Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. When we think about homes, we tend to picture familiar ideas: comfort, privacy, function — spaces designed to suit many people at once (and, if all goes well, let at least two household members agree on where the sofa and TV should go). But sometimes, architects are asked to design something more specific: a place shaped not by broad assumptions, but by one particular life, habit or need. Across settings and scales, the homes in this collection respond to unusual briefs with equal parts function and imagination. Some are built around creative work, like a house organized entirely around a vlogger’s daily routines. Others offer comfort through significant life transitions, from aging in place with Alzheimer’s to carving out a personal retreat in the wake of loss. From spaces where dogs and humans live as equals to playful structures prioritizing a child’s sense of freedom, each project shows how architecture can leave generalizations behind and create homes that fit real lives — quirks included! Vlogger Aguai’s Home By LZA, Baoshan, Shanghai, China Popular Choice Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Residential Interiors (< 3000 sq ft) This home rethinks the boundary between living and working to meet the needs of a growing online career. Centered around a custom scrapbooking workbench, the layout branches outward, organizing both private life and professional activity in one flexible environment. Curved pathways guide movement through the house, reflecting the layered flow of daily routines and creative work. Materials and spaces are carefully chosen to support content creation: the studio incorporates Aguai’s hobbies into its design, incubating inspiration and offering a welcoming backdrop for videos and workshops. By merging personal passion with professional needs, the home supports both focused work and relaxed living without drawing a hard line between them. Dog / Human By EKAR, Thailand Designed to nurture the relationship between dogs and humans, this house in Thailand adapts both its scale and function for its four-legged residents. A low, agricultural-style roof signals zones for walking, sitting and resting, while wide column bases are shaped to fit sleeping dogs. The house includes a dog hotel and salon, allowing other dogs to share the facilities and creating a social space for both pets and owners. Swimming pool steps are carefully sized for dogs to easily climb in and out; the roof intentionally lets rainwater fall freely to the ground. Every detail is shaped by mutual respect between species — a place where dogs and people live, grow and connect. Light Path By Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Pennsylvania  Built for longtime clients preparing to age in place with Alzheimer’s, this home prioritizes clarity, safety and connection to nature. A simple cross-shaped layout helps with orientation and memory by offering clear, predictable pathways. Wide hallways, accessible bathrooms and same-level entry anticipate future mobility challenges. A 92-foot (28-meter) skylight and expansive windows flood the interiors with daylight, aiding wayfinding and stabilizing circadian rhythms. Natural materials like reclaimed pine and bluestone create a low-contrast, familiar environment, reducing visual confusion. Custom door handles and lowered counters offer easier grip and access, supporting physical independence as needs change over time. The Nearby House By Asooarch Company, Garmsar, Iran The Nearby House creates a shared meeting point for a brother and sister living apart, providing a simple, playful space between their homes. Set in an orchard, the tiny house is shaped by the needs of short visits and childlike exploration — from its curved brick walls that bend around existing trees to the blue-tiled water features that invite play. Every element is designed to support connection, whether through picking fruit, chasing light and shadow or gathering around shared spaces. The architecture remains low, tactile and open to nature, offering a familiar backdrop for memory-making. Rather than formal programs, the design prioritizes casual, spontaneous moments of togetherness, giving the siblings a place that belongs equally to both. Softie By OPA, Mill Valley, California Softie transforms a strict Modernist house into a place of private release, responding to a client’s wish for a free, light and untethered environment. Rather than reworking the structure, the architects introduced a series of soft, cloud-like forms that drift through the home. These interventions dissolve the rigid grid with curved entries, softened stairs and floating shapes that blur traditional spatial boundaries. Materials and details are kept deliberately fluid and irregular, allowing movement through the house to feel loose and intuitive. Even the terrace holds a “trapped cloud” above it, creating small, unexpected encounters with softness. By scattering these moments throughout all three levels, the design makes space for variation, daydreaming and quiet escape from external pressures. LÂM’s home By AD+studio, Vinh Long, Vietnam This project was created as a midday retreat for a mother and daughter, designed around a child’s sense of freedom and play. Built on a narrow 10-by-33-foot (3×10-meter) plot, the house uses a single structural element—the “tree”—to anchor the design. The branching structure carries floors, forms stairs, shades the interior and creates spaces for small tasks, all while maximizing openness. Communal areas are prioritized to strengthen the bond between mother and daughter, with flexible spaces that shift between play and daily routines. Combining functions rather than dividing them makes the house feel expansive despite its size. The light, playful structure echoes the daughter’s name, Lâm and the spirit of movement and growth it represents. Mourning Dovecote By S^A | Schwartz and Architecture, Sonoma, California Created as a quiet retreat for a homeowner navigating grief and change, this 390-square-foot addition focuses on intimacy, memory and connection to nature. Designed to support a slower, more reflective way of living, the compact space draws on simple, tactile materials and close ties to its surroundings. Openings frame the landscape while muffled sounds, like the calls of nearby doves, filter in to mark the passing hours. Rather than expanding outward, the design turns inward, offering a personal, enduring refuge. Built during the pandemic and following personal loss, the project prioritizes familiarity, ritual and small, everyday moments over formal gestures or size. Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. The post Oddly Specific: 7 Homes Designed for Very Particular Client Briefs appeared first on Journal.

Now open for entries, the Architizer Vision Awards is expanding its mission with the launch of the Visionary 100, a new global spotlight on architecture’s best concept designers, storytellers and visual thinkers. Set for publication later in 2025 and validated by Architizer’s international jury, including renowned architects such as Steven Holl, Winka Dubbeldam and Daniel Libeskind, this vital new platform will shine a light on those defining the visual culture of architecture — today and tomorrow. To apply, simply enter the 2025 Vision Awards in one or more of the 50+ available categories. Every Winner in this year’s program is guaranteed a place in the Visionary 100, an exclusive editorial directory that will be updated each season and republished annually. Firms, individual professionals and students are eligible for inclusion. The Vision Awards Main Entry Period is open for just 4 weeks, so don’t miss out: Start your Vision Awards submission to secure a place in the running for the Visionary 100 and a host of other prizes for your work! Apply for the Visionary 100 Photograph by Kevin Scott, 2023 Vision Awards Special Mention, Architectural Photographer of the Year. Why the Visionary 100 Matters Featured on Architizer.com and shared with our audience of 4.75 million+ architects, clients and collaborators, this is your chance to be recognized for how you think and communicate about design, from the smallest details to the most ambitious concepts for buildings, cities and beyond. Architecture is evolving at breakneck speed, and so too is the way it’s communicated. The Visionary 100 will serve as a critical reference point for editors, curators, clients, and design leaders seeking to understand and celebrate who is shaping the visual culture of architecture today—and who will shape it tomorrow. This widely published feature will be more than a list: It will form a launchpad for architectural discourse and a benchmark for the next generation of creative leaders. Whether you’re an independent visualizer or part of an international design firm, inclusion in the Visionary 100 signals that your work is setting the pace for the profession. Start My Entry Select Winners and Finalists from Architizer One X Challenges and the inaugural Vision Awards. See the complete 2023 Vision Awards Winners’ Gallery here. A Program Built for Creative Thinkers Each winner of the 2025 Vision Awards, across every category, will automatically earn a place in the Visionary 100. The Vision Awards span three key category groups: Architectural Concept – Honoring bold, unbuilt proposals that reimagine the future of housing, cities, sustainability, and more, using up to six visuals to communicate each project. Architectural Vision – Celebrating single images and videos that capture the essence of architecture through renderings, photography, film, drawing, and physical models. Architectural Visionary – Recognizing firms and creators for outstanding portfolios of work across their chosen medium. Explore the categories in full here. Each submission will be judged by a world-class jury of architects, designers, and visual communication experts, with a strong focus on concept, clarity, innovation, and visual impact. See the judging criteria here. Share My Vision Select Winners and Finalists from Architizer One X Challenges and the inaugural Vision Awards. See the complete 2023 Vision Awards Winners’ Gallery here. Join a Global Festival of Ideas Architecture’s future is being written not only in buildings, but in the bold images, ideas, and narratives that shape how we understand our environment. Architizer created the Vision Awards to celebrate this vital part of design culture — the powerful act of envisioning what architecture can be. In addition to their inclusion in this key publication, select visionaries will be invited for exclusive editorial interviews, offering deeper insight into their creative process and the ideas driving their practice. Sound good? We thought so! Submit your work to the 2025 Vision Awards today and earn your place in the Visionary 100 — an essential index of design excellence for the years to come. Start My Entry The post The Visionary 100: Take Your Place Among Architecture’s Top 100 Creative Leaders appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! When the AI wave first crashed into architecture, many feared the end was near. Digital tools like Midjourney, DALL-E and Stable Diffusion could sketch, render and visualize ideas faster than most human teams. Overnight, centuries of craft risked being reduced to a series of prompts and algorithms. But not everyone panicked. Some adapted and evolved. A few, like Amir Hossein Noori, were already living in the future and gaining recognition for it. In 2023, Noori earned Special Mentions at the Architizer Vision Awards, both in the Architect Creator of the Year category and for his AI-assisted visualization project, Cave of Wonders. His early work showed that architects could engage with AI critically and creatively, instead of defensively. He is part of a new generation of architects paving the way forward for a future of architecture with AI. Project by AHN Studio | Images courtesy of Amir Hossein Noori Rather than treating AI as a threat, Noori embraced it as a design partner. As the Cofounder and CEO of AI Hub, he has built a system that helps architects and designers survive in a creative industry that is changing faster than anyone expected. Through AI Hub, Noori has been quietly reshaping what an architect’s toolkit looks like. Instead of offering off-the shelf solutions, his team builds custom AI tools tailored to each firm’s needs. They train design teams to find and use the right technologies, create private AI models to protect creative identity and help architects win more projects, save time, and work smarter. The early days of AI’s arrival were chaotic. Many architects worried that machine-generated design would dilute the craft or even eliminate the need for human designers altogether. I for one, was worried about the fact that it further encouraged the wrong notion that everything done quickly was good, even if it really wasn’t. For Noori,  the panic missed because he was way ahead of time. Architects, he believed, could either resist it or lead it. Project by AHN Studio | Images courtesy of Amir Hossein Noori “My design process is a combination of manual and hand drawing, software, and artificial intelligence. In the initial phase of the project, the project brief is established through multiple client discussions,” says Amir Hossein Noori. “Using the brief and developing a narrative that can support the project’s design concepts, the procedure continues. After refining the narrative, I begin to visualize the ideas using sloppy sketches and diagrams, which are then translated into powerful visuals using artificial intelligence and other software.” Just like Noori, survival for architects should not be about working harder or faster. It should be about working differently. Architects who once spent days refining 3D models now collaborate with AI systems that generate dozens of options in hours. Those who once viewed design as a linear, painstaking process now see it as an agile, evolving conversation between human intention and machine intelligence. The shift has not been easy. Many traditional architects resist the idea of AI participating in the sacred creative process. But some architects are not clinging to the standard definitions of authorship. They are reframing their role and are moving from sole creators to creative directors. They guide and collaborate with AI. Their tools simply changed but the vision is still theirs. Project by AHN Studio | Images courtesy of Amir Hossein Noori Noori’s work shows that AI is not here to replace architects; it is here to extend them. By the work he has done with AI hub, he is showing that the future of architecture belongs to those who know how to lead both people and machines. Its not about losing control. It is about changing the reins and spending less time on the mundane tasks that bog down creativity and more time on the things that matter. Architecture education, too, will need to evolve. As AI becomes a standard design tool, future architects will need to be fluent in form-making, prompt engineering, data interpretation, and creative collaboration with non-human systems. Being a great designer will no longer mean just drawing faster. It will mean thinking broader. Project by AHN Studio | Images courtesy of Amir Hossein Noori At its core, architecture has always been a negotiation between art and technology. From the invention of squares and tables to the first CAD programs, technology has pushed the boundaries of design. AI is simply the next tool in that continuum. Like every tool before it, it demands adaptation and leadership, not fear. The architects who resisted AI may still be standing for now. But those who have embraced it, like Amir Hossein Noori, are already building the next generation of practice. And they are making it clear that in the next era of architecture, vision is still the most powerful tool. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Top image: Amir Hossein Noori The post Amir Hossein Noori and the Rise of the Future-Ready Architect appeared first on Journal.

The Extended Entry Deadline for Architizer's 2025 A+Product Awards is Friday, February 21st. Get your brand in front of the AEC industry’s most renowned designers by submitting today. NYCxDESIGN returns this year, running from May 15 to 23. As ever, the schedule is broad and ambitious. More than 280 events, exhibitions, product launches, gallery shows, open studios, guided tours and more will unfold across the city over the course of the week. Usually, NYCxDESIGN is an event revered for spectacle and scale; however, this year, the exhibitors have taken a considered approach. Among the ambitious schedule, brands, designers, artists and studios are opening their spaces and sharing work in a way that is far less ostentatious display and more inhabitation of design. Some exhibits invite visitors into studios, kitchens, or furnished interiors. Others walk guests through the production and process of their pieces. In many cases, the materials and mechanisms are on show to be used and experienced. The idea has become not to simply view design, but to step inside it. Ilene Shaw, Executive Director of NYCxDESIGN said of the 2025 production, “This year’s NYCxDESIGN Festival feels especially energetic — full of new ways to connect, learn, and meet first-time participants. We’ll experience parks, revitalization and new infrastructure projects, and connect with the great minds that actually shaped them. You can walk through MADE’s Building A with nARCHITECTS and see adaptive reuse in action. Go behind the scenes at the transformed Davis Center at Harlem Meer in Central Park. Tour the stunning public art program at the new Grand Central Madison Terminal — 17 stories below ground. One of the most meaningful experiences we have organized is a high school student tour to the end-of-year design school exhibitions at a number of NYC design schools.  Throughout the city, the festival opens doors — quite literally— inviting you into studios, exhibitions, tours and installations that celebrate the full spectrum of New York’s creative energy. It’s design up close, in context, and in conversation.” The shift feels timely. While design culture and discourse are dominated by hyper-realistic rendered imagery and immaculately staged press photography, the type of intimate encounter offered at NYCxDESIGN is something tangible and explicitly needed. It prioritizes access over image and tactility over narrative. For architects and designers, it provides the chance to experience work as it is intended to be used, alongside the opportunity to speak directly with the minds behind the work. Architizer is proud to celebrate the creative forces shaping this year’s festival, and the following selection highlights just a few of the many events we think are worth taking the time to visit. Each invites a kind of closeness and intimacy, not as a concept, nor as a curated atmosphere, but as a way to showcase something real and meaningful. Tour of Building A at the MADE Bush Terminal Campus MADE Bush Terminal, 13 42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Free with registration via Eventbrite Hosted by nArchitects and the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), this exclusive tour explores the newly completed Building A and sections of the public campus at the adaptive-reuse MADE Bush Terminal waterfront site in Sunset Park. The tour highlights modern manufacturing, artisan workshops and entrepreneurial spaces within one of New York City’s most ambitious industrial transformations. Espasso presents: Take A Seat by Carlos Motta Espasso New York, 38 N Moore Street Opening: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00 – 9:00 PM (cocktail and book launch) Exhibition: May 15 – June 9, Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Espasso hosts a major retrospective on Brazilian designer and master woodworker Carlos Motta, tracing four decades of his work in furniture and architecture. The show centres on Motta’s celebrated seating designs — including the Rio Manso, CJ and Asturias collections — and launches a new edition of the Asturias chair, now with armrests. Grand Central Madison – A New Landmark and Cultural Corridor Grand Central Madison LIRR Terminal,Madison Avenue from 42nd to 48th Streets,New York, Tour date and time: May 18, 1:00 – 3:00 PM Spanning five city blocks beneath Midtown, Grand Central Madison is the largest transit terminal built in the U.S. in decades. Beyond its scale, it serves as a cultural corridor featuring permanent works by Yayoi Kusama and Kiki Smith, large-scale digital commissions, and public poetry displays. This guided tour with MTA Arts & Design offers insight into how art and architecture converge in one of the city’s most complex public spaces. Design Pavilion by Lexus at Hudson Yards Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens, 11th Avenue and Hudson Blvd East May 10–19, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily Returning to NYCxDesign for the first time in years, Design Pavilion presents “Lexus Ambiance,” an interactive installation by artist Nick Thomm. Set beside the Vessel, the piece invites visitors to shape a personalized light environment through movement and presence, offering a glimpse into future modes of responsive, experience-led design. Davis Center at the Harlem Meer Tour Central Park, enter at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Tour date and time: May 16, 3:00 – 4:30 PM Designed by the Central Park Conservancy with Susan T. Rodriguez Architecture · Design and Mitchell Giurgola, the Davis Center redefines the northern edge of Central Park as both civic landmark and ecological restoration. This guided tour offers an early look at the new year-round facility, green roof, and reconnected watercourse, exploring how architecture and landscape come together to support access, biodiversity and public use. Design Legacy: The Poul Kjærholm Collection Fritz Hansen New York Showroom, 22 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10013 May 15–21, 2025, Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Free, open to the public Fritz Hansen presents a focused survey of Poul Kjærholm’s work, marking the first exhibition in the Americas dedicated to the Danish modernist’s legacy. Known for refining cabinetmaking traditions through steel and precision joinery, Kjærholm’s designs are positioned here not just as furniture, but as studies in proportion, restraint, and material structure. HUNDŌ by Emily Thurman Studio 86 Walker Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013 Opening Reception: May 14, 2025, 7:00 – 10:00 PM On view May 15–21, by appointment, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Salt Lake City–based Emily Thurman presents HUNDŌ, her debut furniture and lighting collection, in a multi-sensory installation at 86 Walker Street. The show features works made in collaboration with StudioDanielK, Alexis Mazin, and Camille Tan, using cast bronze, glass, stone, and salvaged wood, all framed within an environment of scenography and sound. TM Italia NYC Showroom First Look 20 West 20th Street, Floor 5, Suite 502, New York, NY 10011 Opening: Friday, May 16, 2025, 5:30 – 8:30 PM (by invitation only) Open Hours: May 17–18, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM TM Italia’s first New York showroom invites guests into a fully realized domestic interior, where each zone is designed around a different style of kitchen use. From a compact working setup to a larger family configuration, the layout reflects the brand’s approach to bespoke cabinetry as both spatial system and crafted object. Materials, finishes and functional elements are on full display, offering an unusually tactile insight into how the Italian atelier works at 1:1 scale. Known Work Multiple locations including Love House, ZAROLAT, Host on Howard, Luisaviaroma, and Simple Flair Apartment May 9–30, 2025 (dates vary by venue) Design studio Known Work presents new and site-specific pieces across five exhibitions citywide, from Dimes Square to Dumbo. With new editions from its Perceptions Collection, designed by Parts and Labour founders Danu Kennedy and Jeremy Levitt. At Love House, the studio debuts The Mother, a dramatic metal mesh pendant that reframes the domestic light fixture as an heirloom. Other showings include sculptural seating at Host on Howard, a capsule at Luisaviaroma, and immersive staging at Simple Flair Apartment. Each show places collectable furniture and lighting in context-rich, spatially intimate settings. Oui Design! Festival 2025 Various locations across New York City Pop-up at Payne Whitney Mansion May 15, 11 AM – 5 PM  (Registration via villa-albertine.org) Similarly, Villa Albertine’s annual festival of French craftsmanship returns with open studios, exhibitions, and talks across the city. The programme begins with a daylong pop-up at the Payne Whitney Mansion, featuring live craft demonstrations and immersive scenography by Aurore Vullierme. Visitors can engage directly with master artisans working in ceramics, featherwork, jewellery and painted marble. This year’s edition expands spatial access across dozens of venues, from heritage galleries to contemporary showrooms. Birth of the Polar at Royère Gallery 315 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013 On view: May 7–30, 2025 Open House: Friday, May 16, 2:00 – 5:00 PM (as part of Oui Design!) Jean Royère’s Ours Polaire sofa is so familiar that it’s easy to forget how strange it once must have been when it first launched— all curves and no corners. This exhibition puts the piece back in context, not as an icon but as an object. The original frame, shaped like a boat hull and built in solid beech, is still assembled by hand in Lyon using the same layered construction Royère specified in the 1940s. Visitors are invited into the process to witness the immense craftsmanship of the famous piece. Cornell Tech and FDR Four Freedoms State Park Bloomberg Center Lobby, Cornell Tech, 2 West Loop Road, Roosevelt Island Tour date and time: May 20, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Cornell Tech, photograph by Max Touhey. This two-part walking tour explores the architectural and civic ambitions of Roosevelt Island, beginning with Cornell Tech’s high-performance campus and concluding at Louis Kahn’s Four Freedoms Park. Highlights include the Bloomberg Center, the Tata Innovation Hub and The House — one of the world’s largest Passive House residential buildings — followed by a guided discussion of Kahn’s axial granite memorial and its role as a site of political reflection and urban poise. School of Constructed Environments: End of Year Exhibition 2025 Parsons, The New School, Starr Foundation Hall, 63 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 Opening: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 6:00 – 9:00 PM On view through May 19, 2025 Parsons’ School of Constructed Environments presents its annual graduate showcase across architecture, interior, lighting and product design. The exhibition offers a direct look at how the next generation is responding to contemporary spatial challenges through new formats, tools and ways of thinking — all displayed in one collective environment. The Extended Entry Deadline for Architizer's 2025 A+Product Awards is Friday, February 21st. Get your brand in front of the AEC industry’s most renowned designers by submitting today. The post NYCxDESIGN 2025: A Curated Schedule of What To See and When To Go appeared first on Journal.

The world of architectural visualization is evolving rapidly, driven by new technologies and shifting industry demands. To capture the latest trends, Architizer and Chaos surveyed more than 1,000 design professionals worldwide, uncovering key insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the field. The results are now available in the free-to-download State of Architectural Visualization 2024-25 Report — a must-read for architects, designers, and visualization specialists looking to stay ahead of the curve. In an engaging webinar hosted by Architizer and Chaos, Roderick Bates, Director of Corporate Development at Chaos, took to our virtual stage to explore the findings of the 2024-25 survey and report — and what they mean for the future of architectural visualization. Read on to discover the key points from Bates’ captivating presentation. Your browser does not support this, try viewing it on YouTube: YOUR URL Shifting Demographics and Global Reach Bates began by highlighting the wide-reaching, diverse nature of the survey respondents, which helps to substantiate and increase confidence in the findings. This year’s survey reflected a wider range of voices than ever before, with participants hailing from more than 75 countries. While 40% were U.S.-based, there was a significant increase in participation from the EU, UK, Oceania, and Asia. Firm size varied as well, with 64% of responses coming from small firms with fewer than 20 employees juxtaposed with a healthy 14% representation from firms with 100+ employees. “This kind of spread means that the data speaks to everyone in the AEC industry — from freelancers to global studios,” Bates emphasized. “All those different stakeholders have different needs, and the survey helps us understand them.” Chaos and Architizer’s annual industry reports include “The Future of Architectural Visualization” (2023), “The State of AI in Architecture” (2024), and “The State of Architectural Visualization” (2024-2025). Download the latest report for free here. Bates emphasized that this year’s survey data has already shaped real-world strategy for Chaos: “This is information that’s incredibly valuable to us as a company when we think about what products to develop — large-scale initiatives, M&A, and more.” The report has been used in internal product roadmaps and even supported due diligence in recent acquisitions. Acceleration and Specialization in AI AI emerged as a central theme in both the report and the webinar — a fact that should come as no surprise given the rapid emergence of this technology in recent years. According to the data, 56% of respondents are now actively using AI tools in their workflows, up dramatically from last year’s insights into AI across the industry. 35% are using AI to generate quick variations, while 44% are generating concept images and ideas early in design. These numbers appear to show that a “maturing” process is underway when it comes to AI usage within architecture. “People are no longer AI-hesitant,” Bates said. “We’re seeing a lot of firms experimenting with it, and the number of people fully invested — who say it’s part of their workflow — is growing.” Chaos recently acquired EvolveLAB and is developing integrated AI tools for its suite of architectural visualization applications. Roderick’s webinar demonstrated a range of potential applications for AI, including this animated construction timelapse. Chaos’s response to this evolving landscape is characteristically dynamic — they have already developed and launched tailor-made AI tools like the AI Enhancer in Enscape, which can instantly improve the realism of renderings, and have acquired EvolveLAB, which creates high-quality AI-driven tools for visualization, modeling and project documentation. “These aren’t generic solutions anymore,” commented Bates. “These are tools trained on architectural datasets, made specifically for architectural visualization.” Benefits of AI cited in the survey included faster workflows, enhanced creativity, and lower costs — “this sounds like a CFO’s dream right here”, remarked Bates. He went on to present examples of AI in action, from a sketch being transformed into a rendering, to instant material variations for a contemporary interior. Standardization, Integration, and the Path Forward The webinar also tackled some of the biggest roadblocks identified in the report: integration friction, lack of standardization, and concerns around quality control. “Architectural firms thrive on consistency,” said Bates, “and AI’s variability can be a headache.” To address this, Chaos is building standardized prompt libraries and working toward seamless integration across its visualization tools. “You shouldn’t have to redo work,” Bates emphasized. “If you’re in our ecosystem — or bringing in data from other platforms — it should just work.” Additionally, sustainability was highlighted as another challenging yet high-potential area within visualization workflows, based on survey feedback. As Bates explained, tools like Enscape Impact now offer rapid building performance simulations integrated directly into the design environment, requiring just a small number of key inputs. “It almost gets to the level of an AI prompt,” he noted. Architects are seeking even more automation and ease of use within this niche, signaling a strong demand for sustainability tools that are faster, smarter, and more intuitive — underscoring a major opportunity for future innovation. The webinar concluded with a lively Q&A, with AI predictably at the center of the debate. Some viewers expressed apprehension around the rapid adoption of these tools, while others pointed to the promise of AI’s efficiencies, freeing them up to focus more on design ideation. Whichever side of the argument you land on currently, one thing is certain — the State of Architectural Visualization report provides an invaluable source of insight into the industry today — and where it is heading tomorrow. To learn more and download your free copy of the report, click here, and learn more about Chaos’s latest developments in architectural visualization here. The post State of ArchViz Webinar: How AI Is Changing Architectural Visualization appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. As global concerns about water scarcity and climate resilience intensify, the need for sustainable living practices has become more urgent than ever. Today, from residential buildings to museums, circular water systems are emerging as an important innovation, offering a blueprint for more responsible resource management. These systems prioritize reuse, recycling and conservation of water, transforming how buildings interact with their surroundings. Instead of depending only on external water supplies, circular strategies harness rainwater, treat greywater and integrate natural filtration methods to create closed-loop systems that drastically reduce consumption and waste. Beyond environmental benefits, circular water practices also enhance community resilience, providing greater independence in the face of growing climate instability. Architects and designers worldwide are increasingly incorporating these solutions into residential projects. From rainwater harvesting and advanced filtration to water-sensitive landscaping and integrated green infrastructure, today’s sustainable homes are setting new standards for how we live with water. Upper House By KOICHI TAKADA ARCHITECTS, South Brisbane, Australia Popular Choice Winner, Residential, Multi-Housing Unit, 12th Annual A+Awards Designed by Koichi Takada and his team, the Upper House in South Brisbane, Australia, features a multi-residential design including 188 apartments spread across 33 stories. Its striking architecture draws influence from the indigenous Moreton Bay Fig tree, signaling a transformative shift in multi-residential design. This development blends a connection to nature with high-quality design, resident wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Energy-efficient systems, alongside using recycled and renewable materials, minimize ecological impacts while enhancing positive environmental effects. Furthermore, the building has been designed to cut water usage by 20%, and Upper House pledges to use 100% renewable energy for its electricity needs. The facility includes 194 bicycle spaces for residents and 48 for visitors and electric vehicle charging ports for 60 parking spots. Dove By AGATHOM, Toronto, Canada Popular Choice Winner, Private House (M 2000 – 4000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Dove contains a series of interconnected pavilions, each space is independently linked by various paths. Constructed using a combination of wood and concrete, the building is designed for optimal performance: it utilizes ground-source heating and cooling, produces electrical power through a large solar photovoltaic array, and sources water from an on-site well. The thermal design of the building envelope has been meticulously crafted to exceed the standards established by the building code. Loma Sagrada House By Salagnac Arquitectos, Nosara, Costa Rica Jury Winner, Private House, 12th Annual A+Awards Loma Sagrada House evolved from environmentally damaged land into a regenerative project. Unlike typical harmful constructions, it improved the land and preserved soil integrity with minimal earth movement, promoting quick natural regeneration. The project features eco-friendly structures, with the main building on the southern hillside, protected from strong winds. This eco-friendly approach enhances human health by minimizing electromagnetic radiation and ensuring comfort. Innovations include natural ventilation, solar protection, advanced shielding wiring, flicker-free lighting, water reuse, solar energy systems, safe water purification and a chemical-free pool. Four Houses Pilares By grupoarquitectura, Valle de Bravo, Mexico Four Houses Pilares is a four-house complex featuring its own common amenities. The structure blends with its surroundings, and the houses are metallic, with floors made of beams and wooden panels that were left apparent. The interior floors and terraces are made of a grey stone from India called Caledonia. Additionally, wastewater is recycled and treated, lighting is automated for efficiency, and the windows feature state-of-the-art glass to conserve temperature and insulate against noise. FRAGMENT Karlin By Trigema, Prague, Czechia Fragment collaborates with Trigema development, Qarta architecture studio, and artist David Černý. According to its designers, this construction results from a harmonious blend of architecture, art and residential development. The building offers 140 fully furnished studio apartments. Additionally, Fragment is a contemporary energy-efficient structure utilizing advanced technologies. Its apartments feature geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling and incorporate green roofs and rainwater retention systems. All apartments feature the Smart Home Loxone system, through which you can control your home through a single panel and app. Lambkill Ridge By Peter Braithwaite Studio, Terence Bay, Canada Designed as a getaway for a family of four, the architecture features two nearly identical volumes mirrored along a long, narrow boardwalk that connects the access road to the winding nature trails beyond. Elevated above the forest floor, the design aims to immerse the user in nature, offering stunning views of the barren lands and ocean from its loft spaces while promoting ecological vitality. The long ascent via the two-tiered stairwell and boardwalk reveals a subtly framed trailhead between the two darkened volumes. Created with a focus on being mostly off-grid, notable characteristics consist of a window engineered to optimize both thermal heat gain and passive ventilation for temperature regulation throughout the entire year, a toilet that burns waste, and a system for collecting and filtering rainwater. Royal II By William Kaven Architecture, Portland, Oregon Royal II is a residential project in Portland, designed with a simple material palette of dark steel, concrete, glass and custom bronze-black cladding that grounds the house within the surrounding treescape. At the same time, an encircling green roof further blurs the distinction between architecture and forest. Royal II’s main level features a large, cantilevered living room with oak floors, kitchen and dining areas with built-in custom cabinetry and the primary bedroom suite, which opens onto a private sun deck. The home’s daylight basement, partially embedded in the steep slope, is flooded with light from the skylight and east-facing windows. Off the den, a large ground-level terrace abuts a filtration planter that forms part of the concrete retaining wall and contributes to the home’s water reuse system. White Rock By Omar Gandhi Architects, Wolfville, Canada The private residential project, designed in 2023, near Gaspereau River Valley stands on Mi’Kmaq territory, rich in significance for the Acadian community that named the river after the gaspereau fish. White Rock serves as an escape. Approaching the cabin, its silhouette appears both imposing and delicately placed atop a rocky ridge with a simple design. The landscape design is raw, preserving a light footprint within the woodland setting. Rainwater is collected and stored for irrigation, while the existing trees offer shade from the intense sun during the brief, warm summer months. Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. The post Closing the Loop: 8 Sustainable Residential Buildings with Circular Water Systems appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Learn More About Vision Awards Why should one hire an architect? To create something “beautiful” — a notion as subjective as it is elusive? To craft a merely functional space — when countless templates already exist? Or to ensure a structure that stands firm — surely the domain of the civil engineer? And so, the question lingers: what, truly, makes an architect worth the investment? There are many reasons as to why it is difficult to answer this question, with the primary one being that the true work of an architect still remains rather mysterious and undefined. A common misconception is that architects are all about making buildings, often neglecting and even devaluating the thinking and intellectual rigor required prior to any sort of construction work. Still, lets dive a little bit deeper into what that “thinking” entails. Wuhan Great River Center Plot C International Competition by line+ studio, Wuhan, Hubei  Ideation is perhaps the most critical aspect of architectural design. It involves a lot of research, both conceptually as well as theoretically, that is then translated into space through making and drawing. It is where functional organization, artistic expression and user experience come together to create space. At the same time, these abstract and functional design gestures are also informed by the immediate site as well as the wider context. Environmental conditions, local crafts, societal rules and urban layouts are all taken into consideration by architects, often involving creating detailed surveys, maps and even infographics that paint a clear picture as to how the design impacts the surrounding conditions. The Portal by Form4 Architecture, Concept Visualization then is essentially an articulation of this research — of this intellectual labor. It can take the form of a rough sketch, a hand-drawn perspective, a section or a plan as well as a polished render and even a walkthrough-video. The actual process of visualization hides a lot of problem-solving itself. It goes beyond producing a mere aesthetic image but it’s about drawing the idea, firstly to understand it and secondly to resolve it, generating many iterations in order to reach a proposal ready to be presented to the world. In fact, there is a branch of architecture, called speculative or paper architecture, whose endeavor is for these drawings / images to be the end result, testing out new forms or technologies and trying to resolve wider architectural (and often environmental, economic or societal) issues, without setting a goal for their actual implementation. New Museum of Architecture and Design by Architects of Invention, Concept Finally, coordination is what architects are maybe less known for. In construction, they take the role of the conductor, orchestrating engineers, consultants, city planners, and clients and translating visions into feasible projects. They are required to think on the spot, come up with quick ideas that consider all aspects of the design and – because they have conducted so much research (from inception to implementation) — are the ones who can, most of the time, offer the best solutions. Horizon House by ONUS Architecture Studio, Greece Consequently, the architect’s work is not something tangible. It is not a gleaming skyscraper or an elegant home but rather an intellectual act — a process of visualization, research, and imagination that transforms blank pages into living spaces. How can one put a price on that? To make matters simpler (and admittedly a bit dull), the stages of an architect’s work can be broken down into early conceptual studies, multiple design iterations, stakeholder presentations, technical detailing and construction phase services. Additionally, organizations such as the RIBA or the AIA have introduced multiple fee structures in order to accommodate many rather abstract pieces of work, while recognizing that architecture is an ongoing service and not a product-based profession. Percentage of construction cost is a fee most commonly used for larger projects, based on a percentage of the final construction cost and reflecting the complexity and scale of coordination required. The lump sum, on the other hand, is more straightforward, with it being a total fee agreed upon at the outset for a clearly defined scope of work. In contrast, when the scope is uncertain or open-ended  — particularly during early conceptual phases, consulting engagements, or feasibility studies — hourly billing might be the best option. Finally, more “daring” firms experiment with models that tie fees to the project’s value creation for the client — for example, how a new design improves operational efficiency or market appeal. Kaohsiung Train Station by Mecanoo, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan To the casual observer, an architect’s deliverables might seem straightforward: plans, drawings, blueprints. Yet what a client ultimately pays for goes far deeper  — it’s the sum of countless invisible hours spent thinking, researching, testing, coordinating and refining. Architecture is not a simple transaction for a set of documents; it’s a collaborative intellectual service that shapes every dimension of a project’s success. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Enter the Vision Awards Featured Image: Tencent Campus by MVRDV, Shenzhen, China The post From Sketch to Structure: What Are You Really Paying an Architect For? appeared first on Journal.

These annual rankings were last updated on May 9, 2025. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking. From its distinct regional vernacular to the elaborate pagodas to unique modern geometries and material experimentation, Thailand boasts an incredible architectural culture. Thailand’s rich and diverse architectural heritage is attributed to its long history of political change, religion, extreme climate and domestic sociocultural beliefs. Architecture in Thailand is deeply connected to the environment; agriculture plays a crucial part in Thai culture and has influenced how dwellings have been built for centuries. One of the most common features is the use of stilts. This common practice of elevating the domestic space holds multifunctional purposes — it provides a shaded outdoor space, is used for storage and protects from flooding during the severe rainy season. It’s warm climate and rich topography have paved the way for a booming tourist industry, which has sparked an onslaught of hospitality architecture, including resorts, restaurants and other entertainment venues. The nation’s architectural vocabulary has completely transformed in the 20th and 21st centuries. Specifically, the nation’s capital city of Bangkok, has undergone a significant transformation in the past decades, producing many award-winning contemporary designs. With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s 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 Thailand 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 firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority: The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2025) The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2025) 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 Thailand architecture firms throughout the year. Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Thailand: 30. Plan Architect © Plan Architect Intuition, perception and sensitivity to the human and technical considerations of a project are in constant synergy. Respect and appreciation for everyone contributions is crucial. Success is shared by all. When people are given the space and freedom to create, everyone benefits from the growth that springs from it. Some of Plan Architect’s most prominent projects include: THE GOLDEN JUBILEE MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE, จ.ปทุมธานี, Thailand Thai Red Cross Foundation Children Home, จ.นคาปฐม, Thailand BAAN NONTHABURI, จ.นนทบุรี, Thailand Kensington International Kindergarten, Bangkok, Thailand CHULABHORN GRADUATE INSTITUTE, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Plan Architect achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 15 29. Bangkok Project Studio © Bangkok Project Studio Bangkok Project Studio was founded by Boonserm Premthada in Bangkok in 2003. Boonserm argues that architecture is the physical creation of an atmosphere, serving to heighten our awareness of our natural surroundings. In this lecture, he discusses a variety of his work, considering the manipulation of light, shadow, wind, sound, and smell, alongside the socio-economic and cultural agenda, with many of his projects including programmes to improve equality. Some of Bangkok Project Studio’s most prominent projects include: The Wine : Ayutthaya, Ban Run, Thailand Kantana Film & Animation Institute, Salaya, Thailand Elephant Museum, จ.สุรินทร์, Thailand Brick Observation Tower, จ.สุรินทร์, Thailand The Cultural Courtyard, จ.สุรินทร์, Thailand The following statistics helped Bangkok Project Studio achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 5 28. BodinChapa Architects © Rungkit Charoenwat BodinChapa Architects / BDCA – Bodin Mueanglue and Phitchapa Lothong are main designer. We share our idea with young designer in our tiny team. We want to express the charm of that localism in a various contemporary style, combine the local wisdom with the modern construction technology. Simplicity and local materials are used to design to show the value in another way. We also want to develop our ideas to be amused and always fresh, along with asking questions about living. Some of BodinChapa Architects’ most prominent projects include: Basic Space Coffee, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand Naya Cafe Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand MYJ House, Bangkok, Thailand Proud, Bangkok, Thailand Baan Priggang, จ.สระบุรี, Thailand The following statistics helped BodinChapa Architects achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 5 27. Sook Architects © Sook Architects Company Limited Sook Architects Company Limited was founded in 2005. “Our Happiness” is being “SO OK architects” for any field of architectural design services, particularly urban and environmental planning, community, architectural conservation and landscape design. “SOOK” means Happiness in Thai language. Some of Sook Architects’ most prominent projects include: Baan Suan Mook Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand Baan Rai Thaw Si , จ.นครราชสีมา, Thailand Hill Lodge Resort, จ.เชียงใหม่, Thailand O-ART-IM House, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Sook Architects Company Limited achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 4 26. Vaslab Architecture © Ketsiree Wongwan VaSLab is a design oriented firm based in Bangkok, presenting expertise in architecture, interior design, and urban design. The studio, led by Vasu Virajsilp, creates an architecture by injecting the innovative and experimental ideas to construct the new order of architectural elements contextually. Some of Vaslab Architecture’s most prominent projects include: Mason, จ.ชลบุรี, Thailand Slabtitude, Bangkok, Thailand Equilibrium House LIT Bangkok Honda Big Wing, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Vaslab Architecture achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 13 25. Redland-scape © Redland-scape.Ltd Redland-scape.Ltd. is a Thai landscape architecture design firm based in Bangkok. We focus on creating uniqueness environments that improve people’s living quality and enhance green ecosystem. We specialize in landscape and urban development, envision the future possibilities and create landscape value of the places. We work as a team of experienced landscape architects and young designers with design thinking process to generate fresh and innovative ideas. Our projects are delivered with meaningful and well-thought out design to turn our clients’ visions into reality. We believe that in nature, there are always complimentary side that fit together harmonically. Red is a complimentary color of natural landscape that create a spotlight and prominent features in nature. Some of Redland-scape’s most prominent projects include: IDEO O2 – The Zero Carbon Residence, Bangkok, Thailand SIERRA SATHORN, Bangkok, Thailand LIFE LADPRAO THE VALLEY, Bangkok, Thailand MODIZ Sukhumvit 50, Sukhumvit Road, Thailand Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry – OPD, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Redland-scape.Ltd achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 22 24. LANDPROCESS © LANDPROCESS LANDPROCESS is a Bangkok-based landscape architecture and urban design firm founded in 2011 by landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom. At LANDPROCESS, situation in the city at sea level, we, landprocessors are helping to shift cities to a carbon neutral future and confronting the future climate uncertainty. Some of LANDPROCESS’ most prominent projects include: Thammasat University Urban Rooftop Farm, Tambon Khlong Nung, Thailand Chao Phraya Sky Park, Thailand The following statistics helped LANDPROCESS achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 2 23. S+S Architects © S+S Architects Founded in 2019 by Mr. Sarunyu Uewisetwattana, S+S architects is a design studio based in Bangkok, Thailand. The design principle of S+S focuses on simplicity/space, functionality, and how to creatively design architecture which is complemented by nature. Some of S+S Architects’ most prominent projects include: AQGD Japanese Restaurant renovation, Bangkok, Thailand BonsonBonsai House renovation, Bangkok, Thailand Prinsiri House renovation , Bangkok, Thailand 1390 House renovation , Bangkok, Thailand Chuan Chuen House renovation, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped S+S Architects achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 12 22. ForX Design Studio © ForX Design Studio ForX Design Studio is a group of architects and designers who have diverse experience in Architectural and interior Architecture. Our scope of service are Architecture, Masterplan and Interior Architecture. We are working as practical Architects and inventors with flexible style, also we believe that new space will be emerge from an integration, not only Architecture space but also interior space. Our projects are designed base on design as a research methodology which are respected and merged contexts and users together. Some of ForX Design Studio’s most prominent projects include: Grillicious, จ.ชลบุรี, Thailand PIN’N PAN HOUSE, จ.ราชบุรี, Thailand GRAND PLENO CLUBHOUSE, Bangkok, Thailand Chia Tai Farm, Bangkok, Thailand RISU Cafe, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped ForX Design Studio achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 10 21. Openbox Architects and Openbox Group © Openbox Architects and Openbox Group OPENBOX Architects (OPNBX) has been founded in 2004 by NUI Ratiwat Suwannatrai and PRANG Suwannatrai, architect and landscape architect / husband and wife. The design studio has been formed, based on the core belief that architecture and landscape should be designed and perceived as one. For the past decade, OPNBX has been involved in numerous projects of various types, that illustrate the importance of unified concept, boldness and harmony between architectures and their surroundings. OPENBOX Studio has currently expanded our service scope to cover architecture, landscape and interior to emphasize the power of unified design concept. Some of Openbox Architects and Openbox Group’s most prominent projects include: Marble House, Bangkok, Thailand The Base Saphanmai, Bangkok, Thailand ROMM Covent Sales Gallery, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand Rhythm Ekkamai Estate, Bangkok, Thailand Rhythm Charoenkrung Pavillion, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand The following statistics helped Openbox Architects and Openbox Group achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 15 20. Somdoon Architects © Somdoon Architects Somdoon Architects was founded in 2010. The name, ‘Somdoon’ deriving from the Thai word, means ‘balance’. Our team believe that each project has different conditions and challenges. It is crucial to look around, research in depth and collaborate with others to understand each project. And the unique design is the result from the understanding and finding the balance solution. We have originally gained recognition form residential projects from low-rise to high-rise building. Our works has won several internationally-acclaimed awards. Some of Somdoon Architects’ most prominent projects include: ASA Lanna Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand Baan San Kraam Sales Office, จ. เพชรบุรี, Thailand Via 31, Bangkok, Thailand Siamese Gioia, Bangkok, Thailand Hasu Haus, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Somdoon Architects achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 15 19. NPDA studio © NPDA studio NPDA studio was established by Nutthawut Piriyaprakob in 2009. Nutthawut received formal training in North America and worked for various design firms including Rafael Viñoly Architects and Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM). He eventually returned to Bangkok where he established NPDA Studio, which specializes in a variety of structural typologies, including residential, public and commercial. Some of NPDA studio’s most prominent projects include: Somjai House | Coconutnoom Resort, จ.สุราษฎร์ธานี, Thailand Bunjob House : House of Flow | Coconutnoom Resort, จ.สุราษฎร์ธานี, Thailand Varee Valley Restaurant : Jungle Junction, จ.ขอนแก่น, Thailand Prachasongkroa Kindergarten, จ.กาญจนบุรี, Thailand Monin Hill House, Thailand The following statistics helped NPDA studio achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 10 18. Architects 49 © Wison Tungthhunya Architects 49 was established in 1983 by Nithi Sthapitanonda. From the beginning, his vision has always been timeless architecture with clean, simple, and elegant lines. With a keen interest in Thai art and architecture, our founder established the groundwork for present generations to follow. Our team has since expanded to more than 200 collaborators, working on projects around Asia and in the Middle East. Our diverse team enables us to create a broad range of architecture, from small scale residences to large scale mixed-use projects. We approach each project differently, with the belief that each one should have its own distinctive character. Some of Architects 49’s most prominent projects include: VELAA (THE SINDHORN VILLAGE), Bangkok, Thailand Singha D’Luck Cinematic Theatre, จ.ชลบุรี, Thailand The New 3.0 GeV Synchrotron Light Source at EECi Prince Mahidol Hall, Salaya, Thailand The following statistics helped Architects 49 achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 3 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 4 17. HAS design and research © HAS design and research HAS design and research is award-winning architecture studio established in Bangkok and Shanghai, founded by Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee. Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) explores Asia’s architectural language through a “design + research” parallel approach; it emphasizes the analogy of nature and man-made nature, looking for another kind of new natural architecture through the city’s own derivatives, named “The Improvised, MANufAcTURE and Chameleon Architecture”. HAS work encompassing cultural buildings, religious architecture, installation art, exhibition design and experimental projects; and HAS research includes the train and railway markets, the charming roadside vendors, the borderless illegal constructions under the elevated freeways, and the roundabouts of dead alleys. Some of HAS design and research’s most prominent projects include: Intangible Sound, Shenzhen, China The Glade Bookstore, Chongqing, China Museum of Modern Aluminum Thailand, Thailand Casa de Zanotta, China Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory, Thailand The following statistics helped HAS design and research achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 16 16. Enter Projects Asia © Enter Projects Asia Sitting at the forefront of technologically aided design, our internationally acclaimed architecture firm seeks to further the culture of architecture on a high level. We are producing projects of exceptionally high design integrity and material finish. We are the leading international design firm with our main offices in Phuket, Thailand and working all over South East Asia and Australia now Europe and USA. Enter Projects Asia is the leading sustainable design firm that provides Architecture and Interior services based in Phuket, Thailand, South East Asia. Our company is fully Thai registered and operational in Thailand. Despite the global situation, we have just had a very strong year as we believe our work resonates with the attitude “Going local with cutting edge International design”. Some of Enter Projects Asia’s most prominent projects include: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru — Terminal 2, Bengaluru, India Spice & Barley Riverside Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand Art Gallery Chiang Mai, จ.เชียงใหม่, Thailand Edgecliff Medical Centre, Edgecliff, Australia Aldrich Residence, Perth, Australia The following statistics helped Enter Projects Asia achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 24 15. Onion © Onion Onion Company Limited found in 2007, a Thai architectural firm that specializes in architecture and interior design. Onion is happy to create light-hearted architecture with a modern touch from commercial projects to hospitality projects. Some of Onion’s most prominent projects include: Jerry House, Cha-am, Thailand SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, จ.สุราษฎร์ธานี, Thailand Bear House, Cha-am, Thailand Sala Ayutthaya Hotel, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand Supanniga Eating Room , Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Onion achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 18 14. Studio Locomotive © Studio Locomotive Studio Locomotive is a group of diverse talents who approach each project with an interdisciplinary expertise and interests: architecture, interior design, product design, branding, and visual design. The practice treats an experiential space as a persuasive manifesto of specialty, competency, and commitments, constructive for the project and congenial to its vicinity. Crafted with empathy and evaluative attitude, the experiential space offers a sense of place; conveys the philosophy of business; expresses brand characters in proper manners; and when appropriate, advocates and inspires the values of history, art, community, environment, or science with creativity and reverence. The studio shows confidence in reimagining context interpretation, material development, and integrative techniques to devise refreshing, impressive, practical, and worthwhile ideas. Some of Studio Locomotive’s most prominent projects include: Tree O’clock — Villa Qabalah, จ.ภูเก็ต, Thailand Thai Brasserie by Blue Elephant, จ.ภูเก็ต, Thailand Prim House, จ.ภูเก็ต, Thailand Hotel Gahn, Phang-nga, Thailand Saffron Cruise, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Studio Locomotive achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 6 13. Stu/D/O Architects © Stu/D/O Architects Stu/D/O Architects is a design company practicing architecture, urbanism, and sustainable design. Our approach to design projects is to consider the layers of physical and cultural archeologies at each site to invent new possibilities for the buildings’ function, context, and space, while insist on integrating passive sustainable design in every process. Some of Stu/D/O Architects’ most prominent projects include: Zonic Vision Office, Bangkok, Thailand Kurve 7, Bangkok, Thailand Aperture House, Bangkok, Thailand Naiipa Art Complex, Bangkok, Thailand Joly House, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Stu/D/O Architects achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 11 12. Archimontage Design Fields Sophisticated © Archimontage Design Fields Sophisticated Archimontage Design Fields Sophisticated is a micro office located in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Founded in 2007 by Cherngchai Riawruangsangkul. It specializes in architectural design, interior design and related fields for buildings of various sizes, especially small-size and medium-size residence in urban area. The goals are to find alternatives for design that are not limited to conventional method and solution, to seek new options that open opportunity for the architect (designer), to create new physical and emotional experience for both the building owner (user) and society or the people around it (observer) and to conduct cross-disciplinary experimentation to find new, unique and special ways for creating architecture. Some of Archimontage Design Fields Sophisticated’s most prominent projects include: chokchai 4 house, Bangkok, Thailand Muangthongthani Carcare, Nonthaburi, Thailand dindang house, Bangkok, Thailand sanambinnam house, จ.นนทบุรี, Thailand phutthamonthon house, จ.นคาปฐม, Thailand The following statistics helped Archimontage Design Fields Sophisticated achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 9 Total Projects 27 11. Shma Company © Shma Company Limited ‘Shma’ means ‘the Earth.’ We are a creative landscape architecture platform with multidisciplinary professions collaborating to deliver a meaningful and thoughtful design that deals with increasing environmental challenges and to create better earth. We are a community of landscape architects, technicians, horticulturists, strategic designers, media makers, researchers, and more. Among the diverse team members, we actively exchange ideas and work collaboratively to generate transformative strategies and to deliver tangible and measurable landscape designs that enhance social and environmental sustainability. Toward the same goal, we work professionally with positive energy as a big family. Shma has experiences in numerous domestic and international projects varied in types and scales, including residential, hospitality, institution, commercial, urban space, public parks, biodiversity, master planning, research and experimental. We believe that our territory is an ecosystem, a living mechanism of nature and human with its own life, rhythm and system. Some of Shma Company’s most prominent projects include: Le Meridien, Zhengzhou, China Sky Forest Scape, Bangkok, Thailand Jin Wellbeing County, Rangsit, Thailand Vertical Living Gallery Hasu Haus, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Shma Company Limited achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 21 10. IF (Integrated Field) © Ketsiree Wongwan IF is a Thailand based design office that believes in finding a specified question for each project, to understand its “core”, and develop the design based on that issue throughout the whole process. With belief in this method, IF was founded by group of friends consisting of architects, an interior architect, a landscape architect and an industrial designer, intended to work together and gather aspects in as many fields as possible to create work from the integrated inputs as our core saying, “IF works in the Field of Integration”. It has been founded since July 2011 and still at its very first stage at the moment. Some of IF (Integrated Field)’s most prominent projects include: EKH CHILDREN HOSPITAL, Samut Sakhon, Thailand CUCHI ORGANIC ECO FARM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam KLOEM HOSTEL, Bangkok, Thailand Exotic Food (XO), Bangkok, Thailand Coro Field : Phase 1, จ.ราชบุรี, Thailand The following statistics helped IF (Integrated Field co.,ltd) achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 4 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 11 9. Anonym © Anonym ANONYM is a design studio based in Bangkok. Our design philosophy is focusing on the relationship between spaces, people and contexts. We believe that the great design can be created with diversity, innovation and environmentally-friendly condition. Founded by Thai architect and interior architect, we specialize in architectural and interior design and provide comprehensive design services including architectural design, master planning, interior design and feasibility study. For our clients, we seek for creative solutions to help them fulfill their dreams, archive their goals and find their happiness. Some of Anonym’s most prominent projects include: OA pavilion, Bangkok, Thailand Sailom house, Bangkok, Thailand The Triangle house, Thailand Green 26, Bangkok, Thailand bAAn, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Anonym achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 19 8. EKAR © EKAR EKAR believes the architecture is the place that originated from a divisibly mixture of human usabilities occurred through thinking process, analysis and connections based on different conditions and contexts which are surrounded in every dimension of each specific location. Nature, society, culture, behavior, taste and time are reflected in a unique architectural work as beautiful aesthetic senses. Every piece of EKAR creation is like a research combining science and art together to bring out proper design efficiency to create a sense of place which will lead to positive changes and expand the boundaries of design to the whole society. Some of EKAR’s most prominent projects include: VOA Space, Khon Kaen, Thailand Power House Center of SCG, Bang Sue, Bangkok, Thailand Re-Gen House | House for multi generations , Bangkok, Thailand Multi-Place, จ.สุราษฎร์ธานี, Thailand Dog / Human, จ.นคาปฐม, Thailand The following statistics helped EKAR achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 6 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 9 7. Junsekino Architecture & Design © Junsekino Architecture & Design JUNSEKINO Architecture + Design. It started from a belief that architecture and interior design are intertwined, equally important and inseparable. With a working style that values every detail in all elements and dimensions, it believes in unique touches and essences for individual projects and emphasizes on methodical approach of thinking process and overall proportion. It focuses on tropical-style environmental management. Sincerity and attentiveness are core values of Jun Sekino. Some of Junsekino Architecture & Design’s most prominent projects include: Baan Nhong Bua School, จ.เชียงราย, Thailand T.R.O.P Office, Bangkok, Thailand MTL Office, Bangkok, Thailand ICESU HOUSE, Bangkok, Thailand Ngamwongwan House, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped Junsekino Architecture & Design achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 15 6. TROP : terrains + open space © TROP : terrains + open space TROP is a landscape architectural design studio with a team of designers and construction supervisors. Led by Pok Kobkongsanti, our philosophy is to create unique designs for each project that we work on. We believe that our design process is as important as the design itself, so we work very closely with each of our clients. Since 2007, TROP has been working on various projects throughout Asia. Some of TROP : terrains + open space’s most prominent projects include: Ribbon Dance Park : Landscape Placemaking for Public, Xi’an, China AN VILLA, Shaoxing, China the Opus One, China Terraced House: The Chiang Rai Residence, Mueang Chiang Rai, Thailand NANA Coffee Roasters Bangna, Bang Na, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped TROP : terrains + open space achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 4 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 16 5. ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) © ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work - Aholic) ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) is a Bangkok-based studio founded in 2013 by Phuttipan Aswakool + Chotiros Techamongklapiwat, who carries out its design journey through experimentation with materials, architectural forms, and characteristics of interior spaces that correspond in equilibrium with the use of natural light. For ASWA, a design is conceived from a thorough analysis of each project’s surrounding context before being translated into its architectural language. Some of ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic)’s most prominent projects include: Khao Niao Restaurant + Onda Cafe, Bangkok, Thailand Bitwise Headquarters, จ.สมุทรปราการ, Thailand Office of Lee & Son Leather, Bangkok, Thailand MHS, Mae Hong Son, Thailand Solid Concrete Studio + Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work - Aholic) achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: Featured Projects 12 Total Projects 26 4. Chiangmai Life Architects © Chiangmai Life Architects Chiangmai Life Architects is based in northern Thailand with its partnering firm, Chiangmai Life Construction, responsible for building the modern sustainable designs using earth and bamboo as main construction materials. The company’s philosophy is to bring these natural materials into the 21st century, with light and clean organic designs and up-to-date engineering knowledge. CLC strives for a balance of function, beauty and sustainability. Some of Chiangmai Life Architects’ most prominent projects include: Bamboo Sports Hall at Panyaden International School, Chiang Mai, Thailand Bamboo Meditation Cathedral & Sunset Sala, จ.เชียงใหม่, Thailand Science Labs & Music Center @ Panyaden International School, จ.เชียงใหม่, Thailand The Bull @ Zab e Lee Cooking School, Chiang Mai, Thailand Erber Research Center and Lecture Hall, Tambon Kamphaeng Saen, Thailand The following statistics helped Chiangmai Life Architects achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 4 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 10 3. TOUCH Architect © Anan Naruphantawat ‘TOUCH’ comes from our philosophy that we respect your need and preference, and it is our desire to make your imagination becomes reality. So with a touch of ours, your idea will be delivered. We promise to fulfill your inspiration and make it happen, since we believe that architecture is not just a building. It is where we live, work, relax or even learn. We spend most of our lives in it. So, in time, it has become such a memorial to us. Also, it is one of the most fascinating aspects of human skills since the beginning of time. It indicates a timeline, as well as an expression of life, society, culture, and intellect. Some of TOUCH Architect’s most prominent projects include: French Kitsch III, จ.นครราชสีมา, Thailand Option Coffee Bar, Udon Thani, Thailand Villa Backyard, จ.ฉะเชิงเทรา, Thailand IN-SIGHT House, Bangkok, Thailand House Enfold, Thepharak, Thailand The following statistics helped TOUCH Architect achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 12 Total Projects 14 2. Department of ARCHITECTURE © Department of ARCHITECTURE Department of ARCHITECTURE practices architecture, interior design, landscape design, and other design-related disciplines within a broad range of programmatic requirements and scales. The firm focuses on developing ideas in architecture, researches on social, cultural and physical context, as well as takes on an exploration for alternative material utilization. Some of Department of ARCHITECTURE’s most prominent projects include: Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), Bangkok, Thailand The Commons Thonglor, Bangkok, Thailand The Commons Saladaeng, Bangkok, Thailand ‘Drift’ Lobby Bar, Pattaya City, Thailand MIST Hot Spring Resort, Henan, China The following statistics helped Department of ARCHITECTURE achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 10 A+Awards Finalist 8 Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 20 1. IDIN Architects © IDIN Architects An acronym for Integrating Design Into Nature, IDIN Architects was founded in 2004. We perceive ‘nature’ in two ways. Firstly, nature can be defined as the ecology around us. Secondly, it can also refer to different mannerisms and personalities. The design philosophy and attention of IDIN are to merge this sense of surroundings, the ‘natures’, to the architectural aesthetic. This merge is done through a process of analyzing and prioritizing the different needs and requirements of each project. In addition to being an acronym, the Thai word “idin” is used to describe the natural phenomenon when soil releases a beautiful scent after rainfall. Some of IDIN Architects’ most prominent projects include: Featured image: Harudot By Nana Coffee Roasters, Tambon Samet, Thailand Choui Fong Tea Café, จ.เชียงราย, Thailand IDIN Architects Office, Bangkok, Thailand NANA Coffee Roasters Bangna, Bangkok, Thailand MDC Headquarters, Bangkok, Thailand The following statistics helped IDIN Architects achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Thailand: A+Awards Winner 4 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 23 Total Projects 29 Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking? With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s 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 world’s 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 highlighted A Guide to Project Awards The 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 Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status: Project completed within the last 3 years A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value High quality, in focus photographs At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings Inclusion of construction photographs There 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 Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.     We’re constantly look for the world’s 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 don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com. The post 30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Thailand appeared first on Journal.

Got a project that’s too contemporary for your client? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! The clock is ticking — start your entry today for an Early Entry discount. Toilet design is rarely in the spotlight. Yet, there have been some architects that have managed to elevate a basic necessity into a truly unique experience. The following seven projects showcase public toilet facilities proving that even the humblest of briefs can become architectural innovations. “Hi Toilet” THE TOKYO TOILET Nanago Dori Park By Kubo Tsushima Architects, Hatagaya, Shibuya City, Japan The project is located in a public park, aspiring to become the world’s cleanest toilet. A spherical building appears to be elevated, positioned slightly off the ground, with an air vent as a base. Constructing a meticulous ventilation plan as well as an innovative voice command system, the building preserves a high level of cleanness both in regard to the surfaces as well as the air quality. Specifically, the voice command system controls the doors, the toilet bowl as well as the lighting of the space. Jinhua Architecture Park Public Toilet By DnA_Design And Architecture, Jinhua, China The project is essentially a park dedicated to public toilet facilities. The toilets are arranged in individual pieces in order to maximize privacy and minimize the land use of the park. The design follows a bending tube shape with an opening on top that allows natural light to enter the space as well as ensure effective cross-ventilation. Kumutoto Toilets By Studio Pacific Architecture, Kumamoto, Japan These public toilets are located at the Synergy Plaza in the Kumutoto Precinct, close to the Wellington’s waterfront. The brief asked for a sculptural form that is effectively integrated into the surrounding context, while considering all the necessary functions of the facilities. Consequently, two elongated volumes — irregularly curved — are suggestive of crustaceans or sea creatures, linking back to the original name of Kumutoto (an ancient stream). Each form contains one accessible public toilet as well as cleaning facilities. Concrete is used for the structure while a metal rainscreen provides protection from the air and rain. Finally, cantilevered “tails” provide natural ventilation. House of Toilet By Daigo Ishii + Future-scape Architects, Japan The project is a public toilet design situated on a remote island, carefully integrated in the surrounding context. Following the orientation of the sun, a series of slits are punctured through the exterior shell of the structure creating an interplay of natural light. The materials are carefully selected in order to respond to the local buildings. Specifically, black burnt cedar board is used as a finish, covered with a polycarbonate sheet to reflect the scenery. The Toilets among the Trees By UAO Design, Xiaochang County, Xiaogan, China The building has a circular layout, where men and women’s toilets are situated on both sides of the entrance square. The primary material is red brick, serving as inspiration for the toilet’s logo the ”concave-convex.” A series of openings formed by the porous brickwork create an interplay of light and shadow in the interior space, while glass bricks are also used to break down the solidity of the structure. Isemachi Public Toilet By Kubo Tsushima Architects, Nakanojo, Japan The project aim was to create a new public toilet facility at the corner of the parking lot of Ringshoji temple, in order to rejuvenate the site as well as act as a symbol for the town’s art festival “Nakanojo Biennale.” An S-shaped wall made of clear white material separates that male from the female toilet, whilst providing ample privacy from the street. Strategic openings at the top of the structure offer an abundance of natural light in the interior as well as effective cross-ventilation. Flotane By L J B, Lærdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway The project is located at 3937 feet (1,200 meter) elevation on the top of Aurlandsfjellet, a rocky and dramatic plateau characterized by a desolate landscape and a harsh climate, in Norway. The small toilet building is designed in an attempt to resist the adverse weather conditions and in parallel maximize the little amount of natural light that reaches the area. The structure is made of concrete, while the interior is cladded in wood. The design is shaped into a tilted cube, sheltering the entrance and offering a perfect south exposition for the placing of solar panels, making the toilet 100% self-sufficient. Got a project that’s too contemporary for your client? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! The clock is ticking — start your entry today for an Early Entry discount. Featured Image: Kumutoto Toilets by Studio Pacific Architecture, Kumamoto, Japan The post Loo with a View: 7 Public Toilet Projects with Architectural Flair appeared first on Journal.

Kira Gould, a Senior Fellow with Architecture 2030, conducted this interview. Architecture 2030’s 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. Even casual observers of the built environment climate action scene and COP have likely noticed the significant uptick over the past several years in discussing nature-based solutions. Fortunately, this has occurred as the built environment community has been developing a broader understanding of what constitutes the built environment. As Architecture 2030 has put it, this goes far “beyond buildings.” We are talking about sites, landscapes, and infrastructure – and we are talking with landscape architects, planners and urban designers, too. Two preeminent landscape architects in this movement within a movement — Pamela Conrad and Kotchakorn Voraakhorn — led the development of WORKS with Nature: Low Carbon Adaptation Techniques for a Changing World. This guide, released late last year, was developed for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change by Climate Positive Design and Porous City Network, with support from the American Society of Landscape Architects, the International Federation of Landscape Architects, and sponsors Vestre and Landscape Forms. This practical guide is meant to turn the buzz into action. I talked with Pamela and Kotch about the guide, the immense potential of nature-based solutions, and why this matters right now. ASLA 2021 Professional General Design Honor Award. From a Concrete Bulkhead Riverbank to a Vibrant Shoreline Park—Suining South Riverfront Park. Suining City, Sichuan Province, China. ECOLAND Planning and Design Corp. / Arch-Exist Photography Kira Gould (KG): Now that so many talk about nature-based solutions, why did you decide it was time for a practical guide to show designers how to deploy these strategies?  Pamela Conrad (PC): In recent years at COP and other international events, I’ve heard more and more discussion about nature-based solutions. I have also noticed a disconnect. While people talk about these solutions enthusiastically, few seem to thoroughly understand precisely what they are. For instance, people commonly mention mangroves. They are not wrong, but these solutions are so much more. Nature-based solutions work with natural ecosystems to address pressing challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequities. They can be implemented in urban and rural areas and at any scale of development. These solutions include restoring wetlands to manage flooding, integrating green roofs in cities to reduce heat, and creating sustainable urban forests to improve air quality. The brilliance of these solutions lies in their multifaceted benefits. They deliver environmental, economic and social advantages simultaneously. When people see these strategies in action, it can be a revelation. Suddenly, the abstract concept becomes tangible. For instance, when attendees at past COP events saw how these solutions could transform landscapes, enhance community resilience, and reduce costs, their enthusiasm shifted into action. This was the inspiration for launching WORKS with NATURE: Low Carbon Adaptation Techniques for a Changing World at the conference. It serves as a supplement to the UN National Adaptation Plan Technical Guidelines. The WORKS with NATURE guide highlights one hundred low-carbon adaptation techniques from around the world. / GREENinc landscape architecture, South Africa KG: Why is this guide essential for developing countries?  Kotchakorn Voraakhorn (KV): The stakes are high. We are those who are affected the most. In another way, the opportunity is tremendous. However, while developing countries have done the least to cause climate change, places like my home in Bangkok, Thailand, are facing the highest risks. The guide features nature-based solutions that can be implemented anywhere in the world. The case studies are from around the world, not only the Global North. While showcasing 100 solutions from both developing and developed countries, it was our goal to break down silos of knowledge sharing. KG: Who is the guide for, and how should they use it?  PC: This guide is for practitioners, property owners, community members, municipal leaders, developers, and policymakers. I say practitioners first because it is full of meaningful case studies that show how nature-based solutions can work. But all those other audiences are important, too — we all have a stake in how our communities are being built and how resilience and climate response are being addressed. The document is organized by global challenges, from heat, fire, and drought, to flooding, biodiversity loss, and food security, all with a lens of low-carbon design. It reads like a “choose your own adventure”, to focus on the strategies most relevant to you. Each solution includes lessons learned, details on what makes it unique, and a technical drawing with images. Bass River Park, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. STOSS Landscape Urbanism / Copyright MILLICENT HARVEY  KG: Can you share some context about why this is so critical now? What is ahead for adaptation and mitigation and how can nature-based solutions have value compared to conventional infrastructure choices?  PC: An estimated 75 percent of the infrastructure we will rely on in 2050 has yet to be built. Meanwhile, an estimated 800 million people will be vulnerable to coastal flooding by mid-century without adaptation measures. Traditional infrastructure, built primarily with concrete and steel, is costly and carbon-intensive, contributing to the climate crisis we’re trying to solve. We can shift from traditional gray infrastructure to nature-based solutions, which often cost significantly less and emit a fraction of the greenhouse gases. The return on investment is roughly fourfold for every dollar spent on these solutions, thanks to benefits like flood mitigation, cleaner air, and increased biodiversity. According to estimates by The Nature Conservancy, these solutions could account for up to 30 percent of the carbon sequestration needed by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. These solutions make economic, environmental and social sense. KG: What about funding and policy? What is the landscape there?  PC: The public and private sectors are projected to invest $90 trillion in significant infrastructure projects by 2030, presenting an unprecedented opportunity to integrate nature-based solutions into the foundation of future development. However, less than 10 percent of current adaptation funding goes to green infrastructure, despite its lower costs, around 70 percent less than traditional gray infrastructure. KV: To bridge this gap, we cannot wait for policy; we need to take action now with innovative financing mechanisms and consistent performance evaluations to demonstrate these solutions’ effectiveness and economic benefits ASLA’s recent briefs on the economic benefits of nature-based solutions are just the start of an ambitious economic research agenda that will support increased investment. Collaboration between policymakers, landscape architects, and communities will be key to scaling up these solutions and ensuring that nature is central to building a sustainable future. The path forward is clear: let’s invest in nature to secure a resilient, equitable, and thriving world for future generations. Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. The post Nature-Based Design Solutions: Turning Bio-Buzz into Architectural Action appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! When most, if not all, surfaces in a space are finished in the same material, something special happens. The space starts to have a cycloramic feel. It starts to feel more connected, more cohesive and more… tangible. That’s the idea behind material drenching. It’s when designers use one material across an entire interior to create a strong visual and emotional statement. Lately, that material is wood. Original Concept Studio by Shire Space Research, Hangzhou, China | Finalist, Commercial Interiors (<25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards When you step into a wood-drenched interior, you feel it instantly. The air seems warmer, the acoustics soften, and you slow down without even noticing. Unlike bold colors or flashy patterns, wood doesn’t demand your attention. It earns it through texture, warmth and memory, and maybe that’s why it works so well today. In an era obsessed with speed, sharpness and all things digital, there’s something reassuring about wood. It feels like an invitation to pause. Wherever it appears, it works with nature, not against it and that relationship to nature matters. There’s a reason spas and retreat spaces lean heavily into timber-lined walls and ceilings. It’s not a trend, its instinct. Wood feels like a place to rest and breathe. Long before we had drywall and steel studs, we had timber beams and wooden floors. Across cultures and continents, wood has carried the weight of shelter, ritual and tradition. This is what makes wood drenching feel so right. It pulls from that memory. When every surface is covered in timber, it feels like an intentional return. Original Concept Studio by Shire Space Research, Hangzhou, China | Finalist, Commercial Interiors (<25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards What sets wood apart is the way it wraps a space in feeling and not just finish. It’s more than just paneling or a well-placed accent wall. With wood drenching, the material becomes the architecture. It shapes how a space is perceived, how sound travels, how light reflects and how the size of the room is perceived. It also has a way of inviting touch. Whether smoothly polished or roughly textured, it draws people in. Unlike glass or concrete, which may often feel cold and distant, wood triggers a kind of tactile curiosity. You want to run your fingers over it, feel its texture, maybe even knock on it just to hear its sound. It’s this physical relationship between body and material that makes wood-drenched interiors so engaging. This is what Shire Space Research explored in the interior design of the Original Concept Studio. They intentionally amplified curiosity by using different forms of wood to signal shifts in function. Through cabinetry and furniture, they designed the space to encourage interaction with the samples physically and not just visually. Lumber 4 by Oslotre Arkitekter, Kristiansand, Norway | Jury Winner, Office – Mid Rise (5–15 Floors), 12th Annual A+Awards Lumber 4 by Oslotre Arkitekter, Kristiansand, Norway | Jury Winner, Office – Mid Rise (5–15 Floors), 12th Annual A+Awards Oslotre Arkitekter took a more direct approach to this in their project in Norway, Lumber 4. They used bright and grained wood in regular spaces and elements especially the staircase. The threads, risers, stringer and even handrail were done in mass timber. They also played with texture and pattern by cladding the walls and ceilings in wood. This way, users are passively guided to interact and feel with the material while they move through the space. Wood’s sustainability is a major part of its appeal. When sourced responsibly,  it’s one of the few building materials that can actually regenerate. Trees grow back and this means that when designers choose certified timber or reclaimed wood, they’re making a choice that reduces carbon footprint and supports healthier ecosystems. Beyond sourcing, the sustainability of wood is also about longevity. Wood is easy to repair, refinish and has resilience. It lets designers build spaces that last longer, feel better, and do less harm. It is also surprisingly flexible. You can play with tones, grains and direction. You can shift from smooth to raw, matte to polished, and still stay within one material language. To avoid monotony, designers play around with the orientation, tone, or texture of the wood. A vertical wall panel might meet a horizontal ceiling, or a smooth finish might sit next to something raw and rustic. These small contrasts keep the eye moving and help the space breathe. North Drive House by Reflect Architecture, Toronto, Canada | Finalist, Residential Interiors (<3,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Lumber 4 by Oslotre Arkitekter, Kristiansand, Norway | Jury Winner, Office – Mid Rise (5–15 Floors), 12th Annual A+Awards For instance, the kitchen in the North Drive House by Reflect Architecture is a wood-drenched interior. The designers particularly played with direction and grains in this space. The doors and drawers were done in vertically grained wood while the other surfaces were done in horizontally grained wood. This was also transferred to the floor as it was also laid to be parallel to the horizontal grains. Following the principle of scale perception, this created a visually balanced space that didn’t feel too wide or too high. Oslotre also spoke one material language in Lumber 4. The entirety of the structure was majorly done in different forms of wood. The facade was covered in finished pine wood and the insulation used throughout is wood fiber. They also used wood wool to make the acoustic panels and a majority of the structure was done in timber. As beautiful and immersive as wood-drenched interiors are, they don’t come together by accident. Drenching an entire interior in wood takes serious planning. There’s the obvious considerations such as: fire safety, acoustic behavior and humidity control. There are also subtler design challenges of balance, variation and maintenance. It helps that wood makes spaces feel more personal. In a world full of polished concrete and steel, being in a wood-drenched interior feels like a warm handshake. Whether it’s a restaurant, a workplace or a family home, the experience becomes more relaxed and more connected. It feels less like stepping into a building and more like being invited in. North Drive House by Reflect Architecture, Toronto, Canada | Finalist, Residential Interiors (<3,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards When wood dominates a space, it’s not just the background, it’s the story told in grains and edges. When it is used generously, when allowed to fully shape a space, it becomes more than material. As designers keep searching for ways to make buildings feel less mechanical and more human, wood drenching reminds us that sometimes, the most advanced choice is also the most ancient. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Featured image: Lumber 4 by Oslotre Arkitekter, Kristiansand, Norway | Jury Winner, Office – Mid Rise (5–15 Floors), 12th Annual A+Awards The post Going Against the Grain: The Rise of Wood-Drenched Interiors appeared first on Journal.

Got a project that’s too bold to build? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! Take advantage of our Early Entry discount and start your entry today. Learn More About Vision Awards Architectural renders have always told a story. For a long time, that story was about certainty. They arrived late in the process after the big decisions had been made, as glossy proof that a design was worth building. Materials were fixed, sunlight was flattering, while the make-believe people wandered through perfectly landscaped lobbies, coffee in hand. Everyone understood the deal: this wasn’t how the building would really look, but it was an impression of how it should feel. However, this is no longer the function of a rendered image in practice. Visualization has moved upstream. The software is faster and much more powerful. The tools are embedded, and architects are now rendering as they design. Not to pitch, but to test. Not to persuade, but to explore. And the renders being produced — rough, speculative, sometimes contradictory — are proving way more useful than the final marketing shot ever was. Te Arai | Dune House by Dawid Wisniewski | Professional Winner, 2023 Vision Awards, Photorealistic Visualization Ask any architect working in a mid-size practice, and they’ll tell you: “Rendering now happens on the fly.” Whether it’s Enscape, Twinmotion, D5 or any of the many tools available, live visuals are generated not at the end of a project but in the middle of discussions, quickly replacing the sketch as the tool for testing ideas. Lighting conditions are toggled, cladding is adjusted, and foliage is dialed in and out at will. The model is not only drawn. It’s lit, framed and evaluated in form from all angles, perhaps in three dimensions, in real time, and in front of the client. Architects are no longer drawing a line to describe a section. They’re adjusting the sun path to see if a proposed terrace makes sense after 4pm. This has changed how big decisions are being made in studios. If the visual no longer represents a fully fledged idea, it becomes part of the negotiation. Design teams are using visuals to weigh up unresolved questions: how heavy a structure should feel, where to thicken a parapet, whether a scheme reads better with a void or a bridge. It’s become an opportunity for play and discovery by leaving space for ambiguity, debate, correction, and, most importantly, new thinking without fear. The Radiant Nexus: A Dynamic Oasis of Modern Architecture by HB Architects When the pace at which you can test things out is at the click of a button rather than hours of processing, when you don’t need to pick just one position to view your ideas from, but you can freely move around them, the opportunity for imagination increases exponentially. Real-time rendering gives architects and designers the ability to prove that their ideas work without sacrificing the all-important resource of time. This allows for formal experimentation, unusual choices, speculative layouts, and non-standard solutions. You can push the idea further before someone says it’s too late to go back. While it might be all fun and games in the studio, this shift in architectural practice has some caveats that need to be considered. Live rendering has an impact on who needs to understand what and when. Consultants, clients and project managers are now looking at images that were typically gate-kept behind the metaphorical closed doors of a visualizer’s filing system, never to see the light of day and certainly not a client’s inbox. Now, though, the architects involved need to explain and rationalize earlier, using renderings as sketches and tools of persuasion in the same breath, which is helpful, until it isn’t. Because an image, once shown, can very easily take on a life of its own. The risk with fast visualization isn’t inaccuracy; it’s false certainty. A rendered moment can easily be read as complete when it’s anything but. Once that moment is circulated, it becomes harder to walk back. The railing is there, even if it hasn’t been dimensioned. The overhang is shadowing just so, even if it doesn’t quite resolve structurally yet. This creates pressure, not necessarily to get it right, but to make it look right. In these instances, visual coherence can override spatial coherence. A rendered image can smooth over unresolved elements, and once it’s in front of a client, attached to an email, or uploaded to a server, it begins to anchor expectations. The building now has an identity, even if the technical drawings are still weeks behind. The Rhapsody by Seong Hyun Leem This isn’t an argument against real-time rendering but a warning against positioning or perceiving images as outcomes rather than tools. The value of real-time visualization lies in its ability to provoke feedback and generate clarity, but that only works if everyone understands that the image is provisional. That requires discipline from architects and some image literacy from everyone else. The most interesting shift isn’t technical. It’s cultural. Visualization is now fundamental to how architecture is designed, but we haven’t quite figured out how to talk about it yet or where to put it to be most useful. A visual that helps clarify massing. A modeled interior that reveals a plan flaw. A quick render that tips the conversation from one option to another. These aren’t illustrations. They’re working documents. As such, they rarely appear in portfolios, case studies, or even internal reviews. Not because they aren’t useful, but because they aren’t final. Architecture still prefers outcomes. Finished buildings. Finished drawings. Finished images. The process — speculative, unresolved, iterative — remains largely invisible. The Floating City by Jingwei Li That’s why Architizer’s Vision Awards were created. To try to make space for the kind of visual work that’s actually shaping the architecture of the future. Drawings, photographs, animations, renderings and models — not diluted through the lens of marketing but celebrated for their usefulness as part of the exploration. The tools have changed. The workflow has changed. If the industry wants to progress for the better, it too should change and should stop only looking at the end results. Enter the Vision Awards Got a project that’s too bold to build? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! Take advantage of our Early Entry discount and start your entry today. The post Render, Rethink, Repeat: How Real-Time Visualization Is Reshaping Architectural Practice appeared first on Journal.

The 2025 A+Product Awards, presented by Architizer, has entered its most exciting stage: Public Voting is now live! Following a rigorous jury selection process, this year’s finalists have been selected — and now, it’s up to the global design community to decide which products deserve to take home the coveted Popular Choice Awards. Vote Now Spanning more than 30 unique categories, the A+Product Awards honors outstanding architectural products, materials, furniture, lighting and systems that are transforming the way we design and build. From high-performance façade systems to sculptural light fixtures and breakthrough sustainable materials, this year’s finalists showcase the leading edge of product design. Public voting is open now through May 16, 2025, and everyone is invited to participate — architects, designers, engineers, clients, and anyone passionate about design innovation. You may vote once per category per day, and only a quick login is required to take part. Select A+Product Awards Finalists: Elora by Davis Furniture (left); V2 Swing Door by LaCantina Doors (top right); Arcade by Turf Design (bottom right). Judging Criteria: What to Consider Before you vote, take a moment to reflect on the key factors that the expert jury used to select this year’s finalists. These same criteria can guide your decisions as you help choose the Popular Choice Winners: Aesthetics: Consider the product’s design language, materials and detailing, as well as how well it complements its architectural context. While visual appeal is crucial in decorative categories, it plays a secondary role in more technical categories. Performance: Evaluate how effectively the product achieves its intended function. This may include material innovation, durability, adaptability or technical integration. Each product was designed to meet real-world architectural needs. Impact: Think about the broader implications of the product — does it push the boundaries of current practices? Does it contribute to sustainability, equity or innovation in construction? Impact can be immediate or long-term, technical or societal. You can view the complete judging criteria here. This year’s Finalists are divided into two major groups: Best in Product Type: These categories honor top-tier products within specific verticals — including façade systems, contract furniture, architectural lighting, doors and windows, kitchen and bath fixtures, appliances and more. Best of the Year: These awards recognize cross-category excellence, celebrating products that lead in innovation, sustainable design, health and wellness, positive impact and beyond. Cast My Votes Select A+Product Awards Finalists: Vista TL by Euro-Wall (top left); Novawood Ayous by Novawood (bottom left); Clear Coil Collection by LightArt (right). Why Your Vote Matters By voting in the A+Product Awards, you’re doing more than supporting your favorite products and brands — you’re helping to set the global standard for excellence in architecture and interiors. Winners of the Popular Choice Awards will be featured along side Jury Winners in the A+Products List, Architizer’s annual publication highlighting the most impactful product brands worldwide. This definitive directory is used by thousands of specifying architects and designers to find trusted manufacturers for their most ambitious projects. See last year’s A+Product List here. In addition, winners gain international exposure across Architizer’s global media network, a custom-designed A+Product Awards trophy, and a place in the Official Winners’ Gallery — a permanent digital showcase viewed by a global audience each year. Your vote helps elevate deserving brands and brings visibility to the next generation of product innovators. Vote Now Select A+Product Awards Finalists: Batyline [Stam]Skin Feel by Serge Ferrari Group (left); Cora by Landscape Forms (top right); Hirt kinetics by Kollegger Metallbau GmbH (bottom right). Vote Now to Help Set the New Industry Benchmark Explore the full slate of Finalists and cast your votes across as many categories as you’d like. You can return daily to vote again, helping your favorite products stay competitive until voting closes. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your peers — your collective input provides a more accurate reflection of what the architecture and design community truly values in today’s rapidly evolving industry. The Winners of both the Jury Awards and the Popular Choice Awards will be officially announced this June. Until then, we invite you to take part in celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and the future of design. Don’t miss your chance to recognize the products that are setting the benchmark for years to come. Dive Into Voting The post 2025 A+Product Awards Finalists Revealed: Vote Now For Your Winners! appeared first on Journal.

We’re thrilled to unveil the 13th Annual A+Awards finalists — a stunning showcase of 628 outstanding projects and firms, handpicked by our 250+ member Jury. These finalists span 126 categories, from cultural centers and coastal homes to visionary urban ideas and adaptive reuse. Now, it’s your turn to weigh in! Hit the button below to begin voting for your favorites across every category: VOTE NOW > The Public Vote is officially open through May 16th, 2025 — and the power to shape this year’s Popular Choice Winners is in your hands. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or simply someone who appreciates a well-designed space, your voice matters. This is your chance to help spotlight the architects who are redefining what buildings can be. Finalists in Best Local Firm (from top): Murray Legge Architecture; Aristides Dallas Architects; ZAV Architects; Ziger_Snead Architects; QINGMO Architects Finalist in Best Global Firm (from left): Louise Braverman Architect; HDR; Olson Kundig; Oppenheim Architecture; MUDA-Architects Finalists in Architecture +Localism (from top): Maona Village Center by SUP Atelier of THAD; Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks by line+ studio; Shannan Beehive Observation Cabin by OMNO Lab; FW JI· The Rural Memory Museum by IARA; Duling Educational and Cultural Centre by Project Mingde  Here’s how to vote: Log in to the A+Awards Voting Portal. Review the finalists in each category. You can click “View on Architizer” to see more information and imagery for any shortlisted project. Select your winners using the A+Awards Judging Criteria as a guide. Share the voting link with your community and encourage them to vote, too! For over a decade, Architizer’s A+Awards have celebrated the world’s best architecture — not just the buildings that look great, but the ones that do great things, inspiring other designers to continue pushing the bounds of the profession. A+Awards winners set a bar for global design standards. Now in its 13th year, the world’s largest architectural awards program is back with a powerful theme: Rewarding local innovation with global recognition. VOTE NOW > Across the globe, architects are balancing universal challenges — from climate change to rapid urbanization — with the specifics of local conditions, cultures and communities. This year’s finalists reflect that mission in full, demonstrating how buildings can be at once globally relevant and deeply rooted in place. By voting, you’ll also get a sneak peak at the world’s top architectural projects, the finalists narrowed down by Architizer’s prestigious jury. Finalists in Hall / Theater (from left): Kuwait University’s Convocation Hall by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); Nanchang Grand Theatre by PES-Architects; New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office; Unique Henan · Land of Drama by Beijing Institute of Architectural Design; Teatro Borsoni by Botticini + Facchinelli ARW  Finalists in Restaurants (L>1000 sq ft) (from top): Hanbury Hall by Howells; Big Red Crayfish by Dayi Design; The View by Rockwell Group; Aruma Split Garden by RAD+AR; Noodle In Transit by Office AIO.  Finalists in Architecture +Brick (from left): 64 University Place__Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF); Du House, Pingchuan by TAOA; Tianjin Zhongshuge bookstore by X+LIVING; A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Architecture Studio; Academia Atlas by Sordo Madaleno. Unlike the closed-door panels of other major awards, the A+Awards embraces a democratic approach. Each Popular Choice winner is selected by you — the global public — offering a fresh perspective that’s grounded in real, everyday experience. You don’t need a design degree to know when something works — or, if you do have such credentials, your expertise matters just as much as the big names that sit on our jury. VOTE NOW > As you’ll see by perusing the finalists, this year’s cohort doesn’t play it safe. These are projects that could only emerge from the places they are from, offering exemplary solutions that may not be on the radar of architects’ elsewhere — whether through innovative materials and detailing, passive heating and cooling strategies, community-led construction or bold urban integration. They’re proof that the future of architecture is as hopeful as it is innovative. Finalists in Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential Building (from top): Moos by concrete amsterdam; Meander Housing by Steven Holl Architects; The Park by KoningEizenberg Architecture; 6 HPP Ses Veles Puigpunyent by Fortuny – Alventosa Morell Arquitectes; Rose des Vents _ Student housing by ADHOC Architectes  Finalists in Sustainable Cultural Building (from left): Weinan-Qiaoma Village Cultural Center by Xi ‘an University of Architecture and Technology Design and Research Institute; Duling Educational and Cultural Centre by Project Mingde; Zero-Carbon Origami Airplane — Shanghai Lin’gang Starry Sky Theme Park Visitor Service Center by China Architecture Design & Research Group; Tekαkαpimək Contact Station by Saunders Architecture; Wencheng Biology Expo Park by The Design Institute of Landscape & Architecture China Academy of Art. Finalists in Transport Interiors (from top): T2 Kempegowda International Airport Interiors by Enter Projects Asia; SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1 by Gensler, Kuth Ranieri, Woods Bagot; Portland International Airport by ZGF Architects; Du Quartier REM Station by Lemay + Bisson Fortin + Perkins&Will; Varna Bus Station by E-ARCH.  In this democratic process, each vote holds weight. We ask you to approach the projects with fresh perspectives and discernment, disregarding names and locales. Consider: Does this project elevate our world? Does it ignite inspiration? Is it genuinely groundbreaking? If so, champion it and applaud the most extraordinary endeavors crafted by visionary architects worldwide. Now is the time to bring global recognition to local innovation. A+Awards winners are paragons of design excellence, representing leaders who chart the course for the profession’s future, and we want to cast a spotlight on groundbreaking work in all corners of the globe. Our democratic voting process is designed to forge a new path toward a more sustainable and equitable built environment. Join us in reclaiming architecture’s narrative. Cast your vote and celebrate the awe-inspiring projects, alongside the dedicated individuals who brought them to life: VOTE NOW > Top image: Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks by line+ studio The post Vote for the World’s Best Architecture in the 13th A+Awards! appeared first on Journal.

From functionalism and neoplasticism to structuralism and deconstructivism to the “international” character of the contemporary global context, designers from the Netherlands have been realizing daringly dynamic constructions for over a century. The culture of experimentation that fuses bold aesthetic detail with even bolder engineering feats comes as no surprise in a country that has, for centuries, relied on engineering to make their land liveable by draining water and relying on polders. Rotterdam particularly stands out as a hotbed for experimentation. From the moment visitors arrive through its sleek train station, the city acts as a museum for cutting-edge contemporary design: from Huis Sonneveld and Kubuswoningen to the Erasmusbrug and Markthal and the recently completed Boijmans Depot. Contemporary architectural discourse could not be cited without referencing the plethora of Dutch thinkers. Think of Rem Koolhaas, Wiel Arets, Jacob Van Rijs. These innovative and intelligent spirits have founded some of the biggest global firms, proving time and again that Dutch centrality in global design discourse is shatterproof. With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s 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 Netherlands 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 firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority: The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2025) The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2025) 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 Netherlands architecture firms throughout the year. Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Netherlands: 30. Joris Verhoeven Architecture © Joris Verhoeven Architecture “Graceful Simplicity” Building is a wonderful adventure! It is an excellent opportunity to arrange your living environment entirely to your own taste. Architect Joris Verhoeven helps you shape this adventure; translating your wishes into a functionally timeless design. When you assume the art of omission, the result is pure architecture with a subdued exuberance; a bright design with a timeless, graceful simplicity. Fair material use and minimalist detailing reinforce this. Some of Joris Verhoeven Architecture’s most prominent projects include: RielEstate, Riel, Netherlands Villa Sundrops, Udenhout, Netherlands A Brickwork Orange, Waalre, Netherlands Four Seasons House, Tilburg, Netherlands Silky black house, Berkel-Enschot, Netherlands The following statistics helped Joris Verhoeven Architecture achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 11 29. Office Winhov © Office Winhov “For the love of craftsmanship.” We believe that architecture is more than just realizing buildings. It is a collective and constantly evolving field. Our voice is heard through architectural education and research, and by participating in committees, juries, and editorial boards. We are also the initiators of the platform ‘Local Heroes’ and the architecture lecture series ‘Design-by-thinking-of’. In this way, we connect locally and internationally with the breadth of the profession and our peers. Office Winhov comprises a team of 25. We work with clients and partners on new construction and the reuse of existing buildings and listed heritage. Our craftsmanship lies in the combination of the artistic, the technical and the professional, in which personal engagement and the ongoing quest for quality and sustainability are paramount. Some of Office Winhov’s most prominent projects include: house plot 75, Amsterdam, The Netherlands W Hotel Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands Alpine Loft, Switzerland SUD Residential building Kop Zuidas, Amsterdam, Netherlands Leiden’s City Hall, Leiden, Netherlands The following statistics helped Office Winhov achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 17 28. cepezed © cepezed cepezed is a medium sized, award-winning spatial design specialist. Assignments address the challenges of town-planning, industry, interiors and particularly architecture. cepezed represents knowledge, skill and a stimulating no-nonsense mentality. Combining conceptual skills, contemporary solutions for contemporary problems and ingenious creativity, results are disarmingly sober and inimitably intelligible. Esthetics and functionality are logically linked. At cepezed, projects are designed as monuments of function for people, not monuments of thanks to an architect. cepezed is skilled at managing the complexity behind simplicity. It uses an integral design method with multiple material use in which various aspects such as spatial design, construction and installation techniques are forged into an indivisible whole. Some of cepezed’s most prominent projects include: Temporary Courthouse Amsterdam , Amsterdam, Netherlands International student house, Delft, Netherlands State Office De Knoop, Utrecht, Netherlands Graafschap college, Doetinchem, Netherlands Town hall Woerden, Woerden, Netherlands The following statistics helped cepezed achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 18 27. Studio RAP © Studio RAP Studio RAP is an architectural design company where we combine the power of computational design with innovative digital fabrication methods. Our team consists of architects, designers, roboticists, programmers and researchers. Together we explore innovative technology and try to improve the way we design, produce, manage and build architecture. We are based in Rotterdam where we surround ourselves with robots in an industrial atmosphere where we can discover and realize challenging architecture. In close collaboration with our client we design from vision to detail. With diagrams, visuals and prototypes we make the design process clear and insightful. With experience in design, fabrication and contracting we deliver unique buildings within time and budget. Some of Studio RAP’s most prominent projects include: New Delft Blue, Delft, Netherlands The Float, Leiden, Netherlands Ceramic House, Amsterdam, Netherlands Theater Zuidplein, Rotterdam, Netherlands The following statistics helped Studio RAP achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 4 26. Civic Architects © Civic Architects CIVIC is an office for public architecture. We design libraries, bridges, cultural buildings, public fora, squares, educational buildings, housing, sculptures and stations. We love complex projects that enable us to do what we do best: CIVIC designs generous, powerful and atmospherically architecture that stands the test of time. Some of Civic Architects’ most prominent projects include: Augmented Brickwork Public Railway Passage Tilburg, Tilburg, Netherlands LocHal Library Architecture by Civic, Tilburg, Netherlands Flemish-Dutch pavilion, Frankfurt, Germany Piushaven Harbour Pavilion Tilburg, Tilburg, Netherlands LocHal Library Interior Design by Mecanoo, Tilburg, Netherlands The following statistics helped Civic Architects achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 8 25. Superimpose Architecture © Superimpose Architecture Superimpose: ‘to place one thing over another as an addition, in such a way that all layers are still evident.’ Superimpose is not only our studio name, it is also our design approach and thinking methodology. We design and develop the projects based on valid contextual elements and overlay them with architectural elements, promoting and providing a holistic design approach in all stages is the key to our studio’s success. Our design scope covers from architecture to master plan projects, high end furniture design, interior and installation design. We also highly value local initiatives such as our Micr-O project in Hangzhou. We strive to enrich the context by giving back a design that adds value, aesthetic and identity to the place. Some of Superimpose Architecture’s most prominent projects include: CO2, Beijing, China Micr-O Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China Sky Cellar Beijing, Beijing, China Well Living Lab, Beijing, China Y-Loft City, Changzhi, China The following statistics helped Superimpose Architecture achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Finalist 4 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 8 24. ZJA I Architects & Engineers © ZJA I Architects & Engineers ZJA is an international architectural studio, headquartered in Amsterdam. Born as a design studio for architecture and product development, ZJA has developed into a professional architectural studio specializing in sports and leisure, infrastructure and public transport. ZJA designs with the objective to improve the quality of the environment both from an ecological and a human perspective. We are optimistic about the opportunities to do so, knowing what it takes to learn to see and discover the things that make that possible: working together and continually researching new methods and materials. The better the design, the more it enriches society, and the more sophisticated and careful it intertwines new functions with the environment. Some of ZJA I Architects & Engineers’ most prominent projects include: Albert Cuyp underwater parking garage, Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands Zuidasdok – Amsterdam South station, Amsterdam, Netherlands Elevated Lightrail System, South Korea, South Korea Thialf ice arena, Heerenveen, Heerenveen, Netherlands Sports centre Sportoase Groot Schijn, Deurne Belgium, Antwerp, Belgium The following statistics helped ZJA I Architects & Engineers achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 60 23. Kraaijvanger Architects © Ronald Tilleman Photography Creating places to explore. Kraaijvanger strives to create healthy environments for people to work, learn, and enjoy themselves in, such as public spaces, public buildings, and urban districts, where unique encounters occur, where memories are made, and where important decisions are taken. We take our inspiration from socially relevant themes. And we look ahead as building is a slow process in a rapidly changing world. Some of Kraaijvanger Architects’ most prominent projects include: City Hall Venlo, Venlo, Netherlands Early Childhood Center, Wassenaar, Wassenaar, Netherlands City Hall Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands Museum Voorlinden, Wassenaar, Netherlands Brede School Snijdelwijk, Boskoop, Netherlands The following statistics helped Kraaijvanger Architects achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 14 22. NEXT architects © NEXT architects NEXT architects is an architecture practice that covers the full spectrum of the architectural field. Since its earliest projects, ‘Holland – Layer by Layer’ and ‘The Image of Metropolis’, NEXT has explored the boundaries of its own discipline, and searched for areas that overlap with other disciplines. This exploratory attitude has resulted in a highly diverse portfolio that ranges from design products to urban plans. Some of NEXT architects’ most prominent projects include: Lianjiang Butterfly Bay, Lianjiang, Fuzhou, China Bloemendaal Town Hall, Bloemendaal, Netherlands Fuzhou Shouxi Building, Fuzhou, China Lucky Knot, Changsha, China House M&M, Amsterdam, Netherlands The following statistics helped NEXT architects achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 15 21. studio AAAN © studio AAAN studio AAAN is a Rotterdam-based architecture firm, led by Hilbrand Wanders, Luuk Stoltenborg and Rik de Ruiter. With a strong focus on structure, simplicity, material, and detail the studio realizes modern architecture which can be read in a classical manner. AAAN works at various scales in the practices of architecture, urban design, and design. Some of studio AAAN’s most prominent projects include: House Zevenhuizen, Anjerlaan, Zevenhuizen, Netherlands Terphouse Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands NN Kralingen, Rotterdam, Netherlands Hospice de Liefde, Rotterdam, Netherlands Wantijhof Dordrecht, Dordrecht, Netherlands The following statistics helped studio AAAN achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 5 20. SeARCH © SeARCH SeARCH stands for Urbanism & Architecture (Stedenbouw en ARCHitectuur). As our name suggests, we see buildings and their surrounding environment as inseparable elements of design. SeARCH was founded in 2002 by Bjarne Mastenbroek, and is a leading architecture and urban design bureau based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with an international multi-disciplinary staff working on projects around the world. Our practice is driven by a fascination with the intimate and reciprocal relationship between architecture and site. Our projects are conceived as landscapes — the most essential and generous element. Without boundaries, landscapes are endless and open — they connect architecture with its surroundings, and interior with exterior. Through a careful consideration of the surrounding environment, SeARCH introduces a high degree of sustainability and circularity into our projects. Some of SeARCH’s most prominent projects include: The Iceberg, Aarhus, Denmark Juf Nienke, Amsterdam, Netherlands Villa Vals, Vals, Switzerland Skewed Stolp, Netherlands Khalifeyah Library, Muharraq, Bahrain The following statistics helped SeARCH achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 12 19. Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners © Orange Architects Felixx Landscape Architects and Planners is a Rotterdam-based office for proactive landscape architecture, founded in 2014. Felixx believes a better world requires a better organization of our environment. We specialize in addressing urgent global challenges with local embedded design solutions. Our work has a broad international scope and our projects range from spatial research, landscape transformation strategies and developing masterplans, to public space and product design. The office is named after our self-invented modest hero Felixx, who travels the world looking for opportunities to realize happy environments. Some of Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners’ most prominent projects include: Jonas, IJburg, Amsterdam, Netherlands Dapeng Coastline, Shenzhen, China Floating Gardens, Amsterdam, Netherlands Rijnvliet Edible Neighborhood, Utrecht, Netherlands Towards a healthy city by foot The following statistics helped Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 16 18. Shift A+U © Shift A+U Shift is a Rotterdam based design office that focuses on the fields of architecture, urbanism and spatial planning. The office combines a broad engagement in space production with precise and project-specific design interventions.In the past few years the office and its partners have received several awards and nominations, including Prix de Rome, Archiprix International, Archiprix NL and Europan. Some of Shift A+U’s most prominent projects include: Faculty Club, Tilburg, Netherlands Museumplein Limburg, Kerkrade, Netherlands Vertical Loft, Rotterdam, The Netherlands CMY Pavilion, Groningen, Netherlands Dentist with a view, Best, Netherlands The following statistics helped Shift A+U achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 8 17. Barcode Architects © Ossip van Duivenbode Barcode Architects is an international office for architecture, urbanism and contemporary design. The office is led by Dirk Peters, along with a creative team of 70 professionals including architects, urban designers, and technologists. We have building experience in both the Netherlands and abroad. Our work ranges from urban masterplans to mixed-use public buildings, from high-end residential and office towers to exclusive villas. Our projects are driven by the ambition to realize buildings that revitalize and transform their surroundings, that offer a moving experience and that awaken an aesthetic awareness, and that users can identify with. The resulting designs are highly site-specific, with an unexpected twist. In this fresh and contemporary approach lies the novelty, the “above and beyond”, the added value that a projects gives to its clients, users, and surroundings. Each project is unique and the result of extensive concept driven-experimentation of function and form. Some of Barcode Architects’ most prominent projects include: The Muse & CasaNova, Rotterdam, Netherlands Bibliothèque Alexis de Tocqueville, Normandy, France Villa X, NB, Netherlands Hyde Park, Hoofddorp, Netherlands Bijlmer Bajes, Amsterdam, Netherlands The following statistics helped Barcode Architects achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 18 16. Engel Architecten © Engel Architecten Whether it’s the design of a modern home, or the complete remodeling of an interior; Engel Architecten enjoys taking on the challenge. Engel Architecten is a proven, reliable partner with its own unique style and extensive knowledge and experience. From initial sketch to realization, Engel Architecten takes care of the entire process. Some of Engel Architecten’s most prominent projects include: Eclectic Diamond House, Amsterdam, Netherlands Villa Kerckebosch, Zeist, Netherlands Villa Nieuw Oosteinde, Aalsmeer, Netherlands Hidden among the greenery, NH, Netherlands Residence Hoge Dennen, Zeist, Netherlands The following statistics helped Engel Architecten achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 10 15. MoederscheimMoonen Architects © MoederscheimMoonen Architects We are a team of strategic creatives who want to make the world a better place. For us, the big idea plays an important role in how we look at the world, our team and our collaborations. We think carefully, make informed decisions and make the right connections. We create calm and overview in complex situations. We do what is needed at the right times while always staying focused on the bigger picture. Some of MoederscheimMoonen Architects’ most prominent projects include: ZOHO Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands Community center ‘Het Anker’, Zwolle, Netherlands Clubhouse VV Capelle, Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands Sports-Pavilion ‘Zestienhoven’, Rotterdam House of Eemnes, Eemnes, Netherlands The following statistics helped MoederscheimMoonen Architects achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 24 14. GROUP A © GROUP A We are GROUP A, a Dutch studio for architecture, interior and urban design founded in 1996. Led by the founders Maarten van Bremen, Folkert van Hagen and Adam Visser we form a close team of 31 architects and four staff members. Together we have won several awards, including Frame Award, Daylight Award and Rotterdam Architecture Award. In the past twenty-five years we have realized a wide range of projects. From offices to housing and from mobility assignments to transformations. In our work, the disciplines urban planning, architecture and interior design are inextricably linked. This way we create sustainable environments where people live, work and reside comfortably. As a full service agency, we are responsible for the entire process, from design to completion. Some of GROUP A’s most prominent projects include: Central Park , Utrecht, Netherlands Workshop Steigereiland Blok 1 Presikhaaf, Zoomstraat, Arnhem, Netherlands Cultural Educational Centre ‘Het Lichtruim’, De Bilt, Netherlands Office Building De Schelde, Vlissingen, Netherlands The following statistics helped GROUP A achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 21 13. Mei architects and planners © Mei architects and planners Mei architects and planners realizes leading projects in the Netherlands and abroad. Our work is founded on respect for the environment: for the history of the location, the current context and future living environment. Based on our expertise in the field of adaptive re-use of architectural heritage, new build projects and urban development strategies, we work on designs that put the user first. Our distinct designs tell their own story, which increases the involvement with the building and the connection between its users. With creativity, expertise and courage, we introduce innovative technical applications and user concepts that contribute to social and ecological sustainability. Some of Mei architects and planners’ most prominent projects include: SAWA, Rotterdam, Netherlands Gasometer, Münster, Germany residential tower De Verkenner, Kanaleneiland, Netherlands Schiecentrale 4B, Rotterdam, Netherlands The Four Worlds The following statistics helped Mei architects and planners achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 19 12. concrete © concrete concrete develops concepts. we develop them in architecture, interior design, urban development and brand development. concrete loves provoking, confusing, philosophizing, scale models, haute cuisine, burgers, and (most of all) shattering dogmas. concrete provides results. no grand theories or abstract ideas. just things that work. concrete unites people. we work with a team of 50 multi-disciplinary creatives as architects, interior designers and visual marketeers to help businesses and institutions. concrete wants the best answers, not the easiest solutions. concrete likes to let the work do the talking. Some of concrete’s most prominent projects include: Jersey City Urby, Jersey City, New Jersey citizenM Bowery, New York City, New York KLM crown lounge, Schiphol, Netherlands Restaurant 212, Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotel Norge, Bergen, Norway The following statistics helped concrete achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 24 11. Neutelings Riedijk Architects © Neutelings Riedijk Architects Neutelings Riedijk Architects was established in Rotterdam in 1987. We offer a strong commitment to design excellence: realizing high quality architecture through the development of powerful and innovative concepts into clear built form. Over the last thirty years Neutelings Riedijk Architects has established itself as a leading international practice, specializing in the design of complex projects for public, commercial and cultural buildings. The office has great experience in balancing the complex challenges of these projects to meet the ambitions of our client. For our international projects our design force is complemented by technical force through the association with local partners that specialize in architectural engineering, cost calculation and site supervision. Some of Neutelings Riedijk Architects’ most prominent projects include: Cultural Centre Eemhuis, Amersfoort, Netherlands The Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS), Antwerp, Belgium Gare Maritime, Brussels, Belgium Le Cinq Cultural Centre Rozet, Arnhem, Netherlands The following statistics helped Neutelings Riedijk Architects achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 12 10. Bloot Architecture © Bloot Architecture BLOOT is a concept driven architectural studio located in The Hague, The Netherlands. Founded in October 2010 by Tjeerd Bloothoofd. With much pleasure and great dedication we are constantly searching through design for the concept and shape that unites the function, context, actuality and the wishes of the client in an integral sustainable design that appeals to the development of self-awareness and the liberty of choice in life. Some of Bloot Architecture’s most prominent projects include: East West House, The Hague, Netherlands Extension Villa Heuvelrug, Maarn, Netherlands Garden Studio, Voorburg, Netherlands Transformation Forest House, Hengelo, Netherlands Pavilion The Hague Beach Stadium, Den Haag, Netherlands The following statistics helped Bloot Architecture achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 11 9. Borren Staalenhoef Architects © Borren Staalenhoef Architects Jacob Borren and André Staalenhoef are modern masters of architecture. Passionate and persevering. Borren Staalenhoef are determined to tackle every aspect of the spatial task; to oversee a large degree of complexity and to reduce it to clear, layered structures. Their ultimate objective is the act of building: the creation of a tangible object that speaks through the details. Their solutions are the result of a long series of consistent decisions and elaborations: diagrams and matrixes, sketches and artist’s impressions, ground plans and sections, construction models and working drawings. It is in this method of working that the mastery and strength of this architecture lies. Some of Borren Staalenhoef Architects’ most prominent projects include: woonhuis Marssum, Marssum, Netherlands Het Bushok, Kortenhoef, The Netherlands Villa Juliana, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands Archem Estate, Archem, Netherlands House Boogert, Epe, Netherlands The following statistics helped Borren Staalenhoef Architects achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 9 Total Projects 14 8. LEVS architecten © LEVS architecten LEVS architecten works from the notion that architecture and urban planning have quite a significant impact on our surroundings, on people and society as a whole, as well as the environment. We incorporate this responsibility when detailing our assignments and in our approach to running our enterprise. We welcome the challenge of complex projects in which our aim lies in finding surprising solutions which deliver a result beyond prior expectations. Our goal is to design buildings and areas where residents will eventually articulate a passion about the places they work, live and inhabit; spaces which express an optimal interweaving of functionality, aesthetics and sustainability. LEVS architecten was established in 1989 as Loof & van Stigt Architecten. Some of LEVS architecten’s most prominent projects include: Primary School Tanouan Ibi, Mali Doggerij, Den Helder, The Netherlands Dogger’s Corner, Den Helder, Netherlands Kaleidoscope, Nieuwkoop, The Netherlands De Bouwmeester, Utrecht, Netherlands The following statistics helped LEVS architecten achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 21 7. Studioninedots © Studioninedots Studioninedots is an Amsterdam-based practice for architecture and urban design. We create spaces that spark a sense of wonder. Whether we make a house, a public building or an urban concept, every design has its unexpected quality. Because we see spaces that stir a feeling as an essential human need. Spaces that are thoughtfully designed, yet where something can emerge that you couldn’t predict upfront. Established as a collective in 2011, Studioninedots consists of 25 people today. The practice is led by founders Albert Herder, Vincent van der Klei and Metin van Zijl, and associates Ike Gronheid, Jurjen van der Horst, Stijn de Jongh and Wouter Hermanns. To us, disruption is the counterpart of innovation. Some of Studioninedots’ most prominent projects include: Lieven de Key HQ, Amsterdam, Netherlands Highnote, Almere, Netherlands De Burgemeester, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands The TrueTalker, Amsterdam, Netherlands Black Swan, Amsterdam, Netherlands The following statistics helped Studioninedots achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 11 Total Projects 25 6. Wiel Arets Architects © Wiel Arets Architects Wiel Arets Architects (WAA) is a globally active architecture and design firm, whose work extends to education and publishing, with studios located in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Comprised of an international team of architects, designers, thinkers, and administrators, the firm is currently involved in large number of projects throughout Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Its architecture and design emerges from research and a balance of hybrid-programming solutions, which adapt to and anticipate future contextual change. The output of WAA is acclaimed for both its craftsmanship and tactility. Some of Wiel Arets Architects’s most prominent projects include: Jellyfish House, Marbella, Spain The Hoge Heren, Rotterdam, Netherlands Four Towers Osdorp, Amsterdam, Netherlands V’ Tower, Eindhoven, Netherlands University Library Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands The following statistics helped Wiel Arets Architects achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 14 Total Projects 22 5. atelier PRO architekten © atelier PRO architekten We are an architectural firm founded in 1976. Since then, we have successfully completed over a thousand projects. Our work is characterized by surprising designs that create connections: designs that allow for interaction, that evolve, and that adapt to their use, all developed with a focus on sustainability. We strive to leave a better world for future generations. Architecture is teamwork. With 40 dedicated professionals, we have all the knowledge and skills in-house, from chair to city and from sketch to building. We are resourceful, loyal and straightforward. We enjoy collaborating and engaging in meaningful conversations, using our collective strength to design a better living environment. Some of atelier PRO architekten’s most prominent projects include: Graafschap college, Doetinchem, Netherlands ROC Graafschap College, Doetinchem, Netherlands Multifunctional community school Krimpen aan de Lek, Krimpen aan de Lek, Netherlands School, Child and Community Centre O3, The Hague, Netherlands Lumion, Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands The following statistics helped atelier PRO architekten achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: Featured Projects 16 Total Projects 100 4. UNStudio © Ronald Tilleman Photography UNStudio is an international architectural practice, situated in Amsterdam since 1988, with extensive experience in the fields of urbanism, infrastructure, public, private and utility buildings on different scale levels. At the basis of UNStudio are a number of long-term goals, which are intended to define and guide the quality of our performance in the architectural field. We strive to make a significant contribution to the discipline of architecture, to continue to develop our qualities with respect to design, technology, knowledge and management and to be a specialist in public network projects. We see as mutually sustaining the environment, market demands and client wishes that enable our work, and we aim for results in which our goals and our client’s goals overlap. Some of UNStudio’s most prominent projects include: Echo, TU Delft, Delft, Netherlands Canaletto, London, United Kingdom P.C. Hooftstraat 138, Amsterdam, Netherlands Arnhem Central, Arnhem, Netherlands Shanghai jiuguang center, Shanghai, China The following statistics helped UNStudio achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 4 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 18 Total Projects 33 3. OMA © Bloomimages, Courtesy of OMA OMA is a leading international partnership practicing architecture, urbanism and cultural analysis. OMA’s buildings and masterplans around the world insist on intelligent forms while inventing new possibilities for content and everyday use. AMO, a research and design studio, works in areas beyond architecture that today have an increasing influence on architecture itself: media, politics, renewable energy, technology, publishing, fashion. Some of OMA’s most prominent projects include: Milstein Hall, Ithaca, New York 11th Street Bridge Park, Washington, DC Rebuild by Design Faena District, Miami, Florida MPavilion 2017, Melbourne, Australia The following statistics helped OMA achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 4 A+Awards Finalist 4 Featured Projects 34 Total Projects 71 2. MVRDV © MVRDV MVRDV is based in Rotterdam and works in the fields of architecture, urbanism and city planning. Founders are Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries. Recent projects include an urban masterplan in Oslo (Norway), Gwang Gyo (Korea), Greater Paris (France), Tianjin and Chengdu (China) and an eco-city in Logroño (Spain). Examples of projects currently in progress are a market hall and a public library in Rotterdam (Netherlands), a headquarter office in Oslo (Norway) and several housing projects in the Netherlands, Spain, and France. Well-known projects include the Netherlands Pavilion for the Expo 2000 in Hanover and the Make-It Right Housing in New Orleans.The work of MVRDV is published and exhibited worldwide and received many international awards. Some of MVRDV’s most prominent projects include: Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China Valley, Amsterdam, Netherlands Haus 1 – Atelier Gardens, Berlin, Germany Tainan Spring, Tainan, Taiwan Featured image: Depot Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam, Netherlands The following statistics helped MVRDV achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 10 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 45 Total Projects 77 1. Mecanoo © John Bartelstone Photography Mecanoo, officially founded in Delft in 1984, is made up of a highly multidisciplinary staff of creative professionals from 25 countries. The team includes architects, interior designers, urban planners, landscape architects as well as architectural technicians and support staff. Mecanoo is led by Francine Houben (Creative Director & Founding Partner), Floris Overheul (Financial Director), Dick van Gameren (Design & Research Partner), and Partners/Architects Nuno Fontarra, Rick Splinter and Arne Lijbers. Mecanoo has extensive experience designing and realizing exceptional buildings which serve client ambitions while creating vibrant end-user spaces. Some of Mecanoo’s most prominent projects include: National Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts (Wei-Wu-Ying), Kaohsiung, Taiwan HUBB – Learning Environments, Eindhoven, Netherlands Delft City Hall and Train Station, Delft, Netherlands Tainan Public Library, Tainan City, Taiwan Palace of Justice, Córdoba, Spain The following statistics helped Mecanoo achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Netherlands: A+Awards Winner 12 A+Awards Finalist 10 Featured Projects 61 Total Projects 116 Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking? With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s 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 world’s 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 highlighted A Guide to Project Awards The 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 Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status: Project completed within the last 3 years A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value High quality, in focus photographs At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings Inclusion of construction photographs There 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 Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.     We’re constantly look for the world’s 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 don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com. The post 30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Netherlands appeared first on Journal.

Got a project that’s too wild for this world? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, The Early Entry period is underway — start your entry today. Cars have been a thorn in architects’ and urban master planners’ sides for years. Apart from their many environmental disadvantages, these vehicles also require a tremendous amount of space and planning to operate efficiently. And yet, ever since cars were invented, cities have prioritized individual transportation and convenience over pedestrian-friendly setups. Fortunately, following the Covid-19 pandemic, a quiet revolution is gradually taking place, where cities turn to people-centric design, thus reshaping urban living. These six transformative initiatives reclaim space and improve the quality of life — oftentimes within vast urban metropoles. Taken together, these urban transformations illustrate that pedestrian-first urbanism is no longer a utopian idea, but rather a tangible, growing movement. By reclaiming car-dominated space, repurposing parking lots and shaded walkways, these designs prove that even the busiest urban cores can become livable, walkable, and inspiring places. The Urban Gallery at Hyperlane By ASPECT Studios, Chengdu, China The Hyperlane is a 1.5 mile (2.4 kilometer) multi-level linear sky park situated within Chengdu’s music and arts university district. The project acts as a replacement for a disused carpark and is comprised of an urban promenade, a “water carpet” landscape and a performance gallery. Specifically, the “water carpet” is made of shallow water ponds, playful urban seating, vegetation and impressive lighting displays that shape a performative urban “walk” along the district. Future additions to the project will be a performance gallery and a social terrace. Erie Street Plaza By Stoss Landscape Urbanism, Milwaukee, Wisconsin The project is located in the Historic Third Ward district of Milwaukee and is the final link in a series of public space activators along the riverwalk. The site used to be a large industrial parking lot, which after the project’s completion became a part of a larger three-mile pedestrian and bicycle street that connects the district with the city center. Programmatically, the plaza is conceived as a civic plane that has the potential to host art festivals, communal gatherings, concerts, farmer’s markets etc. This open-ended design encourages social interaction. Ample vegetation, discrete paving materials and carefully curated benches made of fiberglass populate the field. Urban design on both sides of Zhongxing Road in Shaoxing Ancient City By Tongji Architectural Design (Group), Shaoxing, China The ancient city of Shaoxing is comprised of many cultural monuments and is linked through the Zhongxing Road to the rest of the city. However, prior to the area’s regeneration , the central road-axis faced many functional challenges such as traffic congestion and a general disassociation within the ancient cityscape. The project’s main goal was to weaken ground traffic by separating the arrival and departure points in the area and creating a high-quality walking space. Functions such as the waterfront market, the port head and an old stage were reintroduced, integrating both ancient and modern activities to the site. Yibin Yangtze River Melody Commercial Street By Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute, Yibin, China The project is located in Xuzhou District at the confluence of three rivers. The site is a large commercial land that occupies approximately 1.3 acres (0.52 hectares) and is adjacent to both a business and residential area. The project’s aim is to build an ecological riverside leisure and fashion commercial street to meet the programmatic needs of the region as well as eliminate high-traffic roads and create a more people friendly experience. Pedestrians and vehicles are separated by integrating a road canopy greenway within the site and building an additional aerial corridor. Current elements found on site such as retaining walls and service rooms are preserved and turned into ramps and seating areas, becoming links in-between boardwalks and outdoor staircases. Finally, functional spaces such as a sports field and a playground are introduced. One Green Mile – Public Space and Streetscape Design By StudioPOD, Mumbai, India Jury Winner, Sustainable Transportation Project, 11th Annual A+Awards This project description begins with the following phrase: ‘in cities like Mumbai, finding synergies between mobility, infrastructure and open spaces is required to create livable urban environments.’ Consequently, the intent behind the One Green Mile was to develop a “complete street” within the city’s hectic financial hub that is both a vibrant public space and an efficient circulation space for city vehicles. The masterplan was comprised of three main strategies: (i) streamlining traffic movement and street geometry, (ii) efficiently allocate space for all users and (iii) develop the underused space below the flyover. Following a detailed traffic survey, the necessary modifications took place were footpaths and cycle routes were introduced, while the excess open space was planted with local tree species and populated with custom street furniture. Under-utilized pocket spaces under the flyover were turned into small plazas, play areas and an amphitheater. Shenzhen Yulong District Urban Design Competition By Aedas, Shenzhen, China The proposal placed a strong emphasis on the site’s ecological restoration, development and construction, suggesting a localized solution that conserves the utilizes different large spaces such as equipment rooms and parking spaces. A central green area connects the different spaces that are adjacent to the main water system, ensuring that water prevention systems are in effect. Smart and interactive infrastructure such as technology hubs, public spaces and social communities, Finally, both short-term and long-term traffic guidance systems and a new pedestrian bridge aim to control the disruptions caused by the urban expressway, while the scheme reconnects this urban gateway with the rest of the city. Got a project that’s too wild for this world? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, The Early Entry period is underway — start your entry today. Featured Image: Yibin Yangtze River Melody Commercial Street by Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute, Yibin, China The post Feet First: 6 Pedestrian-First Projects Reclaiming the Right-of-Way appeared first on Journal.

Architizer is thrilled to announce that Steven Holl, one of the most celebrated architects of our time, has joined the jury for the 2025 Vision Awards. A visionary in every sense of the word, Holl’s inclusion brings unmatched insight into the power of architectural ideas, spatial imagination and visual storytelling. Holl will review entries submitted in an expanded Vision Awards program, which invites architects, designers, photographers, videographers, rendering artists, model makers and students to enter their work for global recognition and publication in print. Get started on your entry today: Enter the Vision Awards Over the course of five decades, Holl has established himself as a singular force in contemporary architecture, realizing projects across the globe that are as poetic as they are conceptually rigorous. His portfolio includes iconic works like the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, the Linked Hybrid in Beijing, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and The REACH expansion of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. — each one a manifestation of his deep commitment to architecture as a generator of experience and meaning. More than just a designer, Holl is also a passionate advocate for architectural representation as tools for innovation and creative expression. His watercolor sketches — works of art in their own right — are not just artifacts of process but portals into the thinking behind his spatial compositions. “I used to do pencil drawings. Those took eight hours,” reflects the architect. “Around 1979, I streamlined it to five-by-seven-inch watercolors. With the watercolor, in the quickest way, I can shape a volume, cast a shadow, indicate the direction of the sun in a very small format. And I can carry these things around because I am always traveling.” It’s this ability to communicate architecture through image and intuition that aligns Holl perfectly with the ethos of the Vision Awards, Architizer’s annual celebration of conceptual architecture, images, films, drawings and models that define the visual culture of architecture. Watercolor sketch for Meander Housing by Steven Holl Architects, Helsinki, Finland As a juror, Holl will lend his expertise to evaluating entries across conceptual design, visualization and architectural representation, helping to spotlight those who are pushing their mediums — and the discipline — forward. Holl’s presence on the jury is particularly significant for categories that celebrate the art of architectural representation, including the drawing categories — with accolades on offer for best sketch, hand drawing and computer-aided drawing — and physical model categories, including prizes for best conceptual model and presentation model. His own practice has long emphasized the importance of hand-drawn sketches and physical models in the design process, making him an ideal judge for submissions that explore the tactile and expressive qualities of these creative mediums. Left: Conceptual model for Ex of In House by Steven Holl Architects, Rhinebeck, New York; right: Steven Holl inspects construction progress on the project © Steven Holl Architects. Learn more about this project here. Joining Holl on the 2025 Vision Awards jury is a distinguished panel of professionals from various disciplines, including: Keely Colcleugh, Founder and CEO of Kilograph, known for her expertise in architectural visualization. Ema Peter, Principal & Owner of Ema Peter Photography, renowned for capturing the essence of architectural spaces. Marcelo Coehlo, Head of Design at Formlabs, bringing a perspective on digital fabrication and innovation. Carlotta Cominetti, Co-Founder of VirginLemon, with a focus on creative direction and storytelling in architecture. Arjun Desai and Katherine Chia, Founders of Desai Chia Architecture, recognized for their thoughtful and context-driven designs. This multidisciplinary jury reflects the Vision Awards’ commitment to honoring a broad spectrum of architectural creativity and innovation. View the complete Vision Awards jury here. As a tenured professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Holl has also played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of architects, and will be looking forward to reviewing student entries for this year’s Vision Awards. His presence on the jury ensures that creative integrity, conceptual depth, and formal invention will be recognized and rewarded. Enter the 2025 Vision Awards for the chance to have your work seen by Steven Holl and many more global design leaders. The Early Entry Deadline is May 9th, 2025, so be sure to submit your work before then to secure your place in the world’s leading celebration of architectural images and ideas: Start My Entry Top image: Watercolor sketch for Ex of In House by Steven Holl Architects, Rhinebeck, New York The post Steven Holl Joins the 2025 Vision Awards Jury, Bringing a Lifetime of Creative Vision to the Panel appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! In many parts of the world, libraries are being reimagined as more than quiet spaces for reading. Lately, they are becoming active parts of the community and everyday life. Modern library design now focuses on creating community spaces that connect people not only with knowledge but also with nature and one another. Instead of being closed off, many of these libraries now include features that let the outside in. Architects use large windows, open courtyards, rooftop gardens and outdoor patios to bring in natural light, fresh air and views of the surrounding landscape. The buildings are often shaped by local conditions, like nearby mountains, forests, or even the patterns of wind and sunlight. These choices help create calm and beautiful spaces that feel part of the land around them. At the same time, these libraries are designed to support community life. They include flexible areas that can be used for different activities, such as group meetings, children’s programs, workshops, or just a quiet place to relax. Some even have cafes, open reading gardens or public squares. So, instead of only focusing on storing books, these spaces support learning in all its forms. From Chengdu to Arizona, these libraries show how architecture shapes our connections with each other and the world. They unite learning, landscape, and community, creating inspiring and useful spaces. Chengdu Museum of Contemporary Art, Tianfu Library of Humanity and Art By CSWADI, Chengdu, China Jury Winner, Libraries, 12th Annual A+Awards Tianfu Art Park, located on North Third Ring Road in Chengdu, houses the Chengdu Museum of Contemporary Art and the Tianfu Library of Humanity and Art. These two museums aim to create a platform for urban public culture, intertwining art and nature. The pavilion features two curved roofs mimicking the nearby mountains, shaping a soothing skyline aligned with Chengdu’s climate. The museum spans 355,210 square feet (33,000 square meters), serving as a contemporary art exhibition and research center, showcasing installation and multimedia art. The Tianfu Library focuses on art literacy and aesthetics, its name translating to “Book Mountain.” Shenzhen Reef Library By Wildurban Architects, Shenzhen, China The initial design of the Shenzhen Reef Library aimed to develop a varied and complex public space on a compact site. The project seeks to create a peaceful environment to promote the interaction between human and non-human elements. The area is organized using a grid consisting of nine squares, with the building’s four corners drawn inward, which reduces its overall volume while allowing sufficient space around neighboring structures. The internal spatial relationships and scale evolve through a sequence of retreating actions. The project is inspired by the red reefs formed from ancient volcanic activity on the Dapeng Peninsula, and this unique material features prominently in both the façade and interiors, fostering a connection between people and nature. Square volumes paired with curved openings create a dynamic form. The robust red walls provide a stable framework, contrasting sharply with the transparent white book tower. The ground floor includes a red cave-like area, designed with curved bookshelves reminiscent of a reef. Asante Public Library By Richärd Kennedy Architects, Surprise, Arizona The library sits on a 12-acre park in Arizona, overlooking White Tank Mountains. Its folded perforated metal baffles in white powder coat create a canopy that filters sunlight, emulating a tree’s diffused light for occupants. The continuity of vertical and horizontal planes, in both exterior and interior design, forms a dynamic façade of light and shadow, reminiscent of the park’s tree canopy. This architecture abstracts the experience of reading under a tree, creating a sheltered and dynamic space in the desert. The park currently serves as a regional retention basin that drains along the local green belt. In order to reduce overall site disturbance, four-foot retaining walls serve as an elevated plinth. Inside, the library offers a large, open reading room where full-height glazing affords sweeping views of the nearby mountain range. Tainan Public Library By Mecanoo, Tainan City, Taiwan Popular Choice Winner, Libraries, 12th Annual A+Awards Tainan Public Library represents the intersection of cultures, generations, and histories. It is mainly inspired by local culture and designed with consideration for Tainan’s climate. The building houses the city’s heritage, art, music and films, and has more than a million books from different periods of history. The library features a stepped shape and slender columns that are rhythmically placed. This stepped structure offers shelter to visitors both inside and outside and creates a smooth transition between the exterior and interior. Beneath the cantilevers are four sunken patios for outdoor activities, with the largest accessible from the square; lectures, concerts, and exhibitions can be organized here. There are also four outdoor areas arranged as roof gardens, as well as three multifunctional spaces for classrooms, workshops, and a café. Flint Public Library By OPN Architects, Flint, Michigan In 2022, the Flint Public Library has transformed into an equitable, confident and aspirational community space. Retaining the building’s original footprint, its 94,000 square feet (8,732 square meters) have been redesigned with new openings between the first and second floors. Windows were added or replaced, and architectural fins reflect the surrounding mid-century architecture of the cultural campus. The new floor plan enhances efficiency by reclaiming 16,000 square feet (1,486 square meters) of underutilized space and relocating staff offices from exterior walls to the lower level with historic archives. This layout creates quiet reading areas and various meeting rooms that allow natural light for formal meetings, community groups and informal discussions. A modern service model replaces the traditional circulation desk, improving staff and visitor interactions in first-floor collection areas. Children’s services and tech spaces have doubled in size, and interactive kiosks on the second floor highlight the library’s African American Sports Hall of Fame archives. Atherton Library By WRNS Studio, Atherton, California The multifaceted project encompasses the renovation of the historic town hall, the construction of a modern library, and the development of a California Mission-style town center that will house city administration, public works, community meeting spaces and the police station. Atherton Library connects to the historic city hall building (where the library is currently located) through a spacious outdoor patio, envisioned as a front porch for the community. The library reflects current research on how facilities can best serve our communities now and in the future, featuring a flexible design that can adapt to community needs as technology and work evolve. Tianmu Lake · LI City Library By Greater Dog Architects, Liyang, Changzhou, China The LI City Study is situated in the Tianmu Lake Resort in Liyang City, built in 2023. This government-sponsored public welfare initiative facilitates access to shared urban cultural spaces and offers a free reading area for citizens and tourists, open 24 hours a day. Originally, the building served as an office. The government has introduced new social functions to meet public needs and demonstrate a commitment to the community’s well-being. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! The post The New Library Typology: Open, Adaptive and Rooted in Place appeared first on Journal.

Got a project that’s too bold to build? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! Take advantage of our Early Entry discount and start your entry today. Admitting to an architect that you’re not always interested in talking about architecture is risky. But architecture for architecture’s sake often misses the point — blueprints and buildings are relevant and interesting when they have a tangible impact on our lives. Sitting in the stunning mid-century modern-styled Albert Bar & Lounge on the ground floor of The Hague’s newest landmark hotel, De Plesman, Dennis Hofman couldn’t be more reassuring. “I’m also not always interested in talking about architecture,” says the architect, whose career now spans three decades. His belief that the profession defines how our world works and interacts, not just how it looks, puts us at ease. Nevertheless, our conversation over a cup of English breakfast tea and fresh coffee begins with the roof over our heads. De Plesman is a masterpiece of restoration, comprising more than 100 hotel rooms, 20 private apartment ‘Residences’, its own deli, gym, and Restaurant Suus, among other facilities. The stunning Albert Bar in De Plesman lobby | Image courtesy of De Plesman (C) Mae Daniels Located inside Dirk Roosenburg’s 1939 icon, a building originally made to give KLM a purpose-built headquarters, despite the overhaul the pioneering attitude of aviator Albert Plesman, the first administrator and later director of the Netherlands’ iconic airline, can be felt in every corner of the (re)finished product. References to aircraft and travel are abundant, if you’re paying attention. Marauding the corridors the previous afternoon reveals many highlights. Stunning light fittings overhead and lining corridor walls, a beautiful circular staircase, the incredible wood-lined Plesman Suite, room fittings inspired by the distinct Bruynzeel aesthetic — a domestic Dutch staple famously used in kitchens — are just a few examples. Created in collaboration with Amsterdam interior studio, Nicemakers, the result is like stepping back in time to the Golden Age of travel, but also feels resolutely timeless. Rooms inside De Plesman hotel, including Bruynzeel detailing | Image courtesy of De Plesman (C) Chantal Arnts “This is not quick and dirty architecture,” says Hofman, whose firm ArchitektenKombinatie has been responsible for much 0f the work beyond surface level. This includes a total overhaul of efficiency measures, replacing original steel profile window surrounds with insulated aluminium alternatives, cleaning and restoring the masonry and concrete facade frames, and introducing new exterior, roof and floor insulation from the inside. In the basement, an aquifer thermal energy storage system provides heating and cooling, while passivhaus principles can be seen in the return of external sun shading awnings. As a result, observant boffins may pick up on the fact there’s more than a hat tip to Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium when looking at De Plesman from the outside. Brick exterior of De Plesman hotel in The Hague | Image courtesy of De Plesman (C) Mae Daniels A seven year undertaking so far, there’s still much work to do before the new Plesmanduin neighborhood is finally finished. Twenty minutes by foot from The Hague’s historic city centre in one direction, and slightly less to Scheveningen, the city’s seaside area, complete with beach bars, outdoor sports facilities and 19th Century pier, the location is enviable. Flanked by parkland decorated with sculptures — including a statue of Plesman — we’re on the route of a 6 mile (10 kilometer) walking trail leading to the coast and historic Scheveningse Forest. Combining rural and urban, it’s an act of placemaking in the definitive sense. “What I think was very nice about the original building is that it had so much to do with the future. It was built like a skyscraper, one of the first like this in the Netherlands, so a steel and concrete structure, which made it very special,” Hofman says. “And the philosophy for the office was also interesting, because it was so transparent. It was enlightened, so to speak, for the people. “It presented a different view — how do we want to work at KLM? At the time, workplaces were more closed environments, with a lot of hierarchy. This was very open plan, so it was very modern,” he continues. “If I would design it in the same way now, it would still be perfect because it wants to connect itself to the people. You have a lot of windows, but also the structure, the monumentality of the entrances have a lot of impact on people and the guests, on the spatial design, the staircases.” Ceiling inside De Plesman, a nod to aircraft propellers and one of many subtle references to the building’s original role as KLM’s headquarters | Photo by author, Martin Guttridge-Hewitt Hofman tells us the design is “just beyond or on the edge of” the New Hague School, an architectural style that emerged in the namesake city post-First World War. Tentatively, given our mutual aversion to getting lost in conversations about nice looking buildings, we ask what the movement was and, more importantly, what its aims were. “Of course, it had to do with architecture and classical brick structures, design issues, but there was a social component,” Hofman explains. “There was a lot of debate about the typology of residential units, how it should be formed, what it could bring to the people in terms of their identity. These are the same things we need to address these days as well. I think that’s why in The Hague there is still a strong connection to that era. “We have to translate this, of course, to a different regime of rules today. Nevertheless, I think this social connection between people and architecture can inspire us in how we work,” he tells us. “They were really starting new neighborhoods, bringing people together. So we have a lot of areas with this similar collective architectural identity… Now we are building a neighborhood again.” Corridor lighting conjures borrowed memories of a Golden Age of travel inside De Plesman hotel | (C) Martin Guttridge-Hewitt Hofman compares The New Hague School to early 20th century English housing typology, wherein developments incorporated large numbers of homes for specific demographics alongside amenities and services — an idea that died in the devastation of World War Two, and the need to urgently rebuild with less time for more thoughtful, person-centric modernism. It’s about the specificity of a place and location, an idea he believes is mounting a comeback. “20 years ago, Rem Koolhaas defined the architectural tabla rasa [blank slate] — ‘fuck the context’,” Hofman quips, quoting arguably the most famous 21st Century Dutch architect’s most famous statement. “We have been in a period of modernism which was very global. Building a skyscraper in Dubai was the same as New York, or somewhere else, more or less. Now I think people want to reconnect building purpose and local community, and context… The tabla rasa is no longer an option. Really, you can question if it ever was.” Got a project that’s too bold to build? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards! Take advantage of our Early Entry discount and start your entry today. The post Architectural Archive: Rediscovering the New Hague School Through Adaptive Reuse appeared first on Journal.

For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers.  Architects, like other creatives, tend to dislike AI — until they face a deadline. While serious criticisms have been leveled against deep learning programs like Chat GPT and Midjourney, the fact of the matter is, these are powerful tools when used by discerning architects. They are especially useful when it comes to ideation, or fleshing out your ideas by considering a plan from multiple perspectives.  In recent weeks, AI became even more useful for architects following the release of Open AI’s new 4o Image Generation tool with Chat GPT integration. As with most new AI releases, it took a little user experimentation for people to figure out the program’s real potential. One of the earliest users to discover a new potential for this tool was Amir Hossein Noori, co-founder of AI Hub, who realized that using 4o image generation, an architect can quickly move from a floorplan to a rendering.  However, there was a catch. Users quickly found that the process was hit or miss, with the chatbot frustratingly making errors. Keir Regan-Alexander, an architect who specializes in the use of AI, ironed out some of the kinks. The following tutorial owes much to his trial and error work. We hope it will help you in your design endeavors.  1. Highlight the view angle in your floor plan using an arrow. Emulate those “You are Here” arrows that are posted in the maps at the mall. Be as precise as you can with the angle and placement of the arrow. Image generated by the author using Chat GPT. 2. Upload the floorplan into either GPT o3 Mini or Claude 3.7. NOT GPT 4.0!  Screenshot generated by the author. The webpage displayed is the interface of Claude 3.7 Sonnet. Amir Hossein Noori recommends using GPT o3 Mini for this step because it is better with image processing than the standard version. Keir Regan Alexander adds that Claude 3.7 also works well, and this is the bot I used. The goal of this step is to produce a written description of the space based on the floorplan. Upload the image and politely ask the chatbot to describe what a human being would see from the angle indicated by the arrow. Make sure to specify that the human being is facing in the same direction the arrow is pointing. Your bot of choice will create a description that looks something like this: Screenshot generated by the author. Text by Claude 3.7 Sonnet. 3. Hop over to GPT 4.0 to generate the rendering using the text produced by Claude or GPT o3 Mini. Screenshot generated by the author. Webpage displayed is the interface of Chat GPT 4.0. After the description, if you are using GPT o3 Mini it might ask if you want a 3D rendering of this viewpoint. (Claude doesn’t offer this). Don’t say yes right away!  Instead, upload the floorplan with the arrow into GPT 4.0 and enter this prompt: “create an image of a 3D space from the angle shown on the floorplan as if you are a human standing there.“ Then copy and paste the text generated in step 2, sit back, and wait. Eventually, you will get an image that corresponds to your floorplan:  Image produced by the author using Chat GPT 4.0. 4. Make Adjustments by prompting GPT 4.0 Screenshot generated by the author using GPT 4.0. If you are not happy with the first draft or want to change the decor, simply describe these changes to GPT 4.0. It will do its best to follow your suggestions. Make sure to specify that you do not want it to change anything about the layout of the room. (That is, if the bot generated the room correctly the first time.) Keir Regan-Alexander notes that there are limitations to this process, impressive as it is. Complex room shapes, like L-shaped or stepped rooms, don’t work well. But simple rectangular and square rooms can usually be generated quite easily. In the end, this trick is a major time saver. And like all generative AI features, it will only improve in the coming years. For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers.  Cover Image: Generated by the author using Chat GPT. Prompt: Create an architectural rendering of the interior of a magnificent modern home. The post Tech for Architects: How to Create a Stunning Rendering from a Simple Floorplan Using AI appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Learn More About Vision Awards The architecture industry has always been caught between the speculative and the practical. Unlike most other design disciplines, architects are asked to visualize their end product long before it becomes reality. We don’t just draw things to explain them. We draw things to make them possible. That process, however technological it becomes, starts with the image. In that sense, visualization — whether by hand, CAD, photograph, model or AI — has never been neutral. It carries intention. It selects what to show, what to obscure, and what to imply. This has been true since the early architectural futurist movements, the time of Antonio Sant’Elia and his La Città Nuova in 1914. A design that imagined an electrified metropolis of mechanized vertical transport and monumental concrete infrastructure. None of it was buildable. That wasn’t the point. The drawings were a provocation. An architectural polemic dressed as a proposal. Later, Archigram, the avant-garde British architectural group from the 60s, Superstudio of the same time, and the Metabolists from Japan each used drawing to challenge the profession’s own assumptions. The images they produced were designed, and although they were considered impossible to replicate, the designs themselves were a form of critique. Image by Wendy W Fok You can see echoes of that in today’s visualization culture, albeit with a different tone. The futurism of 2025 is a little more cautious, more grounded, if you will. It reflects a profession wrestling with its own complicity in climate breakdown, social inequity and urban dysfunction. What’s interesting is how much of that reckoning now plays out through visual culture. You only need to look through the hundreds of entries to Architizer’s Vision Awards to see where architectural ambition is currently pointed. The imagery is flooded with regenerative materials, energy systems, climate buffers, wild landscapes stitched into the city fabric. Architects are drawing futures that feel socially generous and ecologically literate. In short, it’s no longer just about what a building looks like. It’s about what it does and how it helps. Learn More About Vision Awards Over the last decade, architectural visualization has evolved from a client-facing add-on into a central mode of design thinking. Real-time rendering software like Twinmotion and Enscape has accelerated the speed and fluency of design iteration. Meanwhile, the rise of speculative, informative and theory-forward studios like Feral Partnerships, False Mirror Office or Climate Designers have reframed unbuilt work as serious cultural production. Instagram, for better or worse, has given these images a public audience. Some of them go viral before a feasibility study has even been run. However, the image isn’t a misrepresentation of the possible. It’s a proposition. It allows architects to present a version of the world that is not yet available to us as an invitation to imagine what could be built if we make the right choices. Te Arai | Dune House by Dawid Wisniewski What’s fascinating, looking across so many of Architizer’s Vision Awards entries, is the clarity with which a new architectural vocabulary is beginning to emerge. The imagery doesn’t just look different from a decade ago. It shows a genuine shift in our culture and our desire for a better world. The climate emergency is not considered a specialist issue, siloed off in the technical report. It’s embedded in the visual logic of the design from the very beginning. You see it in the materiality represented. Products like mass timber, rammed earth and concrete alternatives all feature heavily. While buildings are often rendered as part of a larger ecology. They collect water, generate energy and host an array of biodiversity. The architecture is not the lone object to be admired and looked at it is part of an infrastructure that has a broader environmental ambition. Image by Ander Alencar | Professional Winner, Architectural Visualizer of the Year, Inaugural Vision Awards Social values, too, are finding visual expression. Renderings of housing show spaces that are shared, adaptable, and clearly lived in. Schools and cultural centers are imagined as generous and porous. Urban projects put as much care into the street-level experience as the skyline. This reflects a profession that’s trying to align what it draws with what it believes it can achieve. For this reason, the images carry weight. They’re so legible that they make complex ideas feel accessible and give form to an intent. That clarity matters in an industry where a project may take five, ten, or even fifteen years to reach completion — if it gets built at all. A good visualization, however represented, shouldn’t just show a desired outcome. It creates momentum. It can align a team, attract a client, or convince a jury. More importantly, it can shift the conversation around what architecture is for. And because these images circulate so widely, often reaching far beyond professional circles, they help shape how the public understands the value of design. They act as shorthand for architectural intelligence and in the best cases, for architectural ethics. Image by Amir Hossein Noori That’s why it’s worth emphasizing that visualization is design, not just representation. These images are doing real cultural work. They’re where architecture proposes its next move. Of course, the image is never the whole story. Anyone who’s taken a project from concept to completion knows how much shifts along the way. Program changes, planning conditions, budget rounds. The garden might shrink. The structure might simplify. The barefoot toddlers might disappear altogether. Yet, that doesn’t make the original image redundant. If anything, it makes it more important. Because even if the rendering is never realized in full, it sets the tone. It creates the expectation. Sometimes, it even opens the door to conversations that wouldn’t otherwise happen. That’s what the best visualizations do. They don’t just illustrate a solution. They frame a question. How could this building do more? What if this space were open instead of closed? What happens when we design with care, not just efficiency? It’s where architects get to speak in their own voice, without interruption from procurement or planning or politics and that freedom matters, especially in a profession where compromise is a daily reality. Letters from Jean-Michel by Okdraw  The Vision Awards acknowledge this by treating imagery not as an end in itself but by recognizing its role in shaping what architecture strives to become. They reward ambition, not polish. They spotlight the work that dares to be clear about its values and unapologetic about its optimism. If architects are, in some sense, futurists, then visualization is the medium through which those futures get proposed. Of course, much of the challenge, as always, is to carry that vision through. But it starts with having the courage to draw it in the first place. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Enter the Vision Awards Featured Image: Gardens in a Factory: The Education Agenda by Tom Gardner. The post Drawing the Line: Where Representation Ends and Design Begins in Architectural Visualization appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Expo 2025 Osaka is officially open, offering a rare chance to experience some of the world’s most inventive architecture in one place. Held on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, this year’s World Expo brings together 158 participating countries under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The six-month event runs through October 13 and is anchored by the Grand Ring — a 675-meter-wide timber structure designed by Sou Fujimoto that connects the entire site. Built using traditional Japanese joinery and recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, the Ring acts as the physical and symbolic spine of the Expo, guiding visitors through a landscape of global ideas. From bold visions about climate and health to more personal explorations of culture, identity and cooperation, Expo 2025 presents architecture as one of its most immediate storytellers. Pavilions by celebrated names like Lina Ghotmeh, Coldefy, Carlo Ratti Associati and Kengo Kuma are already drawing attention, along with thoughtful contributions from Dutch, Swiss and Uzbek teams focused on reuse, material cycles and cultural exchange. This collection highlights 10 national pavilions worth seeking out, digging into the ideas behind their designs and what may happen to them once the Expo wraps. Brazil Pavilion By Studio MK27, Osaka, Japan This pavilion explores water as the source of life through the concept of “Flying Rivers” — moisture-laden clouds that drift above the Amazon. A curved canopy rises over Osakan soil, sheltering a vapor-filled interior wrapped in a fluid metallic mesh. Visitors follow a slow, upward path through ramps that build anticipation, leading to a rooftop experience where an artificial river reflects the exhibition. The structure uses rented modular metal elements, commonly found in temporary construction, reducing waste and allowing for easy disassembly. Built with the logistical challenges of the site in mind, the pavilion is both atmospheric and efficient. Designed to leave a light footprint, the structure is built to be taken apart as effortlessly as it was raised. France Pavilion By Coldefy and Carlo Ratti Associati, Osaka, Japan Image courtesy of Carlo Ratti Associati Image courtesy of Carlo Ratti Associati The French Pavilion, titled Theatrum Naturae (“Theatre of Nature”), invites visitors on a sensory journey through France’s diverse ecosystems. Designed as a continuous path, the experience unfolds in three acts: Ascent, Discovery and Return, culminating in a rooftop garden that mirrors the country’s natural landscapes, from mountains to coastline. The pavilion explores how architecture can support coexistence between human and non-human life, reflecting Expo 2025’s sub-theme of “Empowering Life.” Built using prefabricated components and natural materials, the structure follows a circular design logic to minimize environmental impact. The experience is both theatrical and reflective, encouraging visitors to consider their place within nature. Plans for the structure after the expo have not been detailed. Qatar Pavilion By Kengo Kuma & Associates, Osaka, Japan Photo by Iwan Baan, Courtesy of Qatar Museums Photo by Iwan Baan, Courtesy of Qatar Museums The Qatar Pavilion focuses on the sea as a shared space for trade, culture and exchange between Qatar and Japan. Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, who also designed the Portugal Pavilion, the structure uses traditional Qatari boat-building methods and Japanese wood joinery. A timber frame is covered in a white fabric that refers to dhow sails, giving the building a clear identity without heavy materials. Inside, a multimedia exhibition by OMA*AMO looks at Qatar’s 563-kilometer coastline and how it connects to the country’s cultural and economic goals. The second floor includes a small library and artworks from Qatar and Japan. The pavilion highlights Qatar’s development story, with no plans announced for its future use. Netherlands Pavilion By RAU Architects, Osaka, Japan Photo by AND BV & Plomp Photo by AND BV & Plomp “Common ground” is the guiding theme of the Dutch participation at Expo 2025, shaped by a history of collective action in the face of rising water. At its center is a large mirrored sphere, inspired by Expo ’70’s Tower of the Sun. The structure is made from over 1,600 tons of steel — almost double what would be used in Europe — due to Japan’s strict regulations for earthquakes and typhoons. Visitors receive an Orb, a personal device that activates parts of the experience across exhibitions, events and shared spaces. Every element of the building is designed for disassembly and reuse. After the Expo, the pavilion will be taken apart, packed into containers and relocated for a new purpose, yet to be announced. Bahrain Pavilion By Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, Osaka, Japan View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bahrain at Expo (@bahatexpo) Another big name in the Expo 2025 lineup, Lina Ghotmeh brings a careful and material-focused approach to the Bahrain Pavilion. The design draws from the country’s maritime heritage, using 3,000 pieces of “un-engineered” wood joined without concrete or adhesives. Built with minimal foundations and cooled naturally by coastal winds, it’s one of the most resource-conscious structures at the Expo. Inside, a multi-sensory exhibition explores Bahrain’s legacy of trade, pearling and sea-based culture. The pavilion also features a café by chef Tala Bashmi, a business floor and a gift shop. All materials are intended for reuse, but no future plans have been announced. Japan Pavilion By Nikken Sekkei, Osaka, Japan Courtesy of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Courtesy of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry As the host nation, Japan sets the tone for Expo 2025 with a pavilion that takes its message seriously. The structure follows the theme “Between Lives,” focusing on interdependence, regeneration and circular thinking. Built with 1,600 cubic meters of cross-laminated timber supported by steel, the circular building is both a stage and an exhibit. A biogas plant onsite converts food waste into energy and the CLT panels are designed for disassembly and reuse after the event. Nothing is hidden—mechanical systems, structural joints and material seams are all exposed, inviting visitors to see how architecture can support life without excess. It’s a thoughtful, stripped-back answer to the Expo’s big questions. Uzbekistan Pavilion By Atelier Brückner, Osaka, Japan Image courtesy of Atelier Brückner Image courtesy of Atelier Brückner “Garden of Knowledge” brings together Uzbekistan’s heritage and future ambitions through a clear architectural narrative. A reclaimed brick base represents the earth, while a timber upper level—sourced from local Osaka forests — evokes growth and renewal. Visitors move through exhibits focused on education, sustainability and innovation, many tied to Uzbekistan’s Strategy 2030 goals. A central platform slowly rises through a 360-degree media installation, connecting the two levels in a way that’s both technical and symbolic. Each timber column includes an NFC tag, letting visitors trace its origin. After the Expo, the pavilion is set to be dismantled and rebuilt in Uzbekistan, where it will take on a second life as a studio, school or cultural space. USA Pavilion By Trahan Architects, Osaka, Japan Photo by Hufton+Crow Photography Photo by Hufton+Crow Photography Positioned near the East Gate of the Expo site, this pavilion puts cultural exchange and public diplomacy front and center. An open-air courtyard hosts daily performances from artists across the United States, while an American garden showcases native flora. Inside, five themed exhibits highlight national achievements in space, technology, education and innovation. Visitors are guided by a virtual mascot and a multilingual team of Youth Ambassadors representing 45 states. The pavilion also includes a restaurant serving American cuisine and private event spaces. Its focus is on storytelling and engagement, presenting the U.S. as a partner in shaping the future. No public plans have been announced yet for what will happen to the structure after the Expo. Switzerland Pavilion By Manuel Herz Architekten, Osaka, Japan Photo courtesy of FDFA, Presence Switzerland Photo courtesy of FDFA, Presence Switzerland This pavilion has the smallest ecological footprint at Expo 2025, achieved through a lightweight membrane structure and efficient use of materials. Titled “From Heidi to High-Tech,” the exhibition explores Switzerland’s shift from Alpine traditions to a focus on cutting-edge innovation. Visitors move through four spheres that center on human potential, sustainability and future science. Projects include edible robotics, soft machines for ecosystem monitoring and a data-driven portal that explores scientific breakthroughs. The design prioritizes low-impact construction and immersive storytelling. A rooftop café and shop round out the experience with Swiss flavors and products. While no post-Expo plan is confirmed, the modular structure hints at a future beyond Osaka. Luxembourg Pavilion By STDM architects & urban planners, Osaka, Japan Photo by Ondrej Piry Photo by Ondrej Piry Small but mighty, “Doki-Doki Lux” presents Luxembourg as a country with a broad global view. Visitors move through a series of sculpted volumes reflecting three core ideas: unicity, diversity and territory. A stretched canvas roof responds to light and daily events, acting as a living signal of the pavilion’s energy. Inside, the path mirrors Luxembourg’s layered identity — from global innovation to local tradition. Built on a Japanese tatami grid, the structure is designed for low environmental impact and complete disassembly, with components intended for reuse in future Japanese buildings. It’s a compact, expressive pavilion that treats circularity as part of its architectural and cultural story. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! The post Architizer’s Choice: 10 Notable National Pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka appeared first on Journal.

What if you could render architectural scenes in seconds — without ever stopping your design flow? With the release of Corona 12 and its new integration with Chaos Vantage, architectural visualization professionals now have access to a faster, more interactive toolkit — one that combines the realism of ray-traced rendering with the speed of real-time tools, without the need for compromise. Whether framing the perfect shot for a client or exploring design options live with a team, this new capability unlocks more intuitive ways to visualize architecture and interior spaces. We took a deep dive into the latest versions of both applications to explore this fresh interoperability and see how it can foster new creative workflows in real-time rendering. How It Works: Real-Time Feedback Inside Your Workflow The Corona to Vantage Live Link, introduced in Corona 12 Update 1, allows users to connect their 3ds Max or Cinema 4D scene directly to Chaos Vantage, an industry-leading real-time renderer built for speed and visual fidelity. Once activated, any changes made in the scene — like moving objects, updating lights, editing materials, or switching cameras — are instantly mirrored in Vantage’s real-time viewport. Enabling Live Link is simple: Within 3ds Max, users open the Render Setup, navigate to the System tab, and click “Vantage Live Link.” Alternatively, within Cinema 4D, click on the Corona tab in the top menu, navigate down to “Chaos Vantage” and then click “Start Vantage Live Link”. Vantage launches automatically, loads the scene, and begins responding live to any updates. From this point forward, artists can move freely between modeling, lighting, and composition without interrupting their workflow to export or render previews. This integration transforms Vantage into an always-on visual companion. Architects and visualization artists can evaluate daylight scenarios, test material palettes, set up composition options, and save out high-quality preview images, all within seconds. Camera adjustments, lighting tweaks, and object placement can all be iterated live, making this integration ideal for presenting multiple options to a client or efficiently collaborating with a design team. When it’s time to produce a final rendering, Vantage’s ultra-fast GPU engine makes it possible to generate polished stills directly from the working scene. This all sounds compelling, but how does it translate into a real-world project? Enter narrativ, a UK-based visualization studio that works across creative disciplines. narrativ’s Triple Test: Envisioning Architecture, Product and VFX With Vantage To put the integration through its paces, narrativ created a series of one-minute animations focused on architectural space, product design, and visual effects. Robin Walker, the studio’s director, said each theme “was designed to push Vantage in its very own way while also showing its versatility.” Their architectural scene — set inside a tranquil chapel with soft pink lighting and reflective materials — was selected to challenge how Vantage handled nuanced lighting conditions and surface behavior. According to the team, “The team chose this serene chapel setting to challenge Vantage’s ability to render complex lighting interactions and reflections in a highly controlled environment. And it did not disappoint.” The results are stunning, forming a remarkable exhibition of the dynamic material and lighting effects made possible by Vantage. In another test, a rugged muscle car, complete with worn, weathered textures, demonstrated Vantage’s accuracy with fine material details — “All of the stuff we get excited by as 3D artists,” Walker explained. The resulting video is a powerful demonstration of how Corona and Vantage can produce subtle surface textures and imperfections with outstanding realism. For their final piece, narrativ turned to The Old Gods, an in-house VFX sequence featuring a dramatic battle in a dense forest. Thousands of trees, animated elements and cinematic lighting pushed the scene’s complexity to the limit. “Given the high stakes of rendering such a multifaceted scene, this project was the perfect test to push Vantage’s real-time capabilities to their limits,” the team said. The payoff wasn’t just visual quality — it was also creative freedom. “With Vantage, you feel like you’re there, in the scene, just shooting with a camera,” said Walker. “Without Vantage and its ultra-fast GPU rendering, along with its ability to quickly light scenes and find camera angles, this wouldn’t have been possible.” All three animations were rendered in minutes to hours on a single machine—transforming what would typically be a multi-day pipeline into a streamlined, intuitive process. Why This Matters for Architects and Visualization Studios For architects and visualizers, time is always tight — especially given that clients increasingly expect to see high-end imagery early in the design process. The Corona–Vantage workflow offers a powerful new way to meet those demands without slowing down production. Instead of waiting for time-intensive renderings or settling for low-fidelity previews, users can now explore light, space and materiality in real time. That means faster decisions, better design feedback and higher-quality visuals earlier in the project timeline. Studios are already folding this workflow into their daily process. The narrativ team, for example, now uses Vantage for early-stage clay model visuals and camera selection. “The narrativ team has already found another great use for the interoperability, using it for clay renders during the view selection for clients,” they reported, made possible thanks to Vantage’s “blisteringly fast” speed. The software’s combination of efficiency and utility has the narrativ team convinced. “I think everyone should try it out. It has a lot of power, and the speed is unmatched,” said Walker. But the advantage of this new integration is larger still — the real-time feedback loop changes the nature of the work, according to Walker. He added: “Vantage hasn’t been all about speed for narrativ; it also allowed the team to get back to their creative roots. Anything which makes us 3D artists less of technicians and more of artists is a way forward.” For architects and visualizers, this shift offers an exciting prospect — to bring photorealistic visual storytelling into every stage of design, from early concept to final presentation. To try both Corona and Vantage for free, click the following links: Try Corona for Free > Try Vantage for Free > Hero image by narrativ. The post The Art of Rendering: Creating Real-Time, Photoreal Architectural Visualizations with Corona and Vantage appeared first on Journal.

These annual rankings were last updated on April 25, 2025. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking. Colors, culture, connectivity: Brazil’s architectural legacy is a vibrant composition painted by tradition, foreign influence and radical modernism, all situated within a vast tropical landscape. Home to numerous heritage sites, Brazil’s vernacular architecture is attributed to its Indigenous communities. Meanwhile, a European undertone is still prevalent today in cities like São Paulo and Salvador, and especially in Ouro Preto — a city recognized today as a goldmine for architectural monuments. When it comes to modernist experimentation and innovation, Brazilian architects are global trailblazers. From the establishment of the modernist city Brasília to the free-flowing mammoths in the nation’s existing metropoles, Brazil’s modernist history cannot be told without recognizing architects like Oscar Niemeyer, Lúcio Costa and Lina Bo Bardi. A distinct new architectural language emerged in 20th-century Brazil, defined by concrete, minimalism and functionality that notably moved away from the previously strong Eurocentric influences. And today’s contemporary designs continue to uphold this modernist legacy. Brazilian architects of today are known to embrace an architectural language that champions minimalism, innovation and, most importantly, the stunning tropical Brazilian outdoors. With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s 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 Brazil 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 firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority: The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2025) The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2025) 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 Brazil architecture firms throughout the year. Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Brazil: 30. Estudio Guto Requena © Estudio Guto Requena Estudio Guto Requena aims at the reflection on cyberculture and digital poetic narratives in design. The practice encompasses varied design scales – objects, interiors, buildings and cities, investigating the impact of digital technologies in the fields of information and communication on our daily lives, as well as its deployments regarding project. Some of Estudio Guto Requena’s most prominent projects include: My Heart Beats Like Yours, São Paulo, Brazil The Year, São Paulo, Brazil The Dancing Pavilion, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil D3 Office, São Paulo, Brazil Disco Club, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped Estudio Guto Requena achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 5 29. Laurent Troost Architectures © Laurent Troost Architectures Laurent Troost Architectures is based in Manaus, Amazon, Brazil. The office’s work is mostly centered around residential architecture. Some of Laurent Troost Architectures’ most prominent projects include: Casarão da Inovação Cassina / Cassina Innovation House, Manaus, Brazil Manga Building, Manaus, Brazil INGÁ Co-living, Manaus, Brazil Casa Campinarana, Manaus, Brazil Casa Tarumã, Manaus, Brazil The following statistics helped Laurent Troost Architectures achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 6 28. Padovani Arquitetos © Padovani Arquitetos Padovani is a Brazilian architecture and design office, which weaves its narrative with lines that seek to express personality with simplicity, establishing an intense dialogue with nature. We conceive the uniqueness of projects by investigating the best technical response in harmony with conceptual poetics and client needs, a ritual that is repeated in every detail. Our identity is marked by elegance, applied to a design that breathes tropicality and expresses the essence of these characteristics in our creations. Some of Padovani Arquitetos’ most prominent projects include: Valencia House, Porto Feliz, Brazil LR House, Bragança Paulista, Brazil JR House, Bragança Paulista, Brazil LEMA House, Campinas, SP, Brazil The following statistics helped Padovani Arquitetos achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 4 27. BASICHES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS © BASICHES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS ‘Basiches Arquitetos Associados’ is an architecture office that is way ahead in the quest for a contemporary language, that is, out of the commonplace, for many types of projects: residential, commercial or institutional, such as condominiums, lofts, shops, offices, night houses and fitness centers. Founded in 1999, ‘Basiches Arquitetos Associados’ works with every architectural field, including interior design projects, from creation, conception until the end of the detailed project itself. Some of BASICHES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS’ most prominent projects include: Colormix Store, São Paulo, Brazil UNITT URBAN LIVING, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped BASICHES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 2 Total Projects 2 26. Arquitetura Gui Mattos © Arquitetura Gui Mattos Arquitetura Gui Mattos is an architecture and urbanism firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, which reverberates since 1987 in its production, the diversity of projects as a result of an unusual and propositional architecture that seeks to reinvent spaces, make them expressive and allow integration with the landscape. Some of Arquitetura Gui Mattos’ most prominent projects include: Residencia Itamambuca , SP, Brazil Residência Conchas, São Paulo, Brazil Residência Quinta da Baroneza VII, São Paulo, Brazil Residência Camburi I, São Sebastião, Brazil Mandi Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped Arquitetura Gui Mattos achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 32 25. Isay Weinfeld © Isay Weinfeld Over the past 45 years we have developed works in very diverse fields, from Architecture to Cinema. Such diversity — the effect of clear resolve, rather than luck or chance — is grounded on the belief that the experience in different themes greatly contributes to the better performance of our responsibilities, and on the certainty that in Architecture, inasmuch as in any other trade, broadening horizons is crucial and part of a lifelong learning process. Some of Isay Weinfeld’s most prominent projects include: Fasano Las Piedras Hotel, Punta del Este, Uruguay Sumaré House, São Paulo, Brazil 360° Building, São Paulo, Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO MUSEUM OF IMAGE AND SOUND COMPETITION, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The Four Seasons Restaurant, New York, NY, United States The following statistics helped Isay Weinfeld achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 5 24. ARCHITECTS OFFICE © ARCHITECTS OFFICE ARCHITECTS OFFICE is located in São Paulo, Brazil. Their work revolves mostly around residential architecture. Some of ARCHITECTS OFFICE’s most prominent projects include: PACE Building, Curitiba, Brazil AGE360, Curitiba, Brazil Casa PAR, Monte Mor, Brazil L Apartment, São Paulo, Brazil VIVO Theatre, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped ARCHITECTS OFFICE achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 17 23. vão arquitetura © vão arquitetura Founded in 2013, Vão is an architecture and urbanism office based in São Paulo, Brasil, that works on different scales, typologies and contexts. Its production is the result of constant architectural research, both theoretical and technical, and also from the enriching experience within the field of plastic arts that is realized through collaborations with contemporary artists. In 2014, Vão was awarded second place in the ‘Anexo BNDES National Competition’ in Rio de Janeiro and in 2015 won the ‘Invisible Geometries International Competition’ organized by LIGA in Mexico City. Vão is composed by the architects Anna Juni, Enk te Winkel and Gustavo Delonero. Some of vão arquitetura’s most prominent projects include: Viadutos Apartment, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil Ownerless House nº 01, Avaré, Brazil Antonio Bicudo Apartment , São Paulo, Brazil Sumarezinho Apartment, Sumarezinho, São Paulo, SP, Brazil Subsolanus, Roma Sur, Ciudad de México, Mexico The following statistics helped vão arquitetura achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 12 22. BCMF Arquitetos © BCMF Arquitetos Established in 2001, by partners Bruno Campos, Marcelo Fontes and Silvio Todeschi, BCMF Architects has been involved in the development of a broad range of outstanding projects, being acknowledged in Brazil and abroad as one of the leading practices of the new generation of Brazilian architects. Our studio seeks to be highly diversified in terms of scale and typology, ranging from interior design, commercial and residential buildings to large-scale projects (arenas, sports facilities, shopping malls, hospitals, industries, parks and urban masterplans). Some of BCMF Arquitetos’ most prominent projects include: Bar Stella Artois, Belo Horizonte, Brazil Mineirão Stadium, Belo Horizonte, Brazil Brazilian National Shooting Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Bar-Pool-Gallery , Nova Lima, Brazil Cebrace, Jacareí, Brazil The following statistics helped BCMF Arquitetos achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 22 21. mf+arquitetos © Renato Moura Mariana Garcia Oliveira and Filipi Oliveira, both graduated in architecture and urbanism, met in their first year of college. Graduated in 2009, they got married and founded the office MF architects. In 2015 the office is restructured and is renamed mf+arquitetos. Located in the city of Franca, in the interior of São Paulo, it works on projects in the residential, commercial, industrial and interior areas. It stands out for its contemporary style, always proposing a design concept that seeks to integrate the interior with the exterior, combined with formal purity, straight lines and the Brazilian-ness of materials that print a new concept of living. Some of mf+arquitetos’ most prominent projects include: Lake house, Uberlândia, Brazil Collectors Nook, Franca, Brazil PZ house, SP, Brazil House Q04L63, Rifaina, Brazil casa MCNY, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped mf+arquitetos achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 6 20. Estúdio MRGB © Estúdio MRGB Estúdio MRGB is an architecture and urban planning firm founded in 2004 in Brasília, Federal District. It brings together the experiences of architects, engineers, and professionals from various fields who collaborate on its architectural production. The visual identity of the studio, characterized by the letters M R G B, has a close connection with Brasília. The acronym symbolizes the four scales that configure the city’s architecture and urban planning – monumental, residential, gregarious and bucolic. The admiration, respect and recognition for the contribution of architect Lucio Costa, not only in the construction of the new capital of the Republic, a cultural heritage of humanity, but also in the consolidation of the profession in Brazil, guide the practice and craft of architecture and urban planning at MRGB Studio. Some of Estúdio MRGB’s most prominent projects include: Ribeiro House, Padre Bernardo, Brazil AL Residence Casa | LK, Brasília, Brazil Habka House, Brasília, Brazil Ribas House, Brasília, Brazil The following statistics helped Estúdio MRGB achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 9 19. TFArq © TFArq Our practice is in search for good and timeless architecture with 15 years long we have projects of many typologies: industrial, multifamily housing, commercial, offices and single family residences. Some of TFArq’s most prominent projects include: Adelainde Previdi, Brazil MADEC, Caxias do Sul, Brazil PIER 31, Flores da Cunha, Brazil CASA FRANCA, Garopaba, Brazil La Vie Dor, Caxias do Sul, Brazil The following statistics helped TFArq achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 10 18. AMZ Arquitetos © AMZ Arquitetos Founded in 2009, AMZ is a São Paulo based architecture firm with works ranging from the urban scale to the object scale. Composed of a collaborative and complimentary team, they operate seeking a multifocal projecting approach combining architectural concept with interior design, environmental and constructibility concerns since the beginning of every project. They aim to combine pure and conceptually free project solutions with adequate constructive methods through a cooperative process that connects clients, consultants and constructors in all stages of any given project. Some of AMZ Arquitetos’ most prominent projects include: Salto House, Salto, Brazil Guaecá II House, São Sebastião, Brazil Belgica House, São Paulo, Brazil Green House, São Paulo, Brazil Guaeca I House, São Sebastião, Brazil The following statistics helped AMZ Arquitetos achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 6 17. Nommo Arquitetos © Nommo Arquitetos Nommo Arquitetos is an executive office company based in Curitiba, Brazil. The firm specializes in residential architecture, interior design and refurbishment work. Some of Nommo Arquitetos’ most prominent projects include: House AC, Curitiba, PR, Brazil Guará House, Curitiba, PR, Brazil Brigadeiro Apartment , Curitiba, Brazil Grena House, Campo Largo, PR, Brazil Lounge Y, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil The following statistics helped Nommo Arquitetos achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 13 16. Mariana Orsi arquitetura + design © FELIPE ARAUJO Based on the premises of simplicity of creation, from the rationalization of resources and the optimization of elements to compose spaces and projects, always taking into account beauty, humor and timelessness, these aspects are clearly expressed in all their projects , from a simple piece of furniture to a large building. Some of Mariana Orsi arquitetura + design’s most prominent projects include: BETA HOUSE, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil O.A. HOUSE, Brazil OFICINA MUTANTE, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil BREATH HOUSE, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil LL HOUSE, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil The following statistics helped Mariana Orsi arquitetura + design achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 6 15. ARQBR © ARQBR Brasília-based practice founded in 2013 by architects Andre Velloso and Eder Alencar. Project scale ranges from interiors architecture and residences to cultural and institutional spaces. Some of ARQBR’s most prominent projects include: Church of the Holy Family, Brasília, Brazil Güths House, Brasilia, DF, Brazil Park Way House, Brasilia, DF, Brazil Couri House, Brasília, Brazil Finantial Center 205, Brasília, Brazil The following statistics helped ARQBR achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 24 14. Studio Guilherme Torres © Studio Guilherme Torres Founded in 2001, Studio Guilherme Torres develops projects in the most diverse areas, from architecture to design. This company is personified in the figure of its founder, a perfectionist. In his left arm of his, a great tattoo says, through the words extracted from a Daft Punk’s song, “work it, harder, better, faster, make it over”. This unofficial motto describes the ethics and commitment to quality that is readily apparent in his work. Minimal details and palettes of rich but reserved materials that characterize his work are consistently applied in single-family homes, interior projects and retail projects. Balancing the rigorous aesthetics of architecture, a certain playful lightness can be found in the interior design of your projects. Some of Studio Guilherme Torres’ most prominent projects include: SN House, Londrina, Brazil Studio GT SF House BT House, Brazil AN HOUSE , Maringá, Brazil The following statistics helped Studio Guilherme Torres achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 9 13. MAPA Architects © MAPA Architects MAPA Architects it’s a binational collective that works on architectural projects in Brazil and Uruguay. From this double geographical condition, MAPA explores the limits of non-conventional production formats. The studio has originally established itself from professional and academic grounds: two complementary fields that create and shape our work. STUDIOPARALELO and MAAM ARQUITECTOS were born during the first century’s decade as independent architectural studios. In 2008 they started sharing works and competitions, such as expositions and conferences. After five years working together, both studios merged in one, establishing in Porto Alegre, Brazil and Montevideo, Uruguay. MAPA is integrated by Luciano Andrades, Matías Carballal, Rochelle Castro, Andrés Gobba, Mauricio López, Silvio Machado. Some of MAPA Architects’ most prominent projects include: MINIMOD, Porto Alegre, Brazil CREA-PB Headquarters, Campina Grande, Brazil MINIMOD Catuçaba, São Luís do Paraitinga, Brazil XAN House, Rio Grande, Brazil Retreat in Finca Aguy, Maldonado Department, Uruguay The following statistics helped MAPA Architects achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 5 12. Estudio HAA! © Estudio HAA! The Estúdio HAA! (Homã Alvico Arquitetura) develops multidisciplinary projects that have the thematic of architecture as a structuring agent, ranging from projects of organizations to the design of artifacts. We use innovation as a guiding concept for new projects, not only for a search for novelty, but for being the way we express discontent, transforming what does not please new possibilities to do — whether it’s making a physical change in the urban fabric, providing formal critical content, or developing new, possible forms of organizations. Some of Estudio HAA!’s most prominent projects include: Box St., São Paulo, Brazil Santander Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil Henrique Monteiro Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil Cel. Emidio Piedade Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil Nossa Senhora do Ó Parklet, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped Estudio HAA! achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 17 11. FCstudio © FCstudio FCstudio was founded by the architect Flavio Castro after he spent a 3 year period in Spain studying at the Catalunha Polytechnic University. Before that, he worked in several different national and international architectural firms such as MAB Arquitectura, Arteks Arquitectura and Hidalgo&Hartmann in Spain and Núcleo de Arquitetura, AR.CO., Fundação MASP and MMBB Arquitetos in Brazil. He has also taken part in many architectural competitions in collaboration with the above-mentioned firms and also on his own. At the moment a multidisciplinary team that is put together according to the characteristics and complexity of the projects and the collaboration of associated architects staffs the studio. Some of FCstudio’s most prominent projects include: Ibirapuera Apartment, São Paulo, Brazil Planalto House, São Paulo, Brazil Box House, São Paulo, Brazil Ruda Huts, Gonçalves, Brazil Mirante do Horto House, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped FCstudio achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 71 10. FGMF © FGMF Created in 1999, FGMF produces contemporary architecture, without restraints regarding the use of material and building techniques, seeking to explore the connection between architecture and its environment. In these few years of existence, we’ve had the opportunity to deal with a wide range of architectural scales and programs, what enhances our belief that, just as life itself, architecture ought to be plural, heterogeneous and dynamic. Our dedication and hard work led us to the satisfaction of receiving relevant national and international awards, among which some from the Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil (IAB), Chicago Athenaeum, AIT, Living Steel, Editora Abril and Dedalo Minosse. Some of FGMF’s most prominent projects include: House 4×30, São Paulo, Brazil Casa Rex BPGM Law Firm Natura’s Showroom Santo André Corujas Building, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped FGMF achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 17 9. CANDIDA TABET ARQUITETURA © Romulo Fialdini Daring, versatility, and balance are the principal characteristics of the work of Candida Tabet’s architectural office. Based in Sao Paulo since 1982 the studio has realized residential, commercial, and institutional projects around the globe creatively combining architecture and interior design. The designs are developed on the basis of research into materials and on elaborate construction, always taking into consideration the environments in which they are to come to life. The projects are marked by contemporary design complemented by convenient and authentic solutions. There is no pre-determined script for the architectural incursions. In general they start with the overall layout and might terminate with the design of a very special lamp. Some of CANDIDA TABET ARQUITETURA’s most prominent projects include: MURILLO Housing, Montevideo, Uruguay PIX House, Campos do Jordão, Brazil BARONEZA House, Bragança Paulista, Brazil LUNA LLENA House, Punta del Este, Uruguay ACP House, Porto Feliz, SP, Brazil The following statistics helped CANDIDA TABET ARQUITETURA achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 17 8. Gustavo Penna Arquiteto & Associados © Gustavo Penna Arquiteto & Associados In 1974, Gustavo Penna founded GPA&A, an architecture office that still occupies the same centennial, eclectic-style house that once belonged to his grandparents in downtown Belo Horizonte. In that inspiring building, a team of 30 professionals think, design and build under the assurance that architecture is key to shaping the identity of a country. GPA&A’s projects present, upon modernist and baroque heritages, a look that is sensitive to architecture’s contemporary issues. Some of Gustavo Penna Arquiteto & Associados’ most prominent projects include: CarmoCoffees, Carmo de Minas, Brazil BRT Station, Belo Horizonte, Brazil All Saints Chapel, Martinho Campos, Brazil Community Center Serra Dourada, Vespasiano, Brazil Ateliê Wäls , Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil The following statistics helped Gustavo Penna Arquiteto & Associados achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 3 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 15 7. BLOCO Arquitetos © BLOCO Arquitetos BLOCO Arquitetos was founded in Brasília by Daniel Mangabeira, Henrique Coutinho and Matheus Seco. The three lead a team of architects with diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests. Most of the projects that are present on this site are presented through photographs of built works, reflecting the firm’s wide experience in the materialization of projects of different scales and programs, from houses and buildings to interiors and temporary installations. BLOCO’s projects are directly related to specific constraints that can range from the topography and solar orientation of a land to the budget and available labor. The limits imposed by each program are seen as opportunities for creation. Some of BLOCO Arquitetos’ most prominent projects include: Paineira House, Brasília, Brazil Outsider Store, Brasília, Brazil Revitalization of Oscar Niemeyer’s Tea House, Brasilia, Brazil Migliari Guimãraes House, Brasília, Brazil POSEAD Building, Brasília, Brazil The following statistics helped BLOCO Arquitetos achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 9 Total Projects 16 6. Arquitetura Nacional © Arquitetura Nacional We believe that the design process is similar to a puzzle. Each project’s different and relevant aspect represents one piece. Our challenge ends the moment we get the perfect fit for all parts, creating an unique, timeless and universal outcome. In order to achieve this goal, we respectfully look back at the past and try to put into practice principles that make architecture recognized and admired nowadays, with special attention to new technologies that can help us make ideal projects in accordance with local needs. Some of Arquitetura Nacional’s most prominent projects include: thyssenkrupp global shared services, Porto Alegre, Brazil Lua House, Xangri-lá, Brazil Praça Municipal 47, Porto Alegre, Brazil Kiev 104, Porto Alegre, Brazil Enseada House, Xangri-lá, Brazil The following statistics helped Arquitetura Nacional achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 56 5. STUDIO ARTHUR CASAS © STUDIO ARTHUR CASAS From inside to outside, from object to landscape, Studio Arthur Casas’ creations are intrinsically connected in a horizontal scale. Dialogue is the key for conceiving projects that range from a chair to an urban plan, influenced by a spirit both modern and contemporary, Brazilian and cosmopolitan. The Studio works in several areas, including residential and commercial architecture, public competitions, interior and product design. Projects are guided by the quest for essential elements, from raw materials to refined details that showcase our concern with excellence in every scale. From our offices in São Paulo and New York, our team works in simultaneous projects in several countries. Some of STUDIO ARTHUR CASAS’ most prominent projects include: Boa Vista House, Porto Feliz, SP, Brazil Quinta da Baronesa Casa Itu, Brazil JY House, Porto Feliz, SP, Brazil Coudelaria, Itu, SP, Brazil The following statistics helped STUDIO ARTHUR CASAS achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 14 Total Projects 77 4. TETRO ARQUITETURA © TETRO ARQUITETURA Based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the office is formed by architects Carlos Maia, Débora Mendes and Igor Macedo. The office’s professional practice is based on the careful study of the premises and conditions of the site and the client, seeking a unique and unrepeatable solution to each project. Fundamentals such as integration with nature, use of natural materials and exploration of architectural voids are characteristics that permeate every project, from urban scale to furniture design. The office was awarded with the first prize in the competition for the Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra Headquarters. It is responsible for projects of museums, venues, commercial, residential and industrial buildings in various states of Brazil. Some of TETRO ARQUITETURA’s most prominent projects include: Açucena House, Nova Lima, Brazil Inclined Slab House, Brazil Serra do Cipó House, Brazil Parque do Rola Moça Visitors Center, Brazil Xingu house, Nova Lima, MG, Brazil The following statistics helped TETRO ARQUITETURA achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 13 Total Projects 66 3. Jacobsen Arquitetura © Leonardo Finotti Paulo Jacobsen, after doing great partnerships with three generations of Bernardes (internship with Sergio Bernardes, partner of Claudio Bernardes for 25 years and partner of Thiago Bernardes for 10 years), founded in 2012 the office Jacobsen Arquitetura, with your son Bernardo Jacobsen and Eza Viegas, as partner in interior design department. Jacobsen Arquitetura has joined the experience of over 800 projects developed by Paulo in several segments of the architecture, but with an emphasis on high standard residential architecture, with the international performance of Bernardo, who worked with architects such as Christian de Portzamparc and Shigeru Ban. Some of Jacobsen Arquitetura’s most prominent projects include: MAR – Museu de Arte do Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil JN House, Petrópolis, Brazil BV House, Porto Feliz, Brazil RT House, Paraty, Brazil NUBE Building, São Paulo, Brazil The following statistics helped Jacobsen Arquitetura achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 19 Total Projects 28 2. Studio MK27 © Studio MK27 Studio MK27 located in the chaotic city of São Paulo was founded in the late 70’s by architect Marcio Kogan and today is comprised of 40 architects and various collaborators worldwide. The architects of the team, great admirers of the Brazilian modernism generation, seek to fulfill the task of rethinking and giving continuity to this iconic architectural movement. Some of Studio MK27’s most prominent projects include: Flag House, Whistler, Canada Skyspace Amarta, Maldives Micasa Vol.C, São Paulo, Brazil Sand House, Trancoso, Brazil Patina Maldives Hotel, Maldives The following statistics helped Studio MK27 achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 9 Featured Projects 20 Total Projects 27 1. Bernardes Arquitetura © Leonardo Finotti Bernardes Arquitetura is the result of a history that spans generations. It is a space created in 2012 by Thiago Bernardes where he seeks to deepen his authorial work and create new partnerships. Today the partners are Nuno Costa Nunes, Márcia Santoro, Camila Tariki, Dante Furlan, Francisco Abreu, Rafael de Oliveira,Thiago Moretti and Antonia Bernardes. Bernardes Arquitetura develops projects across various programs and scales. With offices in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Lisbon, the team is made up of 130 professionals who work in the areas of architecture, urbanism and interior design. The office’s portfolio ranges from residential and commercial projects, including hotels, restaurants, cultural and educational institutions, to urban projects, which include condominiums, neighborhoods and masterplans. Our multidisciplinary team is composed of professionals who share a philosophy of collaborative work with the objective of achieving excellence and efficiency in each project. Some of Bernardes Arquitetura’s most prominent projects include: Asa House, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil MAR – Museu de Arte do Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Featured image: Delta House, Guarujá, Brazil Joá Chapel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Península House, Guarujá, SP, Brazil The following statistics helped Bernardes Arquitetura achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Brazil: A+Awards Winner 7 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 20 Total Projects 46 Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking? With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s 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 world’s 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 highlighted A Guide to Project Awards The 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 Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status: Project completed within the last 3 years A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value High quality, in focus photographs At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings Inclusion of construction photographs There 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 Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.     We’re constantly look for the world’s 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 don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com. The post 30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Brazil appeared first on Journal.

Got a project that’s too wild for this world? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, The Early Entry period is underway — start your entry today. Right in the heart of Thessaloniki, where traces of Byzantine history still shape the city, Monasty Hotel offers both a peaceful escape and a thoughtful nod to its past. Designed by Not a Number Architects for Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the 100-room hotel blends the quiet, reverent feel of a religious space with the warmth and comfort of modern luxury. This one-of-a-kind design wowed judges in Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards, winning the Jury Vote in the Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft) category. Thessaloniki was once the second most important city in the Byzantine Empire, and its surviving Orthodox churches such as the Church of Saint Demetrios and the Church of Agia Sophia, are architectural relics of that time. Monasty stands in a location rich with history and even sits next to the only monastry still active in the city center — The Monastery of Agia Theodora. The monastry was rebuilt after the great fire of 1917 on the foundations of an older Byzantine structure. This unique setting inspired a design that combines the simple monastic life with the sophisticated modern hospitality. So how does a 5-star hotel resurrect centuries of history? From hidden symbolism to heavenly lighting, here are seven ways the hotel brings the past to life: 1. Symmetry and Order Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards The hotel’s ground floor follows a clear, church-like symmetry. Guests enter through doors that act like a Western church door, drawing the eye straight down a central axis to a hidden courtyard. At the center, the bar stands like an altar opposite the entry way. Above it all, a grand wooden ceiling stretches across the space further mirroring the naves of Byzantine churches, creating a calm, almost sacred atmosphere. 2. Monastic Material Palette Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Byzantine architecture often paired modest structures with richly detailed interiors. Walls were lined with thin sheets of marble or patterned stone, while bricks, stone, and mosaics added depth and texture. Fine wood furniture, from stools to shelves, brought warmth and refinement into these sacred spaces. Monasty continues this tradition with its thoughtful material palette of brick, stone, wood, and marble. The stone flooring flows seamlessly from the hotel’s covered entrance into the lobby, echoing the cool, durable floors of Byzantine churches. At the reception, a black marble desk stands before a monochrome brick wall, softened by wood-framed shelving that brings balance and warmth. Throughout the hotel, furniture in richly grained wood adds texture and tactility, reinforcing the sense of crafted elegance that defines both the monastic and the modern. 3. Chapel-Inspired Lighting Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Lighting in Byzantine churches was designed to feel spiritual — dim, diffused, and often flickering from oil lamps or candles. This gentle illumination gave interiors a sense of mystery, slowing time and encouraging reflection. Monasty channels that same mood with layered lighting. Brass chandeliers which were modeled after traditional hanging candlesticks line the hotel’s main axis, casting a warm, inviting glow toward the bar. Elsewhere, low-hanging pendants and gently lit alcoves create pockets of intimacy. Shadows which are part of the design help to create a quietly dramatic aura about the hotel. 4. Icon-inspired Colors Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Byzantine art was full of rich, earthy tones that came in deep reds, ochres, olive greens and soft golds. These colors weren’t just beautiful; they helped create a calm, reverent mood in churches and icons. Monasty brings that same feeling into its interiors. The color palette is warm and muted, filled with terracotta brick, dark woods, and black marble. Even the textiles and furniture like the pale red banquettes and stone-colored walls, feel pulled from an icon’s background. Everywhere you look, the tones are soft, grounded and emotionally rich. This thoughtful use of color creates an atmosphere that feels sacred but not cold. It’s quiet and elegant, rooted in Byzantine tradition, but still completely modern. 5. Arches and Alcoves Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Arches were central to Byzantine architecture. They held up walls and marked the line between the earthly and the divine. The designers spoke that language in the interior of this hotel with rounded forms at every turn. You’ll see it in the restaurant’s curved alcove seating, in the bedroom headboards shaped by rows of repeating arches and in the gentle curves of the hallway ceilings. Even the wooden display shelves are topped with rounded edges. They nod to ancient basilicas but still feel right at home in a modern hotel. 6. Art as Storytelling Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Byzantine interiors weren’t just about beauty. They were meant to teach. Through detailed mosaics and paintings, churches shared stories of faith and history with anyone who entered. Monasty brings that same idea into its design. Greek artist Fikos created murals in a modern Byzantine style. His work tells the story of Thessaloniki in a way that feels both ancient and fresh. These paintings do more than decorate. They root the space in local culture and invite guests to pause and reflect. Just like in old churches, the art here is meant to be seen, remembered and felt. 7. A Garden of Stillness Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Byzantine monasteries were places of quiet. They often had small gardens or courtyards for reflection. These spaces helped monks disconnect from the outside world and connect with something deeper. Monasty brings that same idea into the city. At the back of the hotel, a secret garden waits. It’s filled with soft greenery, water, and calm light. It feels hidden, like a breath held in. The noise of the city disappears. In its place is quiet, stillness, and a sense that time has slowed. Just like in a monastery. Monasty  by Not a Number Architects, Thessaloniki, Greece | Jury Winner, Commercial Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards Monasty doesn’t just take cues from Byzantine architecture. It brings the style and the spirit back to life. Each of the seven design moves explored here reveals a clear connection to the past, from symmetry and arches to lighting, materials, and atmosphere. But none of it feels dated. Instead, the hotel offers a calm and luxurious experience rooted in its surroundings. In a city shaped by centuries of faith and design, Monasty quietly resurrects Byzantine heritage in a way that feels both timeless and new. Got a project that’s too wild for this world? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, The Early Entry period is underway — start your entry today. The post Monastic Modernism: Resurrecting The Essence of Byzantine Architecture appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Did you know that the name Archigram derives from the words Architecture + Telegram? The popular magazine was initially produced in 1961 in London. Its primary objective was to critique and overturn the strict modernist dogma that was dominant at that time through a series of unbuilt speculative architectural projects. Peter Cook (the dynamic can-do optimist and spokesman), David Greene (the poet, pessimist, elusive dreamer and devastating critic) and Mike Webb (the hermit-like artist and design genius) were the pioneers of the magazine, followed in the second issue by Ron Herron (the positive, hands-on designer), Dennis Crompton (the back-room fixer) and Warren Chalk (the catalyst of ideas). Plindberg, Plug-In City, CC BY 2.0 As the magazine gained popularity, the six of them worked on a series of speculative projects, drawing reference from the technologies of the “Space Race.” The Walking City, Plug-in City, Instant City and Tune City for instance, were architectural proposals comprised of pods, capsules, megastructures and infrastructures that challenged conventional buildings and proposed new modes of inhabitation and technology. Plug-in City stood as a flexible framework upon which structures were slotted in. Instant City was a mobile technological structure that “visited” underdeveloped towns in an attempt to boost their cultural fabric, leaving behind advanced technological “plugs”. The Walking City is set within a post-apocalyptic urban setting, where cities are in ruins. It roams freely through the landscape and is comprised of intelligent robots and pods standing as a literal (and visual) interpretation of Le Corbusier’s aphorism that a house was a ‘machine for living in.’ Dune House by Studio Vural, Unbuilt Archigram’s agenda was to critique the modernist principles that were, at that time, considered outdated and austere. The British avant-garde group delved into the post-war consumer culture, fetishized newly developed technological gadgets, employed merchandising concepts such as expandability and deliberate uselessness and most importantly gave the power of choice to the everyday consumer. Suddenly, a profession that was primarily based on notions of function, permanence and good taste, gave way to personal freedom and subjectivity. Architecturally, the speculative projects were focused mostly on structures and their countless possibilities, rather than designing stationary rooms that left little to the imagination. In Modern Movements in Architecture, architectural critic and historian Reyner Banham wrote, “The strength of Archigram’s appeal stems from many things (…) But chiefly it offers an image-starved world a new vision of the city of the future, a city of components on racks, components in stacks, components plugged into networks and grids, a city of components being swung into place by cranes.” Pleurotus Tower by hourdesign.ir, Unbuilt Archigram’s influence during the second half of the 2oth century is largely attributed not only to their unorthodox proposals and the disruption of the status quo but also due to the medium through which the group chose to communicate their ideas. Specifically, by utilizing popular culture and presenting their projects through a comic-book style format (via collages and watercolor paintings) they immediately turned their work into an accessible visual narrative. Instead of producing dry architectural drawings that followed standard conventions, they chose to employ photomontage, air brush and psychedelic graphic techniques, heavily influenced by artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and James Rosenquist. Archigram’s success is attributed to the intentional fusion of careful architectural critique and stunning imagery. They operated at a time when architectural discourse was stifled and needed a new radical approach, both in terms of representation and attitude towards design. I would argue that today we are at a similar impasse. Ironically, the post-war consumer culture that Archigram celebrated has now become a burden for the evolution of cities: uncontrolled urban sprawl, overpopulation and profit-driven developments are some of the most challenging issues architects are currently facing. Consequently, the need for speculation, exploration and vision is more pressing than ever. Parus Center st. Petersburg by The Svetozar Andreev Studio / Hotei-Russia, Unbuilt On a final note, I would like to point out a potential pitfall associated with speculative architecture projects. With such advanced digital tools in our disposal, architects may fall into the rabbit hole of producing stunning visualizations, structures and forms, without however addressing any contemporary urgencies simply relying on aesthetic criteria. This, risks reducing speculative architecture to a mere exercise in visual indulgence — detached from the very real socio-political, environmental, and economic challenges we are meant to engage with. While representation is undeniably powerful, it should serve as a means to provoke critical discourse, not a substitute for it. In this light, the most impactful visions are those that not only captivate the eye but also confront the complexities of our time with depth, relevance and responsibility. This year, Architizer’s Vision Awards recognize this very urgency, celebrating radical ideas that go beyond aesthetic experimentation to meaningfully shape the future of the built environment. By inviting imaginative urban solutions, groundbreaking housing models, and speculative public architecture, the awards champion projects that use visionary thinking as a springboard for innovation. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices! Register for the Vision Awards Featured Image: “ECO LOOP” COAF SMART Campus in Armavir by URBAN UNIT Architecture, Unbuilt The post Where are the Archigrams of the 21st Century? appeared first on Journal.

Got a project that’s too wild for this world? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, The Early Entry period is underway — start your entry today. Passive climate strategies are not merely technical solutions to environmental challenges. They are also drivers of spatial experience, emphasizing how elements like brise-soleil, louvered façades, and climate-responsive canopies are not just performative but also generative, giving rise to form, atmosphere and sensory depth. When thoughtfully designed, these strategies become expressive tools to orchestrate light, shade and temperature to create spaces that are both climate-responsive and emotionally resonant. Local cultural references frequently inform these strategies across different climates and settings. Integrating environmentally friendly design with cultural elements enhances both comfort and functionality, while also reinforcing a project’s identity and presence within the urban landscape. The examples illustrated below reveal how environmentally responsive architecture can transcend practical considerations. By strategically utilizing materials, forms, and environmental simulations, these designs achieve a harmonious blend of performance and aesthetics. Each design invites occupants to engage with their surroundings in nuanced, sensory ways. Microlibrary Warak Kayu By SHAU, Semarang, Indonesia Popular Winner, 2020 A+Awards Microlibrary Warak Kayu by SHAU. Semarang, Indonesia. Exterior view. | Photo by KIE. Microlibrary Warak Kayu by SHAU. Semarang, Indonesia. Detail views. | Photos by KIE. Microlibrary Warak Kayu by SHAU. Semarang, Indonesia. Building section, construction detail, and environmental diagram. | Courtesy of SHAU. The Microlibrary Warak Kayu embraces the climate with its openness, materials, and form, all combined to create a space that is contemplative and comfortable. The structure is nothing like a conventional library, but rather, it feels like a pavilion. It is raised on posts, evoking the traditional rumah panggung houses. At ground level, the library provides a shaded area for gatherings, playing, and educational activities. The library itself is a sanctuary of filtered air and natural light, emphasizing climate responsiveness. The use of local materials and the incorporation of cultural references result in a beautifully crafted structure that is engaging and conducive to learning. The building’s envelope features a distinctive brise soleil inspired by the Zollinger roof (or lamella structure) construction system, built entirely from FSC-certified timber. It also evokes the plumage of the mythical Warak Ngendog. But the feather-inspired design is not merely symbolic; it is also performative. Sunlight filters through the porous timber lattice, casting dappled patterns that drift across the interior surfaces, shifting subtly with the movement of the day. Without relying on mechanical systems, the library remains cool and well-lit, proving that thoughtful passive strategies can shape architecture that is both resourceful and enriching. The Future of Us Pavilion By SUTD Advanced Architecture Laboratory, Singapore The Future of Us Pavilion by SUTD Advanced Architecture Laboratory. Singapore. Exterior view. | Photo by Lim Weixiang. The Future of Us Pavilion by SUTD Advanced Architecture Laboratory. Singapore. Interior view. | Photo by Koh Sze Kiat. The Future of Us Pavilion in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay was originally constructed for Singapore’s 50th-anniversary exhibition. It has since become a permanent landmark that merges architectural innovation with environmental responsiveness. At the heart of its design is an undulating, cloud-like shell formed from thousands of perforated aluminum panels with varying porosity levels. This design is integral to how the structure functions, providing structural efficiency and, at the same time, passively regulating natural ventilation and daylighting. Underneath the canopy, the interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic, immersive environment that evokes the experience of walking under a tree canopy. The canopy’s design is undoubtedly performative, but its effect is deeply sensory. The Future of Us Pavilion exemplifies what climate responsiveness means in public architecture, where passive design strategies enhance the atmosphere, merging environmental awareness and spatial richness. Queen Alia International Airport By Foster + Partners, Amman, Jordan Queen Alia International Airport by Foster + Partners. Amman, Jordan. Aerial view. | Photo by Nigel Young / Foster + Partners. Queen Alia International Airport by Foster + Partners. Amman, Jordan. Interior view. | Photo by Nigel Young / Foster + Partners. The Queen Alia International Airport is a shaded oasis shaped by the desert’s rhythms, skillfully balancing form, function, and cultural heritage. Its unique identity is defined by a vast network of shallow concrete domes that hover above the terminal like billowing clouds. The domes’ form is, however, inspired by the sweeping curves of Bedouin tents and the organic shape of palm fronds. Functionally, they absorb heat during the day and release it at night, minimizing temperature fluctuations and enhancing the building’s passive climate control system. The domes at the edges cantilever beyond the glass façades. They provide the interior spaces with shade, allowing the airport to remain comfortable in the harsh Jordanian climate with minimal reliance on mechanical systems. The interior feels serene, with natural light filtering through petal-shaped gaps between domes. It also feels open yet structured by a modular grid of columns. The Queen Alia International Airport is an architectural reflection of its place and climate. Through its effective passive strategies and the minimalistic use of materials and textures, it offers travelers a moment of respite rooted in Jordan’s culture and climate. Headquarters of Métropole Rouen Normandie By Ferrier Marchetti Studio, Rouen, France Headquarters of Métropole Rouen Normandie by Ferrier Marchetti Studio. Rouen, France. Exterior view. | Photo by Luc Boegly. Headquarters of Métropole Rouen Normandie by Ferrier Marchetti Studio. Rouen, France. Interior views. | Photos by Luc Boegly. The Headquarters of the Métropole Rouen Normandie project is situated along the Seine River. Its orientation and shape are thoughtfully planned to optimize natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort while ensuring a strong presence in the urban landscape. The building features a bioclimatic double-glazed building envelope designed not just to enclose but also to breathe, filter, and glow. The inner layer incorporates operable windows and shading devices, allowing occupants to control their environment naturally. The outer layer consists of metal-oxide-treated glass “scales” that give the building a colorful and iridescent appearance, much like fish scales. From the outside, the envelope reflects the changing light of the Seine and the sky. Inside, the effect creates a nuanced and unexpected chromatic shimmer. The Headquarters of the Métropole Rouen Normandie demonstrates that climate and light can serve as tools for sustainability and aesthetics, enhancing not just energy efficiency but also the experience of building occupants. Got a project that’s too wild for this world? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, The Early Entry period is underway — start your entry today. The post Passive Form, Active Experience: Tectonics of Climate-Responsive Architecture appeared first on Journal.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Preregistration is now open — click here to receive program updates. The 19th International Architecture Exhibition, also known as the Venice Architecture Biennale, will take place from Saturday, May 10, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. A special preview will be held on May 8 and 9, just before the main event starts. This year’s exhibition is curated by architect and engineer Carlo Ratti and is titled “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” It focuses on how architecture can help us respond to the growing climate crisis. As Ratti explains, “In the time of adaptation, architecture needs to draw on all forms of intelligence — natural, artificial, collective.” This means that instead of only trying to prevent climate problems, architects now need to help people and cities adjust to a changing world. That requires new ways of thinking and working together across different fields. Under that vision, the Venice Architecture Biennale will feature 66 national pavilions and over 750 participants from around the world, showing how teamwork and shared knowledge are key to building more sustainable and stronger cities. This year, we will also see the first participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Sultanate of Oman, Togo, and Qatar. Padiglione Centrale, Giardini, Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia In addition to the main exhibition, many extra events will be organized by institutions that examine architectural topics beyond national pavilions. Some of the most interesting collateral events include “Catalonia in Venice_Water Parliaments” by Institut Ramon Llull, which looks at eco-friendly architecture, and UNESCO’s “Deep Surfaces” at Palazzo Zorzi, showing how architecture helps protect cultural heritage. Other highlights include a project by Jean Nouvel at Fondazione Giorgio Cini and Taiwan’s exhibition “NON-Belief: Taiwan Intelligens of Precarity” at Palazzo delle Prigioni, which explores the idea of living in uncertain conditions. So, we’re really looking forward to this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale. There’s a lot to see, and while we recommend checking out the full program on the official website, here are a few national pavilions that already stand out to us. United States of America Photo by Timothy Hursley. Folsom, Alabama. Courtesy of “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity” Co-Commissioners. At the Giardini venue, “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity,” curated by Peter MacKeith from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas, explores the timeless architectural and cultural significance of the American porch, showcasing its continued relevance as a space for connection, inclusivity, and civic engagement. The porch also will serve as a venue for a series of events, such as performances, readings, and workshops, and will also feature a new porch structure designed by a team of well-known architects and designers: Marlon Blackwell Architects, Stephen Burks Man Made, D.I.R.T Studio, and TEN x TEN Studio, AIA, RA. Bulgaria Photo by Iassen Markov. Pseudonature, 2025. Concept image. The Bulgaria Pavilion, titled “Pseudonature,” is curated by Iassen Markov and designed as an experimental installation positioned at the intersection of nature and technology, reality, and simulation. The installation contains both indoor and outdoor elements. Outside, physical interventions disrupt natural balances, highlighting the fragile interplay between technology and the environment. Inside, the space evolves into a setting for contemplation, where restoring equilibrium becomes a collective and introspective challenge. Japan Concept image of the renovation of the Japan Pavilion in Venice by AI. Visuals by Asako Fujikura and Takahiro Ohmura. The Japan Pavilion, curated by Jun Aoki, will focus on artificial intelligence in architecture, emphasizing the concept of the in-between. The pavilion will feature exhibitors such as Tamayo Iemura, Asako Fujikura + Takahiro Ohmura , and SUNAKI (Toshikatsu Kiuchi and Taichi Sunayama). The exhibitions will explore the increasing autonomy of AI in the design world and raise questions about human and machine intelligence. The exhibition program includes installations, spatial studies, and generative AI experiments.The design of the pavilion is structured as an active experiment, where its architectural components- including the Hole, Wall Columns, Outer Walls, Brick Terrace, Pensilina, Tilted Loop Path, and Yew Tree- are positioned as interactive participants. Iceland Photo by Iceland Design Centre. Lavaforming Iceland. The Iceland pavilion, titled “Lavaforming” and curated by Arnhildur Pálmadótti, focuses on creating sustainable building materials from controlled lava flows. The pavilion explores the country’s geological conditions, volcanic activities, and lava fields. Most interestingly, the pavilion sees lava not as destructive but as a renewable resource for construction. This concept envisions using lava flows as foundational material for buildings, significantly reducing environmental impact by avoiding harmful mining practices and leveraging nature’s power. United Arab Emirates Photo by Ola Allouz. Pressure Cooker, 2024. Courtesy of National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia. The National Pavilion UAE, Pressure Cooker, curated by Emirati architect Azza Aboualam, it examines the link between architecture and food production, proposing sustainable food systems. The exhibition focuses on design, sustainability, and resource management in arid areas. Through research and fieldwork, pavilion will highlight food infrastructure in resource-rich landscapes. It reimagines both traditional and modern food production techniques, addressing food security and climate change. By exploring architecture’s role in food resilience, the exhibition envisions sustainable food systems in urban and rural settings. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Preregistration is now open — click here to receive program updates. Top image: Overview Arsenale, Photo by Andrea Avezzù, Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia The post 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale: 5 Pavilions to Explore Before Visit appeared first on Journal.

Join the world’s largest celebration of architectural concepts, images and ideas — and see your work published in print and online! Now open for entries, Architizer’s Vision Awards recognizes the radical ideas shaping the future of the built environment. This prestigious awards program celebrates outstanding architectural visions, with accolades dedicated to the year’s best conceptual architecture, renderings, photography, video, drawings, models and more. Whether your work encompasses an entire conceptual project or a single image, your vision deserves to be recognized — what matters most is the clarity, imagination and creative vision behind the work. Get started on your submission today, and complete it before Midnight PT on May 9th, 2025 to secure your Early Bird discount: Enter the Vision Awards See Your Work Published in Print and Online The Vision Awards are hosted by Architizer.com, the largest online community of architects in the world, with an audience 7+ million strong. Entries are judged by distinguished industry luminaries in a variety of disciplines, as well as by Architizer’s editorial team. Finalists and winners will be recognized as the year’s most influential architectural visionaries in their respective fields and receive year-round recognition for their work. The Vision Awards provides a unique opportunity to see your work published in our upcoming print publication, How to Visualize Architecture, an essential guide to architectural storytelling for design professionals around the globe. Stay tuned for more details on this brand new book! Winners will also receive: Global editorial coverage: Inclusion in the Winners Announcement and The Visionary 100 on Architizer.com, providing lifelong visibility for your work. Social media spotlight: See your work shared with an audience of 4.75M+ across Architizer’s social media channels. Official Winner’s Certificate and digital badges to promote and celebrate your status as a visionary in architecture. Start My Entry New Categories for Conceptual Projects, Visionary Firms and More The 2025 Vision Awards will highlight the industry’s boldest architectural concepts, ideas and imagery, rewarding architecture firms and industry specialists for their storytelling abilities and visual communication. The program’s expanded range of categories is designed to celebrate a diverse range of architectural visions, from single images to full projects, through a variety of typologies and mediums. The Ark Shanghai Cement Factory Warehouse Renovation by MAD Architects, Shanghai, China | Jury Winner, Unbuilt Sustainable Non-Residential Project, 12th Annual A+Awards More than 50 accolades will celebrate visionary firms and creative professionals through three main category groups: The Concept, Vision and Visionary categories. Concept Categories: Celebrating Pioneering Unbuilt Projects The Concept Categories showcase unbuilt works, planned projects and visions for the future of architecture in six images or less through a variety of creative mediums. Examples include: Visions for Housing: Unbuilt projects that propose new models for living — whether through innovative construction methods, co-living solutions, affordable housing strategies, or net-zero residential design. Vision for Nature: Unbuilt projects that explore new relationships between the built and natural worlds—whether through biomimetic structures, regenerative ecosystems, or nature-integrated urbanism. Vision for Small Spaces: Unbuilt projects that maximize efficiency, adaptability, and livability in small-scale architecture—whether through micro-housing, prefabrication, or modular urban infill solutions. Explore Concept Categories  Jamsu Bridge Pedestrianization by Arch Mist, Seoul, South Korea | Special Mention, Unbuilt Transportation, 12th Annual A+Awards Vision Categories: Honoring Outstanding Architectural Representation The Vision Categories are designed to celebrate standout single images or videos across every creative discipline: Renderings, photography, video, drawing and models. Examples include: Photorealistic Rendering: Computer-generated visualizations and renderings that depict architecture in a compelling and highly detailed way. Black & White Photograph: Monochrome photographs that reveal the essence of architectural space, emphasizing composition, contrast, and material qualities. Making Of Videos: Films that document the making of architecture, from concept to completion. Hand-Drawing: Hand-drawn architectural drawings that skillfully communicate space, structure, or detail. Concept Model: Models that represent early-stage design thinking—whether abstract massing studies, parametric experiments, or material-driven explorations. See the Vision Categories Philippe Sarfati, Photographer of the Year, Professional Winner, Inaugural Vision Awards Visionary Categories: Spotlighting the World’s Best Architectural Creators Honoring innovative design firms and creators demonstrating excellence in architectural representation and ideation in each of architecture’s core creative disciplines. Examples include: Architectural Photographer of the Year Rendering Artist of the Year Architectural Videographer of the Year Architectural Illustrator of the Year Architectural Visionary of the Year Together, the Vision Awards Winners will form a vibrant international exhibition that spotlights the world’s most innovative thinkers in architecture — a source of inspiration for clients and collaborators alike. Explore Visionary Categories Multiple Ways to Win For each Vision Awards category, two accolades are up for grabs: The Jurors’ Choice Award, selected by an expert jury of industry experts and thought leaders, and the Editors’ Choice Award, selected by Architizer’s Editorial Team from the shortlisted nominees in each category. The shortlisted nominees will comprise up to five top-scoring entries, as marked by the Vision Awards jury. Front of House:Back of House by John Muggenborg Architectural Photography | Studio Winner, Interior photography, Inaugural Vision Awards The Vision Awards boasts a multidisciplinary panel of jurors that comprises influential figures in the fields of architecture, design, technology, film and beyond, all of whom have a passion for visualizing our built environment. Submitting an entry provides an excellent chance for your work to be showcased to those who are shaping the future of architecture and how it is perceived by the world.  Select jurors include: Steven Holl, Founder, Steven Holl Architects Keely Colcleugh, Founder and CEO, Kilograph Ema Peter, Principal & Owner, Ema Peter Photography Bless Yee, Project Architect, DLR Group Carlotta Cominetti, Co-Founder, VirginLemon Marcelo Coehlo, Head of Design, Formlabs Arjun Desai and Katherine Chia, Founders, Desai Chia Architecture Explore the Jury Entrants can also opt in to the Editor’s “Best of the Year” Awards, for which Architizer’s editors will develop a shortlist and award one “Best of the Year” accolade in each of the six main category groups (drawing, model, rendering, photograph, video and architectural concept). Join an Illustrious List of Architectural Visionaries Large-scale section model of ‘The Tip of Nordø‘ by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects | Special Mention, Physical Models, Inaugural Vision Awards The Winners of the inaugural Vision Awards reads like a who’s-who of architectural ideas — they include: CEBRA architecture, innovative Denmark-based architecture firm Refik Anadol, renowned media artist with work exhibited at MoMA Bruce Engel, international architect and photographer Brad Feinknopf, sought-after American architectural photographer Sordo Madeleno, preeminent Mexican architecture and design firm Leckie Studio Architecture + Design, progressive Canadian design studio Start Submission Demonstrate the Power of Architectural Representation 2 AC[COMMUN] by Tehran Platform | Special Mention, Unbuilt Multi Unit Housing (L>10 Floors) At Architizer, we have a profound appreciation for the art of architectural representation — after all, we wouldn’t be here without the extraordinary images uploaded to our platform every day. At their best, these photographs, videos, drawings, renderings and models communicate complex ideas about architecture with graceful simplicity, providing us with a lens through which to view our built environment with a fresh perspective. For this reason, the Vision Awards is a vital initiative, providing an opportunity to celebrate those creators who often go unrecognized despite their critical contribution to architecture. To be a part of it, get your entry started today, and share your architectural visions with the world. We can’t wait to see your work! Enter the 2025 Vision Awards Top photo by Kevin Scott, 2023 Vision Awards Finalist, Architectural Photographer of the Year The post Vision Awards 2025: Submit Your Best Architectural Visions for Global Recognition and Publication! appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. “Entire House 3D Printed in 24 Hours,” “Robots Build Homes from Clay,” “World’s First 3D-Printed Neighborhood Launches.” Remember these headlines? Unless you were living under a rock (a real or 3D-printed one, it doesn’t really matter), you probably saw a few of them a couple of years back. For a moment, it seemed like 3D printing was about to revolutionize architecture. After all, it promised faster, cheaper and more sustainable construction at the push of a button. While the technology itself was not exactly new, this was the first time it was being taken seriously within the architecture world. Architects, engineers and tech enthusiasts alike described it as the new “it” tool of the built environment. But as we can clearly see today (most of us still not living in 3D-printed houses and all), the radical transformation promised by those early experiments never quite took hold — at least not in the way people expected. That doesn’t mean the technology vanished, though. In fact, it’s been doing something arguably more impactful: finding its place not in printing entire buildings, but in refining their details. This piece looks at how 3D printing entered the industry, why the early hype faded and how it’s now quietly (but successfully) proving its value in architectural design. 3D Printing Before It Was Cool https://blog.architizer.com/wp-content/uploads/Robot_3D_print_timelapse_on_RepRapPro_Fisher.webm.720p.vp9_.webm While it might’ve hit the architectural headlines in the 2010s, 3D printing has been around much longer. The technology first emerged in the 1980s as a tool for rapid prototyping in industrial design. Engineers used it to test product parts without the time and cost of traditional manufacturing. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was efficient, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become a game-changer across multiple industries. Throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, 3D printing quietly expanded its reach. Aerospace and automotive companies began using it to develop lightweight parts. The medical field started experimenting with custom implants and prosthetics. Product designers loved it for the freedom it gave them to iterate quickly and test complex forms without expensive tooling. Svitlana Lozova, Architectural model printed with an Ultimaker 3D printer, CC BY-SA 4.0 Architecture, however, took a little longer to join the party. At first, 3D printing was mostly used behind the scenes for use cases like designing physical models, concept studies and competition entries. Still, at that point, it was a tool for visualization rather than construction. But as the machines got bigger and the materials more ambitious, architects started wondering what would happen if instead of just using this technology for printing models of buildings, they tried to use it for the real thing instead. This started with early experiments like small pavilions, robotic clay extrusions and concrete wall prototypes in labs, which sparked a wave of curiosity and speculation. It felt like the beginning of something major. And in a way, it was. The Rise and Fall of 3D-Printed Buildings Once 3D printing caught the architecture world’s attention, the ambitions got big. Fast. The idea of printing entire buildings was being seriously pitched as a solution to urgent, real-world problems. It was positioned as a fix for challenges like the demand for fast, low-cost housing in disaster zones and the growing need for modular units in rapidly expanding cities, offering quicker builds, minimal labor and less material waste. In 2017 construction company Apis Cor made headlines for printing a full house in just 24 hours using a mobile concrete printer. ICON, based in the U.S., focused on affordable housing, partnering with non-profits to 3D print homes in underserved communities. Meanwhile, WASP in Italy developed machines that extrude locally sourced clay to print organic, zero-waste structures, even experimenting with off-grid, village-scale living. The vision was bold and, for a while, genuinely exciting. But on the ground, the reality was more complicated. For one, materials posed a problem. Most printed structures relied on a type of extruded concrete or clay (both materials that aren’t always great at handling insulation, structural loads or weathering on their own). Add to that the need to manually integrate plumbing, electricity, windows and finishes, and suddenly the “fully automated build” doesn’t look so fully automated. Then there were regulatory issues. Building codes, zoning laws and permit processes were (and still are) created around traditional building methods. In many places, there simply wasn’t a framework to evaluate or approve a 3D-printed building. And finally, there was the aesthetic and design challenge. While the layered, ribbed look of extruded concrete had a certain novelty at first, it quickly became repetitive. Customization was possible, but expensive. In practice, most printed buildings ended up looking like variations of the same idea. So while the technology was promising, the systems around it weren’t ready to catch up. But the industry didn’t reject 3D printing; it just needed to figure out where it actually made sense. And as it turns out, that “sense” was hiding in the smaller, more intricate parts of buildings, not the shells themselves. From Printing Buildings to Perfecting the Details Ceramic House by Studio RAP, Amsterdam, Netherlands Ceramic House by Studio RAP, Amsterdam, Netherlands As the early excitement around large-scale 3D printing collided with reality, the limitations became clear. But instead of abandoning the technology, architects and researchers began applying it where it could be more effective: producing components rather than entire buildings. The shift moved 3D printing from structure to detail, where precision, variation and small-batch production are not just acceptable but often preferred. New Delft Blue by Studio RAP, Delft, Netherlands This change aligned well with computational design tools. Parametric workflows allowed architects to generate hundreds of variations of a part, adapting geometry and pattern in response to environmental or structural inputs. 3D printing made it feasible to fabricate these non-standard components without molds or extensive tooling. The result was a growing interest in using the technology for cladding panels, tiles, joints and other expressive building elements. Studio RAP has adopted this approach across multiple projects, using robotic 3D printing to produce ceramic façade systems with complex geometry. In New Delft Blue and Ceramic House, traditional glazing techniques are combined with digitally generated forms. Their other projects like Theater Zuidplein integrate ornamental surfaces and custom tiling directly into the architecture. HiLo Unit at NEST by ETH Zurich, Block Research Group, Dübendorf, Switzerland HiLo Unit at NEST by ETH Zurich, Block Research Group, Dübendorf, Switzerland At ETH Zurich, the Block Research Group has explored 3D printing in structural and formwork systems. The HiLo Unit at the NEST building used lightweight printed formwork to cast optimized concrete shells. In Striatus, a 3D-printed masonry bridge designed by Zaha Hadid Architects was assembled without reinforcement or mortar, relying on compression-based design. MX3D, known for robotic metal printing, created a full-scale pedestrian bridge in Amsterdam using printed steel components. The project demonstrated how metal additive manufacturing can be used for infrastructural elements with complex geometries. In each of these cases, 3D printing did not aim to replace conventional construction but to support it, allowing for complexity, custom fit and material precision where it adds the most value. A Quiet Success What 3D printing has proven, over time, is that it doesn’t need to overhaul the construction industry to be valuable. It just needed to find the right scale. After all, the details of a project that give it texture, identity, or subtle complexity can be just as important as the building itself. 3D printing enables a level of ornamentation and material specificity that modern construction methods often struggle to justify. Tiles can respond to daylight patterns. Joints can follow parametric logic. Surfaces can be shaped to suit their context without relying on mass production. Theater Zuidplein by Studio RAP, Rotterdam, Netherlands This approach reflects broader shifts in architecture. There is a move toward circular design, a renewed interest in local materials and techniques, and a reliance on digital workflows that embrace variation and responsiveness. In that context, 3D printing no longer feels like a futuristic gimmick. It is simply a tool being used with purpose. And as architectural practice continues to evolve, we’ll likely see even more creative, sustainable and integrated uses for 3D-printed details. Rest assured: the 3D printing revolution didn’t vanish. It just zoomed in. Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters. The post From Bold Promises to Subtle Precision: How 3D Printing Found Its Place in Architectural Detailing appeared first on Journal.