Europe alone is home to over 10,000 microbreweries. In recent years, the growing trend of health-conscious beer drinkers has been building a desire for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer options, allowing for even greater expansion and experimentation. This year, the global craft beer market is expected to reach over $200 billion.As with any industry with profit margins supporting growth, the continuing beer boom affects our architecture. Craft beer companies and microbreweries are popping up worldwide, and with them comes an unmistakable trend that we are all here for intelligent adaptive reuse.You see, as well as being a dab hand at quenching our thirst, many microbrewery owners and craft beer businesses are small, local and inherently climate-conscious. To this end, these master beer makers are choosing to reimagine local landmarks and abandoned industrial spaces to house their large, valuable equipment while bringing their products directly to the consumer. This innovative way of thinking has ensured that a huge number of buildings that would typically see the wrecking ball are being given a new lease of life. So, were saying cheers to these five brilliant brewers who are not only providing their patrons with top-quality pints but also rescuing some beloved architectural landmarks in the process.The Taproom in the Tenczynek BreweryBy Projekt Prag, PolandPhotos by ONI StudioThe Taproom at Tenczynek Brewery, sits alongside one of Polands oldest breweries. Its design is a masterclass in blending history with contemporary craft. Located in a vaulted space adjacent to the brewerys original lagering rooms, the Taproom retains its historical character with minimal alterations. The design features 14 self-serve taps on a column of handmade burgundy tiles, allowing visitors to play a part in the brewerys long-standing tradition. A combination of oak furnishings and raw textures brings warmth to the Taproom that honors its past while providing a fantastic high-end setting for craft beer enthusiasts.Deeds Brewing TaproomBy Splinter Society Architecture, Melbourne, AustraliaPhotos by Sharyn CairnsDeeds Brewing Taproom in Glen Iris blends the past with the present. Designed by Splinter Society Architecture, the Taproom is housed in a repurposed industrial building, where exposed beams and recycled timber from the old ceiling have been refashioned into tabletops. The brewing process is integral to the space, with fermentation tanks incorporated into the bar and ageing barrels prominently displayed. The space is sleek and elegant yet functional, preserving the raw character of the warehouse while introducing refined details.Halfway CrooksBy Square Feet Studio, Atlanta, GeorgiaPhotos by Andy LeeHalfway Crooks Beer in Atlanta transforms a repurposed building into a space full of personality. Drawing from the brewer-owners backgrounds, the design is a carefully curated mix of nostalgia and modernity. Mismatched furniture and vintage patterns are reminiscent of the warmth of traditional Belgian beer cafs, a tribute to co-owner Joran Van Ginderachters roots, while tech-inspired details reflect co-owner Shawn Bainbridges digital influence. The result is a space that feels both familiar and forward-thinking, perfectly capturing the spirit of the craft beers it serves.Shilling Brewing Co.By Jestico + Whiles, Glasgow, United KingdomPhotos by James HarrisShilling Brewing Co. in Glasgow sits in an art deco-style 1920s bank building. A fine example of a vibrant brewpub that respects its architectural heritage. The design retains the buildings historic elements, with the addition of copper brewing vessels and a marble bar serving as the main focal points in the space. In a clever nod to the buildings history, the basement vault has been converted into a beer-tasting room, complete with the original vault doors. Every detail, from the hops-patterned banquettes to the custom mural, is designed to create a space that honors Glasgows rich history while celebrating the craft and community of modern brewing.BarrBy Snhetta, Kbenhavn, DenmarkPhotos by Line KleinBarr, located in Copenhagens historic North Atlantic House, exemplifies the subtle art of adaptive reuse. Once home to the world-renowned Noma, the iconic space has been transformed by Snhetta to champion the food and drink traditions of the North Sea region. The name Barr, derived from Old Norse for barley, speaks to the spaces focus on brewing. The design beautifully combines old and new, with warm oak floors and original stone walls providing a timeless backdrop for a carefully curated selection of craft beers. Collaborations with local breweries like Amager Bryghus ensure that Barr remains deeply connected to the regions rich brewing heritage. Barr is a wonderful example of how this booming industry can keep buildings alive and thriving with new purpose.The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The post Is Craft Beer Leading Architectures Adaptive Reuse Movement? appeared first on Journal.

The architectural visualization field is rapidly growing, transforming how architects, designers and clients experience projects both built and unbuilt. As architecture continues evolving in complexity, so does the importance of creating the right visuals. Architectural visualization is a growing field and an alluring career path for those passionate about design and storytelling.Such is the case with Francisco Tirado. Currently working as a Photography Lead at Cobe, Francisco has spent over a decade perfecting his craft, capturing the essence of architecture through stunning imagery. With experience spanning roles from design architect to freelance visual artist, hes captured over 350 projects and has been featured in 60+ media outlets worldwide. Notably, he was voted Architectural Photographer of the Year at Architizers 2023 Vision Awards.This October, Francisco will be a keynote speaker at the World Visualization Festival (WVF) in Warsaw. The WVF invites architectural visualization professionals to engage in workshops, presentations and networking sessions. With a focus on entrepreneurship, new industry standards and technology integration, the festival provides a platform for professionals to learn from leaders in the field and connect with peers from renowned firms like Henning Larsen, MVRDV and DBOX.We sat down with Francisco to discuss his journey from architecture to photography, his role at Cobe and the insights he plans to share at the WVF this October.Learn More About WVFKalina Prelikj: Youre a trained architect and have been working in the industry for some time. What led you to shift your focus from designing buildings to capturing them through photography and visualization?Francisco Tirado: In 2013 I graduated as a licensed architect and like many of us sons of the financial crisis, I had to find my way in the industry to make a living. I worked as a traditional architect for two years before graduating, combining it with working as an English teacher, computer repair specialist, operator in a call center and construction builder. Basically, I took any available job that I could do. Those from countries hit hardest by the crises will completely understand this, as millions of people went through the same. The need to reinvent yourself to survive was essential at the time.The thing is, during those years, I didnt even realize I could make a living creating images. I did, of course, do all the visuals for my own projects and helped other colleagues and everyone loved it, but at the time, I didnt think much of it. Dont get me wrong when I look back at those images now, I think, Oh boy, this looks horrible, but to be honest, I feel that way almost every time I look at my old work.Sun Hit by Francisco Tirado, Winner of Architizers 2022 One Rendering ChallengeWhile searching for jobs as an architect, someone saw my portfolio and visuals and offered me a role as an external image supplier instead of a traditional architect, focusing solely on creating images for them. Thats when I discovered that some companies and professionals did this full-time. I remember visiting studio websites, watching tutorials and having a revelation something I was doing naturally and for fun could actually pay my bills!I had no idea about freelancing, costs or how much to charge. By the way, this is another reason to attend the WVF: if youre a freelancer or want to become one, you can learn how to do so properly from professionals. I cant stress enough how important this is early in your career. But then I did my first visual project for an architecture studio. It was a competition and they won it. This created a snowball effect: more and more projects kept coming and I havent stopped doing architectural imagery ever since.What happened after that day has been a crazy journey that took me around four countries, collaborating and doing all sorts of visual work for more than 300 projects. Finding myself on a plane doing aerial professional photography in Denmark was something I never saw coming when I was an architecture student. And to think that it all started in a little room, in a village in the south of Spain, surrounded by orange trees and very hot summers, while working on a laptop with severe overheating problems.The Redmolen / Tip of Nord by Cobe + Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, Nordhavnen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Photo by Francisco TiradoKP: You mentioned the importance of learning the ropes of freelancing early in your career and how the WVF is a great place to learn more about that. As a featured speaker this year, could you tell us more about what youll be covering in your talk and how it could benefit attendees?FT: For architects, visualization artists and photographers (or actually, for anyone who can frame and sell their work), going freelance either full-time or part-time is likely going to happen at one point in their career.When you know how to build something that can be sold easily, at some point youll get the question: Hey, I need this. How much would you charge me for it? You need to be ready for that question because it will come. How you answer it can make all the difference. It could lead to more work and more commissions or it could lead to failure, burnout and earning very little.Nowadays, there is a lot of information out there, but events like the WVF will help you find people who have already done it and already failed before you, meaning that you can learn from their mistakes. Dont get me wrong, you will make mistakes, a lot of them, but you will gain more knowledge on how to deal with them. For newcomers to the business or for those who never freelanced before, it is priceless to listen to the experience of professionals whove already done it.A model of Espoo House by Cobe, Espoo, Finland | Photo by Francisco TiradoI was a freelancer for around three years before joining Cobe. Maybe I was lucky since I had good friends and connections. I made so many mistakes that I cant even remember, but in the end, I survived.So for my WVF talk, Im going to share how I did it and why I made certain choices, the mistakes I made and the lessons I had to learn along the way, from a humble and honest perspective. I will not be talking about the artistic side, 3D skills or tricks for creating more realistic images, but rather the practical aspects like making annual calculations, budgeting and developing the right mindset.Being on my most honest humble side, I am going to talk about how I did it and why I did it, what mistakes I made and what I had to learn at the time. Things that are not art, not the 3D qualities, not tricks to do more realistic images, but other things such as making annual calculations, budgeting and mindset.And this brings me to something else I want to mention.I believe its important to try working on your own, even if just for a little while. Dont take it too seriously or see it as a final destination, but give it a shot. Doing so will help you understand the value of your work, how to deal with clients, what the market looks like, how to manage your time and how to build your resources. This experience will prepare you incredibly well for the industry because even if you decide to join a company later, youll be in a much stronger position than if you were just entering with artistic skills alone.Thats what I did and thats how and why I joined Cobe later in 2018. So for me, it was a great learning experience that led me to a place I thought I could never reach.Portable Solar Distiller by Henry Glogau, Chile | Photo by Francisco TiradoKP: Not many firms have in-house photographers. What does your role as the in-house Photography Lead at Cobe involve and do you still engage in any design work? What are the advantages of working so closely with the design team?FT: Cobe has something you can feel the moment you walk into the office an atmosphere thats hard to put into words. Im sure many architecture offices might have it too, but at Cobe, its like the space itself has an aura. You see it in the people, the working models, the drawings, the pin-ups its something you can almost touch and breathe in. It just influences your vision and taste of the design, it shapes you. I am not making this up. Spend a couple of days there and youll understand what Im talking about. Its like learning a new language Cobes aesthetic language.While I was working there, focusing on architectural visualization, I specialized in creating images in any form that spoke Cobes language. Combining this with photography and eventually leaning more toward it, felt like a natural progression for both me and Cobe. I dont see myself as just an architectural visualization specialist, illustrator or photographer I consider myself a specialist in architectural imagery, of any kind, that aligns with our aesthetic. Thats what Ive been doing for a long time and its what I continue to do.When I participate in doing images for ongoing projects, there is a big advantage to working closely with the design team. Having collaborated with them hundreds of times, you kind of know what they need, so then you just go and do it. And it clicks. When you work for a long time replicating a certain line of work it becomes almost an instinct. It is all about how the project feels right away. Do you get that immediate oh yes feeling when you first see the image? If you do, it means weve done our work right.Is this part of the design process? I absolutely think so. Those images help modify and shape the project, fine-tuning it to look its best. So, yes, I do believe that, in many cases, Im actively participating in the design process.The Opera Park by Cobe, Copenhagen, Denmark | Photo by Francisco Tirado | Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Public Parks & Green SpacesKP: How does your background in architecture influence your approach to photography? Conversely, has your experience in photography and visualization influenced your understanding of design?FT: Since I started studying architecture, I have no idea how many photos of buildings Ive seen just like any other architect. And if seeing images in books and magazines wasnt enough, now with social media we have them in our hands and were bombarded with them all the time. In the beginning, I was using all that visual memory purely for design. But all the time I spent looking at architectural images for design references ended up working the other way around too.When I was working as an architect 15 years ago, I started a habit that I still maintain today. I created a folder of my favorite architectural photos and I keep it running as a random background on all my computers. I store the folder in the cloud, so its always updated on every device I use.Every time I sit at my desk or open my laptop at home, a different building photo appears as my background. I take a couple of minutes to appreciate it, thinking, Wow, look at those lines, and then I get back to work. Occasionally, I go back to the folder, review all the images, delete the ones I dont like anymore and add new ones that match my current taste. When you do this hundreds of times, you end up with an amazingly curated folder of inspirational images. I originally started it to focus on design, but now I keep it going to focus on the aesthetics of buildings. The process remains the same.I believe when you specialize in architectural photography or architectural visualization, a funny process happens. So, yes, I would say your understanding of the design changes.When I was working as an architect, I naturally paid a lot more attention to details and the small things after all, the building has to function properly, right? But when youre creating images, unless youre focusing on details specifically, you tend to concentrate more on the big picture. Its like looking at a building with blurry eyes; you filter out the small noise and focus only on the key elements. I got so used to viewing buildings this way that now, sometimes, its hard for me to go back and look into the details that amaze other designers.The Opera Park by Cobe, Copenhagen, Denmark | Photo by Francisco Tirado | Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Public Parks & Green SpacesKP: Do you have a signature style or approach that people tend to recognize in your work?FT: I dont know. I do not have an A B C filter that makes my work look a certain way. I actually tried to do it, because I thought that if I wanted to industrialize my process so I could produce more Ill need to have a standard creative process. But this didnt work for me.Instead, I created a personal framework a solid bracket within which I can experiment and find what works best for each project. I apply all my energy to it, but only within that bracket. You might wonder, what does that framework look like? For example, the way I organize my time and files is very structured. I know exactly how many hours Ill spend on a particular task, the order in which Ill work, the references Ill use and when I finish, I archive everything properly. That way, if I need to revisit a project later, I can get back to work in just a couple of minutes.This might look like nothing to do with style but it does to me, because it organizes my working day, so I can spend more time at home with my loved ones with whom I recharge my batteries. I wont be able to produce any images if I dont spend time with them.So when I do images, I do know what images I like and how they should look so that they fit Cobes universe. But this is a work in progress and the looks of my images change over time while I learn new techniques and get software or hardware improvements.The Redmolen / Tip of Nord by Cobe + Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, Nordhavnen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Photo by Francisco TiradoKP: Could you share any specific techniques or tools, whether its software, camera equipment or post-production processes, that are crucial to your work and to achieving the desired aesthetic?FT: I do not use a tripod 99% of the time, because it slows down my work a lot. Of course, I use it if it is strictly needed for instance, when shooting long exposure images or shooting at night or tricky interiors. But the rest of the time I go handheld.My images arent perfect the sharpness isnt always 100%, but thats okay. Most people view images on their phones these days, so ultra-sharpness doesnt make a big difference.However, you cant achieve this with just any camera. My camera has excellent in-body stabilization and I use lenses with built-in stabilization as well. With these two levels of stabilization, combined with holding super still while shooting, it does the trick.When I visit a location, I normally work from early morning to the evening on the project, following the sun, resulting in me walking a lot. It is like trekking I carry a couple of sandwiches and water with me (it is very important to be hydrated). My camera bag can get pretty heavy, so what I do is take long walks on random days during my free time, carrying all my gear. This helps my back, legs and shoulders get used to the weight, preparing me for any shoot. Its like doing a workout in preparation for shooting days.Regarding post-production, I do not use tilt-shift lenses, I do use very wide-angle lenses on a very high-resolution sensor that allows me to straighten, cut and zoom on the images as much as I want, all done digitally in post-production.AAU Innovate by Cobe, Aalborg, Denmark | Photo by Francisco TiradoKP: Back to the World Visualization Festival again! Can you comment on the importance of gathering visualizers to foster discussion at this particular moment, especially in the context of the industrys rapid evolution and the rise of new technologies like AI in recent years?FT: I am very happy to be a speaker at the WVF. It was a big surprise for me and I am ecstatic to be able to meet lots of people whose work I admire. Now, I have the chance to see them all in person, all at once, in one place.I want to add, I do not mean to try to convince anybody to come to the WVF, but you should do it if you work in the industry. The reason is simple: the amount of industry knowledge thats going to be packed into those three days is equivalent to months and months of individual research something that, in my opinion, is a waste of time.When I was starting out, I made the mistake of not staying connected with the community, which led to a lot of misunderstandings about techniques and the business side of things. To be honest, it also cost me a lot of money because I just didnt know any better.For everyone who is just starting out and even for those who are more advanced, this event could be a big boost in how they approach their work. Its also crucial for staying up to date with new technologies like AI and understanding how other professionals with lots of experience and, importantly, high-profile clients are already incorporating these tools into their workflows. And I want to emphasize this important clients because, at the end of the day, we all do this to make a living.Coming to the WVF and learning from the best in the industry is worth every second spent there.If you want to hear more about Franciscos experiences and insights and learn from other leading experts in the field, be sure to catch his full presentation at the World Visualization Festival in Warsaw this October.The post Francisco Tirado: An Architect Who Found His Calling Behind the Camera appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.In the last few decades, theres been a growing disconnect between what architects design and what people actually want (or need). The shiny, statement-making buildings that once dominated skylines are starting to feel out of touch. But maybe its on us as architects to bridge that gap. After all, our work should serve people, not just make a statement. Still, its easy to feel limited by whats realistic. We cant just start building everything out of cardboard to be more sustainable, right?Well, this firm begs to differ.Meet LUO Studio. The Beijing-based firm, led by Luo Yujie, is quietly but confidently redefining what architecture can be. Their projects dont scream for attention with flashy designs or towering glass faades. Instead, they focus on sustainability, cultural preservation and real community impact while also pushing the boundaries of creativity and functionality. Whether its reimagining traditional techniques or experimenting with unconventional materials, LUO Studio is challenging the status quo by asking a simple question: How can architecture do better?The answer, it seems, lies in embracing context, connecting buildings with their history and recognizing that using local materials and techniques is more important than ever.So, what exactly are they doing to shake things up? Lets take a closer look.Innovating with Tradition: The Fusion of Past and PresentPrepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall by LUO studio, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo, China | Jury Winner, Cultural & Expo Centers, 12th Annual A+AwardsPrepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall by LUO studio, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo, China | Jury Winner, Cultural & Expo Centers, 12th Annual A+AwardsIn an era where technology often overshadows tradition, LUO Studio takes a different approach. They believe history isnt just something to remember but a foundation to build on. This philosophy shines through in one of their latest A+Award-winning projects the Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall in Xiuwu County.Once an herb-processing factory, the space has been transformed into an exhibition hall that celebrates the regions rich history and craftsmanship. The design draws inspiration from traditional Rehmannia root preparation methods, particularly the ancient practice of nine steaming and nine sun-drying, which emphasized the importance of sunlight. LUO Studio incorporated this concept by creating a circular layout that optimizes natural light, allowing it to play a central role in the buildings atmosphere. The structure itself uses local materials like red brick and timber with modern construction techniques, honoring the areas cultural heritage while addressing contemporary needs.Timber Bridge in Gulou Waterfront by LUO studio, Jiangmen, China | Jury Winner, Architecture +Wood, 10th Annual A+AwardsTimber Bridge in Gulou Waterfront by LUO studio, Jiangmen, China| Jury Winner, Architecture +Wood, 10th Annual A+AwardsAnother project that exemplifies their commitment to innovation rooted in tradition is the Timber Bridge in Gulou Waterfront. Constructed from natural pine wood using time-honored Chinese arched techniques, the bridge is designed with three large curved beams, assembled on-site using a combination of traditional joinery and modern steel-strengthened bolts. This method, rooted in historical practices, provides both strength and flexibility, essential for accommodating varying boat sizes beneath.A key feature of the bridge is its covered corridor, a nod to ancient Chinese bridge designs. Traditionally used to protect wooden structures from the elements, this corridor not only shields the bridge from heavy rainfall but also enhances the experience for visitors. The careful spacing of smaller wooden components creates a stable framework, while gaps between the layers allow natural light to filter through, offering glimpses of the water below.Beyond Conventional Materials: Designing With CardboardCorrugated Cardboard-Formed Exhibition Space by LUO studio, Shanghai, China | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Interior Project, 12th Annual A+AwardsLearning from the past and using traditional materials might be essential, but a few of LUO Studios projects that really stand out are not made from traditional, but rather unconventional materials.The studio created a series of cardboard-formed exhibition spaces, taking a highly creative approach to a material often overlooked in architecture and transforming it into something both impressive and surprisingly functional.Beginning with Version 1.0 for the Back to the Future: Breaking the Time Barrier exhibition in 2021, LUO Studio took on the challenge of using corrugated cardboard as the primary material for an entire exhibition space. This initial experiment was more than just a test of material it was a statement about sustainability and creativity in architecture.Cardboard-formed Exhibition Space 2.0 Xinyang Book Market: Books N Tea by LUO studio, Xinyang, ChinaBuilding on the success of their first attempt, Version 2.0 emerged in 2023 at the Xinyang Book Market. Here, they refined their approach, creating a space that was not only structurally sound but also visually engaging. The project demonstrated that cardboard, when used thoughtfully, can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.Two Paper Houses by LUO studio, Zhengzhou, China | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Interior Project, 12th Annual A+AwardsThe latest evolution, Version 3.0, saw LUO Studio taking this concept even further with the creation of two paper houses for the Bt Odes to the Land exhibition in Zhengzhou. These structures were designed to be stable and durable despite the inherent challenges of using cardboard. The circular design of the spaces, combined with careful engineering, ensured that the buildings were not only practical but also conveyed a sense of ritual and purpose.The result across all three versions is a series of spaces that defy expectations, showing that even a material as humble as cardboard can be transformed into a viable, sustainable option for architectural design.Community-Centric and Adaptive Design: Building with a PurposeJiulongfeng Children Learning Center for Conservation by LUO studio, Huangshan City, China | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Joy, 12th Annual A+AwardsFrom reviving ancient techniques to pushing the limits of material use, LUO Studios approach is both innovative and grounded. But their work doesnt stop there. The studio is also deeply committed to building with a purpose, ensuring that their designs make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.A perfect example of this commitment is the Jiulongfeng Childrens Learning Center for Conservation, this years A+Awards Popular Choice winner in the Architecture +Joy category. The project goes beyond preserving traditional Huizhou carpentry techniques; it focuses on empowering the local community. Located in the heart of Shangling Village, the renovation was a collective effort, bringing together villagers, master carpenters and LUO Studios team. Community involvement was central to the projects success, with residents participating in every stage, from site clearance to construction.The outcome is more than just a learning center, but a space that reflects the communitys spirit, offering a welcoming environment where children can play and learn. The unique, cabin-like structure serves as a place for education and a source of pride and cultural identity for the village. By prioritizing community engagement, LUO Studio has created a project that not only meets functional needs but also reinforces the social fabric and collective ownership of the space.Redefining the Role of the ArchitectJiulongfeng Children Learning Center for Conservation by LUO studio, Huangshan City, China | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Joy, 12th Annual A+AwardsLUO Studios work is a reminder that architecture can and should be more than just eye-catching structures. Their projects encapsulate a commitment to tradition, material innovation, sustainability and, perhaps most importantly, community engagement. By merging historical craftsmanship with modern needs, experimenting with unconventional materials like cardboard and centering their designs around the people they serve, LUO Studio is setting a new standard for what architecture can achieve.At the heart of their work is a holistic approach that refuses to separate design from purpose. Whether its reviving ancient carpentry techniques or rethinking whats possible with recyclable materials, LUO Studio consistently demonstrates that meaningful architecture is not about following trends but about understanding and responding to context cultural, environmental and social. Their projects are as much about the process as the finished product, engaging communities and fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride.Looking forward, LUO Studios approach offers a compelling model for the future of architecture. As the industry grapples with the challenges of sustainability, cultural preservation and social responsibility, their work provides a blueprint for how architects can create designs that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the communities they serve. In doing so, LUO Studio is redefining what it means to be an architect in the 21st century one who listens, learns and builds with purpose.The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.The post Material Matters: LUO Studios Outside-the-Box Approach to Modern Craftsmanship appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.For decades, school design was synonymous with rigidity. Rows of identical classrooms, harsh lighting and long, narrow corridors created environments that felt more like factories or worse, prisons than places for nurturing young minds. This comparison isnt entirely accidental. While it may be more legend than the fact that many schools were designed by the same architects who built prisons, the underlying principles guiding their design were strikingly similar. The focus was on efficiency, control and uniformity goals just as relevant to prisons as early educational institutions.Large institutional architecture firms, often responsible for designing schools, libraries, hospitals and prisons, employed similar principles across these different building types. These designs prioritized managing large groups of people, keeping them orderly and minimizing disruption. The result was monolithic, drab and often devoid of warmth or inspiration structures that, like prisons, organized people and their activities in ways that stripped away individuality and creativity.But the world has changed. And so has our understanding of childhood and adolescence. Society now sees children as individuals with unique needs and ways of learning. The rigid designs of the past are giving way to spaces that embrace creativity, exploration and a more holistic approach to education. This shift is clearly reflected in the A+Awards winners and finalists in the education categories, where innovative designs redefine how we think about learning environments. With that in mind, this article explores the child-centric principles shaping the design of contemporary educational spaces.Scale and Sensory ExperienceShanghai Blue Bay Kindergarten by EAST CHINA ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & RESEARCH INSTITUTE | STUDIO DINGSHUN, Shang Hai Shi, ChinaWhen it comes to early education (kindergartens and elementary schools to be more precise) the environment plays a critical role in shaping a childs experience. For young children, scale and sensory engagement are particularly important. Spaces that are too large or overwhelming can create feelings of anxiety or discomfort, while environments that are thoughtfully scaled and filled with sensory richness can inspire curiosity and joy.The Shanghai Blue Bay Kindergarten exemplifies this principle by carefully tailoring its environment to the needs of young children. Located on a small site surrounded by high-rise buildings, the design uses a staggered layout to break the building into smaller, child-friendly volumes, ensuring the space feels welcoming rather than overwhelming.The inclusion of themed courtyards and open activity rooms that connect indoor and outdoor spaces creates diverse sensory experiences, encouraging exploration and play. These design choices not only make the environment more engaging and nurturing but also support the holistic development of young learners, setting a new standard for early education spaces.Familiar, Home-like Environmentscole de ltincelle (Lab-cole) by BGLA architecture | urban design, Agence Spatiale inc., APPAREIL Architecture, Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada | Popular Choice Winner, Primary and High Schools, 12th Annual A+AwardsAnother noticeable shift in educational architecture is a one towards creating more familiar, home-like environments, especially in primary and high schools. This approach aims to move away from the rigid, institutional designs of the past and instead focus on making schools more welcoming and supportive spaces for students.Lcole de ltincelle in Chicoutimi is a prime example of this principle. The school is designed as a series of small, house-like units around a central courtyard, creating a village-like atmosphere that mirrors the warmth and comfort of home. The use of locally sourced wood and a design that intertwines with the residential surroundings reflect this new direction in school architecture.Inside, classrooms are grouped to foster collaboration and a sense of community, while outdoor spaces offer safe, inviting areas for social interaction and exploration. This shift towards less rigid, more nurturing environments marks a significant evolution in how educational spaces are designed to support the holistic development of students.Flexible and Personalized SpacesJinshan No.2 Experimental Primary School by LINEWORKS STUDIO, Shanghai, ChinaApart from creating familiar, home-like environments, theres also a noticeable shift towards flexibility and personalization in educational spaces. Schools are increasingly designed to adapt to the varying needs of each student, moving away from rigid, traditional layouts that restrict how and where learning takes place.The Jinshan No.2 Experimental Primary School in Shanghai exemplifies this approach. The design focuses on creating spaces where learning can occur anywhere, not just in conventional classrooms. Transparent folding doors replace solid walls, allowing spaces to adapt based on the activity at hand. Public areas have been transformed into informal learning environments that encourage interaction and inquiry-based exploration.Vibrant, locally inspired colors and child-friendly design elements make the school both engaging and responsive to students needs. By prioritizing flexibility and personalization, the school supports a dynamic educational experience, reflecting the diverse ways children learn today.Cultivating Imagination Through Playful DesignComprehensive renovation and extension of the Kindergarten, Uenjak unit by OD-DO architecture and Navor, Ljubljana, Slovenia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Adaptive Reuse or Renovation Project, 12th Annual A+AwardsPlayfulness and creativity are increasingly recognized as essential components of early education. Spaces that stimulate imagination can significantly improve a childs ability to explore, learn and grow. This principle is beautifully embodied in the Kindergarten Pedenjped Uenjak Unit.Originally a rigid, boxy structure with little to inspire curiosity, this kindergarten has been reimagined into a vibrant and imaginative space. The design introduces organic shapes, vibrant colors and playful forms, creating child-friendly spaces that move away from traditional classroom layouts. Curving corridors lead to shared playrooms that double as learning zones, fostering a sense of exploration and wonder. The renovation also prioritizes natural light, transforming the previously drab interiors into a bright and welcoming environment.This shift from a utilitarian structure to a dynamic, imaginative space highlights how thoughtful design and sustainable renovation can profoundly impact a childs learning experience. By embracing creativity and interaction, this kindergarten sets a new standard for how existing buildings can be adapted to foster growth, creativity and sustainability, turning everyday education into an adventure.Integrating Nature and LearningLYCEUM School by DL Atelier, Guangxi, ChinaWhile the benefits of exposure to nature have long been recognized, modern schools are increasingly weaving natural elements directly into their architecture. This approach is especially important in fostering holistic growth in children, as interaction with nature has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce stress and promote well-being across all stages of development.The LYCEUM School embraces this principle by making nature an integral part of its design. The schools layout features interconnected courtyards filled with trees and plants, creating spaces where students can interact with nature throughout their day. Classrooms open directly to these courtyards, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor learning. This integration allows students to move freely between environments, encouraging exploration and reinforcing their connection with the natural world.By prioritizing natural elements in its design, the this school not only strengthens academic learning but also nurtures students emotional and physical development, demonstrating how essential nature is in a well-rounded education.Engaging Multiple Senses in LearningEhrman Crest Elementary and Middle School by CannonDesign, Cranberry Township, PennsylvaniaBuilding on the principle of creating diverse and engaging environments, theres a growing emphasis on designs that activate multiple senses, making learning more immersive and interactive.Ehrman Crest Elementary and Middle School exemplifies this by transforming its entire environment into a multi-sensory learning space. Collaborating with the Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh, the school integrates museum-like elementsartwork, tactile exhibits and interactive displaysthroughout its design, encouraging exploration beyond traditional classrooms.This approach allows students to engage in ways that resonate with them individually, whether through visual, tactile, or collaborative experiences. By activating every corner of the school, Ehrman Crest redefines how educational spaces can engage students, making learning a holistic, dynamic experience.Valuing Time and Space for Unstructured LearningHuizhen High School by Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group, ChinaIn the high-pressure environment of high school, its rare to find spaces intentionally designed for unstructured learning. However, Huizhen High School in China boldly challenges this norm by reimagining how time and space can be used to foster personal growth and well-being.The schools design embraces a unique approach by prioritizing areas where students can escape academic pressures and engage in self-directed exploration. The inclusion of a floating forest, a serene and natural retreat within the campus, offers students an unconventional sanctuary for relaxation and reflection an approach that stands in stark contrast to the traditional rigidity of high school layouts.This innovative design goes beyond merely breaking away from standard classroom arrangements. By creatively dispersing classrooms and incorporating winding paths, Huizhen High School disrupts the typical efficiency-driven mindset that often governs educational architecture. Instead, the school fosters an environment where students can balance academic demands with moments of tranquility and introspection. This recognition of the value of unstructured time for teenagers is both refreshing and vital, acknowledging that learning and personal development are deeply intertwined and often occur outside the confines of scheduled classes.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post Rethinking School Design: How Education Architecture Reflects Changing Views on Childhood appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.There is a place online that I do not recommend visiting unless you have a lot of free time. It is called the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute, and it is as compulsively browsable as Wikipedia once was, before the novelty wore off and it became a utility, inconspicuous yet essential, like water from the tap.The Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute is an archive of commercial art styles, or consumer aesthetics, that appeared in various forms of media from the 1960s to the present. Each entry includes both visual examples of the style in action and a brief description of when the aesthetic appeared and what it represents.Reading this site greatly expands your vocabulary for kitsch design. You learn to say, for instance, that your moms Its Wine OClock Somewhere wall sign features the Live, Laugh, Love font instead of merely calling it cringe. You also discover new forms of nostalgic longing. I never realized there was such a thing as The Global Village Coffeehouse aesthetic before, much less that I missed it.One thing you might notice is that all of these styles seem super dated. This is true even especially? of the most contemporary looks like Corporate Memphis, an instantly recognizable and widely hated visual language that just might be the hegemonic consumer aesthetic of our time.Very few people will admit to liking Corporate Memphis graphic design. Luckily, it has little in common with the original work of the Memphis Group. Katharina Brenner,Corporate Memphis (2019),CC BY 4.0The Institute describes Corporate Memphis as The Generic 10s Friendly Corporate Aesthetic, neo-Memphis, pastel colors, Mondrian influence, corporate appropriation of Vaporwave motifs, geometric sans typefaces, Monstera plants, exposed plywood, white walls, Matisse-influenced graphics. For some reason, this style often features oddly proportioned human figures with wobbly arms and legs. Outwardly approachable yet ultimately distant, the style is like an affable boss who says they want to destigmatize talking about mental health but then balks when you ask to take a personal day.The only truly offensive aspect of Corporate Memphis, however, is its name. The Memphis part is a reference to Memphis Milano, or the Memphis Group, a revolutionary design collective that was founded in Milan in 1980 by the architect and industrial designer Ettore Sottsass. The name speaks to the bright, almost fauvist color palette of Corporate Memphis as well as its emphasis on flat geometric patterns. These were certainly features of the original Memphis groups work, but the similarities end there.While Corporate Memphis is bland and conformist, the work of the Memphis group was radical and anarchistic, a deliberate challenge not only to Modernism, but to the very notion of good taste. These were designers who knew that to create a new visual language, one must be willing to create objects that are ugly. And to be sure, much of what this group created was brilliantly ugly.Memphis Milano furniture and design objects displayed in an apartment. Check out the birdlike objects displayed on the mantle. Dennis Zanone,Memphis-Milano Design Collection,CC BY-SA 3.0Memphis Milano was not just a consumer aesthetic, but an attempt to overcome the dialectic between modernism and traditionalism that characterized design thinking in the latter half of the 20th century and still hinders designers today. Like other postmodern tendencies in architecture and design, Memphis was a response to this crisis. What was unique about Memphis was its utter lack of self-seriousness. This sense of play is the secret to its mischievous vitality. It is why David Bowie owned over 100 Memphis objects, and why architects and designers should look to the movement for inspiration today.As the story goes, the group took its name from Bob Dylans song Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again, which they played on repeat on the meeting when they first joined together and resolved to create a new visual language. This song has always been one of my favorites by Dylan. Using mythic and hallucinatory imagery, Dylan describes a nightmare of stasis, or what Nietzsche called eternal return. This is precisely what the designers, who came from different generations and nations, wanted to escape via clashing neon colors.Memphis artists designed furniture, lighting, fabrics, carpets, ceramics, glass and metal objects. Their designs often incorporated plastic laminate and terrazzo, consciously eschewing the fetish for raw materials that is still characteristic of Modernism. To the contemporary eye, Memphis objects are reminiscent of Nickelodeon sets from the 1990s which were inspired by Memphis but when these objects were first exhibited they seemed simply crazy. An assault on good taste but a good natured one.Sottsasss famous Carlton room divider, an object that violates every Modernist notion of unity, proportion, and good taste. Sailko,Ettore sottsass per memphis srl., libreria carlton, milano 1981,CC BY 3.0Sottsass, who died in 2007 at the age of 90, was an entertaining speaker who maintained a paradigmatically postmodern outlook on the world. That is, he had what Lyotard called an incredulity toward metanarratives and believed that the only possible knowledge of the world was partial or fragmentary.In a 2001 interview with the art critic Hans Ulrich Obrist, Sottsass opines that Existence is fragmentary, because we no longer accept the logic that we hoped would tie up everything. Even that great scientist strapped to a wheelchair, Hawking, said this: If we could find a formula that holds together the universe, Id know what to think of God. The fact remains that this formula cant be found! It doesnt exist! He continues, At any rate, the same problem exists in everyday life. When I read a newspaper, for example, I cant grasp the dimensions of whats happening between here and, say, the Middle East, between here and New York.Like Derrida, Barthes, and other thinkers commonly labeled postmodern, Sottsass believed that recognizing the limits of ones knowledge was liberating. It frees one of the pressure to define a unified picture of the world. Fragments of knowledge, of beauty, can be appreciated for what they are, and not subordinated to a larger system. This was Sottsasss picture of the world, and he believed that ones ideas influenced everything one creates.Martine Bedin was the youngest member of the Memphis Group. She described her Super Lamp as like a small dog I could carry with me. This was the Memphis Groups most profitable object. You can still buy them online. Caffe_Paradiso,Memphis Super Lamps by Martine Bedin,CC BY 2.0Its clear that if Im designing architecture, I need to know things that are not the same as what I have to know to design a glass vase, and to design a glass vase you need to know things that are not the same as what you need to take a photograph, he said in the same 2001 interview. But apart from these technical differences which are certainly important because they have an effect on what I can design and condition there still remains, deep down, what I think of life, why I do things, what I imagine happens when I design something.What Sottsass and his allies in the Memphis Group believed in was restoring joy and fun to architecture and design. They did not seek a unified aesthetic with a single message, but rather a style that embraced the wild diversity of life. The closest musical analogy to the visual language of the Memphis Group is jazz.There is a lightness to Memphis a real lightness that should not be confused with the forced and inauthentic cheerfulness of Corporate Memphis. While Thomas Heatherwick does not name the Memphis Group in his book Humanize, a polemic against the drabness of much contemporary architecture, I believe that they were responding to the same issue he lays out, a problem that is still relevant today. Heatherwick complains that architects today are afraid of playing with ornamentation and other design quirks that dont fit within their overarching vision or theory of design.For Sottsass and his allies in the Memphis Group, there didnt need to be a theory. A building or lamp could be adorned with any color or pattern just because. While you might find the first wave of Memphis designs garish, several alumni of this group such as Nathalie du Pasquier have gone on to incorporate Memphis motifs in textiles, paintings, and other designs that can honestly be described as beautiful. This, to me, is a sign of Memphiss triumph in paving the way for new forms of thinking.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Cover Image: Created by DALL-E. Prompt: Memphis Milano Style Building.The post Wild and Free: Why The Revolutionary Design Collective Memphis Milano Still Matters appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.It was a late summer evening on top of a roof terrace in downtown Athens, where a group of architects, artists and political scientists were discussing David Chipperfields new extension proposal for the National Archeological Museum, selected by the municipality a year prior, in 2023. Since then, the renowned architect has become a well-known name in the Athenian community, with his other projects, such as the Neues Museum in Berlin and the Procuratie Vecchie restoration in Venice, becoming examples of his architectural sensitivity towards cultural landmarks. Through the conversation, one thing was clear:We need a starchitect that understands and respects culture.Even though the term starchitect is problematic, the reasoning behind this particular phrase is quite strategic. David Chipperfield is a figure who convinces the never-changing, mistrusting Greeks that a piece of their cultural heritage lies in good hands, ready to undergo a makeover that will not only impact the museum itself but, more importantly, the immediate urban fabric that has been gradually deteriorating since the 2008 financial crisis.Left: Facade of Casa RIA, the new RIA headquarters in the historical centre of Santiago de Compostela | Right: A Cantina is the gastronomic space that supports the public programme of Casa RIA | Photos by Adrin CapeloThe Casa RIA exhibition space hosts temporary exhibitions aligned with RIAs research areas | Photo by Adrin CapeloIt is not by chance that associating Chipperfields name with the particular project exuded a sense of confidence and relief. His optimistic approach is that architects need to become reengaged with society, environment and culture, tackling larger, more strategic and impactful projects and stop being mere architectural decorators; a philosophy that led to his own research project situated in Galicia, Spain.David Chipperfields relationship with the place started in 1990, when he built a holiday house. After almost two decades, the president of Galicia, Alberto Nez Feijo asked him whether he could help improve the regions planning, stating that the nature is spectacular and the towns are amazing in their essence, but they mess them up. They are modernized in the most horrible, brutal manner.As a result, the architect set up a research group named Fundacin RIA in Santiago de Compostela, which acts as a non-profit independent agency that studies and develops territorial strategies for Galicia to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. The rest of the article presents two research projects and two reflection pieces written by David Chipperfield himself, discussing the areas abundance in opportunity, where its natural landscape, culture and traditions hold the key to rediscovering and reappropriating the Galician local identity.Urban sprawl in the surroundings of Vigo, the most populated city of Galicia | Photo by Adrin CapeloRevitalization plan for the model village of Muimenta, in collaboration with the regional government | Courtesy of Fundacin RIA1. Model villagesOne initiative is the regeneration plans for the pilot model villages of muimenta and trascastro, which become architectural instruments that deal with the degradation of the productive, rural force of Galicia, due to population losses and the abandonment of land. Consequently, these model villages rehabilitate the buildings and public spaces, with the aim to attract new residences and reactivate the regions productive force.Layout for the future headquarters of the Marine Research Institute (CSIC) in Vigo | Courtesy of Fundacin RIA2. CISC marine research instituteThis project develops the masterplan for the relocation of the Spanish institution of marine research center (IMM) to the former ETEA in Vigo, a marine research pole. The new location allows the IMM to grow to an impressive number of 350 employees as well as come in contact with other educational institutions such as the University of Vigo. This urban gesture essentially transforms the wider area into an international reference for marine research, promoting scientific progress and drawing up a planning proposal that integrates new buildings within the existing context, while responding at the same time to the programmatic needs of the IMM.In addition to hosting multidisciplinary and participative processes, Towards a territorial agenda for Galicia, RIA hosts student workshops to engage young minds in hands-in learning and problem-solving | Photo by Adrin CapeloThe local newspaper La Voz de Galicia (the voice of Galicia) has been a crucial tool throughout the communitys redevelopment. Over time, David Chipperfield reflected upon a series of opinion articles presented through the paper that discuss the many issues Galicia and by extent Fundacin RIA have to resolve.3. Vamos a la calleA fundamental challenge that had to be addressed was controlling the irregular planning and prioritization of cars and convenience over local heritage. Throughout the years streets were converted from social spaces into traffic highways, eradicating any sense of communal, public space. David Chipperfield writes Over the last 40 years, Galician towns and cities have suffered a loss of identity as a result of poorly controlled development and the indiscriminate demolition of old buildings. He places great emphasis on the public floor, i.e. pavements and surfaces that create a sense of consideration and importance to the people that experience them.Furthermore, Chipperfield praises the project of Porto do Son, completed in 2022 by CREUSeCARRASCO Arquitectos and rvr arquitectos, which not only regains the ports public space but manages to do so through a series of collaborating efforts and the dissolution of frequently clashing interests amongst its residents and political parties.The foundation addresses sustainable land management, and Barbanza Ecosocial Lab is an action research project promoting sustainable local initiatives | Photo by Adrin Capelo4. Galicia, land of opportunityFinally, the architect reflects upon an opinion article that discusses concerns on global warming and how it greatly affects communities as well as the overall quality of life. Through his writing, he characterizes Galicia as a region that is more prepared to deal with climate change than other Spanish areas. Nature is embedded in the areas way of life, through their traditional farming systems, and extended natural resource. It holds the infrastructure necessary, in which humans can work together with nature and explore ways of production and distribution that has no environmental impact.David Chipperfield in Galicia, with views of the Ra de Arousa | Photo by Adrin CapeloObserving both the founders as well as the foundations research and actions, one notices that their ideas are intertwined. In both their work (written and visual) architecture in its traditional sense is given a backseat. Conversations on form, geometry, materials and spatial organization are replaced (in the case of the Galicia project) with discussions on management, marine biology and relocation of institutions and governing bodies, while inter-disciplinary studies, strategic decisions and a deep understanding of culture and local community are also the bread and butter in Chipperfields overall work.Returning to the small community of Exarcheia in downtown Athens, where the National History Museum is located, it is not surprising that David Chipperfield has been such a reassuring choice for the wider architectural community: he is an architect who looks beyond aesthetics and is perfectly in tune with the context in which he designs. The Galicia project is an experiment not just for Chipperfield but for the global architectural community; fortunately, it seems to be succeeding and perhaps will pave the way for other architects to follow in its footsteps.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Top image: View of the Ra de Arousa, Galicia | Photo by Adrin CapeloThe post The Galicia Project: David Chipperfield and Fundacin RIA appeared first on Journal.

Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer whoworks as a Junior Architectat REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the worlds most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog,The Travel Album.When it comes to travel, food often takes center stage. We see countless travel blogs and guides centered around culinary exploration sampling street food in Bangkok, indulging in croissants in Paris, or seeking out the best gelato in Rome. While there is no denying the appeal of experiencing a regions gastronomy, I would argue that architecture offers an equally, if not more, compelling reason to travel. Architecture is the silent storyteller of a place, reflecting its culture, history, and aspirations in a way that food alone cannot. Lets take a moment to consider why we should travel for architecture, not just for food.Architecture: The Universal Language of TravelDZ Bank Berlinby Gehry Partners, Berlin, Germany One of the most fascinating aspects of architecture is its ability to communicate without the need for translation. Where food might require an understanding of local ingredients, methods, and sometimes even cultural customs, architecture transcends these boundaries. A building or structure can evoke emotion, inspire awe, and reveal the ingenuity of its creators without requiring prior knowledge of its origin.Take for example the inspiring Gothic cathedrals of Europe or the sleek, modernist lines of Frank Gehrys designs. These structures are instantly recognizable and leave an impression that speaks to people from all walks of life. Architecture, much like art, is a universal language that invites exploration and interpretation regardless of where youre from or what you know about a particular culture. You dont need to be able to grasp the intricacies of construction to appreciate the sheer grandeur of iconic buildings or to stand in awe of their innovative designs. In this way, architecture offers a truly universal experience that crosses borders, much like a shared language.Architecture: A Feast for the Eyes and SoulCentre Pompidou Metzby Shigeru Ban Architects, Metz, FranceWhile food offers an ephemeral pleasure, architecture provides a lasting experience one that engages the senses over time. A meal can be delicious, even memorable, but it is fleeting. Architecture, on the other hand, remains as a lasting imprint of a citys character and history, withstanding the test of time.Consider the Colosseum in Rome. As a structure that has withstood nearly two millennia, its impact is far more enduring than even the most revered Italian cuisine (in my opinion). The experience of standing before this ancient amphitheater, imagining the history that unfolded within its walls, offers an emotional depth that far surpasses any plate of pasta. Architecture allows us to connect not just with a place in the present, but with its past, its evolution over centuries, and its role in shaping the lives of those who came before us. It is a way of engaging with history in three dimensions.The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, for example, stands as a testament to how architecture can reshape entire cities. Frank Gehrys design is not only an extraordinary piece of architecture but also a transformative project that revitalized a city. The structure itself is more than a venue for art exhibitions; it is an artwork that elevates the urban experience. Visitors from around the world are drawn to witness how it embodies the intersection of art, architecture and urban renewal. The success of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao has stimulated local economy and inspired other cities to invest in architectural projects as catalysts for urban renewal and economic growth. This case underlines the unique power of architecture to not only serve functional or aesthetic purposes but also to foster socio-economic development and cultural renaissance in urban settings. The experience of walking around and within such a structure feeds not just the eyes but also the soul. This lasting impact is something that architecture uniquely provides.Architectural Destinations Over Culinary HotspotsBlue Planetby 3XN, Kastrup, Denmark While many travel destinations are celebrated for their food scenes, I would argue that their architecture is the true highlight. Whereas meals are transient, the experience of architecture is lasting. The spaces and buildings we explore continue to resonate with us long after we return home. They provide a place for us to gather, explore and experience either in groups or alone, and each person individually perceives and interprets these buildings and spaces uniquely. The grandeur of a citys skyline or the quiet dignity of a well-designed public park influences our perceptions of a place and our memories of it. These architectural experiences shape our narratives of travel and become landmarks in our personal and shared histories.Take Paris, for instance. While food enthusiasts may seek out the best patisseries, it is the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the intricate beauty of Haussmannian buildings that truly define the city. Paris is remembered as much for its architectural splendor as for its culinary delights. Similarly, consider Chicago. Famous for its deep-dish pizza, yes, but even more so for the architecture that makes it unique. From the soaring Willis Tower to the elegant lines of Mies van der Rohes modernist buildings and the playful reflective curves of The Bean, Chicagos architectural heritage defines the city far more profoundly than its local dishes. Architecture becomes the enduring hallmark of these cities the signature feature that remains long after the memory of a meal has faded.Architecture is Global, Food is LocalTianjin Binhai Libraryby MVRDV, Tianjin, China Another compelling argument in favor of architecture as the true focus of travel is its global nature. While culinary traditions are often limited to specific regions such as authentic Neapolitan pizza in Italy or traditional sushi in Japan architecture has a far-reaching, global presence. Roman aqueducts, for instance, can be found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, a testament to the widespread influence of Roman engineering.This brings me to another key point: traveling for architecture offers significant educational benefits. It exposes us to different architectural movements, design philosophies and engineering feats. This exposure is not just academic; it informs our understanding of space and functionality, influencing everything from our aesthetic preferences to our ideas about living environments. For those interested in design, urban planning or art, the educational benefits of architectural travel are immense. Architecture allows travelers to witness how ideas, styles and innovations transcend borders. It reveals the interconnections between cultures and provides a broader understanding of global history, politics and economics, much more so than food, which remains tightly tied to its local roots.Architecture Offers Adventure and EngagementDanish National Maritime Museumby Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Helsingr, Denmark While culinary travel may lead us to vibrant markets or celebrated restaurants, it is often a more passive experience. Architecture, on the other hand, offers adventure and engagement. Choosing architecture as the focus of our travels encourages us to look up and beyond the immediate gratifications of sensory experiences. It invites us to engage with our surroundings more thoughtfully and to appreciate the interplay of light, space, and material that only architecture can offer. As travelers, if we shift our gaze from the dining tables to the cityscapes, we might discover not just new sights but new ways of seeing.Take the winding streets of Venice, where every turn offers a new discovery of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Walking through Venice is an immersive experience, where architecture becomes an adventure in itself, pulling you deeper into the citys history and culture. Or consider Machu Picchu, where the architecture is not just something to admire but something to physically engage with climbing the terraces, moving through the ruins, and immersing yourself in the landscape. In my opinion, architecture is often overlooked and taken for granted because its a constant presence in our lives. But I strongly believe that it encourages travelers to look deeper, to explore more fully, and to engage with their surroundings in a way that food simply cannot.A Lasting ImpressionWhile the delights of global cuisine are undeniable, the benefits of traveling for architecture provide a more profound, enduring and enriching experience. It is an invitation to engage with the world on a deeper level, offering insights not just into how people live, but how they aspire to live. For those seeking a truly transformative travel experience, architecture offers a path that is as intellectually rewarding as it is visually spectacular.While food offers a sensory pleasure, it is temporary. Architecture, however, leaves a lasting impression. It defines cities, tells the story of cultures, and offers us a glimpse into the minds and hands that shaped the world. The next time you plan a trip, rather than searching for the best restaurants or street food stalls, consider focusing on the architecture.. or at least both. It will leave you with a deeper understanding of the place, its people, and its history. Architecture, after all, is the true feast one that nourishes the soul and continues to inspire long after the journey has ended.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post We Should Travel for Architecture, Not Food. Change My Mind. appeared first on Journal.

The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The problem with news media, particularly in the social age, is the propensity to focus on negatives. This is rarely more obvious than coverage of climate and the environment.On the one hand, denialist tendencies are exhibited by some corners of the press, usually in the form of scathing critiques taking aim at arguments based on modeling and estimates rather than hard facts. A disparaging light in which to cast any scientific study, let alone those relating to a crisis we are now watching happen in real-time.On the other side of the fence, green-aligned journalism is the stuff of nightmares. Unless we choose a different path, we are essentially on a collision course with searing temperatures, the collapse of vital natural systems, the disappearance of most species and, eventually, the complete exhaustion of resources.This blunt object narrative is clearly necessary, considering the academic consensus that climate change is definitely taking place and poses an existential threat to life on Earth. Yet, were not actually doing very much about it at any reasonable pace. Shock and awe is an obvious tactic.Nevertheless, its also important to celebrate and trumpet the victories that have come from our painfully slow movement towards more environmentally conscious attitudes. If everything is doomed there might not be much point in trying. If policies are working to mitigate and restore, telling people about it means theres more chance of them taking an interest in getting involved.Inside The Panda Pavilions at The Chengdu National Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center by Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch, Chengdu, ChinaConservation is one of the biggest shifts in how we view the planet and all its inhabitants. The fact were losing species faster than at any other point in recorded history is a product of how bad things have been allowed to get for centuries, and how difficult wildernesses are to police, not a lack of effort to stop the decline today.Bald eagles, California condor, the swift fox, and licking river mussels are all examples of US wildlife success stories. Species that were driven almost to the point of extinction, before clawing their way back from the brink with some human assistance. Outside the United States, there are many more cases like these.The Giant Panda is one. By the 1980s, just 1,100 or so of these incredible creatures were thought to still exist in China. A decade ago, new estimates put this closer to 2,000 and rising. In response, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) removed them from the Red List of Threatened Species.The Chengdu National Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center has played an integral role in this recovery, and while there is still a very long way to go before we can consider pandas safe, the institution is already preparing for the future of its vital work. The worlds leading site of study for this type of bear has recently expanded with an Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch-designed series of structures made from wood-grained aluminum and bamboo.External view of The Panda Pavilionsby Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch, Chengdu, ChinaAesthetically made to reflect the vast prairie landscapes beyond the sprawling city of Chengdu-proper, the four ring-shaped pavilions complement the sloped parklands outside the walls. Some elements sink beneath the ground or tree line, and others rising above them, and offer both behavioral research labs for the scientists and the living habitats of the pandas themselves.Outdoor terraces and indoor areas provide spaces for the animals to play, sleep and eat. Administrative offices and rooms for preserving and storing the bamboo that plays such a dominant part in panda diets, and interactive educational and exhibition spaces are also located within the same structures. This means the third stakeholders visitors quickly find themselves fully immersed in both the human-led studies and the daily life of bears.The Panda Pavilionsby Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch, Chengdu, ChinaBreaking down the fourth wall, in a manner of speaking, and offering a seamless integration between bears, researchers and members of the public is essential to create a sense of participation in the preservation and research process. An important win when we need to engage with far wider numbers on issues such as species decline, and just how precious living things are.The design of the panda pavilions concerns with the integration of human experience, architecture and environment. It is intended as a convergence of architecture, landscape and land art. While the project provides a pedestrian friendly navigation experience for the visitors, it prioritizes an animal-friendly environment to minimize the alienation of ecology, promoting biodiversity conservation, Jiang says of the project. Looking at the results, it would seem theres another environmental success story worth celebrating.The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The post Sustainable Practice: The Chengdu Panda Pavilions and the Architecture of Immersive Conservation appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Unity its something many of us feel we need more of right now. Each day, the world seems to become more connected yet ever more fragmented. From the beginning, architecture has been used as a way to express identity and cultural values, with many genres over the centuries being embedded with symbolism and societal significance. Today, amongst architects and enthusiasts alike, there is a growing appreciation for architectural elements that honor heritage and are rooted in authenticity. Such features allow architects to bridge the divide between local and global communities, helping unify us through a deeper understanding of other societies and building appreciation of our shared histories.Abrahamic Family House by Adjaye Associates, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Jury Winner, Religious Buildings and Memorials, 12th Annual A+Awards | Photo by Dror BaldingerThe mashrabiya, a hallmark of Islamic architecture, is one such element a time-honored feature that speaks to the ingenuity of our ancestors, is full of symbolism, and continues to have a functionality that is as relevant and useful in the modern world as it was in ancient times.The origins of mashrabiya might just be as varied as the patterns they are made of. Emerging from the Islamic worlds golden age (somewhere between the 8th and 14th centuries), this innovative architectural element has traveled across time and continents. Having left its mark on buildings from Marrakesh to Baghdad, from the palatial homes of Ottoman Istanbul to the wind-swept streets of Al-Andalus. It is since then, in these varied locations, that the mashrabiya has been adopted and adapted by many different regions and cultures.The term mashrabiya is derived from the Arabic word mashrafa, which means a place of drinking or refreshment. Initially, it referred to an area where water jars were placed to cool, benefiting from the breeze that would pass through the detailed latticework. Over time, mashrabiya evolved into the name for an intricate wooden screen that adorned the windows and balconies of not only this space but all windows in the home.Abrahamic Family House by Adjaye Associates, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Jury Winner, Religious Buildings and Memorials, 12th Annual A+Awards. | Photo by Dror BaldingerIts easy to be captivated by the intricate wooden lattices of mashrabiyas. They typically have delicate patterns that cast dappled light onto floors and walls. Many would think they are merely decorative elements, embellishments to simple stone buildings. However, these lattices are an ingenious blend of form and function and were some of the earliest methods for controlling solar gain in regions with high solar irradiance.Mashrabiyas shield interiors from the harsh glare of the sun, channeling cooling breezes into rooms and offering privacy without severing the connection to the world outside. The latticework allows for diffused light to enter a room, reducing glare and minimizing the harshness of direct sunlight. This diffusion of light protects interiors from overheating and minimizes the need for artificial lighting, ultimately conserving energy. Studies in passive cooling techniques have demonstrated that these kinds of traditional methods can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius), creating more comfortable living conditions without reliance on modern HVAC systems.United States Consulate General by Richrd Kennedy Architects, Hyderabad, India | Jury Winner, Government and Civic Buildings, 12th Annual A+Awards | Photograph by Gabe BorderEqually, mashrabiyas are designed to improve and facilitate natural ventilation. The small apertures in the lattice create a stack effect, where cooler air from the exterior is drawn in while warmer air is expelled through other openings, which creates a natural cooling breeze within the space without the need for excessive energy use.In recent years, with many towns and cities facing an increase in overall temperature and a desire to adopt energy-conscious architectural systems, mashrabiyas are experiencing a revival. As architects and designers search for ways to infuse contemporary buildings with local character and sustainable design principles, the centuries-old mashrabiya is regarded as an obvious solution. It is being reinterpreted and reimagined, not only in the Middle East but in cities around the globe.United States Consulate General by Richrd Kennedy Architects, Hyderabad, India | Jury Winner, Government and Civic Buildings, 12th Annual A+Awards | Photo by Gabe BorderWhile installing a mashrabiya is a fantastic technical solution for climate issues, there is an additional benefit to adopting such historically and culturally significant design styles. These styles have the potential to bridge divides not just between interior and exterior spaces but also between cultures, eras and even ideologies.The patterns of the mashrabiya are not arbitrary. They often follow complex geometric principles that are found in various forms of Islamic art. In Islamic culture, geometric patterns are used to represent the infinite nature of creation and the togetherness of the cosmos. The repetition of geometric shapes symbolizes the infinite nature of Allah, a theme that is incredibly meaningful within Islamic spiritual thought. With that in mind, this same symbolism is a useful tool for architects who wish to convey unity with their designs.Additionally, the mashrabiya is an excellent example of commonly explored architectural philosophy, the reconciliation of opposites, or juxtapositions. Mashrabiya can balance light and shade, control visibility and privacy, and today blend tradition and innovation. This duality is a direct reflection of the rich culture that defines Islamic architecture and one that resonates powerfully across the wider architecture community.OFFICE @ 63 by Sanjay Puri Architects, Navi Mumbai, India | Popular Winner, Commercial Interiors (<25000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards | (Also pictured at top of article)In multicultural urban centers, mashrabiya-inspired designs can be used as a visual and conceptual link for unity. They can honor local heritage while implementing highly modern architectural techniques, creating buildings that are both a celebration of culture and forward-thinking architecture. Whether in the context of a modern skyscraper or a restored historic building, the mashrabiya is a feature that highlights how architecture has the potential to be more than just a building.In the end, the mashrabiya, an amazing, functional architectural element, can also be seen as an opportunity to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It shows us that true innovation often lies in the reimagining of tradition and that in finding new ways to balance the needs of the individual with those of the community, the local with the global, we might look to symbolism for answers. As we continue to search for solutions to the challenges of our time, the mashrabiya offers a model of how architecture can contribute to a more harmonious, interconnected world. And in its delicate latticework, we might just find the key to unlocking a future that is as cohesive as it is diverse.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post Cultural Lattices: The Architectural Evolution of the Modern Mashrabiya appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Homogenous. Boring. Bulky. Ugly.These are some of the characterizations Athenians use to describe the buildings in which they live. The famous polykatoikia is a multi-housing apartment block whose name derives from poly, meaning many, and katoikia, meaning residence. This dominant morphological form has shaped Athens architectural identity since the early 20th century. View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Athenian Polykatoikia (@athenian.polykatoikia)In 1933, a group of architects, theoreticians and artists boarded the ship Patris II to travel from Marseille to Athens to carry out the CIAM IV Conference (Congrs Internationaux dArchitecture Moderne) titled the Functional City. Le Corbusier (architect), Fernand Lger (artist), Christian Zervos (art critic) and Siegfried Giedion (architectural historian) irreversibly shaped the future of Athenss built environment by advocating and promoting the modernist movement, thus inspiring Greek architects to produce the first designs of the Athenian Polykatoikia.Until the 1950s, polykatoikias slowly overshadowed the many two-story neoclassical houses that stood as the predominant form of residence throughout the city. However, in the late 1950s, following the devastating losses of the Second World War and the Greek Civil War, large parts of the population were leaving the countryside to migrate to the countrys capital in search of a better life. Consequently, the need for housing in Athens grew exponentially, and a new law, antiparochi, was created that changed the trajectory of the citys urban layout forever. The law of antiparochi allowed landowners to exchange their plots for ownership of some of the apartments in the new polykatoikia constructed on their land, resulting in the erection of countless polykatoikia buildings in record time. View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Athenian Polykatoikia (@athenian.polykatoikia)The positive effects of antiparochi were that the people from the countryside managed to find not only homes but also jobs in the construction industry. However, throughout the polykatoikia bloom, which mostly took place during the 1950s through to the 1980s, most of the buildings were not designed and materialized by architects but rather by contractors, who would relentlessly copy the basic morphological features, leading to the production of many uninspiring, identical multi-housing units. As a result only a few architectural gems can be found in a sea of repetitive concrete blocks. Furthermore, due to the rapid construction, any attempt for proper urban planning practices could simply not keep up and, as a result, polykatoikias were above the control of building regulations and often situated in areas without any proper infrastructure.If a person asks a present-day Athenian whether they find their city beautiful, the most likely response would be No. The aspiration of an Athens filled with neoclassical buildings, which was initially brought to the city by western European philhellenes, is a recurring 21st century dream. Nevertheless, this was not the case for the 1950s modern housewife. The polykatoikia introduced a functional way of living, filled with new amenities that were unprecedented at that time. People who lived in neoclassical houses had no immediate access to water, no preinstalled heating system and often had to go outside to use the bathroom facilities. The carefully decorated and carved faades, although beautiful and somewhat reminiscent of the (glorious) ancient Greek past, did not satisfy the needs of the 20th century Athenian.Torre della Nostlagia by 314 architecture studio, Athens, GreeceFurthermore, the polykatoikia introduced a new social organization. For the first time in history, wealthy and poor were living in the same building and neighborhood. In a typical polykatoikia, the ground floor would most likely be a shop, a caf, a restaurant or a bar, then the first couple of floors would be occupied by the lower social classes while the upper floors would house wealthier families; in fact, in later years some apartments would be turned into workspaces and, more recently, Airbnbs. This groundbreaking and totally spontaneous functional and social organization resulted in a city that seams homogenous but is actually the complete opposite: it is a vibrant built environment that truly never sleeps.Residential building by Kordas Architects, Athens, GreeceStill, almost 50 years have passed since the glorious days of the polykatoikia and it is time to reflect once more. Athens is currently facing an array of predominantly environmental problems, where a concrete carpet has covered entirely the natural landscape of the Attica basin. Amidst the concrete there are almost no green spaces, the existing rivers flow underground and Athens has become the hottest city in Europe. Fortunately, the mix of social classes has been preserved however, the growing tourist waves and golden visa initiatives are threatening housing for the four-million Athenians, who continue to live in polykatoikias in need of urgent restoration in both their interior and exterior.35 sqm Micro-apartment by Oikonomakis Siampakoulis architects, Athens, GreeceSo, what happens next? In a city that has been dominated by such a strong architectural typology, how can contemporary architects push this identity forward, tackling present-day challenges while preserving all the positive aspects of the polykatoikia? Projects with green balconies and roofs, sustainable cladding materials and designs that strive for an A+ ranking in energy efficiency are slowly improving the urban fabric. Some architects also claim that certain demolition works are unavoidable to free up space for planting and public use. Throughout this article, the actual architecture of the polykatoikia is not discussed but rather its wider social, political, economic and environmental implications. True, its simple, clean, modernist form is perhaps what allowed it to multiply in such a fast pace. Still, the most important initiative for architects would be to collectively research, gather and respond to the 2024 needs of the Greek capital and I am positive that the evolution of the Athenian architectural identity will follow.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Top image: Marylinalcyonova,Building Density beneath Lycabettus Hill in Athens Greece 01,CC BY-SA 4.0The post The Complicated Case of Polykatoikia, Athens Famous Postwar Apartment Blocks appeared first on Journal.

These annual rankings were last updated on August 22nd, 2024. Want to see your firm on next years list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studios ranking.Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East. It is vastly characterized by its diverse cultural heritage and history and distinct landscape topology. After becoming an independent country in 1979, Iranian architects had to find ways to preserve this vivid historical fabric while also satisfying societys growing needs. The country also holds a strategic geographical position and valuable natural resources, which, unfortunately, has led to many geopolitical and economic challenges. In this context, architecture played a definitive role, especially under the umbrella of cultural and environmental sustainability.Responding to the vastly changing urban and natural landscapes as well as the water scarcity and desertification, Iranian architects have prioritized topographically as well as socially impactful architectural designs that aid local communities. Currently, their designs are a blend of tradition and modernity that has introduced a new, contemporary layer to Iranian architecture, while operating at the highest levels of sustainable design.With so many architecture firms to choose from, its challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Iran based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.How are these architecture firms ranked?The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firms level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firms ranking, in order of priority:The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Project of the Day (2009 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Featured Project (2009 to 2024)The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Iran architecture firms throughout the year.Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Iran:30. ArmaniArchitects ArmaniArchitectsrmani rchitects is an innovative multidisciplinary collaborative practice founded by Amir Armani Asl and Kiana Ghader that focuses on architecture, interior design, landscape design, custom fabrication, parametric design and design objects.Some of ArmaniArchitectss most prominent projects include:INFILOOLION Pavilion, Tehran Province, IranSandy Darak Pavilion, Chabahar, IranLondon Energy Pavilion 2016, London, United KingdomIceland Thermal Springs Guest House/ Vogafjs Green Heritage, IcelandChina Wine Cultural Center, China The following statistics helped ArmaniArchitects achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 5 29. Boozhgan Architectural Studio Boozhgan Architectural StudioBoozhgan Architectural Studio was established in 2007 and is based in Tehran. Their work revolves around residential architecture.Some of Boozhgan Architectural Studios most prominent projects include:Asef Office Building, Tehran, IranHaiat- e Elahie Residential Building, Tehran, IranRenovation Of a House, Zanjn, IranNEGAH OFFICE BUILDING, Tehrn, IranBaranoosh Residential Building , Tehrn, Iran The following statistics helped Boozhgan Architectural Studio achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 11 28. FEASTUDIO FEASTUDIOThe office of Fundamental Architectural Experience [FEASTUDIO] was founded by Arash Nasiri and Ensieh Khamse in 2006. The office has tried so far to achieve a consistent, coherent language in their work based on their progressive experiences and the relations between the ideas and the work, a distinctive language by which to avoid architectural production being merely in the line of exigency and to push boundaries in order to let creativity and active, multilateral strategies in.Some of FEASTUDIOs most prominent projects include:The noor e mobin primary school, IranNoor-e-Mobin Sports Hall, Semnan, Iran The following statistics helped FEASTUDIO achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 2 27. Cedrus Studio Cedrus StudioCedrus is a Tehran-based, research-driven design and construction studio founded by Mohammad Mehdi Saeedi in 2017. The studio supported by a passionate team of skilled architects, landscape architects and interior designers. The studios projects range from single-family villas to residential, commercial and mixed-use large-scale complexes.Some of Cedrus Studios most prominent projects include:Peyvand Residential Building, Tehran, IranCedrus Residential Building, Tehran, IranVilla 174, Babolsar, IranElite Cafe, Tehran, IranShariat Villa, Karaj, Iran The following statistics helped Cedrus Studio achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 14 26. KOUROSH RAFIEY Architectural Design Studio(KRDS) KOUROSH RAFIEY Architectural Design Studio(KRDS)Kourosh Rafiey Architectural Design Studio is a full architectural and engineering services firm practicing on the study to producing work of lasting value. Kourosh Rafiey founded KRDS in 2006 motivated to design quality. Before that he was design director of Asar Consultant Engineers Co. since 1997 and practice as an independent designer. He had many works constructed & currently under construction; some of which have received national and international recognition. Examples of his works are published either online or in international magazines such as AD. The scope of work concerns the adjustment of all stages of design and technical expertise to oversee construction.Some of KOUROSH RAFIEY Architectural Design Studio(KRDS)s most prominent projects include:Sohanak Swimming Pool, Tehran, IranVault on vault, Royan, IranThe National Pantheon of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan The following statistics helped KOUROSH RAFIEY Architectural Design Studio(KRDS) achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 3 25. TDC office TDC officeSara Kalantary and Reza Sayadian are practicing architects who founded TDC Office in 2002. What differentiates them is the answers they give to the world around them, and a humble view, yet critical is easily traced in their works. Such view can be observed in numerous projects where unique solutions are rendered compared to typical methods of design and construction.Respect for human being and habitat, and a constant search for finding appropriate ideas, are based on the fact that creating a world full of unique recommendations can alter peoples deduction towards possible phenomena.For them, architecture is a dynamic phenomenon. They look at it as part of the city so that it can create memories. Dynamic presence of human in the city and home, as well as the flow of life in them are the most invaluable part of creating a space which insinuate that architecture is the way to embrace the world.Sarah and Rezas works, with their unique approach and ideas, have managed to win several international as well as national awards. Students as well as university professors have also taken notice of their work, both inside and outside the country. Such occurrences have resulted in their works being published in many authentic books and magazines all around the world.Some of TDC offices most prominent projects include:Saba Apartment, Tehran, IranPlus Machine, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped TDC office achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 2 24. ReNa Design Reza NajafianFounded in 2012, ReNa Design is a young architectural group active in design, architecture and research. The office is primarily concerned with issues of functionality and context. This approach is easily seen through the firms projects, ranging in different categories and types. ReNa Design pays a great amount of attention and care to materials and construction technology which are in turn applied to completely innovative and non-conventional conditions. Since its inception, ReNa Design has won many national awards and competitions in fields of architecture, design and interior design.Some of ReNa Designs most prominent projects include:Afsharians House, Kermanshah, IranZafar Dental Office, Tehran, IranDiyar Media Studio, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped ReNa Design achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 3 23. Arsh4d Studio Arsh4d StudioArsh4d Studio has been founded by Alireza Sherafati & Pantea Eslami in 2012 to provide full range of architectural services to both the public and private sectors. Alireza Sherafati & Pantea Eslami were previously the founding partner of the ARSH DESIGN STUDIO. In the work of Arsh4d, environmentally conscious design has become an integral consideration in the formulation of architectural ideas and in the spatial experience embodied in each completed project.Some of Arsh4d Studios most prominent projects include:Stacked Garden Villas, Namakabrud, IranCandy Shop, Tehran, IranVilla Residential, Tehran, IranUP VILLA, Abali, IranARG Shopping Mall, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped Arsh4d Studio achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 5 22. ayeneh office ayeneh officeArchitects of the Ayeneh Office believe that architecture like a mirror should reflect the context or the surrounding environment in the general sense. Context in this regard refers to the setting that a project begins to happen. Architecture welcomes the good way of living in a place and accepts its goodness. In other words, architecture, in one sense, acts as mirror to reflect the life of its context, and broadly speaking, it even reflects many features of the context (such as technology, crafting skills, economics, politics, crafting duration, and culture). The approach and design method in the Ayeneh office is to delve into the heart of both the subject and the place in order to reflect or increase their desirability. We try to excavate the project subject which is the life that is going to flow in it as well as its location to find the initial concepts shaping the design, and then epitomize it in our architecture.Some of ayeneh offices most prominent projects include:House of Niches, Najafabad, IranAndarzgoo Residential Building, Tehran, IranBahar House, Najafabad, Iran The following statistics helped ayeneh office achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 3 21. Alidoost & Partners Alidoost & PartnersFounded and directed by Shahab Alidoost and Sona Eftekharazam, Alidoost and Partners is a multidisciplinary office that focuses on architecture and design, from large scale planning to furniture. Rich with multiple expertises, our office is fuelled by talented designers and experienced architects that jointly develop projects from early sketches to on-site supervision. All of which, regardless of scale, outlines an approach that is affirmatively social in its outcome, enthusiastic in its ambition and professional in its process. At the core of our architecture is the ability to take a fresh look at design issues through experienced eyes. Our approach aims at turning intense research and analysis of practical and theoretical matters into the driving forces of design. By continuously developing rigorous methods of analysis and execution, Alidoost & Partners is able to combine innovative thinking and efficient production.We work with corporate, government and private clients in numerous countries to realize major civic, hotel, residential, office, commercial and educational developments. We carefully limit the commissions we take on to help ensure a high degree of professional attention and overall project quality. Alidoost &Partners envisions itself as a proactive partner for its client, rather than a consultant. The office has a wide portfolio of international work and the attitude of involving external consultants to improve the design intelligence of a given project team. The use of complementing teams ensures that a project will never suffer from being neither too conventional nor too naive.Some of Alidoost & Partnerss most prominent projects include:GOLIRAN Flower Shop, Rasht, Iran32, Tehran, IranMIKA-911, Tehran, IranNILOOFAR Residential Building, Tehran, IranFacade Renovation of ALVAND Office Building, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped Alidoost & Partners achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 12 20. HABIBEH MADJDABADI Architecture Studio HABIBEH MADJDABADI Architecture StudioHABIBEH MADJDABADI, born in 1977, is an Iranian architect, author, designer, and speaker. In 2002 she graduated by a Masters degree in architecture from Azad University of Tehran and started her professional career in 2003 by establishing her design studio in Tehran right after winning first prize in the design competition of restoring a historical building (belonging to Zand dynasty) in Iran. Since then she has received several awards and recognitions, among which are: shortlisted for Aga Khan Award 2016 and Tamayouz Women in Architecture and Construction Award 2019, winner of Chicago Award 2014, Worldwide Brick Award 2014, and MEMAR Award 2014.Some of HABIBEH MADJDABADI Architecture Studios most prominent projects include:Genetic Mutation II (Villa CHAR BAGH ), Karaj, IranVALIASR Square, Tehran Province, IranMahtabi House, Golpayegan, Iran40 Knots House, Tehran, IranMellat Bank Pilot Faade, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped HABIBEH MADJDABADI Architecture Studio achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 13 19. BRACKET DESIGN STUDIO BRACKET DESIGN STUDIOBracket Design Studio is a full-service design firm founded in 2006 by Shervin Hosseini. We offer services in urban design, interior space planning, furniture design and architecture from micro to macro scale. Our highly collaborative staff comes from wide-ranging theoretical and practical backgrounds, including designing, scripting, planning and construction of public and private projects. Offering innovative insights, materials and technology into our projects, we strongly consider the available possibilities of the site and the needs of clients in order to find the best solutions by constantly revising and redefining the projects. Each project, for us, entails its own singular approach which is essentially developed out of experience and intuition.Some of BRACKET DESIGN STUDIOs most prominent projects include:Baghjanat , Isfahan, IranVila 131, Isfahan, IranHouse No.47 , Isfahan, IranVienna Liquid Garden, Vienna, AustriaAdl Complex , Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped BRACKET DESIGN STUDIO achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 47 18. KanLan [Kamran Heirati, Tallan Khosravizadeh] KanLan [Kamran Heirati, Tallan Khosravizadeh]Kamran Heirati Architects was established to enhance the architecture and human experience by incorporating Irans authentic culture into its designs and respond to todays community challenges. Established in 2001, this office has produced award-winning architectural and interior design projects across Iran and other countries.Some of KanLan [Kamran Heirati, Tallan Khosravizadeh]s most prominent projects include:Villa Shali-Kar, Mazandaran Province, IranVilla-Safadasht, Malard Road, Karaj, IranVilla Hayat-Khaneh, Mazandaran Province, IranVilla Daryakenar, Mazandaran Province, Iran A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 4 ITEM_POSITION=18th TITLE=30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran]17. BonnArq Architects BonnArq ArchitectsBehzad Atabaki has founded Behzad Atabaki Studio in 1999 and also co-founded BonnArq Architects in 2014 which both are recognized for their works in art, architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture. Winning the first prize in the competition, together with Parshia Qaregozloo, he has been the co-curator of the Iran Pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale 2016. In 2019 he has won ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR at Middle East Architect Awards.Believing in the multidisciplinary approach to architecture and urbanism, Behzad Atabaki has earned three masters degrees in three interrelated fields of architecture in 1998, urban design in 2002, and landscape architecture in 2006. From 2010, he has been teaching architecture design regularly at University.Some of BonnArq Architectss most prominent projects include:Niayesh Office Building, Tehran, IranPark residential, Tehran, IranVilla Didaar, Nowshahr, IranAftab Office Building, Tehran, IranChaharGah House, Mosha, Iran The following statistics helped BonnArq Architects achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 6 16. KA architecture studio (Mohammad Khavarian studio) KA architecture studio (Mohammad Khavarian studio)Mohammad Khavarian has a team of seventy plus Iranian architects and designers working together worldwide. Through its intensely involved and focused practice, Mohammad Khavarian applies critical thinking to a process that extends beyond the boundaries of architectural production to realize specific and unexpected solutions. It seeks to engage people and cultures, technologies and materials, psychologies and experiences, and recognizes architecture as a connective and fundamentally social construct. Architecture is imagined as a matrix of hybrid narratives from which to construct future realities conceptual, spatial and experiential and a rigorous search for new potentials to realize specific unexpected solutions inhabited by the lives of people and cities.Some of KA architecture studio (Mohammad Khavarian studio)s most prominent projects include:Jahad Metro Plaza, Tehran, IranYast Khaneh, Yazd, IranIMPI Office building, Tehran, IranVariant house, Tehran, IranDehnou school, Jiroft, Iran The following statistics helped KA architecture studio (Mohammad Khavarian studio) achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 6 15. 35-51 ARCHITECTURE Office 35-51 ARCHITECTURE Office35-51ARCHITECTURE Office is an award-winning architecture and landscape design firm. Our team of skilled specialists brings expertise in merging artistry with functionality, ensuring every project stands out for its unique vision. Our approach tries to reflect a harmonious balance between international design standards and a deep understanding of the specific needs and cultural nuances of the local environment.Some of 35-51 ARCHITECTURE Offices most prominent projects include:Dasht-e-chehel villa, Mosha, IranShafagh Tomb, Iranvanoosh villa, Iran The following statistics helped 35-51 ARCHITECTURE Office achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 3 14. RYRA Studio RYRA StudioRYRA Design and construction studio was founded in 2000 with a goal of creating unique spaces by using new aspects of contemporary architecture. It seeks to develop designs that encompass in an expressive way the spatial needs, the spirit of the location and the constructive solution of the project. Artistic view is a key factor in RYRA design approach.The work of RYRA in these years resulted in a collection of varied types in different fields of architecture which have been widely published and exhibited; this firm won several prizes in the most prestigious competitions held in Iran and abroad for its innovative designs.Vali-Asr building of this studio has been selected as the best office building of the year in World Architecture Festival in 2010.Some of RYRA Studios most prominent projects include:Rowzan residence, Tehran, IranSIPAN residential building, Tehran, IranVali-Asr Commercial-Office BuildingBarin Ski Resort, Shemshak, IranCheshm Azin, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped RYRA Studio achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 5 13. Rvad Studio Rvad StudioRVAD Architecture Studio is co-founded in Tehran, Iran in 2020 by two young Iranian architects, Ms. Hannaneh Misaghi and Mr. Hasan Dehghanpour. The studios design ideals are focused on extending the relationship between architecture and humanity with consideration of history and culture so as to produce designs appropriate for each site and in service of both the society and its citizens. RVAD Studio aims to present architectural solutions focused on the needs of future generations and their potential in view of each projects benefit to present a new perspective on social relationships. The design projects range from single-family houses to residential, commercial and mixed-use large-scale complexes, to urban master plans.Some of Rvad Studios most prominent projects include:Tagh Behesht, Mashhad, IranVianeh, Abyaneh, IranChaharbad ( ), Dubai, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped Rvad Studio achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 3 12. Davood Boroojeni Office Davood Boroojeni OfficeAs a technically competent architecture firm with over 15 years of professional experience, we have been involved in different stages of architectural projects including the conception of preliminary design ideas, schematic design and design development, as well as producing submittal packages, visual presentations, construction documents, layouts and details through close dialogue with clients, producers, and other engineers. We believe that our communication skills, public relations, and problem-solving experience, combined with our background in related software, and our ability to research, schedule, and coordinate design in various stages of the project, has made us a firm to depend on, and a key team member.Some of Davood Boroojeni Offices most prominent projects include:Kia Lab, West Azerbaijan Province, IranShamim Polymer Factory, Karaj, IranQarahziya House | Ranjdoost, West Azerbaijan Province, IranMuseum of Life, Urmia, IranVilla Gilbam, Rasht, Iran The following statistics helped Davood Boroojeni Office achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 6 11. Admun Studio Admun StudioConsidering contemporary lifestyle requirements while having future in mind, We believe in Diagrammatic approaches toward tradition rather than formal repetition.Some of Admun Studios most prominent projects include:Cloaked in Bricks, Tehran, IranAperture, Bumehen, IranChooji restaurant, Tehran, IranTiraje Cinema, Tehran, IranLaico Showroom, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped Admun Studio achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 8 10. Marizad Architects Marizad ArchitectsMarizad Architects bases its design process on the understanding of systems and relationships that are derived from the project criteria, translating these systems into computational parameters from which the design is developed. The practice is not only involved in large-scale architectural projects but product design and academia as well. However, all activities are based on a process of experimentation, discovery and implementation which encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and a bottom-up approach to design.Some of Marizad Architectss most prominent projects include:Hamedan Chamber of Commerce, Hamedan, IranFarmanieh Residential TowerThe Alley House, Qom, IranQazvin Glass Co. headquartersLodge on the Lake The following statistics helped Marizad Architects achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 7 9. AshariArchitects AshariArchitectsAshari Architects and Associates began its professional activities in the field of research, design and architectural education in 2005. The group approaches architectural practice with an experiential perspective in various domains. AshariArchitects designed and executed various projects in architecture, interior architecture, and landscape architecture, encompassing diverse functions such as residential, commercial, administrative, educational, cultural, industrial, and tourist projects, both on small and large scales. Product design and art installations are among the groups secondary activities.With the aim of creating projects that resonate with their time and context, the group strives to commit itself to maintaining the cycle of social, economic, and environmental sustainability, as well as improving the quality of life for users.Some of AshariArchitectss most prominent projects include:Sadra Library, Shiraz, IranTRIANGLE CAFE, Shiraz, IranTHE PAUSE, Shiraz, IranLife Bridge, Shiraz, IranUrban Bridge, Isfahan, Iran The following statistics helped AshariArchitects achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 35 8. CAAT Studio Parham TaghioffMahdi Kamboozia established CAAT Studio in 2015. The CAAT Studio activity can be construction engineering in the context, to the closer the distance from the idea of the design to the construction. The opinion that future architecture is not only about the advancement of design and construct technology but also in proposing ideas tailored to the new conditions in social relations. This look has evolved over the years to deal with different projects and the growth and development of the studio. We are looking forward to confronting the projects with design problems and come up with a solution. Each assignment defines a different story which shows there are varying answers to each task.Some of CAAT Studios most prominent projects include:Private Jewelry Retail office #04, Tehran, IranKamyaran City School, Kamyaran, IranForgotten spaces / Anthropology Open Air Museum / under the Mirdamad Bridge, Tehran, IranIsfahan H to V House, Isfahan, IranKahrizak Residential #01, Kahrizak, Iran The following statistics helped CAAT Studio achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 7 7. New Wave Architecture(Lida Almassian / Shahin Heidari) New Wave Architecture(Lida Almassian / Shahin Heidari)New Wave Architecture Founded in 2006 is a 150 person innovative architecture design firm in Tehran, Iran.It has been nationally and internationally honored with architectures prestigious awards ,publications ,competitions and citation for design excellence with extensive experience in the campus and educational faculties, specialized hospitals and health care facilities.Other projects include retail design, residential work and recreational facilities. Over 120 projects has been designed, accomplished or due to be completed. New Wave architecture seeks for global language of architecture to approach an innovative and challenging contemporary movement.It explores the new ways of emerging ideas, demanding and distinctive spaces regarding the aesthetic aspects, humanity and global communication.Some of New Wave Architecture (Lida Almassian / Shahin Heidari)s most prominent projects include:Polour Rock Gym, Polour, IranTurbosealtech New incubator and Office building, Tehran, IranMeygoun Residential Complex, Meygun, IranThree Views / A House, Mosha, IranUniversity of Semnan Auditorium and Library, Semnan, Iran The following statistics helped New Wave Architecture(Lida Almassian / Shahin Heidari) achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 11 6. Farshad MehdiZadeh Design | FMZD Farshad MehdiZadeh Design | FMZDFarshad Mehdizadeh was born in Isfahan, Iran. He completed his bachelors and initial masters degree at the Azad University of Isfahan, where he graduated in 2008. Farshad started his professional career as an architect in Fluid Motion Studio in Tehran. Later he worked with Lab Architecture Studio in Melbourne, Australia. Farshad has designed award winning personal projects as well, namely his Abadan residential building which won first prize in the national Memar awards of Iran and high recognition in the Middle East awards.Farshad acquired a second masters degree at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, in Barcelona Spain, after which he returned to Iran and established his own firm, Tehran Architecture Studio. Farshad is also active in the academic field, starting in 2007 as an assistant professor and continuing his academic work as a guest lecturer as well as through international workshops and collaboration with architects, instructors and architecture institutes around the world. He is now teaching in Melbourne University faculty of architecture. Farshad focuses his research on geographically context-based architecture and the impact of geography on architecture in general.Some of Farshad MehdiZadeh Design | FMZDs most prominent projects include:TERMEH Office Retail Building, Hamadan, IranFarmanieh Residential TowerSangan Hotel, Sangan, IranTehran Eye, Tehran, IranSabzevar Arc House, Sabzevar, Iran The following statistics helped Farshad MehdiZadeh Design | FMZD achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 17 5. Next Office Next OfficeNext Office, based in Tehran, aims to provide a contemporary alternative to traditional Iranian architecture, responding to the climate conditions, economic, socio political and cultural context of each project. The practices work ranges from single-family houses to residential, commercial and mixed-use large-scale complexes, to urban master plans. Over the past decade, the practice has won several Memar Awards, a prestigious national award for architecture in Iran held annually, making it one of the top prize-winning practices in the country.Some of Next Offices most prominent projects include:Guyim Vault HouseBeheshti Gold Gallery (Bijou Shop in Tehran Grand Bazaar), Tehran, IranNeighbours, IranSharifi-ha House, Tehran, IranSafadasht Dual, Iran The following statistics helped Next Office achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Finalist 6 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 31 4. Mado Architects Mado ArchitectsMADO STUDIO was founded by Maziar Dolatabadi on 1998 in Tehran, in the beginning it was working under the title AXIS when it changed its name to MADO on 2017. During these years MADO has designed and executed over 300 projects with different usages around the world, with the purpose of designing and creating new and distinguished architectural spaces. In these years of nonstop activities, we have created numerous imaginative ideas with executable solutions for our projects. With these ideas and solutions, we have continuously managed to utilize spaces in the best way possible while minimizing our clients cost and implementation time.Some of Mado Architectss most prominent projects include:Bagh Chai Villa, IranSenegal School, SenegalTHE AGENCY METAVERSELeft-Right(Pink Lake), Chah Bahar, Iranalanya vertical villas, Alanya, Turkey The following statistics helped Mado Architects achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 3 Featured Projects 14 Total Projects 39 3. ZAV Architects ZAV ArchitectsZAV Architects design the extended process of architectural object production. ZAV designs the process with the aim of rediscovering at hand and forgotten resources. Using the help of the locally available workforce, the reimagined process transforms the initial resources into adaptable spaces.Whatever the outcome, which might be unsolicited, we embrace it as designers. We think of this as adopted aesthetics.When looking at the history of the region where we come from, this culture is rather common, or at least used to be. For instance, in villages people take an ordinary raw material such as wool, color it with plant residues like pomegranate skin or dyers madder, and using creative designs and crafts, they turn the raw material into the invaluable object that is the carpet. Carpet is used for many things, including sitting, eating, sleeping, hosting, guests and studying.Some of ZAV Architectss most prominent projects include:Presence in Hormuz 2 (Majara Residence), IranPresence in Hormuz (Rong Cultural Center), IranHabitat For Orphan Girls, Khansar, IranType-less Building (Center for Handy Skills), IranDr.Beski Science Foundation, Iran The following statistics helped ZAV Architects achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 6 Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 14 2. Hooba Design Group Hooba Design groupBorn in 1978, Hooman Balazadeh is the founder and executive director of HOOBA Design Group. Gaining his Master of Architecture in 2003, Balazadeh started working at Shirdel & Partners, where he was a design member for two years, active on several projects.Balazadeh established HOOBA Design in 2007 with the aim of developing projects in harmony with the cultural and geographical characteristics of the site so that each project forms a new platform for research and investigation.This office has focused on various topics such as light, color, relation between architecture and the city, building materials, development of spatial diagrams in the Persian Architecture, etc.Some of Hooba Design groups most prominent projects include:Hitra Office & Commercial Building, Tehran, IranEspriss Caf, Tehran, IranOzgol Residential Apartment, Tehran, IranValiahdi Office Building, Karaj, IranAptus Factory Showroom, Karaj, IranTop image: Hashtgerd Green Village, Karaj, Iran The following statistics helped Hooba Design group achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Winner 5 A+Awards Finalist 4 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 21 1. Kalbod Design Studio Kalbod Design StudioKalbod Design Studio is one of the subsets of Kalbod Construction Group, which works in the field of execution and design, was established by Mohammad Rahimizadeh in 2016. During his years of activity, he has designed various projects with a variety of uses. With the aim of providing a contemporary alternative to traditional Iranian architecture, tries responding accurately to challenges of the climatic, economic, political, social and cultural conditions of each project. In addition to creativity and quality, the kalbod studio knows the needs and limitations of its projects well and designs beyond nationalities and specialized disciplines, regardless of borders.Some of Kalbod Design Studios most prominent projects include:Knowledge Bridge, Isfahan, IranDigging the Light (Qanat Villa), Yazd, IranZephyr House, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesEsteghlal Hotel, Bandar Bushehr, Iranthe green growth restaurant, Iceland The following statistics helped Kalbod Design Studio achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 16 Total Projects 24 Why Should I Trust Architizers Ranking?With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the worlds largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the worlds best architecture each year.Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlightedA Guide to Project AwardsThe blue + badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizers Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a projects likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:Project completed within the last 3 yearsA well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphsArchitectural designwith a high level of both functional and aesthetic valueHigh quality, in focus photographsAt least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the buildingInclusion of architectural drawings and renderingsInclusion of construction photographsThere are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizers Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.Were constantly look for the worlds best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.The post 30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Iran appeared first on Journal.

These annual rankings were last updated on August 16th, 2024. Want to see your firm on next years list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studios ranking.Chicago is near the top of many enthusiasts lists or architectural pilgrimages. After being destroyed by a fire in 1871, like a phoenix, Chicago rose from its ashes, and in the process, it became an urban incubator for skyscraper design. Throughout the next several decades, architects explored the possibilities of steel frame construction and plate glass. Architects like Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies pioneered novel theories and designs, in the process devising methods for erecting taller and taller buildings with unique ways of expressing their structural prowess.Fast forward to today, and Chicago remains an influential producer in the architectural world. More and more, the city has turned its attention to landscape architecture and the architecture of public places. This urban-oriented approach is apparent in many leading firms found in the following list.With so many architecture firms to choose from, its challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Chicago based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.How are these architecture firms ranked?The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firms level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firms ranking, in order of priority:The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Project of the Day (2009 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Featured Project (2009 to 2024)The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Chicago architecture firms throughout the year.Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Chicago:30. OKW Architects OKW ArchitectsOKW Architects is in the business of reimagining, reinventing, and repositioning. We use our design and business acumen to improve the built environment in creative and imaginative ways.Some of OKW Architects most prominent projects include:15 E Oak, Chicago, IllinoisTime Out Market, Chicago, IllinoisHarlem Irving Plaza, Norridge, IllinoisEataly, Chicago, IllinoisHinsdale Golf Club, Clarendon Hills, Illinois The following statistics helped OKW Architects achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 11 29. Earles Architects and Associates (EAA) Earles Architects and Associates (EAA)Innovating Successful Environments is what inspires us. Established in 1991, Earles Architects and Associates (EAA) is a full-service architectural design firm offering a wide range of architectural, interior design and planning services. EAA has years of experience with a variety of clients in the corporate, tenant development, healthcare, institutional, industrial and retail/hospitality sectors. Innovation is at the core of every architectural design solution we create and evident in the thousands of projects weve successfully delivered. We are strong proponents of the team approach, partnering well not only with our clients but with everyone involved; from brokers and building owners to engineers and contractors.Some of Earles Architects and Associates (EAA)s most prominent projects include:Sterling Bay , Chicago, IllinoisStarbucks , Chicago, IllinoisGreat Dane Trucking , Chicago, IllinoisPhusion Projects , Chicago, IllinoisEmbeya , Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Earles Architects and Associates (EAA) achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 17 28. Bailey Edward Bailey EdwardBailey Edward is a purpose-driven, forward-thinking, and award-winning architecture and engineering firm that offers creative design solutions for the way people live, work and learn. Their innovative team employs an integrated and effective design approach to respond to the needs of the public. Every project is approached with a sense of social contract, purpose and a promise to deliver clients creative and responsive solutions.Founded in 1991, the Illinois-based firm practices throughout the Midwest with offices in Chicago, Fox River Grove and Champaign. Every project is approached with a sense of social contract, purpose and a promise to deliver clients creative and responsive solutions.Some of Bailey Edwards most prominent projects include:Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Health Care Center Community Living Courtyard, North Chicago, IllinoisIsmaili Jamatkhana House of Worship Glenview, Glenview, IllinoisUniversity of Illinois at Chicago Richard J. Daley Library Corridor Oasis Renovation, Chicago, IllinoisIllinois Army National Guard Readiness Center and Army Aviation Support Facility, Kankakee, IllinoisThe Compass Church Worship Center, Naperville, Illinois The following statistics helped Bailey Edward achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 21 27. Vinci-Hamp Architects Tom HarrisVHA is committed to the improvement of the built environment through the preservation of historic buildings and the design of new buildings of the highest quality. Historic architecture, through its materials, detailing, scale and proportion, contributes to a rich and pleasing built environment. Such buildings should be preserved, both for their historic significance and for their adaptability to other, contemporary uses. VHA has considerable experience with historic architecture, both as a defender of Chicagos buildings and as architect for numerous preservation and reuse projects. VHAs new buildings demonstrate that contemporary architecture develops through straightforward expressions of function, structure and materials. Like the best buildings of the past, our new buildings emphasize dignified spaces, refined proportions and quality materials. We strive for buildings that are clearly organized, well built and relatively timeless in their forms and details.Some of Vinci-Hamp Architectss most prominent projects include:Tribune Tower Conversion, Chicago, IllinoisThe Drawing Room at the Arts Club of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Vinci-Hamp Architects achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 2 26. GREC Architects, LLC GREC Architects, LLCWe are a group of architects, designers and planners who lead collaborative efforts with our team and our clients to provide creative and efficient project solutions.Some of GREC Architects, LLCs most prominent projects include:ACE Hotel Downtown LA, Los Angeles, CaliforniaWestin Hotel at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesBacardi at the Park, Chicago, IllinoisEnergy Trading Tower, Chicago, IllinoisBusiness Bay Tower, Dubai, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped GREC Architects, LLC achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 20 25. Searl Lamaster Howe Architects Searl Lamaster Howe ArchitectsSearl Lamaster Howe Architects is committed to realizing inspiring spaces for clients who value where they live, work, play and learn. Each project is approached as a unique opportunity with a distinct set of needs and aspirations. Client collaboration at each step of the design and construction process is key to the quality of the offices work. A projects aesthetic is complemented and shaped by a detailed study of program, context, technology, and budget. The studio shares a commitment to creativity, innovation, sustainability, detail, and materiality. The firm portfolio includes residential, commercial and institutional projects that range from master planning to renovations to restorations to new construction; it is a member of the United States Green Building Council and offers full LEED services.Some of Searl Lamaster Howe Architectss most prominent projects include:Harbert Cottage, MichiganPearson Residence, Chicago, IllinoisSeneca Road House, Chicago, IllinoisMies Residence, Chicago, IllinoisBIGA The following statistics helped Searl Lamaster Howe Architects achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 17 24. Palmyra PLLC Palmyra GerakiPALMYRA PLLC is a woman-owned full-service architecture practice based in Chicago. The practice, like its founder, is named after the city of Palmyra in present-day Homs Governorate, Syria, a city with an independent streak and an incredibly rich multicultural history. The archaeological site of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was partially destroyed by ISIS in 2015. Even in its ruinous state, Palmyra is a palimpsest, if there ever was any. In our practice we believe that we are never creating in a vacuum and the name of our practice serves as a reminder of that.Architecture always starts with a problem: sometimes an eminently practical one and sometimes an abstract or conceptual one.Some of Palmyra PLLCs most prominent projects include:Not All White Walls, San Francisco, California The following statistics helped Palmyra PLLC achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 23. dSPACE Studio dSPACE StudioWe are an award-winning architecture firm dedicated to architecture, interiors, and landscape. Our work is defined by thoughtful design and innovation. Every project is tailor-made. Project types include residential and commercial, with a focus on urban dwellings, vacation homes, and unique business spaces. Projects include new construction, renovations and additions.We approach all projects individually. Each project starts with an exploration of client needs and evolves from budget, location, and context without imposition of preconceived styles or solutions. We strive to integrate environmentally sustainable design with green technologies and materials, whenever possible. We are dedicated to client satisfaction by meeting mutually agreed upon project requirements and goals.Some of dSPACE Studios most prominent projects include:Escape Pod- 2013 AIA Award Winner, Chicago, IllinoisZinc House, Chicago, IllinoisAtrium House, Chicago, IllinoisContemporary Office, Chicago, IllinoisThe Wave- 2014 AIA Award Winner, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped dSPACE Studio achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 14 22. moss design moss designmoss is a multidisciplinary architecture and urban design studio. We provide a wide range of services and expertise throughout the project, from site selection to design, project management, construction, and completion. Our credentials include WBE certification, LEED accreditation, and Illinois, Michigan, and California licensure. Our work is diverse by design, allowing us to explore the best design solutions across various project types, including residential, commercial, hospitality, interiors, urban planning, and custom furniture.Our approach is both collaborative and customized. We seek collaboration with owners and developers looking for more than a set of drawings but true partners in a comprehensive process. We explore work that stretches the boundaries of what an architect typically does, tapping the experience weve gained and generating innovative and transformative solutions.Some of moss designs most prominent projects include:Begyle Brewing Company Tasting Room, Chicago, Illinois5411 Winthrop Flats, Chicago, Chicago, IllinoisVic Loft, Chicago, IllinoisBar Pastoral, Chicago, IllinoisCrew Bar + Grill, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped moss design achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 14 21. Pappageorge Haymes Partners YoChicagoSince 1981, the architecture of Pappageorge Haymes Partners (PH) has had a profound influence on attitudes toward the rebirth of our cities and the promise of urban living. Our unique approach both passionately civic and distinctly practical has produced a remarkable and award-winning body of work that includes nearly every product and building type, from single-family homes to high-rises, expansive mixed-use developments, far-sighted neighborhood plans, and the creative adaptive re-use of structures across the United States. Well known for the collaborative, client-oriented approach and insightful skill we bring to every project, PH is widely recognized as an important leader in its field.Some of Pappageorge Haymes Partnerss most prominent projects include:K2 Apartments, Chicago, IllinoisARC at Old Colony, Chicago, IllinoisChristopher House Charter School, Chicago, Illinois600 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IllinoisWyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Pappageorge Haymes Partners achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 22 20. Krueck Sexton Partners Krueck Sexton PartnersKrueck Sexton Partners is a Chicago-based, nationally recognized architecture practice comprised of design professions dedicated to the realization of buildings that are reflective of our diverse clients. We work in close collaboration with industry-leading engineers and consultants, reinforcing an interdisciplinary and research-based studio culture. We have achieved a consistent design portfolio of the highest quality for over thirty years. Client participation is encouraged throughout a journey of discovery, when ideas and opportunities that best support the project goals begin to crystallize. This allows for the development of unique and specific solutions.Some of Krueck Sexton Partners most prominent projects include:CME Center, Chicago, Illinois1100 First Street, Washington, DCSpertus Institute for Jewish Learning & Leadership, Chicago, IllinoisUniversity of Chicago Edward H. Levi Hall Portal, Chicago, Illinoisddd The following statistics helped Krueck Sexton Partners achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 7 19. bKL Architecture bKL ArchitecturebKL Architectures open studio environment encourages a spirited exchange of ideas. Our culturally diverse team brings together a broad range of skills, experiences and backgrounds to create a vibrant atmosphere and design process. At the center of our process is a focus on in-depth analysis, intensive experimentation and collaboration. Our team designs projects that only enrich sites and cities around the world in which we build.Some of bKL Architectures most prominent projects include:The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower), Chicago, IllinoisGEMS World Academy-Chicago, Lower School, Chicago, IllinoisWhitney Young Library Chicago, Chicago, IllinoisCoast at Lakeshore East, Chicago, IllinoisWolf Point West, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped bKL Architecture achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 9 18. Cordogan Clark & Associates James Steinkamp PhotographyWe create great environments. We are a full service architecture, planning, and engineering firm with deep experience in academic, civic, and residential architecture. Our portfolio includes many innovative, first of their kind projects. We have extensive experience in the design and technical development of building systems and the management of complex projects. We maintain a special focus on architecture that supports and benefits community.Some of Cordogan Clark & Associatess most prominent projects include:41st and 43rd Street Pedestrian Bridges Chicago, Chicago, IllinoisFay-Cooper Cole Hall, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IllinoisHerget Middle School, Aurora, IllinoisNingbo Industrial Design and Creative Center, Ningbo, ChinaCorporate Headquarters and Resort Hotel Zhuhai, China, Zhuhai, China The following statistics helped Cordogan Clark & Associates achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 40 17. FGP atelier FGP atelierChicago-based global architecture firm FGP Atelier is changing the paradigm of what constitutes great architecture and building. Helmed by award-winning, Mexican-born architect Francisco Gonzalez Pulido (FGP), FGP Atelier was founded in September of 2017 following Gonzalez Pulidos departure as partner and president of JAHN.Some of FGP ateliers most prominent projects include:Diablos Rojos Stadium, Mexico City, MexicoOrchid Educational Pavilion, Oaxaca, MexicoLOT 41, Shanghai, ChinaFacet, Shenzhen, ChinaStarring by Ted Gibson, Los Angeles, California The following statistics helped FGP atelier achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 10 16. Latent Design Latent DesignLatent Design is a Chicago based full service architecture firm and strategic design consultancy working at the intersection of design and community development to create social, economic and environmental impact beyond the building. We use design as a tool to make the invisible forces impacting a project at local and global levels; policy, culture, climate, economy, visible through architecture. We offer innovative design solutions to those in resource and budget limited environments through a participatory approach that leverages local assets to directly generate project opportunities. Our collaborations range from small-scale tactical interventions, new construction community buildings, adaptive reuse, neighborhood master plans and design speculations.Latent Design is a registered Benefit Corporation in the State of Illinois and is required by law to create and demonstrate positive social impact to the community through our work.Some of Latent Designs most prominent projects include:Boombox Micro Retail, Chicago, IllinoisElectrolux Meander KitchenDemoiselle 2 Femme HOPE Center, Chicago, IllinoisChicago Womens Health Center, Chicago, IllinoisJackson Flat, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Latent Design achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 2 Total Projects 10 15. Goettsch Partners Goettsch PartnersGoettsch Partners (GP) is an architecture firm with a global perspective. Based in Chicago, with additional offices in Denver and Shanghai, we share a singular approach to design that combines seasoned experience with a passion for exploration and innovation. Our completed and active projects span five continents and represent a diverse range of types and sizes.Some of Goettsch Partnerss most prominent projects include:Lincoln Park Zoo Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Chicago, IllinoisMennica Legacy Tower, Warsaw, Poland110 North Wacker , Chicago, IllinoisAlcove, Nashville, TennesseAbu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped Goettsch Partners achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 15 14. Partners By Design Partners By DesignAs we mark our 30th year in business in 2023, Partners by Design continues to design and deliver powerful, one-of-a-kind spaces for our clients. Through our integrated approach, innovative solutions, and diversified suite of services (Interiors, Architecture, Spark Environmental Branding, and VIZfire Architectural Visualization), all under one roof, we continue to be an industry leader through our innovation, technology integration, and thought leadership on the direction and formation of new space typologies.Our client-centric process driven by research and grounded in data, gives us a deep understanding of human behavior and what our clients face every day. Utilizing this behavioral understanding directly correlates to successful placemaking design and delivery.Some of Partners By Designs most prominent projects include:Mead Johnson Nutrition, Chicago, IllinoisColor Factory, Chicago, IllinoisVizient, United StatesCCC Intelligent Solutions, Chicago, IllinoisJBG Smith, Bethesda, Maryland The following statistics helped Partners By Design achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 13 13. SCB Darris Lee Harris PhotographySCB is an architecture, planning, interior and urban design firm. Founded in Chicago in 1931, SCB provides design services from four locations across the US. SCB is at the forefront of dense urban living, innovative workplaces, inspiring learning environments, resilient infrastructure, and vibrant communities. Through the collective impact of nearly a century of work, the firm has made an indelible mark on the contemporary landscape.Some of SCBs most prominent projects include:Academic and Residential Complex at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IllinoisVital Proteins, Chicago, IllinoisTribune Tower Conversion, Chicago, Illinois55 Ninth, San Francisco, CaliforniaInstitute for Environmental Sustainability, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped SCB achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 14 12. JAHN JAHNJAHN is a unique architectural firm conceived to meet the challenges posed by the new millennium. Under the leadership of Helmut Jahn the firm has grown and evolved steadily from the original practice founded in 1937 by Charles F. Murphy, Sr. out of a tradition started with Daniel H. Burnham. The firm has carried the name Murphy/Jahn from 1979 to 2012 and is now known simply as JAHN. We believe our commitment to this balance is fundamental to the successful translation from architectural concept into built reality. We are committed to creating forward reaching buildings, which will endure the test of time and become a source of pride in the minds of owners, users, communities, and ourselves.Some of JAHNs most prominent projects include:Leatop Plaza, Zhejiang, ChinaJoe and Rika Mansueto Library, Chicago, IllinoisJoe and Rika Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IllinoisHighlight Towers, Mnchen, GermanyHEGAU TOWER, Singen, Germany The following statistics helped JAHN achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 22 11. Jacobs Ryan Associates Jacobs Ryan Associates, Mikyoung Kim DesignJacobs/Ryan Associates combines knowledge, conceptual thinking and attention to detail to produce enduring landscapes. The firm believes three fundamentals are important to the success of all landscape projects: design, technology and management. Each plays a critical part in making the finished landscape meet the clients expectations.While we are known for our designs and aim for beauty in every finished product, we also believe form should follow function. We take advantage of technological advances that will improve both the process and outcome of a project, whether the concern is aesthetic, functional, ecological or economic. We rely on time-tested approaches to many landscape solutions because what has worked well may not need changing. We manage every project closely, giving it our focused, personal attention. Every project is assigned a partner who plays an active role in the day-to-day events of the project.Some of Jacobs Ryan Associates most prominent projects include:Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IllinoisChicago Botanic Garden, Chicago, IllinoisFord Calumet Environmental Center, Chicago, IllinoisSearle Visitor Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IllinoisPalos Community Hospital Landscape, Palos Heights, Illinois The following statistics helped Jacobs Ryan Associates achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 5 10. Hoerr Schaudt Perkins&WillAt Hoerr Schaudt, we design beautiful, purposeful gardens that connect people, site, and season. Gardens elicit joy, soothe our souls, and become places where we interact with each other and the world around us. Drawing upon centuries of time-honored tradition, our work layers botanical silhouettes to shape space and create settings that artfully blend the natural and built environments be it a residence, streetscape, campus, city park, or botanical garden.Based in Chicago, with offices in Kansas City and Los Angeles, Hoerr Schaudt continues its 30-year mission to make gardens that thrive and delight.Some of Hoerr Schaudts most prominent projects include:CME Center, Chicago, IllinoisGreater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines, IowaThe Gary Comer Youth Center, Chicago, IllinoisMountain Modern, ColoradoKellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois The following statistics helped Hoerr Schaudt achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 9 9. STLarchitects STLarchitectsSTLarchitects is an internationally recognized architectural and design firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is dedicated to the creation of architecture of exceptional quality, consistently navigating the delicate equilibrium between pragmatic considerations and idealistic aspirations. This commitment is manifest in the deliberate integration of essential attributes inherent in exemplary architectural endeavors, including the judicious manipulation of light and space, the meticulous orchestration of proportion and volume, the imposition of order and hierarchy, and the nuanced application of color and texture.Some of STLarchitectss most prominent projects include:Gwangju Library, Gwangju, South KoreaNational Museum of Korean Literature, Seoul, South KoreaJinju National Museum, Jinju-si, South KoreaKorean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture, South KoreaIndore School Design, Indore, India The following statistics helped STLarchitects achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 16 8. JGMA JGMAJGMA is a progressive architecture and design practice committed to active community involvement and the enrichment of peoples lives through the attentive and dynamic organization of space and materiality. We understand that quality design has a unique ability to influence civic life and transform communities.We proudly consider ourselves innovators in the field of architecture and are dedicated to formulating consistently unique solutions to every design opportunity. Our work is conceptually driven but exhibits the highest level of quality at every stage of design, construction, and occupancy. JGMA is led by the firms president, Juan Gabriel Moreno, and is supported by a talented team of experienced architectural professionals.Some of JGMAs most prominent projects include:Uno Soccer Academy, Chicago, IllinoisRichard J. Daley College Campus, Chicago, IllinoisEsperanza Health Centers, Chicago, IllinoisWestfield Old Orchard Glass Cube, Skokie, IllinoisNortheastern Illinois University El Centro, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped JGMA achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 30 7. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture James Steinkamp PhotographyAdrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture is dedicated to the design of high-performance, energy-efficient and sustainable architecture on an international scale. The firm approaches each project, regardless of size or scale, with an understanding that architecture has a unique power to influence civic life. We strive to create designs that aid society, advance modern technology, sustain the environment and inspire those around us to improve our world.Our office is dedicated to the creation of new paradigms for sustainable development.Some of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architectures most prominent projects include:Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Beijing, ChinaAl Wasl Plaza, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesSteppenwolf Theatre Campus Expansion, Chicago, IllinoisFederation of Korean Industries, Seoul, South KoreaChengdu Greenland Tower, Chengdu, China The following statistics helped Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 6 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 25 6. Valerio Dewalt Train Tom Harris PhotographyValerio Dewalt Train is a 50 person national architectural and design practice with offices in Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; and San Francisco, California. Since 1994, the firm has based its practice on the simple idea that whatever the question, design is the answer. But we also believe that before an answer can be provided, one has to do the research to make sure the question is understood.As designers, we take a research-based approach to the design process; it is immersive and specific. This process allows us to explore the clients DNA, user profile, research best practices and discover early on what sustainable strategies should be integrated in the project.Some of Valerio Dewalt Trains most prominent projects include:Vue53, Chicago, IllinoisThe YouTube Lobby, San Bruno, CaliforniaFord Calumet Environmental Center, Chicago, Illinois1098 Alta, Mountain View, CaliforniaGordon Parks Arts Hall University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Valerio Dewalt Train achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 7 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 42 5. Ross Barney Architects Ross Barney ArchitectsRoss Barney Architects is a Chicago-based architecture and urban design studio. Established by Carol Ross Barney, the studio occupies a unique place within the panorama of contemporary practice that is characterized by a reputation for work in the public realm. From community buildings to campus buildings for premier academic and research institutions, to groundbreaking transit stations that connect vibrant neighborhoods, Ross Barney Architects has produced distinctive structures that have become community icons.The studios ideas and projects have been recognized by entities and publications from around the world. Ross Barney Architects work has been exhibited in Chicago, New York, Washington D.C.Some of Ross Barney Architectss most prominent projects include:Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IllinoisMcDonalds Global Flagship Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FloridaMcDonalds Chicago Flagship, Chicago, IllinoisRailyard Park, Rogers, ArkansasCTA Cermak-McCormick Place Station , Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Ross Barney Architects achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 6 Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 16 4. Wheeler Kearns Architects Wheeler Kearns ArchitectsWheeler Kearns is a collective practice of architects. We work with people who seek to enrich their lives in spaces that embody their purpose, energy and vision.When a space we design resonates with your deepest intention, it has a lasting and powerful impact. As we work with you, we devote all our energies to understanding your core purpose, the transformation you seek, your mission. We want to see your challenge through your eyes. Doing this guides us to what we call the emotional center, the heart around which your entire project revolves. We return to that central idea as we craft concepts, help you make decisions, and refine our responses to those choices.Some of Wheeler Kearns Architectss most prominent projects include:North Lawndale Employment Network, Chicago, IllinoisClearwater Lake Retreat, Clearwater Lake, WisconsinIntrinsic School, Chicago, IllinoisThe Night Ministry, Chicago, IllinoisArt Institute of Chicago Ryan Learning Center Renovation, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Wheeler Kearns Architects achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Finalist 5 Featured Projects 20 Total Projects 36 3. Perkins&Will Perkins&WillPerkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. Guided by its core values design excellence, diversity and inclusion, living design, research, resilience, social purpose, sustainability and well-being the firm is committed to designing a better, more beautiful world. Metropolis named Perkins&Will Firm of the Year in 2022 for its industry leadership in advancing climate action and social justice.With an international team of more than 2,000 professionals, the firm has over 20 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture.Some of Perkins&Wills most prominent projects include:MIT Site 4, Cambridge, MassachusettsBillerica Memorial High School, Billerica, MassachusettsFirst Year student VillageThe Exchange at 100 Federal, Boston, MassachusettsUniversity of California, San Francisco, Nancy Friend Pritzker Psychiatry Building, San Francisco, CaliforniaFeatured image: The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower), Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Perkins&Will achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 5 A+Awards Finalist 12 Featured Projects 33 Total Projects 105 2. Studio Gang Studio GangFounded and led by Jeanne Gang, Studio Gang is an architecture and urban design practice headquartered in Chicago with offices in New York, San Francisco, and Paris. We work as a collective of more than 100 architects, designers, and planners, using design as a medium to connect people to each other, to their communities, and to the environment. We collaborate closely with our clients, expert consultants, and specialists from a wide range of fields to design and realize innovative projects at multiple scales: architecture, urbanism, interiors, and exhibitions.Some of Studio Gangs most prominent projects include:Writers Theatre, Glencoe, IllinoisRichard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, New York City, New YorkSolar Carve (40 Tenth Ave), New York City, New YorkBeloit College Powerhouse, Beloit, WisconsinWMS Boathouse at Clark Park, Chicago, Illinois The following statistics helped Studio Gang achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 14 A+Awards Finalist 11 Featured Projects 32 Total Projects 45 1. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is an influential collective of architects, designers, engineers and planners, responsible for some of the worlds most technically and environmentally advanced buildings, and significant public spaces. From a strategic regional plan to a single piece of furniture, SOMs designs anticipate change in the way we live, work and communicate, and have brought lasting value to communities around the world. The firms approach is highly collaborative, and its interdisciplinary team is engaged on a wide range of international projects, with creative studios based across the globe.Some of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)s most prominent projects include:Poly International Plaza, Beijing, ChinaKempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru Terminal 2, Bengaluru, IndiaP.S. 62 The Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability, Staten Island, New YorkJTI Headquarters, Geneva, SwitzerlandChhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2, Mumbai, India The following statistics helped Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago: A+Awards Winner 21 A+Awards Finalist 41 Featured Projects 64 Total Projects 111 Why Should I Trust Architizers Ranking?With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the worlds largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the worlds best architecture each year.Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlightedA Guide to Project AwardsThe blue + badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizers Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a projects likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:Project completed within the last 3 yearsA well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphsArchitectural designwith a high level of both functional and aesthetic valueHigh quality, in focus photographsAt least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the buildingInclusion of architectural drawings and renderingsInclusion of construction photographsThere are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizers Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.Were constantly look for the worlds best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.The post 30 Best Architecture Firms in Chicago appeared first on Journal.

Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer whoworks as a Junior Architectat REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the worlds most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog,The Travel Album.When you enter a building, you often immediately sense how it will make you feel. Whether a space feels comfortable and open or claustrophobic and closed off, cold and rigid or organic and fluid, the shapes of spaces their curves, angles and configurations play a significant role in their psychological impact and how we perceive them.Architecture is not just about creating functional spaces; it is about crafting environments that resonate with human emotions and enhance well-being. The shapes and forms used in architecture, particularly curves and lines, play a crucial role in influencing how we feel and behave within a space. By examining studies on shape-induced emotions, exploring examples of therapeutic architecture, and understanding the role of design in user experience, we can appreciate how architecture impacts our emotional and psychological state.The Psychology of Shapes in ArchitectureKaren Blixens Plads, Copenhagen, Denmark by CobeThe human brain responds instinctively to different shapes and forms, which can evoke various emotional and psychological reactions. Understanding these responses allows architects to design spaces that promote positive experiences and well-being.Curves and Organic Shapes: Comfort and ConnectionHutong Bubble 218 by MAD Architects, Beijing, China Curved shapes are often associated with comfort, safety, and naturalness. In fact, curves can reduce stress and promote relaxation by actually easing our brains threat response. Curves in architecture can mimic organic forms found in nature, like hills, rivers and plants, evoking feelings of calm. Others might perceive curves as facilitating a sense of flow and movement, gently guiding people through a space.Research in environmental psychology has shown that people tend to prefer spaces with curved elements over those dominated by straight lines. A study by Oshin Vartanian, a professor of perception, cognition and cognitive neuroscience, and colleagues found that participants rated rooms with curved features as more beautiful and pleasant than those with angular designs. The study indicates that when people viewed spaces with curves, the area of the brain associated with emotions and reward was activated, suggesting a sense of safety and positive emotional responses.I would also categorize spiral shapes alongside curves and circles, as they share the same gentle, flowing qualities. Like other curved forms, spirals are often found in nature and have a unique psychological impact compared to geometric shapes. In architecture, spiral shapes can create a sense of dynamism and fluidity within a space, evoking feelings of movement and transformation. They can symbolize the ongoing cycle of life and evolution, suggesting growth and progress. This is often achieved by incorporating spiral staircases, ramps or curvilinear forms that guide people through a space in an organic, flowing manner. These elements can enhance the experience of a building by encouraging exploration and interaction, reflecting the natural rhythms and patterns found in the world around us.Lines: Clarity and StructureWangbangyoby On Architects Inc., Ulsan, South Korea Straight lines and angles, on the other hand, convey a sense of clarity, order, and structure. They can evoke feelings of stability and strength, which is why they are often used in institutional and commercial architecture. However, excessive use of straight lines can also lead to perceptions of rigidity and coldness. Moshe Bar, an Israeli neuroscientist, conducted studies showing that angular designs activate the brains threat perception center. This response may have evolutionary roots, as our brains might perceive sharp angles as potential threats.While straight lines are associated with efficiency and functionality, they can also create environments that feel impersonal or harsh. In architecture, many people I know tend to gravitate towards designing with straight lines and right angles because they find these forms to be cleaner and easier to work with. If you move away from using right angles and straight lines, you often find yourself exploring more parametric designs, which are not only more challenging to model and work with, but also more complex to understand and solve from an architectural standpoint.Somewhere BetweenMoliner House, Zaragoza, Spain by Alberto Campo BaezaThe integration of curves and lines in architecture goes beyond aesthetics; it shapes how people interact with and experience space. Thoughtful design can enhance user experience by considering the emotional impact of architectural forms. I find this topic fascinating because it applies not only to architecture but also to a wide range of design fields and professional strategies. In my opinion, although research indicates that straight lines and sharp edges in architecture might be associated with increased feelings of stress or perceived threat, this isnt universally true for all architectural experiences. The impact of shapes on our emotions is nuanced and influenced by a multitude of factors that interact to shape our perception of a space.Some nuances to consider could be:1. Context and FunctionalityIn many architectural contexts, straight lines and sharp edges convey clarity, order, and strength. These features can create environments that feel professional, organized, and efficient. For instance, corporate offices and institutional buildings often utilize straight lines to emphasize functionality and reliability. In these settings, the perception of sharpness or rigidity can be mitigated by the intended purpose of the space, which might prioritize focus and productivity over comfort.2. Balance with Other Design ElementsThe overall emotional impact of a space is often the result of a careful balance between various design elements. While sharp edges might initially suggest a sense of harshness, they can be softened by incorporating other features such as:Lighting: Warm, natural lighting can soften the appearance of hard lines, making a space feel more welcoming.Materials: The use of natural materials, such as wood or stone, can counteract the severity of straight lines, adding warmth and texture to the environment. Integrating water features or soft landscaping into the design can also help soften sharper edges and create a more gentle appearance.Color: Color palettes can significantly alter the perception of a space. Soft, neutral colors can create a calming effect, while vibrant colors might energize the space.Furniture and Decor: The inclusion of curved furniture and decor elements can provide contrast and balance to spaces dominated by straight lines, introducing a sense of flow and comfort.3. Personal Preferences and ExperiencesIndividual preferences and personal experiences also play a critical role in how a space is perceived. What might feel cold and uninviting to one person could feel clean and modern to another. Personal associations and cultural backgrounds can shape our emotional responses to architectural elements.4. Architectural IntentThe architects intent and vision for a space are paramount. Sometimes, a sense of tension or drama is deliberately introduced to evoke specific emotions or thoughts. In these cases, sharp lines and edges can be used to create a sense of awe or emphasize a buildings purpose, such as in museums or art galleries where the architecture itself is part of the artistic narrative.Understanding the complex interplay of design elements that influence our emotional experience of a space allows architects to create environments that resonate with their intended purpose and audience, offering a nuanced balance between form, function, and human experience. Successful architectural designs balance these elements to create spaces that are both beautiful and efficient. Each form can be used to its advantage, enhancing the overall experience for occupants.The votes are in, and Architizer is thrilled to unveil the winners of theA+Product Awards! Register for Architizer's A+Product Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The post Emotional Architecture: How Curves and Lines Influence Human Experience appeared first on Journal.

Architizer is thrilled to announce the world' best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.Frameless is the UKs largest permanent multi-sensory art experience. In 1928, the Regal, one of the countrys most renowned cinemas, opened in Marble Arch in central London. Following WWII, the building reopened as Odeon movie theatre and in 2016, it became a mixed-use residential development with a very large (and empty) basement, initially intended to be converted yet into another cinema. Instead, the space was eventually transformed into four galleries, showcasing some of the worlds greatest works of art in the most innovative and immersive way possible.Visitors experience the works of Dali, Monet, Kandinsky and van Gogh literally from the inside: they are not mere observers but rather stand within the art that envelops them, able to see, experience, and to some extent interact with the paintings tiniest details, while listening to carefully crafted soundscapes. The four galleries, Beyond Reality, Color in Motion, the World Around Us and the Art of Abstraction, recreate, through a series of projections, famous paintings from surrealism to impressionism and abstraction, and redefine what a traditional art gallery should be.As an architect, I cant help but wonder what sort of construction expertise and technology was required in order to materialize such complicated and large scale project. According to project manager James Griffiths, construction commenced in October 2021 and was completed in the impressive timeframe of only nine months. The three primary design principles of the project included: constructing a narrative of materials, having as little environmental impact as possible and operating Frameless with renewable energy.According to project architect Angus Pond, different bases such as stone, metal, glass and fabrics were used to create an environment that combines utilitarian functionality with a sense of glamor and even theatrical overtones. In parallel, the construction team found innovative techniques to reuse as much of the materials found on site and eventually power the venue by using 93% renewable energy. After the interior shell of the space was constructed, an impressive amount fifty 3-Chip DPL laser projectors were installed, delivering 479 million pixels and 1 million lumens of brightness and vivid colors, clearly depicting every brushstroke and splash of paint, and were complimented by 158 loudspeakers that emanated 360-degree surround sound.Similarly to how artists throughout the centuries sought to bring their dreams, nightmares and myths into reality, frameless is a type of architecture that merges spatial technology, design and construction in order to transport the people living in reality to imaginary worlds. The project is an example of immersive architecture, proving that even though there is an array of implementation challenges, it is not impossible to create real-world phygital (physical and digital) environments.Immersive architecture is most likely found in art and exhibition as well as entertainment venues, retail and commercial stores and public spaces, and has gradually become an integral part of the discipline, where carefully curated imagery, light, sounds and textures create impactful experiences that surpass traditional spatial design. Brand flagship stores often integrate interactive displays or creative lighting and acoustic solutions to connect the customer with their products. Installations in public spaces react to environmental changes, the time of the day and even to individual users, while performance spaces utilize projectors and surround sound to deliver state-of-the-art experiences.Jewel Changi Airport by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, SingaporeStill, what is so beneficial about this concept of hybrid reality and immersive architecture? Apart from the fact that spaces will continuously become a lot more personalized to each individual, by adding more ingredients to architectural design such as sound, touch and even smell space becomes more exciting. It is not by chance that such design methods are primarily used for producing entertainment and storytelling experiences since these uses require a persons utmost attention in order to be successful.Nevertheless, they point the way to an architecture that prioritizes emotion over function and creates environments that resonate on a deeper, more intuitive level with those who inhabit them. What if we could then extend this approach to hospitals, schools and even transportation facilities? Ultimately, the benefit of immersive architecture and hybrid reality lies in their ability to humanize spaces, making them more aligned with our emotional and sensory needs.Architizer is thrilled to announce the world' best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.Featured image generated by Architizer on MidjourneyThe post Frameless: The Architecture of Immersive Art Experiences appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.Tiles have always held a special place in design, but their role has evolved dramatically over time. In many cultures, tiles have been used for centuries to decorate sacred spaces, protect homes from harsh climates and tell stories through intricate patterns. From the mosaics of ancient Persia to the colorful azulejos of Portugal, tiles have been both functional and decorative, deeply rooted in vernacular architecture.Today, tiles are making a bold return not just in traditional settings but across different use cases like never before. Designers are now pushing the boundaries, using tiles to transform living spaces, commercial projects and even public areas. What was once a practical material is now a medium for artistic expression, capable of infusing spaces with color, texture and personality.This shift reflects a growing movement in which tiles are no longer confined to kitchens and bathrooms. Instead, they are taking center stage in living rooms, lobbies and beyond, becoming key elements that define a spaces character. Whether used to create a sense of warmth, add a touch of luxury or make a bold visual statement, tiles are now a vital tool in the contemporary designers toolkit.In this piece, well explore how tile detailing is reshaping contemporary interiors through four award-winning projects that exemplify different approaches to this exciting development.1. Creating Focal Points in Large SpacesU.S Bank Center by SkB Architects, Seattle, WashingtonIn modern design, as open-plan layouts become more prevalent, theres an increasing need for elements that can define and anchor smaller spaces within larger areas. Typically, designers might rely on furniture, lighting or even color to create these focal points, but more and more are using tiles to achieve this in innovative ways. Tiles are being utilized not just as surface coverings but as key elements that draw attention to specific architectural features, thereby creating visual interest and guiding movement through expansive spaces.The U.S. Bank Center in Seattle showcases how tiles can be leveraged to create impactful focal points within large, open spaces. The buildings atrium, once a functional but uninspiring area, was transformed through the strategic use of dark green tiles. These tiles were carefully selected to frame and highlight significant architectural elements such as columns and archways. Their color and texture add a rich depth to the atrium, while simultaneously creating a visual language that naturally guides visitors through the space.U.S Bank Center by SkB Architects, Seattle, WashingtonSuch an approach transforms the atrium from a mere passageway into a dynamic and engaging environment that leaves a lasting impression on those who pass through. By defining and highlighting key architectural features, the tiles create a cohesive visual rhythm that ties the large space together, guiding visitors intuitively and improving their overall experience.But the design doesnt stop there. Another unexpected twist comes with the use of penny tiles. These 3.6 million penny tiles, in varying shades of green, cover both the walls and ceiling, adding texture and continuity throughout the atrium. Reflecting sunlight, they brighten the space, making it feel open and inviting.Strategically placed on the walls, the penny tiles draw the eye upward, emphasizing the atriums height and creating a connection between design elements. On the ceiling, they add a tactile quality that encourages visitors to look up and engage with the space.2. Adding a Modern Touch to Historic SpacesThe Taproom in the Tenczynek Brewery by Projekt Praga, PolandWith the increasing popularity of adaptive reuse and renovation projects, designers are often tasked with integrating modern elements into historic spaces a challenge that requires balancing respect for the original character with the introduction of contemporary flair. Traditional approaches might include carefully selected furnishings or subtle lighting adjustments. Recently, however, another trend has taken center stage. The versatile solution in question? You guessed it tiles!The Taproom at Tenczynek Brewery in Poland is a compelling example of how tiles can bridge the gap between historic preservation and modern design. Located in a building with a rich brewing history, the space required a design approach that honored its rustic origins while also appealing to contemporary tastes. To achieve this, the designers chose deep burgundy ceramic tiles to wrap around a central column a decision that immediately draws the eye and serves as a focal point.The Taproom in the Tenczynek Brewery by Projekt Praga, PolandThe contrast between the glossy finish of the tiles and the rough texture of the exposed brick walls creates a dialogue between the past and present. Apart from simply standing out and drawing the visitors attention, the tiles initiate a conversation between the buildings historical context and its new function as a modern taproom. This careful interplay of textures and colors revitalizes the space, ensuring it feels both historically grounded and refreshingly modern.This approach highlights how tiles can serve as a powerful tool in the evolution of historic spaces, bridging eras and styles to create environments that are both timeless and contemporary.3. Creating Cohesion and ConnectivityThe Blue Line Apartment by Asooarch Company, Bandar-e Mahshahr, IranIn residential design, particularly in spaces with multiple functions, theres a well-known need to maintain a sense of cohesion and flow. Traditionally, this might be achieved through a consistent color palette or a well-thought-out layout. However, when tiles are no longer confined to kitchens and bathrooms, they can become the glue that holds a space together quite literally.The Blue Line Apartment in Bandar-e Mahshahr is a prime example of how tiles can be used to connect distinct areas within a living space, enhancing the overall sense of unity. Designed to cater to the varied needs of its occupants, the apartment features separate zones for living, working and relaxation. The challenge in this project was to create a sense of connectivity across these distinct areas and the solution came in the form of a continuous line of handmade blue tiles that runs throughout the space.The Blue Line Apartment by Asooarch Company, Bandar-e Mahshahr, IranThese tiles create a visual link that ties the space together, ensuring that each area, despite its unique function, contributes to a cohesive whole. The vibrant blue tiles guide the eye through the apartment, establishing a flow that makes the transition between living, working and relaxation zones feel natural and fluid. The tiles not only unify the design but also bring an energetic vibe to the space, adding life and personality to the apartment. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the tiles durable, water-resistant nature makes them a practical choice for wet areas like the Jacuzzi and sauna, proving that design can be both beautiful and functional.4. Reflecting Local TraditionsCASA MYM by Numero 26 Studio, Murcia, SpainAnother noticeable shift in todays design landscape is the growing movement towards vernacular and contextually aware architecture, an approach that seeks to honor local traditions while incorporating contemporary aesthetics. Tiles, with their deep roots in cultural history, are increasingly being used to bring a sense of place and identity to modern homes.CASA M Y M in Murcia, Spain, is a striking example of how tiles can be used to express and preserve local identity. Nestled in the lush orchards of Murcia, this house draws heavily on the regions traditional building techniques and materials, including locally sourced wood, reeds and ceramic tiles. These elements anchor the design firmly in its environment, creating a strong and authentic connection to the surrounding landscape.CASA MYM by Numero 26 Studio, Murcia, SpainThe ceramic tiles used throughout CASA M Y M are not merely decorative; they are deeply symbolic. The patterns on the tiles are inspired by traditional embroidery motifs from the regions horticultural workwear, infusing the home with a cultural narrative that speaks to its agricultural heritage. These tiles are strategically applied across floors, walls and even the steps leading to the pool, crafting a cohesive aesthetic that ties the interior and exterior spaces together.The application of these tiles does more than just improve the homes visual appeal; it tells a story. By integrating motifs and materials that are intrinsic to the local culture, the design provides a sense of place that is both genuine and resonant. CASA M Y M illustrates how tiles can be used to provide context, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in their cultural and environmental settings.The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.The post Beyond the Backsplash: 4 Surprising Uses of Tile Detailing in Contemporary Architectural Interiors appeared first on Journal.

The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.In a rapidly evolving world, office design is undergoing a transformative shift that reflects new approaches to creating spaces where people can thrive. The winners of this years A+ Awards have set a new benchmark for workplace environments, showcasing approaches that not only respond to contemporary needs but also anticipate the future of work. From flexible layouts that support hybrid working models to biophilic designs that foster well-being, these A+Award-winning projects highlight the creative solutions architects are employing to redefine the modern office.One of the most significant trends in this years winners is the emphasis on flexibility and adaptability. As companies navigate the complexities of remote and in-person work, the demand for versatile spaces that can easily be reconfigured has never been higher. Architects are responding with innovative designs that include modular furniture, dynamic workstations, and multi-purpose areas, enabling businesses to adapt their spaces quickly and efficiently to changing needs.Designers are also incorporating biophilic design principles; this years award-winning offices feature abundant natural light, gardens, and sustainable materials that create healthier, more inspiring work environments. The A+ winners demonstrate that the future of office design is not just about aesthetics or functionality but about creating spaces that support well-being and foster a sense of community.Choice HeadquartersBy Plan Associates, Chiang Mai, ThailandPopular Choice Winner, Office Low Rise (1 4 Floors), 12th Annual A+AwardsChoice Headquarters is located in Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai, surrounded by cultural treasures like Long-kao (rice harvest houses), the Wall of Chiang Mai, and traditional Thai terraces. These elements are thoughtfully integrated into the modern architecture, which features a simple plan with a four-story reinforced concrete structure centered around a courtyard that brings natural sunlight into the building.The entrance hall is elevated for natural ventilation, and a grand staircase transitions between the first-floor plaza and the open space on the second floor, serving as a multi-purpose area for office activities, relaxation, meetings, and seminars. The space is oriented to optimize wind flow and sun shading, with the core area on the west side and long-use spaces like offices and meeting rooms on the north, south, and east sides. The column-free design creates a flexible open area, and the main staircase encourages exercise. The workspace is a mix of informal and formal spaces, fostering creativity and adaptability.Lumber 4By Oslotre Arkitekter, Kristiansand, NorwayJury Winner, Office Mid Rise (5 15 Floors), 12th Annual A+AwardsLumber 4 is a six-floor commercial and office building with a recessed ground floor for commercial use and five upper floors dedicated to office spaces. The structure features mass timber construction, with glued laminated timber columns and beams, and floors made from a composite of CLT and concrete. This slim, efficient floor system spans long distances while meeting fire and acoustic requirements. The building includes diagonals on the ground floor for better vehicular access and utilizes the existing communication core from adjacent phases for lateral stability and access to office floors.An atrium with a mass timber internal staircase is introduced between the third and fourth floors, showcasing prominent wood elements that provide warmth in winter and cooling in summer. The faade consists of prefabricated curved pine elements treated with green paint, with straight eaves creating curved shadows on the panels. Over time, the paint will weather, resulting in a dynamic faade with lighter and darker sections. The building uses wood fiber insulation and fire-treated pine cladding.KNEM OfficesBy b720 Fermn Vzquez Arquitectos, Barcelona, SpainPopular Choice Winner, Office Mid Rise (5 15 Floors), 12th Annual A+AwardsThe KNEM Offices are located on a plot that was once part of the former jute spinning mill of Hermanos God, known as El Cnem. The faade of the existing building facing Doctor Trueta Street, included in the Architectural Heritage Protection Plan, has been preserved. The program is distributed in three volumes: two blocks facing the streets and a central block that joins them through a large landscaped patio.A continuous masonry plinth runs along the perimeter, unifying the three volumes into a single programmatic and formal body. Two glass boxes, screened with an aluminum lattice evoking the weaving of jute fibers, are supported and raised on this plinth. This design contrasts the industrial past with the contemporary elements of the new building. The blocks facing the street offer large, flexible office spaces thanks to strategically located vertical cores and a post-tensioned concrete structure. The central block comprises smaller duplex-type offices open to the central passageway, reminiscent of the old industrial workshops that once populated Poblenou.Huamu Lot 10By Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Shanghai, ChinaJury Winner,Office High Rise (16+ Floors), 12th Annual A+AwardsTo create a sustainable mixed-use urban environment that invites tenants and visitors to experience nature and art in an active setting, Huamu Lot 10 showcases a new form of participatory urbanism. The project features three office towers and a future museum situated around a central grand plaza, landscaped with lush greenery, water features, and meandering walkways. This plaza, activated by surrounding cultural programming, is designed to accommodate large-scale artwork.Each of the three towers is efficiently planned and rationally massed to make a strong statement and adapt to future contexts. The glass curtain wall faades provide panoramic views and ample natural light, with strong horizontal elements emphasizing rigidity. Subtle cantilevers at uniform heights create a visually connected Sky Gallery, an iconic gesture above the neighborhood. At night, these cantilevered elements are illuminated to highlight Huamu Lot 10. Stepped gardens on roofs and terraces offer verdant outdoor gathering spaces with sweeping city views.Uniview HeadquartersBy GOA (Group of Architects), Zhejiang, ChinaPopular Choice Winner, Office High Rise (16+ Floors), 12th Annual A+AwardsUniview Headquarters represents a modern, technology-driven corporate environment designed for efficiency, dynamism and functional integration. Nestled in Hangzhous high-tech industry zone, it extends to the southern tip of an urban landscape axis. A large sunken garden within the site connects to an urban park, serving as the districts public green core. The headquarters west interface features a sweeping curve that embraces nature, while the south and east maintain a neat design, aligning with the surrounding cityscape.The headquarters includes a 22-story administrative office tower, an eight-story R&D center, and a service and leisure hub at the base. A covered ground-level corridor facilitates smooth navigation and efficient access for staff and visitors. Designed to foster an open and vibrant atmosphere for over 5,000 employees, the R&D center offers a flat, expansive floor space on each level, connecting intimately with the functionality below. The basement serves as a leisure hub with a cafeteria, fitness center, library, caf, and retail spaces.Duntax OfficeBy 6717studio, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamJury Winner, Low Rise (1 4 Floors), 12th Annual A+AwardsDuntax Office, located in the Tan Phu District of Ho Chi Minh City, sits at an intersection with an open view but uninspiring surroundings. The construction faces challenges from global warming and environmental pollution, and the investor desired rapid completion with structural durability and city-landscape integration. The initial idea for the building was to use lightweight structures integrated with green patches and environmentally-friendly features, creating a modern workplace with an inspiring and serene atmosphere, detached from the hurried urban life.The structure features smooth curves instead of sharp corners, offering distinct designs from different perspectives, making it stand out. Irregular greenery enhances the buildings appeal and charm. The staircase is positioned at the west end to maximize space and block heat, while workplaces are placed at the front for better lighting and views. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture, the terrace includes a garden, pond, and canopy, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors.The jury and the public have had their say feast your eyes on the winners of Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive future program updates.The post Office of the Future: 6 Ways Architects Worldwide Are Flipping the Workplace Model appeared first on Journal.