html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Bangkok-based architecture practice Unknown Surface Studio has designed a dining cafe that blooms in an industrial landscape of Bangkok, Thailand.Named Curvy Dining, the 250-square-metre cafe is located in Soi Srinakarin-Rom Klao 19, Bangkok. The project is a delicate white dining caf that is emerging within an industrial landscape.With this contribution, a large, boundary-free space is transformed into a standalone dining caf that is carefully planned to promote a smooth interaction between architecture and the natural world.The caf creates a welcoming atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between the constructed form and the surrounding environment by striking a balance between enclosure and openness.Taking cues from the flowers that grow organically there, the project transforms organic patterns into space arrangements, embodying the idea of blooming, according to Unknown Surface Studio.By beginning with a single point, growing outward, and developing into a structured yet flowing architectural shape, the design distills the essence of a flower's radial symmetry into a geometric language. By refining natural curves, this abstraction technique creates a rhythmic play of radial patterns and sunburst lines that slightly imitate moving petals.The outside boundary uses a squared framework to provide contrast and give the otherwise open landscape a feeling of definition.Nonetheless, the circulation of the caf is designed using a subtractive method; portions are hollowed away to define movement, resulting in a gradual revelation as patrons travel around the outside spaces.These walkways wind through green areas, creating an auto-landscape impression where natural light and architecture blend together harmoniously.Floor planSectionElevationDiagramProject factsProject name:Curvy DiningCompletion year:2025Scale:250m2Project location:Krungthep Kreetha, Bangkok, ThailandArchitecture firm:Unknown Surface StudioLead architects:Cievanard Nattabowonphal, Piyanat Songkhorh, Nonglak BoonsaengAll images Rungkit Charoenwat.All drawings Unknown Surface Studio.> via Unknown Surface Studio

Submitted by WA ContentsBrazil Pavilion will explore the relationship between architecture and infrastructure in VeniceBrazil Architecture News - Feb 21, 2025 - 15:17 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The Fundao Bienal de So Paulo has announced the title and concept of Brazil's entry in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.The exhibition, titled (RE)INVENTION, is curated by the architects Luciana Saboia, Matheus Seco, and Eder Alencar of the Plano Coletivo group. The project analyzes the tensions and questions the socio-environmental circumstances of the modern metropolis by reflecting on the recent archeological discoveries of ancestral infrastructure in the Amazon.Inhabited Wall - Coati restaurant, conceived by Lina Bo Bardi and Joo Filgueiras Lima, 2014, Joana Frana / courtesy of the photographerThe exhibition, which is shown in two acts, creates a story that transcends space and time. The exhibition's first act demonstrates how Indigenous peoples transformed their surroundings over 10,000 years ago by building intricate infrastructures that combined technical know-how and environmental adaptation techniques.According to Matheus Seco, the concept of "balance" is essential to comprehending the curatorial proposal's entire relevance."Today, we know that the ancestral peoples of the Amazon were organized in much larger populations than previously thought. The regions forests are largely the direct result of human action, the fruit of a balanced occupation and careful management of the vegetation, in contrast to the model that prevails in the Amazon today, which often reduces the landscape to a scenario of devastation," said Matheus Seco.The second act moves the emphasis to modern-day Brazil, examining the subtleties of the connection between infrastructure and architecture as well as the potential for redefining the city through a selection of architectural practices, processes, and research. The possibility of identifying and appreciating design techniques and processes that are "encapsulated" in cleverly existent production, inherited, and appropriated is thus the main focus. Dryland Garden, Instituto Central de Cincias, Universidade de Braslia, Brazil, 2023, Julio Pastore / courtesy of the photographerOne of the exhibition's solutions, the Garden-Platform, demonstrates how native or temporally-adapted species have taken the role of a linear building with a garden running the length of it, which formerly required continuous irrigation. On a sizable precast, prestressed concrete platform, the naturalistic garden of flowers, grasses, and savanna plants is created, grows, blooms, and dries in accordance with the Central Plateau biome's seasonality. In accordance with this reasoning, more tactics are revealed as creative design behaviors that appropriate the preexisting, establish identities, and provide the built environment a chance to remake itself as reality."We propose an understanding of infrastructure that goes beyond its physical and utilitarian dimension, also taking into account its symbolic and social character. In our curation, we emphasize design strategies that allow for multiple uses and adaptation to context, seeking to transcend the analysis of specific cases to reflect on solutions applicable to different realities," said Eder Alencar.The curatorial team used the Brazilian Pavilion's structure as a support to reorganize its interior areas and create a minimalist display space. Every component of the installation is on the floor in the first room. The installation in the second room is made up of steel cables, CLT panels, and stones that serve as counterweights. When exposed to action and reaction forces, the system stays suspended and stable. After the show, the installation's materials can be recycled or put back together in other ways.Geoglyphs found in the state of Acre, Brazil, 2022, Diego Gurgel / courtesy of the photographerUnderstanding and appreciating phenomena of nature and social appropriation is crucial when talking about architecture, according to Luciana Saboia."Its about mapping actions that build our cultural heritage. Just as these original populations developed sophisticated techniques for occupying and managing the territory, the exhibition seeks to establish a link between tradition and invention, using elements that dialog with the environment and propose a sustainable cycle of construction and reuse," she said.Andrea Pinheiro, President of the Fundao Bienal de So Paulo, pointed out that a significant reflection on the climate emergency and the necessity of reconsidering our relationship with the environment can be found in the curatorial concept and the architectural design by Saboia, Seco, and Alencar."(RE)INVENTION invites us to learn from ancestral practices and to explore the symbiosis between humans, land, and nature as a path to a more sustainable future. Brazils participation in the Venice Biennale, the result of a fruitful partnership with the federal government, highlights the importance of strategies that reconcile a true commitment to the planet," said Pinheiro said.Aerial view of the installation, 2025, Plano Coletivo / courtesy Fundao Bienal de So PauloArt, engineering, biology, data science, social and political sciences, planetary systems science, and other disciplines are all connected to the materiality of urban space through the exhibition's direct connection to the general theme of this edition, Intelligens Natural Artificial Collective, which was conceptualized by Italian curator Carlo Ratti and invites participating nations to consider the intersection of natural and artificial intelligence.Studies of weights and counterweights, 2025, Plano Coletivo / courtesy Fundao Bienal de So PauloIn response to this challenge, the Brazilian proposal looks at how various knowledge systems, both traditional and modern, influence urban dynamics and territorial boundaries.The 19th International Architecture Exhibition will take place from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and various venues in Venice, Italy.Diagram of the (RE)Invention installation, 2025, Plano Coletivo / courtesy Fundao Bienal de So PauloCarlo Ratti, recently, shared details and highlights of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale during a press conference. He said that "architecture must rethink authorship and become more inclusive, learning from science."The top image in the article: Garden Platform - Jardim de Sequeiro - ICC, conceived by Julio Pastore and Oscar Niemeyer, 2021,Joana Frana/ courtesy of the photographer.> via Fundao Bienal de So Paulo

Zooco Estudio Exposes Catalan Vaults With Bricks To Renovate This Historic House In Madridhtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Madrid-based architecture firm Zooco Estudio has exposed the Catalan vaults with original bricks in the renovation of this house in Madrid, Spain.NamedCasa Cientoonce, the house is a stunning blend of historical layers and modern materials, featuring a contrast of white and brick colors.The house is part of one of the homes that were built in Madrid in the first quarter of the 20th century, and the idea was inspired by the city's early 20th-century residential architecture.The property had a significant accumulation of layers and expansions, despite the fact that it was constructed in the 1920s under the "Law of Cheap Houses of 1921" together with the other structures.This was the result of the building's over 100 years of many owners and interventions. Instead of capturing the spirit of the place, this abundance of information altered it, making it hard to appreciate its valuesthe rural scale and the construction.As a result, the studio completely demolished the house's interior, removing multiple ceilings to reveal Catalan vaults, which are less prevalent in Madrid than in other parts of Spain.These vaults will be the features that give the intervention character after the meticulous repair, putting the structure in its proper location.The studio displays the house's mural character, and its materials speak for themselves; the original brick is complemented by oak wood for the floors, furnishings, and woodwork, and white paint serves as the overall backdrop for each space.Ground floor planFirst floor planStructural planSectionPreviously, Zooco Estudio created a pixelated interior made of a series of cubes that serve both as storage and display for a new Nuilea cosmetic shop in Madrid, Spain.Zooco is an architecture studio founded in 2009 by Miguel Crespo Picot, Javier Guzmn Benito and Sixto Martn Martnez, architects from the Escuela Tcnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid.The studio covers a broad design spectrum, from large-scale building to furniture design. The application of solutions adapted to the client and their needs, in addition to the use of a timeless language, free of noise and artifices, are the hallmarks of a studio in permanent search of new challenges.Project factsProject name: Casa CientoonceArchitects:Zooco EstudioLocation:Madrid, SpainCompletion year:2022Team:Miguel Crespo Picot, Javier Guzmn Benito, Sixto Martn Martnez/Zooco EstudioCollaborations:Mara Larriba, Elvira SastreConstruction: NIMBO PROYECTOS SLLighting:Zooco EstudioFurniture:Zooco EstudioAll images Imagen Subliminal.All drawings Zooco Estudio.> via Zooco Estudio

HEMAA Built A Slender Skyscraper That Stands Elegantly On A Narrow Plot In Mexico Cityhtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Mexican architecture firm HEMAA has built a slender skyscraper that stands elegantly on a narrow plot in Mexico City, Mexico.Named Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780, the 13-storey skyscraper is situated on a narrow strip of land which was destined to become a neglected area of the city.Situated between a narrow street and the remnants of the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad, HEMAA faced the challenge of envisioning "a graceful" tower that would adapt to the difficult terrain. This tower would emerge like a resilient plants that flourish in the face of hardship, exceeding all expectations.Inheriting its external appearance from the industrial past of the urban fabric, the tower becomes an elegant representation of modern architecture using steel, concrete and glass.The structure is a result of meticulous analysis and reworking of classical architectural features. The design explores attractive proportions in great detail, using golden ratios whenever feasible.Moreover, it demonstrates a knowledge of steel, concrete, and glass construction in the context of contemporary architecture while paying close attention to the site's unique characteristics.Each of the base, shaft, and capital that make up its volumetric composition reveals its own character through a variety of modulations and windows of different sizes.The design removes any obstacles from the floors by cleverly using the structural facade. A constructive technique like this produces modules that carefully arrange the facades and maximize the use of interior space.These facades, which are enclosed within the urban setting, primarily use glazing to let in a lot of natural light and to blend the building in with its surroundings.Image Rory GardinerIn terms of architecture, the bottom floor welcomes guests with two symmetrical entrances on the north and south faces, which allow pedestrian traffic to flow freely and visually connect the street to the newly finished linear park along the railroad.Its domain includes two parking cabins, aided by a robotic pallet system, and two service cores that include utilities, restrooms, stairwells, and elevators.Image Rory GardinerThe ground floor is further enhanced with a commercial space intended for a local coffee shop with welcoming terraces. The program streamlines on the normal floors, keeping only the most important service cores.On the thirteenth story, however, the inner space recedes to make room for a spacious terrace that offers expansive views that stretch from Chapultepec Park to the city skyline.Image Rory GardinerStorage rooms, cleaning and maintenance areas, and other areas essential to the building's smooth functioning are located below street level. Interestingly, 126 parking spots spread over 13 storeys are accommodated by a robotic parking system.The limited site limitations and local standard requirements that made it difficult to use a conventional parking system gave rise to this creative approach.Image Rory Gardiner"The substantial materiality of steel serves as an evocative reminder of the area's industrial past. Once peripheral, this district has undergone a remarkable rejuvenation, emerging as one of Mexico City's most vibrant locales, boasting unparalleled cultural, economic, and infrastructural growth in recent years," said HEMAA."Echoing this historical resonance, the building's name boldly situates the tower alongside the railway tracks.""Guided by the principles of rationality, order, and meticulous proportion, this project aspires to contribute to the urban fabric, becoming an integral part of its narrative," the firm added.Image Rory GardinerApart from its historical significance, the choice of steel as the primary building material is crucial for tackling the particular difficulties presented by Mexico City's seismic regulations.The city's building standards mandate that structures have strong systems that can withstand earthquake forces because the area is seismically active.Image Rory GardinerThe project collaborated with elite structural designers known for their proficiency in seismic-resistant design in order to meet the seismic difficulties and guarantee the highest degree of structural integrity.The structure has a distinctive and unique form while blending in with its surroundings. Its shape gently changes depending on the time of observation and the viewpoint of the observer, providing a multitude of distinct interpretations.Image Rory GardinerIts "unequivocal identity" provides the perfect setting for the tower to take on a lively life once it is occupied. Architecture and technology blend together to create a flexible system that guarantees effective resource management and energy use.In addition, Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 is certified by LEED, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Advanced HVAC systems, high-efficiency lighting, and insulation systems are examples of energy efficiency techniques that guarantee optimal energy use and lower carbon emissions.Water consumption can be considerably decreased by implementing water conservation techniques, such as rainwater collection and energy-efficient plumbing fixtures.The health and well-being of occupants are promoted by adequate natural lighting and efficient air replacement, which are key components of indoor environmental quality.With expansive windows, a rooftop garden, and outdoor gathering spaces that improve the user experience overall, the building's architecture promotes a connection to nature.Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 actively contributes to the restoration of the neighboring urban ecosystem in addition to adapting to it. It engages in an active conversation with its community, embracing its obligation to public space.As a result, a section of the property has been set aside for public space expansion rather than new development.This will promote connectivity and ease traffic flow by linking a densely populated and once congested street to the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad linear park.Additionally, the ground floor's planned commercial area adds to the lively ambiance. Like the nearby parks and museums, this structure accepts the duty of creating a resilient urban fabric in which the past and present coexist peacefully to create a picture that represents the city's future.Location planBasement floor planGround floor planFloor planFloor planEast faadeNorth facadeAxonometric drawingAxonometric detail drawingProject factsProject name: Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780Architects: HEMAALocation:Mexico City, MexicoBuilding area:9,464.43mDesign and Construction Team:Santiago Hernndez Matos, Alejandra Tornel Cahue, Jos Miguel Fainsod Castro, Jos Pedro Lpez Gonzlez, Alonso Snchez Toscano, Adriana Aguirre Becerra, Andrea Motilla Chvez, Daniela Parra Orozco, Jos Miguel Santivaez Gmez, Juan Octavio Ferreira, Mnica Garca Cruz, Patricio Salgado Rodrguez.Estructural Engineering:PESAElectric Engineering:DECPlumbing Engineering:Garza MaldonadoHVAC Engineering:CYVSASpecial Engineering:TecnoBuildingsLandscape Design:DLC ArchitectsLEED Certification Comissioning:Alejandro Trillo + Gabriel MoralesArchitectural Model:Taller Cuatro CuartosModel Photographs:Rodrigo ChapaOthers: Omar Sad / Augusto lvarezThe top image in the article Rory Gardiner.All images Csar BjarAll drawings HEMAA.> via HEMAA

Fran Silvestre Arquitectos Plays With Planes To Design A House On Sotogrande Golf Coursehtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Valencia-based architecture practice Fran Silvestre Arquitectos has designed a house in front of the Sotogrande golf course in Spain.The single-story house encourages users to feel the shadow between the ground floor and the roof above it.A large roof cantilever that provides protection from the powerful Cadiz sun as well as the torrential rains that come down from the Sierra de Grazalema, which receives the most rainfall on the Iberian Peninsula.The building's deep interior creates a wooden volume that gives each area the solitude it needs while yet delivering the ideal amount of warmth.The ground plane, the shadow cast by the architectural cantilever, the glass that provides effective inside climate conditioning, and, lastly, the comfortable limit of the wood are the four distinct limitations that emerge to define the house's spatiality.The house may be accessed from the top street, which is a key location with a unique perspective of the surroundings and the water reflection.This roof feature serves as both acoustic and thermal insulation. In addition to acting as an insulator and regulating the building's temperature, the water layer absorbs heat during the day and gradually releases it at night, lowering the demand for air conditioning and heating.The house had to have warm-toned materials, which was one of its needs. The skylights that light up the central areas and provide access to the upper water mirror are part of a central communication core that distributes the compact program internally.In order to create an unending pool that stretches over the golf course and a covered entrance that welcomes entry, the roof planes and the ground level plane are meticulously modified.Living between two planes and minimizing environmental effect while enhancing the sensation of something as basic as an inhabited shadow in Sotogrande is the goal.Ground floor planSectionGround floor planFran Silvestre Arquitectos also completed a villa that takes references from the ancient Greeks, Etruscans and Romans' domus - known as a type of town house occupied by the upper classes or wealthy people. In addition, the firm built a zigzagging house on a sloped topography, featuring an open pool at one end of a linear volume.Project factsProject name:House In SotograndeArchitects:Fran Silvestre ArquitectosLocation:Sotogrande, SpainProject team:Fran Silvestre, Carlos Lucas, Paco Chinesta, Neus Roso.Interior design:Alfaro HofmannBuilding engineering consultants:Agustn Jimnez SurezStructural engineers:Estructuras SingularesProject manager:Adn BolaosCollaborators: Mara Masi, Pablo Camarasa, Ricardo Candela, Estefania Soriano, Sevak Asatrin, Andrea Baldo, Angelo Brollo, Paloma Feng, Javi Herrero, Gino Brollo, Facundo Castro, Anna Alfanjarn, Laura Bueno, Toni Cremades, Susana Len, David Cirocchi, Nuria Domnech, Andrea Raga, Olga Martn, Vctor Gonzlez, Pepe Llop, Alberto Bianchi, Luca Domingo, Pablo Sim, Andrea Blasco, Laura Palacio, Carlos Perez, Jovita Cortijo, Claudia Escorcia, Ana Bono, Andrea Garca, Diana Murcia, Fran Ayala, Ana de Pablo, Sara Atienza, Jos Mara Ibaez, Valeria Fernandini, Sandra Mazcun.Construction area:802m2Plot area:3,520 m2General contractor: Mar State ConstructionAll images Fernando GuerraAll drawings Fran Silvestre Arquitectos.> via Fran Silvestre Arquitectos

International School Of Design And Visual Arts Features A Sawtooth Facade In Barcelonahtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Barcelona-based architecture practice Circular Studio has completed a new design and visual arts university, featuring a sawtooth faade in Barcelona, Spain.Named LCI Barcelona 22@ Campus International Design and Visual Arts University, the nearly 12,000-square-metre structure serves as the European center for the global network of design and visual arts universities known as LCI Education.The building is situated in Barcelona's 22@ tech sector, which was formerly the industrial district of Poblenou and is currently experiencing major urban transformation.Fluidity, Connection and TransparencyOriginally intended to close the block bounded by laba and Sancho de vila street, the building possesses a unique parcel of land.However, the final design produced a prismatic shape, measuring 50 by 20 meters and rising seven stories, when the urban plan was modified to disperse building volume elsewhere in the district.The lengthy facades are oriented toward the south and northeast.The layout permitted the two original plots to be nearly completely covered below ground (2,500 sqm), leaving a strip of land with protected plane trees.In order to increase the public space, the ground floor is a permeable area that is set back from the building's perimeter. Its glass exterior improves transparency and visual coherence.Through a bridge-like aspect, the two entrances span the structure, connecting the street to an internal public area that serves as both a seating area and an access ramp.By blending the lines between the building and the surrounding landscape, this design creates an area where students and locals may socialize."Vertical Campus", Social Circulation and InterdisciplinarityConstructed as a "vertical campus," the structure can house up to 3,000 students from a range of artistic fields. By incorporating social channels that link every region, its design encourages interdisciplinarity.Classrooms, practical studios, administrative offices, a library, and student areas are all located above ground. Along the facades, circulation is arranged in a peripheral manner. In addition, these walkways serve as social areas, workspaces, exhibition spaces, and sun filters.The passages become an immersive experience as the facade's rhythm, which alternates between solid and empty, blurs the distinction between internal and outdoor.The structure is converted into a spacious, open area for pupils below ground. Along with offices, labs, and fabrication workshops, two sizable, adaptable halls accommodate a variety of events. The plaza above is naturally lighted by skylights and double-height areas.This floor's arrangement of the fabrication workshops promotes cooperation between many artistic fields.This level marks the start of the social walkway, which connects the ground floor and the first two stories with a metal staircase that passes through the entrance hall, which is four stories high.Circulation encircles the outside recessed facade between the third and fifth stories, leading to the "elevated plaza" at the center of the structure. This plaza has views of the sea and is shielded from the sun by an overhang.Natural Light Control and Mimicking the EnvironmentThe architecture of the structure adapts to its surroundings. Its shape serves as a sun control mechanism. The sawtooth facade, which is divided into five modules of varying sizes, uses the same technique to adjust to various orientations: maximizing indirect light while obstructing direct sunlight to avoid glare.The exterior is composed of 3mm aluminum panels that have been transparently powder-coated to preserve the metal's grain and reflecting qualities. White laminated panels complete the interior. By reflecting the shifting light throughout the day, the aluminum helps the building fit in with its surroundings.Sustainibility and Energy EfficiencyThe initiative reduces energy consumption by 60% by implementing a number of energy-saving techniques. The building received an A-energy certification, the highest rating, as a result of its strong thermal insulation and link to the district's urban heating and cooling network, Districlima.Throughout, recyclable and recycled materials have been employed, such as PET-based felt for the fake ceilings, steel for the structure, composite wood panels, and aluminum for the facade.The building's greywater is recycled throughout, while the green roof promotes biodiversity and acts as thermal insulation. The building's energy self-sufficiency is further enhanced by photovoltaic panels.As a result of these efforts, the building has received a BREEAM sustainability certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) "Excellent" rating.Image Pedro NogueraImage Pedro NogueraImage Julio MesaImage Julio MesaImage Julio MesaImage Julio MesaSite planFloor plan 1Floor plan 2Ground floor planPlans - 1st and 2nd floorPlans - 3rd and 4th floorPlans - 5th and 6th floorFloor plan 7SectionSectionSectionCircular Studio is a renowned Barcelona-based architecture and design studio that was founded in 2006. They operate on a wide range of projects, from interior design to architecture, under the direction of Ivan Serrano and Fernando Ansorena.Project factsProject name:LCI Barcelona 22@ Campus International Design and Visual Arts UniversityArchitects:Circular Studio/ Ivan Serrano Vidal / Fernando Ansorena MarencoArchitecture team:Victor Ruz, igo Ocamica, Aina SantanachLocation: Barcelona, SpainBuilt area:11.740,19m2Project Developer: LCI Education Spain SLUOwner & Construction Developer:Invesco LTDBuilder:Constructora del Cardoner SATechnical TeamM&E Engineer: L3J: Jaume Pastor RocaStructural Project: Otherstructures: Llus Escudero DomnechFacade Advisor:XMADE - Material and Envelope Design SL: Miquel RodrguezUrban and Lanscaping:Circular Studio + SBS - Simn y Blanco SLPArchitecture Construction Supervision:Circular Studio/Ivan Serrano Vidal / Fernando Ansorena MarencoStructure Construction Supervision:Otherstructures: Llus Escudero / Tahinel PimentelM&E Construction Supervision: L3J: Jaume Pastor / Gerard SolQuantity Surveyor & CM: Betarq: Ramn Cisa / Victor GarcaAll images Salva Lopez unless otherwise stated.All drawings Circular Studio.> via Circular Studio

Submitted by WA ContentsFoster + Partners unveils masterplan for Constana, Romania Romania Architecture News - Feb 20, 2025 - 14:11 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Foster + Partners has unveiled design for a masterplan for a 38-hectare site at the heart of Constana, a port city in the Dobrogea historical region of Romania. To create the masterplan, the practice collaborated closely with regional stakeholders and IULIUS, a Romanian real estate developer and operator that specializes in mixed-use urban redevelopment projects. With its cultural and educational institutions, retail stores, entertainment venues, sports facilities, and botanical gardens, the design revitalizes the formerly industrial area and creates a bustling "city within a city.""It is a great honour for us and a unique opportunity for Constana to create a new destination, which stitches together the urban landscape and completely transforms the experience of the city," said Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners."Greenery is woven through the masterplan, with a series of interconnected parks, gardens, and vibrant community spaces that make use of existing industrial structures.""The city's unique character and historic significance is celebrated and enhanced through our design," Behling added.Ideally situated in the heart of Constanta, the masterplan's impact is expected to go beyond the site and will benefit the entire city. The mixed-use plan provides a variety of year-round activities and attractions that appeal to both locals and tourists, addressing seasonal variations in visitor numbers.The project incorporates new building and public space typologies that are currently absent from the city's urban fabric, drawing on insights from comprehensive community surveys.The site's extensive landscaping is inspired by the local ecological background, and hundreds of mature trees improve the city's inhabitants' quality of life and the environment.For community events and gatherings, existing buildingslike silosare transformed into theaters and pavilions. The site's boundaries are surrounded by new bike lanes and green spaces that improve mobility and bring together previously disconnected areas of the city.Extensive landscaping across the site draws inspiration from the local ecological context, with hundreds of mature trees providing environmental benefits and enhancing wellbeing for the citys residents"We are excited to be part of Constanas future. By transforming the urban wasteland into a vibrant hub, we invite locals, investors and tourists to be a part of this transformative journey," said Maximilian Zielinski, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners."Capturing the essence of the Black Sea, the regeneration project embraces the natural elements and landscapes. The proposal is deeply anchored in the citys rich history, from its Greek and Roman origins to its more recent industrial heritage," said Daniel Zielinski, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners.Before construction starts, IULIUS will prepare the formerly industrial site with a comprehensive bioremediation effort.The masterplan provides new typologies of buildings and public spaces, which are currently missing from citys urban fabricFoster + Partners' BDO Unibank Campus broken ground on Manilas Makati Avenue, Philippines. In addition the firm created a three-dimensional layered roof for Apple's new store in Malaysia. Moreover, the firm unveiled a revitalization masterplan for an earthquake-hit region Hatay in southeast Turkey, after the terrible earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. Foster + Partners' BDO Unibank Campus broken ground on Manilas Makati Avenue, Philippines.All images courtesy of Foster + Partners.> via Foster + Partners

Submitted by WA ContentsSymposia: Building a Planetary Solution: Regenerative Architectural Strategies for a Planet in CrisisUnited States Architecture News - Feb 19, 2025 - 15:06 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The life cycle of the built environmentthe production, operation, and, ultimately, disposal of buildings and infrastructure (and their aggregation as towns and cities)currently accounts for nearly half of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, more than half of solid waste generation, and nearly three-quarters of energy consumption. Yet these statistics fail to capture the range of systemic challenges we face as a consequence of our unique and ubiquitous capacity to produce and consume the artifacts of our industriousness. As we approach this critical planetary threshold, what scientists describe as a climate tipping point, how can we as architects (with our colleagues in the building sector) mitigate or even reverse the ecological and atmospheric impacts of our work? What if, instead of continuing to deplete and degrade our planets natural ecosystemits forests, peatlands, wetlandsthe making of global buildings and cities could become a force to incentivize their restoration, reverse climate change, and enhance biodiversity?Over the course of a three-day symposium organized by senior critic and Yale Building Lab director Alan Organschi, a diverse array of leading thinkers and makers from the climate, ecosystem, and construction sciences, industrial ecology and manufacturing, design and engineering, finance and policy will convene to examine, debate, and discuss the materials, means, methods, and potential benefits of a new regenerative paradigm for the building sector.The symposium kicks off on Thursday, February 20, with a series of tours and workshops in and around New Haven, of timber and bio-based construction, design-build, regenerative and circular materials research, and experiments-in-progress. A series of panels on Friday and Saturday convene speakers around a wide range of topics: the barriers and benefits to system change, resilience and responsiveness in natural systems, circular economy and new materials, new and neglected knowledge networks in the commons, and creating conditions for system change. The keynote conversation, on architecture, science, and planetary governance, takes place on the evening of Friday, February 21.Symposium participants include Paul Anastas, Deborah Berke, Phillip Bernstein, Stephanie Carlisle, Catherine DeWolf, Ana Mara Durn Calisto, Anna Dyson, Christian Gth, Eva Gladek, Daniel Ibaez, Indy Johar, Sara Kuebbing, Matti Kuittinen, David Lewis, Tanya Luthi, Maurie McInnis, Philipp Misselwitz, Kiel Moe, Alan Organschi, Marc Palah, Alex Peters, Vyjayanthi Rao, Barbara Reck, Jennifer Russell, Karen Seto, Andrew Waugh, Lindsey Wikstrom, Mark Wishnie, and Julie Zimmerman.See the full schedule available online; registeration is available for in-person or virtual attendance.Date: Thursday, February 20 2 PM Saturday, February 22, 2025 5 PMLocation: Hastings Hall, basement level of Paul Rudolph Hall, 180 York StreetIn-Person and Livestream Registration Form.Registration:Please register for the Thursday, February 20, tours and workshops individually, through the Sign Up Here links listed in the Tours and Workshops section below.Please register for in-person or livestream attendance for the panels and keynote lectures on Friday, February 21-Saturday, February 22 at the registration link below.For livestream viewers: video links will be emailed out shortly prior to each days programming.The top image in the article courtesy of Yale University.> via Yale Universityarchitecture event

Submitted by WA ContentsQatar will debut a permanent national pavilion in the Giardini at the Venice Architecture Biennale Qatar Architecture News - Feb 18, 2025 - 14:27 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Qatar has announced that it will build a national pavilion in the historic venue of Giardini della Biennale, which first opened to the public in 1895.Along with 30 other countries, Qatar will have a permanent pavilion in the Giardini. In the past fifty years, only two other countriesRepublic of Korea and Australiahave opened pavilions at the Biennale.The announcement of the Qatar Pavilion comes after Qatar Museums and the Municipality of Venice signed a Protocol of Cooperation in June 2024, wherein the two parties committed to fortifying their current ties and advancing cooperation between Qatar, Venice, and the Italian Republic in the cultural and socioeconomic spheres.UNStudio, Dadu, Childrens Museum of Qatar conceptual design: exterior view Rendering. Image Qatar Museums"La Biennale di Venezia is the worlds pre-eminent gathering in art and architecture, and the Giardini is the historic landscape where extraordinary pavilions stand as ambassadors for their nations," said Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion."Qatar is proud to take its place in this international assembly, advancing our role as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and providing an unparalleled platform for giving voice to the creative talent of our nation and the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region.""Venice is the only European city to have had, since the year 1000 CE, a name in Arabic, Bunduqiyyah, a fact that testifies to the teeming mixture of languages and ethnicities that have long sheltered here," said Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale di Venezia."In the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and sincere human exchange that characterises Venice and its Biennale, I welcome Qatar to the Giardini, as a powerful global source of creativity and cross-cultural understanding," Buttafuoco added.On a prominent location in the Giardini, next to the well-known Book Pavilion, will be the new Qatar Pavilion. During the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in May 2025, Qatar will unveil a significant installation called Community Centre, designed by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari, marking the start of site activation.ELEMENTAL, Art Mill Museum conceptual design: aerial view of the museum in the Cultural District (Doha, Qatar), 2022. Rendering Qatar MuseumsThe installation will be part of the exhibition Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa la tua casa., presented at both the Giardini and ACP-Palazzo Franchetti. In keeping with the theme of the Biennale Architettura 2025, Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa la tua casa. will explore how hospitality and traditions of welcome are embodied in the contemporary architecture and landscapes throughout the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA).More than 20 modern and contemporary architects from the MENASA region will have pieces in the exhibition, which will honor trailblazing architects and thinkers. Some of these architects' work has never been seen in Venice before.Among the pioneering modern architects represented are Raj Rewal (India), Nayyar Ali Dada (Pakistan), Abdel Wahed el Wakil (Egypt), and Minnette de Silva (Sri Lanka). Their work will be highlighted along with that of a range of contemporary designers and architects, including Marina Tabassum and Nabil Haque (Bangladesh), Sameep Padora and Vastu Shilpa (India), Daaz Studio (Iran), Abeer Seikaly (Jordan), Sumaya Dabbagh (UAE), Liz Diller (USA), Meriem Shabani (Iran), and the New South Studio (France), among others.OMA, Concept design of Qatar Auto Museum project. Rendering Qatar MuseumsThe exhibition is commissioned by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar Museums and organised by the future Art Mill Museum. It is curated by Aurlien Lemonier, Art Mill Museum Curator of Architecture, and Sean Anderson, Associate Professor at Cornell University, with the collaboration of Virgile Alexandre.Recently, Carlo Ratti, the curator of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of Venice Architecture Biennale, shared details and highlights of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. Ratti emphasized that by engaging with science, architecture can become more inclusive, as it will be discussed in this year's Biennial.Top image in the article: Herzog & de Meuron, Lusail Museum conceptual design: exterior view. Rendering Qatar Museums.> via Qatar Museums

Submitted by WA ContentsFinland Pavilion will explore architecture as a collaborative endeavor at Venice Biennale Finland Architecture News - Feb 18, 2025 - 15:37 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The Finland Pavilion has announced the theme and details about its exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, Italy.Curated by Ella Kaira and Matti Jnkl's, the exhibition, titled The Pavilion Architecture of Stewardship, will highlight the various types of labor that go into building and maintaining architecture, from the design contributions of engineers and architects to the work of construction workers, restoration architects, maintenance personnel, and cleaners, all of whom are essential to the development and maintenance of the built environment.At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, curators Ella Kaira and Matti Jnkl will examine architecture as a collaborative endeavor by utilizing the famous architecture of Alvar and Elissa Aalto's Pavilion of Finland.The 19th International Architecture Exhibition will take place from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and various venues in Venice, Italy. Curators Matti Jnkl and Ella Kaira at the Pavilion of Finland in Venice. Image Ugo Carmeni / ArchinfoThe Pavilion, built in Venices Giardini della Biennale Park in 1956, is one of only two buildings the legendary modernist Alvar Aalto and his office designed in Italy and the only one completed during his lifetime.The building carries a mythos that has undoubtedly bolstered its preservation but also obscures the many contributors to its ongoing existence. The Pavilion Architecture of Stewardship aspires to make the invisible visible by bringing the ongoing work on the Pavilion out of the shadow of Aaltos legacy.Pavilion of Finlands response to the theme IntelligensBy showcasing the continuous process of creation required to preserve the Pavilion, the exhibitionwhich was commissioned by Archinfo, the Information Centre for Finnish Architecturewill force us to reconsider how we relate to the built environment and the labor that goes into its building and maintenance."The Pavilion of Finland in the Giardini della Biennale has been celebrated internationally as one of the masterpieces of Finlands greatest architect, but this perspective has shifted in recent years. Over a period shorter than many peoples careers, scholarship has developed its recognition of the significant contribution made by Aaltos wives, Aino and Elissa, to his corpus of work. It is no longer accepted that he was a lone genius, creating in isolation," said Katarina Siltavuori, Director of Archinfo and Commissioner of the Pavilion of Finland."Kaira and Jnkls exhibition aims to further re-examine the process of authorship by broadening its enquiry to the myriad workers involved in the design, construction and maintenance of the built environment. As the 19th International Architecture Exhibition asks us to consider the nature of Intelligens, the Pavilion of Finlands investigation takes on a new significance: challenging widely-held assumptions about the nature of creativity and intelligence and revealing a broad and nuanced understanding that celebrates the work of individuals as part of collaborative systems," Siltavuori concluded.Valentina Albomico from Vita Restauri painting the pavilions facade as part of the regular maintenance work in 2025. Image Ella KairaStewardship and authorshipThe Pavilion Architecture of Stewardship explores who is responsible for maintaining the longevity of building, as well as why it is important. It traces the Pavilion's history from its creation through decades of constant upkeep and three significant restorations to the present, bringing to life the memories etched into the walls. The exhibition places the individuals involved in this work as co-creators alongside the original architect by bringing these stories to life in an audio-visual piece made by sound designer Jussi Hertz and video artist Merle Karp."The Pavilion of Finland is an architectural icon, but it wouldnt exist without the ongoing labour and care contributed by many workers throughout its life. Every architectural project has a story of intentions that unravelled on the journey from sketch to inhabited building. We think that the solutions these give rise to are as much a part of history as the intent of the original architect. Our exhibition seeks to ask whether architecture is fixed instruction or an ongoing collaboration and recognise the importance of a broad range of contributions to the authorship of buildings," said Curator Ella Kaira.Stewardship, an age-old practice based on responsibility and care, is essential to preserving constructed heritage. Stewardship, as it relates to architecture, is a shared responsibility between architects and non-architects that necessitates the negotiation of resources, land, and the built environment using both human and non-human action.The Finlandia sign being installed during the pavilions construction in 1956. Image Isa Andrenius / The National Archives of Finland"The Pavilion of Finland invites us to reflect on the concept of ephemerality in our built environment. The building was originally designed as a temporary structure, but it has become a permanent monument. However, today, many buildings that were designed to remain in place are demolished in under 50 years of age," saidCurator Matti Jnkl."The built environment is treated as a collection of pavilions characterised by ephemerality rather than heritage characterised by permanence. Our exhibition explores the stewardship of our built environment that enables its continued use from one generation to another," Jnkl added.Daniele Canato from Vita Restauri painting the pavilions facade in 2025. The cables of the Finlandia sign have been cut at the neighbouring construction site of the Central Pavilion. Helsinki-based architects Ella Kaira and Matti Jnkl are co-founders of the architectural firm Vokal. Jnkl promotes justice in urban planning and contemporary built heritage. Rather than building new, he is more interested in maintaining and fixing the built environment that already exists.Over time, Kaira's architectural focus has changed from designing buildings to restoring them, with a particular emphasis on strengthening community resilience.The top image in the article: Finland Pavilion Sept 2021. Image Miina Jutila Archinfo.> via Archinfo

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"French-Brazilian firm Triptyque and Architects Office have built a skyscraper that features a structural gridded faade that proposes "raw simplicity inspired by brutalism" in Curitiba, Brazil.Named AGE360, the 18,000-square-metre tower suggests an innovative living space design that blends individual flats with communal spaces devoted to well-being and body.Image Manuel SThis idea, which draws inspiration from historic gymnasiums, reimagines housing through the integration of sports facilities, meditation areas, and care centers.This creates a healthy ecosystem between the body, mind, and community, all within an architectural framework that prioritizes sustainability and wellness.Image Manuel S"Adding the collective function of sports to a residential building is about much more than enhancing the living space: it is about redefining housing as a place of holistic growth," explained Olivier Raffaelli, co-founder of the agency."Housing is no longer just a shelter, but becomes a framework that supports and questions the body, especially in an era marked by the acceleration of the worlds virtualization," Raffaelli added.Image Manuel SThe tower's load-bearing faade allows for comprehensive plan reversibility and liberates the interior spaces from structural restrictions. Its lightweight, totally glass faade connects the occupants to the outside world by providing panoramic views of Curitiba, while the structural grid is broken up to create communal areas devoted to sports and well-being.Image Manuel S"One of the major urban challenges is to rethink the envelopes of high-rise buildings and design them according to the principle of thick faades that are both sun-protected and inhabited," added Guillaume Sibaud, also a co-founder."The constant relationship with outdoor spaces makes this type of living environment desirable. We sought to reduce architecture to its essentials: structure, light, sky, and the quality of the spaces.""This raw simplicity, inspired by brutalism, refocuses the architectural experience on what truly matters," Sibaud added.Image Manuel SThe location at the base of the tower creates two interactions: a ground-level direct connection to the city and the restoration of an area covered in dense native plant that combines nature with urbanity. Curitiba's skyline is determined by its unique and graceful silhouette, which was created in accordance with urban planning setbacks.Image Gustav LiliequistThis project, the first in Brazil to be named a Wellness Building, exemplifies the concepts of psychological well-being. Additionally, it received the 2022 Rethinking the Future award and was certified by the Green Building Council and Fitwel."Every decision was guided by functionality, but resulted in something poetically integrated into the urban and natural context," concluded Greg Bousquet, founder of Architects Office.Image Manuel SImage Gustav LiliequistImage Manuel SPreviously, Triptyque Architecture together with Philippe Starck designed a mixed-use building, including a hotel by Paris Society, a co-working, and a dynamic healthcare-focused center in Paris, France.The French-Brazilian architectural and urban design firm Triptyque is renowned for its rationalist and naturalism approaches. It is led by founding partners Guillaume Sibaud and Olivier Raffalli, who received their training at the Paris Institute of Urbanism and the Paris La Seine School of Architecture.After 21 years of a career that included projects and accolades all over the world as one of the founders of Triptyque architectural, Greg Bousquet launched Architects Office, a worldwide architectural, urbanism, and interior design firm.Project factsProject name:AGE360Architects: Triptyque + Architects OfficeLocation:Curitiba, BrazilDate:2017 2024Client:AG7 RealtyArea:18.000m2Interior Design: Suite ArquiteturaLandscape:Renata Tilli PaisagismoLighting design: Studio Carlos FortesHealth and Wellness:Lapinha SpaTop image in the article Manuel S.All images Triptyque, Gustav Liliequist, Manuel S.> via Triptyque + Architects Office

Submitted by WA ContentsCarlo Ratti: "Architecture must rethink authorship and become more inclusive, learning from science" Italy Architecture News - Feb 17, 2025 - 16:07 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Carlo Ratti, the curator of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of Venice Architecture Biennale, shared details and highlights of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale during a press conference on February 11.Ratti emphasized that architecture must adopt a more dynamic role in addressing climate change and environmental disasters. He highlighted that, by engaging with science, architecture can become more inclusive, as it will be discussed in this year's Biennial.The Biennale's theme, title Titled Intelligens Natural Artificial Collective, will focus on how architecture takes a flexible and active role in adapting to changing times by taking advantage of all kinds of intelligence, natural, artificial and collective.The 19th International Architecture Exhibition will take place from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and various venues in Venice, Italy."Architecture has always been a response to a hostile climate. From the earliest "primitive hut," human design has been led by the need for shelter and survival, driven by optimism: our creations have always strived to bridge the gap between a harsh environment and the safe, livable spaces we require," said Carlo Ratti."Today, that dynamic approach is being taken to a new level - as climate becomes less forgiving. In the fires of Los Angeles, in the floods of Valencia and Sherpur, in the droughts of Sicily, we have witnessed first-hand how water and fire are attacking us with unprecedented ferocity.""The year 2024 marked a grim milestone as Earth registered its hottest temperatures on record, pushing global averages beyond the Paris Agreement's 1.5C target. In just two years, climate change has accelerated in ways that defy even the best scientific models," he added."For decades, architectures response to the climate crisis has been centered on mitigation designing to reduce our impact on the climate. But that approach is no longer enough. The time has come for architecture to embrace adaptation: rethinking how we design for an altered world."Corderie 2. Image "This years exhibition invites different types of intelligence"Ratti believes that "different types of intelligence" are needed to rethink the built environment in a rapidly changing world and invites them to work together."Adaptation demands a fundamental shift in our practice. This years Exhibition Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective. invites different types of intelligence to work together to rethink the built environment," Ratti said."The very Latin title Intelligens contains the word gens (people) - inviting us to experiment beyond todays limited focus on AI and digital technologies.""In the time of adaptation, architecture is at the center and must lead with optimism. In the time of adaptation, architecture needs to draw on all forms of intelligence natural, artificial, collective.""In the time of adaptation, architecture needs to reach out across generations and across disciplines - from the hard sciences to the arts. In the time of adaptation, architecture must rethink authorship and become more inclusive, learning from science," he added."Architecture must become as flexible and dynamic as the world we are now designing for," Ratti said.In his curatorial highlights, Ratti also underlined that for the first time this year the number of participants will exceed 750. The participants will include architects, engineers, mathematicians, climate scientists, philosophers, artists, chefs, coders, writers, woodcarvers, farmers, fashion designers, and many more.Giardini venue. Image Andrea Avezzu, courtesy La Biennale di VeneziaIntelligens as "a dynamic laboratory""Adaptation demands inclusivity and collaboration," according to Carlo Ratti.Ratti stated that Intelligens will serve "as a dynamic laboratory", uniting experts across various forms of intelligence.Secondly, curating on this scale required a fundamental shift in methodology, Ratti emphasized. An interdisciplinary curatorial team has led the open, bottom-up selection process. Our open appeal for projects, The Space for Ideas, which ran from May 7 to June 21, 2024, had a tremendous amount of international response. Although the deluge of applications was exciting and intimidating, it also gave us the chance to find new, obscure voices that we may not have otherwise heard.Thirdly, the resulting participant pool spans generations, ranging from new graduates just starting their professions to seasoned professionals still innovating at ninety. Alongside up-and-coming architects and scholars are Nobel laureates, Pritzker Prize winners, previous curators of the Venice Biennale, and Royal Professors. Our dedication to a wide variety of viewpoints is demonstrated by this inclusion.Fourthly, a new approach to authorship is necessary in light of the diversity of contributions. He said that the idea that the architect is the only creator and that other experts should only play supporting roles is challenged by Intelligens. Drawing inspiration from scientific studies, the Biennale suggests a more inclusive authorship model. All of the voices influencing design must be acknowledged and given credit during the adaption phase.Gaggiandre. Image Fifthly, the Venice Biennale needs to work with other organizations in this age of adaptability. Intelligens has established relationships with numerous international organizations, including the Soft Power Club, the Davos Baukultur Alliance, C40, the UN's COP30 in Belem, and many more. GENS, its public program, will engage audiences of all sizes with a chorus of events and discussions.Carlo Ratti is an architect and engineer, and he is currently holding teaching positions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and at the Politecnico di Milano.Ratti is the director of the Senseable City Lab at the MIT and a founding partner of the architecture and innovation office CRA-Carlo Ratti Associatibased in Torino, New York City, and London.The collaborations at the Corderie dellArsenale will feature the works of Beatriz Colomina and Mark Wigley, Kengo Kuma and Associates, Arup, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Tosin Oshinowo.Other collaborations include the Norman Foster Foundation, the UK Astronomer Royal Martin Ree, Boonserm Premthada, Tongji University professor Philip Yuan, and Gramazio Kohler Research from ETH Zurich with MESH and Studio Armin Linke.Also at the press conference, Ratti announced the national and international participants. This year, Russia and Israel will not participate in the event, while 4 new countries will participate in the Biennale: the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Togo.In 2023, Ghanaian-Scottish architect, academic, and novelist Professor Lesley Lokko curated the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, under the theme of The Laboratory of the Future - which explored decolonisation and decarbonisation.The top image in the article Andrea Avezz, courtesy La Biennale di Venezia.> via Venice Architecture Biennale

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Bangkok-based architecture practice Unknown Surface Studio has designed a dining cafe that blooms in an industrial landscape of Bangkok, Thailand.Named Curvy Dining, the 250-square-metre cafe is located in Soi Srinakarin-Rom Klao 19, Bangkok. The project is a delicate white dining caf that is emerging within an industrial landscape.With this contribution, a large, boundary-free space is transformed into a standalone dining caf that is carefully planned to promote a smooth interaction between architecture and the natural world.The caf creates a welcoming atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between the constructed form and the surrounding environment by striking a balance between enclosure and openness.Taking cues from the flowers that grow organically there, the project transforms organic patterns into space arrangements, embodying the idea of blooming, according to Unknown Surface Studio.By beginning with a single point, growing outward, and developing into a structured yet flowing architectural shape, the design distills the essence of a flower's radial symmetry into a geometric language. By refining natural curves, this abstraction technique creates a rhythmic play of radial patterns and sunburst lines that slightly imitate moving petals.The outside boundary uses a squared framework to provide contrast and give the otherwise open landscape a feeling of definition.Nonetheless, the circulation of the caf is designed using a subtractive method; portions are hollowed away to define movement, resulting in a gradual revelation as patrons travel around the outside spaces.These walkways wind through green areas, creating an auto-landscape impression where natural light and architecture blend together harmoniously.Floor planSectionElevationDiagramProject factsProject name:Curvy DiningCompletion year:2025Scale: 250m2Project location: Krungthep Kreetha, Bangkok , ThailandArchitecture firm: Unknown Surface StudioLead architects: Cievanard Nattabowonphal, Piyanat Songkhorh, Nonglak BoonsaengAll images Rungkit Charoenwat.All drawings Unknown Surface Studio.> via Unknown Surface Studio

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Bangkok-based architecture practice Unknown Surface Studio has designed a dining cafe that blooms in an industrial landscape of Bangkok, Thailand.Named Curvy Dining, the 250-square-metre cafe is located in Soi Srinakarin-Rom Klao 19, Bangkok. The project is a delicate white dining caf that is emerging within an industrial landscape.With this contribution, a large, boundary-free space is transformed into a standalone dining caf that is carefully planned to promote a smooth interaction between architecture and the natural world.The caf creates a welcoming atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between the constructed form and the surrounding environment by striking a balance between enclosure and openness.Taking cues from the flowers that grow organically there, the project transforms organic patterns into space arrangements, embodying the idea of blooming, according to Unknown Surface Studio.By beginning with a single point, growing outward, and developing into a structured yet flowing architectural shape, the design distills the essence of a flower's radial symmetry into a geometric language. By refining natural curves, this abstraction technique creates a rhythmic play of radial patterns and sunburst lines that slightly imitate moving petals.The outside boundary uses a squared framework to provide contrast and give the otherwise open landscape a feeling of definition.Nonetheless, the circulation of the caf is designed using a subtractive method; portions are hollowed away to define movement, resulting in a gradual revelation as patrons travel around the outside spaces.These walkways wind through green areas, creating an auto-landscape impression where natural light and architecture blend together harmoniously.Floor planSectionElevationDiagramProject factsProject name:Curvy DiningCompletion year:2025Scale: 250m2Project location: Krungthep Kreetha, Bangkok , ThailandArchitecture firm: Unknown Surface StudioLead architects: Cievanard Nattabowonphal, Piyanat Songkhorh, Nonglak BoonsaengAll images Rungkit Charoenwat.All drawings Unknown Surface Studio.> via Unknown Surface Studio

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The 50th Cycle of the WA Awards 10+5+X is currently accepting entries!The WA Awards 10+5+X is an online architecture awards program celebrating its 50th cycle and is a trailblazer in recognition due to its more inclusive process.Architects, interior designers, and students worldwide are welcome to submit their entries for the WA Awards 10+5+X 50th Cycle until31 March (23:59 GMT +0).If you are a WAC member, sign into your account here. If you're not a WAC member yet, create an account and submit your entry.More than 2,380 projects were crowned at the WA Awards 10+5+XThe WA Awards is a global awards program that emphasizes originality, innovation, diversity, and creativity in architecture. These awards highlight projects that have not yet been made public, showcasing a commitment to architectural excellence.To date, the WA Awards program has recognized over 2,380 projects across the categories of architecture, interior design, and student work. Would you like to become a winner of the WA Awards with your innovative project?WA Awards 10+5+X has a standard deadlineThere is a standard deadline for the WA Awards, and only a limited number of categories are available for submission. Furthermore, as the deadline approaches, the participation fee does not change.By registering with WAC on this page, architects, interior designers, and students studying architecture and interior design will have time until 31 Marchat 23:59 GMT +0, to submit their projects.Start your entry today, create an account, and submit your entry by selecting Architect, Interior Designer, or Student (Academic) with a correct representative of their status.WA Awards 10+5+X 49th Cycle Winner PostersParticipants can upload their projects to their WAC Pages and submit them anytime before the deadline, allowing for review and editing.Who are eligible members at WA Awards 10+5+X?Applications for the WA Awards 10+5+X are only open to architects, architecture firms, interior designers, interior design firms, and students of architecture and interior design.The WA Awards 10+5+X program features two main sections: Interior Design and Architecture. Participants must submit their projects under one of three subcategoriesRealized, Designed, or Studentafter selecting the appropriate section.It's important for participants to ensure that their submissions meet the requirements of each category. Detailed information about the categories can be found on the designated page.Schedule of WA Awards10+5+XThe WA Awards 10+5+X are typically organized into 3 to 4 cycles each year, with each cycle lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 months. Participants can submit their projects until the specified deadline for each cycle.The 50th Cycle of the WA Awards will close on Monday,31 March 2025.The voting period for the 50th Cycle is scheduled to begin in early April, and we plan to announce the winners towards the end of April.You can consult our How to Participate page to learn about the current cycles submission deadline.High-resolution (print-quality) posters of previous Awards WinnersWho are the jurors for the WA Awards?The WA Awards Jury consists of an elite group of invited architects, renowned critics, scholars, theorists, editors of architectural magazines, curators, and other professionals. This first jury panel includes previous WA Award winners and WAC Honorary Members.The second jury panel for the awards program is made up of academics, students, architects, and interior designers who have registered on our platform and are members of the World Architecture Community. This panel is responsible for selecting the next five winning projects.Nikos Fintikakis, co-founder of SYNTHESIS AND RESEARCH, Professor engl ymen Gr, acclaimed Indonesian architect Budi Sukada, who is senior lecturer at the University of Tarumanagara, artist and teacher Ruth Jacobson, Alhadeff Architects founder Giancarlo Alhadeff, Sanjay Puri, the founder of Sanjay Puri Architects, architectural consultant Jane Samuels, are among the WAC's Honorary Members.The World Architecture Community will announce the Voting period on WAC website, emails and social media.The voting stages for WAC Members, Honorary Members, and past WA Award Winners are simultaneously held on the WA Awards 10+5+X Submissions page.WA Awards 10+5+X has a low-pricing policyThe WA Awards' low-pricing policy is set to encourage participation from around the world. This program aims to increase global involvement and position the WA Awards as the most affordable and accessible online awards program.Additionally, the program seeks to enhance visibility between large-scale organizations and medium- and small-sized architectural offices. Participants will not incur any extra fees when they pay for each category in the competition cycle.WA Awards Winners get a special WA Award Winner Poster and a digital WA Award CertificateWinners of the WA Awards will receivea digital high-resolution WA Award Winner Posterand a digital WA Award Certificate. These will be provided to participants a few weeks after the winners are announced.Any questions?See our How To Participate page for visual instructions and to start your entry. For any additional inquiries about WA Awards 10+5+X, please reach out to the WAC team via [emailprotected].The top image in the poster:Akshay Heranjal'sCenter For Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness For TAPMIin India won the WA Awards in the 49th Cycle in the Architecture/Realised category. Image Saurabh Suryan.

Submitted by WA ContentsInternational School Of Design And Visual Arts features a sawtooth facade in Barcelona Spain Architecture News - Feb 13, 2025 - 14:51 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Barcelona-based architecture practice Circular Studio has completed a new design and visual arts university, featuring a sawtooth faade in Barcelona, Spain.Named LCI Barcelona 22@ Campus International Design and Visual Arts University, the nearly 12,000-square-metre structure serves as the European center for the global network of design and visual arts universities known as LCI Education.The building is situated in Barcelona's 22@ tech sector, which was formerly the industrial district of Poblenou and is currently experiencing major urban transformation.Fluidity, Connection and TransparencyOriginally intended to close the block bounded by laba and Sancho de vila street, the building possesses a unique parcel of land.However, the final design produced a prismatic shape, measuring 50 by 20 meters and rising seven stories, when the urban plan was modified to disperse building volume elsewhere in the district.The lengthy facades are oriented toward the south and northeast.The layout permitted the two original plots to be nearly completely covered below ground (2,500 sqm), leaving a strip of land with protected plane trees.In order to increase the public space, the ground floor is a permeable area that is set back from the building's perimeter. Its glass exterior improves transparency and visual coherence.Through a bridge-like aspect, the two entrances span the structure, connecting the street to an internal public area that serves as both a seating area and an access ramp.By blending the lines between the building and the surrounding landscape, this design creates an area where students and locals may socialize."Vertical Campus", Social Circulation and InterdisciplinarityConstructed as a "vertical campus," the structure can house up to 3,000 students from a range of artistic fields. By incorporating social channels that link every region, its design encourages interdisciplinarity.Classrooms, practical studios, administrative offices, a library, and student areas are all located above ground. Along the facades, circulation is arranged in a peripheral manner. In addition, these walkways serve as social areas, workspaces, exhibition spaces, and sun filters.The passages become an immersive experience as the facade's rhythm, which alternates between solid and empty, blurs the distinction between internal and outdoor.The structure is converted into a spacious, open area for pupils below ground. Along with offices, labs, and fabrication workshops, two sizable, adaptable halls accommodate a variety of events. The plaza above is naturally lighted by skylights and double-height areas.This floor's arrangement of the fabrication workshops promotes cooperation between many artistic fields.This level marks the start of the social walkway, which connects the ground floor and the first two stories with a metal staircase that passes through the entrance hall, which is four stories high.Circulation encircles the outside recessed facade between the third and fifth stories, leading to the "elevated plaza" at the center of the structure. This plaza has views of the sea and is shielded from the sun by an overhang.Natural Light Control and Mimicking the EnvironmentThe architecture of the structure adapts to its surroundings. Its shape serves as a sun control mechanism. The sawtooth facade, which is divided into five modules of varying sizes, uses the same technique to adjust to various orientations: maximizing indirect light while obstructing direct sunlight to avoid glare.The exterior is composed of 3mm aluminum panels that have been transparently powder-coated to preserve the metal's grain and reflecting qualities. White laminated panels complete the interior. By reflecting the shifting light throughout the day, the aluminum helps the building fit in with its surroundings.Sustainibility and Energy EfficiencyThe initiative reduces energy consumption by 60% by implementing a number of energy-saving techniques. The building received an A-energy certification, the highest rating, as a result of its strong thermal insulation and link to the district's urban heating and cooling network, Districlima.Throughout, recyclable and recycled materials have been employed, such as PET-based felt for the fake ceilings, steel for the structure, composite wood panels, and aluminum for the facade.The building's greywater is recycled throughout, while the green roof promotes biodiversity and acts as thermal insulation. The building's energy self-sufficiency is further enhanced by photovoltaic panels.As a result of these efforts, the building has received a BREEAM sustainability certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) "Excellent" rating.Image Pedro NogueraImage Pedro NogueraImage Julio MesaImage Julio MesaImage Julio MesaImage Julio MesaSite planFloor plan 1Floor plan 2Ground floor planPlans - 1st and 2nd floorPlans - 3rd and 4th floorPlans - 5th and 6th floorFloor plan 7SectionSectionSectionCircular Studio is a renowned Barcelona-based architecture and design studio that was founded in 2006. They operate on a wide range of projects, from interior design to architecture, under the direction of Ivan Serrano and Fernando Ansorena. Project factsProject name:LCI Barcelona 22@ Campus International Design and Visual Arts UniversityArchitects:Circular Studio/ Ivan Serrano Vidal / Fernando Ansorena MarencoArchitecture team:Victor Ruz, igo Ocamica, Aina SantanachLocation: Barcelona, SpainBuilt area:11.740,19m2Project Developer: LCI Education Spain SLUOwner & Construction Developer:Invesco LTDBuilder:Constructora del Cardoner SATechnical TeamM&E Engineer: L3J: Jaume Pastor RocaStructural Project: Otherstructures: Llus Escudero DomnechFacade Advisor:XMADE - Material and Envelope Design SL: Miquel RodrguezUrban and Lanscaping:Circular Studio + SBS - Simn y Blanco SLPArchitecture Construction Supervision:Circular Studio/Ivan Serrano Vidal / Fernando Ansorena MarencoStructure Construction Supervision:Otherstructures: Llus Escudero / Tahinel PimentelM&E Construction Supervision: L3J: Jaume Pastor / Gerard SolQuantity Surveyor & CM: Betarq: Ramn Cisa / Victor GarcaAll images Salva Lopez unless otherwise stated.All drawings Circular Studio.> via Circular Studio

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Boston is taking a pioneering step towards carbon neutrality by becoming the first city in the U.S. to mandate that all new large buildings achieve net zero carbon emissions from day of its opening. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the approval of the Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning amendment by the Boston Zoning Commission, a key part of the citys broader effort to meet its carbon-neutral target by 2050.Under the new zoning code, all new developments of 15 units or more, or those over 20,000 sq ft (~1,855 sq mt), will be required to meet strict decarbonization standards. This move will significantly reduce Boston's carbon footprint by targeting both operational and embodied carbon emissions. In addition to reducing energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels, the policy will drive increased electrification and greater use of renewable energy sources.As buildings account for nearly 71% of the citys carbon emissions, this policy is crucial in addressing climate change while ensuring long-term sustainability in construction. Starting in July 2025, new projects will be required to comply with NZC standards, including reporting on the carbon emissions associated with the materials used in construction and conducting lifecycle carbon assessments for larger projects.This policy not only aligns with updated state building codes but also builds upon existing city ordinances such as the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) and the Specialized Stretch Energy Code. Notably, the policy allows for a phased approach for hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturing buildings, with stricter deadlines for these sectors. However, the NZC Zoning policy does not apply to renovations, additions smaller than 50,000 square feet, or changes in building use, instead promoting large-scale adaptive reuse projects that incorporate energy efficiency improvements.The approval of NZC Zoning positions Boston as a national leader in climate action, pushing the development community toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. The adoption of these measures is expected to set an example for other cities, accelerating the transition to green building practices and contributing to a cleaner, healthier urban environment. As the city moves closer to its ambitious carbon-neutral goals, the NZC Zoning initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, resilient future for Boston.Top image Tom Fisk , Courtesy - Pexels> Via: City Of Boston

Submitted by WA ContentsWA Awards 49th Cycle Winner Posters and Certificates are ready to downloadUnited Kingdom Architecture News - Feb 11, 2025 - 14:52 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The 49th Cycle of the WA Awards winner posters and certificates is now available for download on the World Architecture Community website. This cycle features 23 Winner Posters and 34 Winner Certificates.Winners of the 49th WA Awards can access their high-resolution Winner Posters on the pages of their respective winning projects. After logging into their accounts, they should visit the "My Winner Page" section to download their Winner Certificates.The 49th Cycle winners for the Architecture and Architecture Students can be found on the WA Awards Winners page.One Cycle ends and another begins!If you're looking to have your architecture and interior design project recognized, the best way to do so is to participate. The 50th Cycle of the WA Awards is now open for submissions.You can submit your entries for the 50th Cycle of the WA Awards 10+5+X until March 31, 2025, at 23:59 GMT +0.If you're not a member of WAC, start your registrations on this page.Visit our page to learn more about the categories, fees, eligibility requirements, and judging process. To consult our visual guidance, visit our page.WA Awards

Submitted by WA ContentsArchitecture Competition: House Of The DictatorItaly Architecture News - Feb 10, 2025 - 16:17 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The house a universal symbol of protection, intimacy, and identity intertwines with the figure of a dictator, the embodiment of absolute power, control, and fear. This is not merely an architectural exercise, but an exis - tential reflection: what is a house when it belongs to someone who wields unlimited power?The "house of the dictator" is a paradox. On one hand, it is a fortress that conceals, protects, and isolates. On the other hand, it is a space of intimate vulnerability, a place where the dictator, whose figure is feared and alienat - ed from the public sphere, reveals their humanity, with all its fragility and fears.Today, the importance of questioning the relationship between power and private space is relevant than ever. In a world marked by deep inequalities, forced migrations, and instability, architecture becomes a lens through which to analyze the dynamics of authoritarianism, protection, and isola - tion. What role does space play in consolidating or challenging power? How are the fears and ambitions of a dictator translated into the form of his home?What is the true nature of this duality? Is it a refuge that offers security and isolation, or a prison that stifles and traps its inhabitant? Which walls symbolize the dominion of authoritarianism, and which reveal its flaws and contradictions?Competition- How can a dwelling reflect paranoia and the obsession with control?- What architectural forms and elements can embody the duality between power and fragility?- Is it possible for a space designed for a dictator to convey something universal, relatable to us all?Participants are encouraged to push beyond the limits of traditional archi - tecture, employing forms, materials, and atmospheres that evoke powerful emotions: from fear to vulnerability, from dominance to unease. There are no geographical restrictionsthe project can be situated anywhere in the worldand no limitations on materials or techniques.This challenge presents a unique opportunity to reflect on how absolute power influences the concept of dwelling and how architecture can examine the relationship between oppression and protection, between dominance and fear, between strength and fragility. We invite participants to interpret these themes with originality and depth, contributing to a fresh and thought-provoking vision of conceptual architecture.Registration feesEarly Registration (January 20 February 20, 2025): 60Standard Registration (February 21 April 21, 2025): 90Late Registration (April 22 May 22, 2025): 120PrizesFirst Prize: 2,500Second Prize: 1,500Third Prize: 1,000Jury membersGregorio Pecorelli ArchitectAlexis Schachter ArchitectFerruccio Tasinato ArchitectDavit Asanidze Urban PlannerZoran Abadi ArchitectElena Messner Cultural ScientistDeadlines & TimelineRegistration Deadline: May 22, 2025Project Submission Deadline: May 25, 2025Winners Announcement: July 6, 2025Detailed information can be found on the competition's website.The top image in the article courtesy of Architecture Competition Organisers.> via Archcontest

Submitted by WA ContentsFran Silvestre Arquitectos plays with planes to design a house on Sotogrande golf courseSpain Architecture News - Feb 10, 2025 - 14:48 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Valencia-based architecture practice Fran Silvestre Arquitectos has designed a house in front of the Sotogrande golf course in Spain.The single-story house encourages users to feel the shadow between the ground floor and the roof above it.A large roof cantilever that provides protection from the powerful Cadiz sun as well as the torrential rains that come down from the Sierra de Grazalema, which receives the most rainfall on the Iberian Peninsula.The building's deep interior creates a wooden volume that gives each area the solitude it needs while yet delivering the ideal amount of warmth.The ground plane, the shadow cast by the architectural cantilever, the glass that provides effective inside climate conditioning, and, lastly, the comfortable limit of the wood are the four distinct limitations that emerge to define the house's spatiality.The house may be accessed from the top street, which is a key location with a unique perspective of the surroundings and the water reflection.This roof feature serves as both acoustic and thermal insulation. In addition to acting as an insulator and regulating the building's temperature, the water layer absorbs heat during the day and gradually releases it at night, lowering the demand for air conditioning and heating.The house had to have warm-toned materials, which was one of its needs. The skylights that light up the central areas and provide access to the upper water mirror are part of a central communication core that distributes the compact program internally.In order to create an unending pool that stretches over the golf course and a covered entrance that welcomes entry, the roof planes and the ground level plane are meticulously modified.Living between two planes and minimizing environmental effect while enhancing the sensation of something as basic as an inhabited shadow in Sotogrande is the goal.Ground floor planSectionGround floor planFran Silvestre Arquitectos also completed a villa that takes references from the ancient Greeks, Etruscans and Romans' domus - known as a type of town house occupied by the upper classes or wealthy people. In addition, the firm built a zigzagging house on a sloped topography, featuring an open pool at one end of a linear volume.Project factsProject name:House In SotograndeArchitects:Fran Silvestre ArquitectosLocation:Sotogrande, SpainProject team:Fran Silvestre, Carlos Lucas, Paco Chinesta, Neus Roso.Interior design:Alfaro HofmannBuilding engineering consultants:Agustn Jimnez SurezStructural engineers:Estructuras SingularesProject manager:Adn BolaosCollaborators:Mara Masi, Pablo Camarasa, Ricardo Candela, Estefania Soriano, Sevak Asatrin, Andrea Baldo, Angelo Brollo, Paloma Feng, Javi Herrero, Gino Brollo, Facundo Castro, Anna Alfanjarn, Laura Bueno, Toni Cremades, Susana Len, David Cirocchi, Nuria Domnech, Andrea Raga, Olga Martn, Vctor Gonzlez, Pepe Llop, Alberto Bianchi, Luca Domingo, Pablo Sim, Andrea Blasco, Laura Palacio, Carlos Perez, Jovita Cortijo, Claudia Escorcia, Ana Bono, Andrea Garca, Diana Murcia, Fran Ayala, Ana de Pablo, Sara Atienza, Jos Mara Ibaez, Valeria Fernandini, Sandra Mazcun.Construction area:802m2Plot area:3,520 m2General contractor: Mar State ConstructionAll images Fernando GuerraAll drawings Fran Silvestre Arquitectos.> via Fran Silvestre Arquitectos

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"UNStudio will transform the site of Expo City Dubai into a new Urban Centre, which is aimed to be a new centre for the future of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The Expo City Dubai masterplan is developed by UNStudio (Urban design and Architecture) in collaboration with Buro Happold (Engineering/Sustainability), SLA (Landscape and Public Space Design), Endpoint (Wayfinding) and LDC (lighting), EGIS (AoR), Compass (Cost Consultant) and Vedra (Project management support).Image HansinokOne of five centers on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to achieve net zero by 2050 and has broader decarbonization ambitions to set the standard for responsible urban development, the masterplan serves as a guide for sustainable urban living.Building on the heritage of Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, Expo City Dubai is a mixed-use development. During its six-month run, the event drew over 24 million visitors from 192 countries. The location also hosted Cop 28 after the event.Image HansinokAn innovation-driven, people-centered community founded on the idea that teamwork can drive sustainable growth, this development earned LEED Gold and WELL Community Gold certification.More than 80% of the structures and infrastructure created for Expo 2020 is maintained and UNStudio's masterplan preserves the character and integrity of the current site throughout the legacy development. Additionally, it guarantees that Expo City Dubai will remain completely integrated while reaping the benefits of the constructed environment created to host Expo 2020 Dubai.Image HISMThe city will be 3.5 square kilometers in size and will be developed gradually in phases to meet changing needs. Over 35,000 residents and 37,000 professionals will call it home. It will still draw roughly 50,000 tourists annually.The concept, which builds on the legacy of Expo 2020, is envisioned as an economic, social, and cultural development that will bring about a human-centered, healthy environment that can flourish in a competitive real estate market.Image HISMThe new Expo City Dubai employs an effective grid that provides a sturdy urban structure for accessibility, circulation, and navigation, departing from the natural character of the existing Thematic Districts.Each of the five new districts that make up the masterplan has both new construction and existing assets.Expo City's highest skyscraper is located in Expo Downtown, a densely populated mixed-use neighborhood. The district will feature Expo Sports Fields, a school, residences, shops, food and beverage establishments, and an arena for major music events, all of which will serve as models for healthy living.Image HISMExpo Hills is a low-density residential neighborhood that provides a more tranquil urban living experience. It features landscaped gardens and an open space that resembles a wadi.Expo Business is a campus-like setting for creative and enterprising companies who value sustainability as much as Expo City does. The planned site is adjacent to Expo Valley, a fifth district that will include a low-density residential neighborhood when it is completed in 2026.Image PlompIn close proximity to all residential units and office spaces, each planned district offers a variety of applications and local amenities. The actual residential communities will serve as prime examples of cutting-edge, eco-friendly design best practices with an emphasis on happiness and well-being. A network of green and blue areas, ranging from parks and fields to gardens and urban water features, throughout the entire concept.Image PlompIt is believed that the move of WTC's Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) to the location will present Expo City Dubai to new users and tourists. The Expo City Dubai property will therefore become a sought-after location for businesses, including retail, hospitality, offices, storage, and parking.To maximize cross-over from the DEC to the territory and make sure the area is vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming, special attention is paid to the direct contact between the Expo City Dubai site and the DEC.Image PlompIt is crucial to find the most convenient approach to connect Expo Valley and Expo City Dubai, according to UNStudio. The two developments are connected by a new open park that offers recreational and cultural opportunities, facilitated by micro-mobility pathways. The opening of Expo Market, a brand-new neighborhood market hall, attracts people from Expo Valley who commute to and from work.Image PlompThe master plan provides destinations for both first-time visitors to Dubai and future transit travelers, with plans for Al Makhtum Airport to open in 2030. The concept provides a first-stop welcome to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, complete with distinctive local hotels, made-in-Dubai stores, farm-to-table restaurants, and a vibrant cultural program.The Danish nature-based design firm SLA organized the public realm and landscape plan for Expo City in accordance with the three principles of the Dubai 2020 Expo: opportunity, mobility, and sustainability.Image PlompA network of green and blue spaces, ranging from parks and plazas to tiny sikkas and urban water features, would create a rich and lively everyday public realm if Expo City Dubai is developed with an emphasis on these three broad principles.Multiple kilometers of active, green, and blue networks, lively plazas and highstreets, high-performing climate action addressing issues like urban heat islands, air pollution, and microclimate optimization, and the planting of over 30,000 native trees are all part of the landscape masterplan, which aims to directly integrate the goals of the Dubai 2020 Expo into the public realm.Image PlompThe design of a new urban "Expo Forest" that connects to the nearby valley systems is one of the many new nature-based features. It features ghaf trees, naturally undulating landscapes, local wildlife, and a variety of activities that actively support and enhance the biodiversity of the area, from treetop climbing and birdwatching to urban farming.The public realm design will immerse locals and tourists in the UAE's distinctive and resilient environment, with the declared goal of creating the greenest neighborhood in Dubai. This will ensure that the Dubai 2020 Expo leaves a lasting and sustainable legacy.Image PlompHuman demands and environmental stewardship will be balanced in the future Expo City Dubai. The master plan has been created and will be carried out in accordance with particular goals, including conserving and enhancing biodiversity, cutting back on energy and water use, and utilizing clean energy and alternative water sources.Residents will also benefit from an abundance of green space per person, a rise in the usage of sustainable public transportation alternatives, and the inclusion of areas that promote walking, bicycling, and micromobility.Image PlompImage PlompImage PlompIn order to guarantee a focus on health and wellness, the masterplan has already earned WELL Community Gold Certification, BREEAM Excellent for infrastructure and public realm projects, and LEED Gold as a minimum requirement for all buildings.Image UNStudioRecently, UNStudio released first-ever biophilic residential concept in Seoul. In addition, the firm Kyklos Building in Luxembourg, reducing carbon footprint around 80%. Moreover, the firm created monumental faade with petal-like columns for Huawei Flagship Store.Project factsClient: Expo City DubaiUNStudio Team: Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos with Arjan Pit, Dana Behrman, Aurelie Hsiao, Misja Van Veen, Allison Weiler, Michael Labory, Andi Balza, Olga Kotta, Chrysa Triantafyllidou, and Joshua Karategin, Nathan Ngo, Zacharoula Loizou, Yvonne Yuen, Rotem Shenitzer, Jinlai Song, Yimeng Ma, Valentina Amaya, Bart Chompff, Nathan van Nugteren, Lucas Di Gioia, Aleksei Lebedev, Daniel Diez, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, Jose Sanmartin Gonzalez, Carolina Boccella, Mircea Mogan, Hyunjin Park, Andrius Ribikauskas, Luca Fabbri, Alex Kalavech, Caroline Wang, Giovanni Cuguttu, Joe Tu, Luke Kim, Christian Maijstr, Felizitas Dochantschi, Ins Verna, Nawid Piracha, Anna Maria Pisani, Monica Palfy, Shaghayegh Shayan.Advisors:Buro Happold - Mobility, Sustainability, Accessibility, Environmental Scope, Fire & Life Safety Design, Infrastructure Planning (Wet &Dry), Roads and Highways, Traffic Impact Study, Security, Microclimate, CFD Analysis, Solid Waste Management, SMART City, AcousticsSLA Landscape & Public Realm designEndpoint Wayfinding Strategy & Concept DesignLDC Lighting DesignEGIS/WMI Architect of RecordVedra Developers FZ LLC Project Management SupportCPP wind Wind EngineeringRTC TISAESG EIACompass Cost ConsultantMimar Models Physical ModelThe top image in the article Hansinok.Visualisations Plomp, HISM and Hansinok.> via UNStudio

Submitted by WA ContentsCIVILISTANBUL'25 will be held from 25 to 28 February 2025 in IstanbulTurkey Architecture News - Feb 07, 2025 - 16:18 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"CivilIstanbul started as "RIJIT" in 2012, and has been known as "Civil Istanbul Architecture and Engineering Conferences" since 2014. It is now the leading event within the construction industry for the YTU Society of Construction.Through a varety of interesting conferences, panel discussions, workshops and other engaging activites, our aim is to bring together leading companies and thought-provoking speakers from both national and international spheres to address current issues and explore future perspectves. Our goal is to reunite speakers with our participants ths year. By doing this, we make sure that CivilIstanbul remains an important gathering place for those passionate about the industry, providing them with information on the newest advancements and future trends.CivilIstanbul'25, which will be held in the last week of February, will last for four days and will include conferences, panels and Meet and Greet's on the first two days where we can spend time with the companies in our foyer area, which are the representatives of the sector, and a special disaster section on the second day where we can discuss all situations of disaster as well as conferences. On the third day, CIVILFEST, which will be held for the second time this year, and CIVILCASE, which will be held for the first time in the history of CivilIstanbul, will take place.On the last day of the event, technical visits will be organised to architectural offices, construction sites, etc. where new applications are realised, which will reinforce the knowledge gained during the conference and are in line with the topics of the event.OpenGala, which will take place the day before the start of the event, and traditional night, cultural tours and various social activites to be held during the event will provide an environment of fun and mingling with the participants.The themes of CivilIstanbul'25 are Human, Energy, Disaster, and Technology.Sessions are listed below:Neuro ArchitectureBio MimicryRegenerative DesignVibrant Spaces Living BuildingsSmart BuildingsRenewable EnergyWaste and Water RecyclingEnergy Efficiency in City InfrastructuresMapping of Transmission LinesAdaptive ReuseTelematics MontoringBuilding AutomationBIMMetaverseArtificial Intelligence in the Construction IndustryPrefabricated Modular SystemsDroughtWater Level RiseSoil ErosionEarthquake Climate CrisisBuilding Sector; Yesterday, Today, TomorrowVocational Education LeadershipHistory of ArchitectureCareer StepsAbout accomodationAccommodation for participants will be fully organised by our team to ensure a stress-free experence. All participant fees cover the accommodation.Our team will manage all arrangements, from selecting comfortable lodgings to ensuring a smooth stay. Participants can expect comfortable and enjoyable accommodation throughout the event, allowing them to concentrate on ther experience without having to worry about accommodation.For further details, visit the event's website, and download the the catalogue of the event: CIVILISTANBUL'25 INTRODUCTION CATALOGUE_.pdf.The top image courtesy of CivilIstanbul'25.> via CivilIstanbul'25architecture event

Submitted by WA ContentsSyn Architects to represent Saudi Arabia at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 Saudi Arabia Architecture News - Feb 07, 2025 - 14:25 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Saudi Arabia has announced its participation at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 with Syn Architects (Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi) with the National Pavilion.For its fourth participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale, Saudi Arabia will be represented by Riyadh-based architectural practice Syn Architects (Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi) with the exhibition of "The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection".The exhibition, curated by Beatrice Leanza with help from Sara Almutlaq, launched an alternative pedagogical platform that expands on the work of the Um Slaim Collective and the Riyadh-based practice Syn Architects by staging a living archive and interactive website.In order to examine the displacement of Najdi architecture in central Riyadh, Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi formed the Riyadh-based Syn Architects, which in turn launched the Um Slaim Collective in 2021.Curator: Beatrice Leanza. Image Diana TinocoIn order to express new ways of reading and imagining the built environment that are consistent with the spatial lessons of the past, The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection combines experimental, visual, and oral documentation that probes the complex relationships and stories woven throughout the city.By doing this, it hopes to develop a new ecosystem for architectural education in Saudi Arabia and promote cross-border communication with generational experiences that are equally interested in practice-led pedagogies and research-centered methodologies to tackle issues including resource management, climate change, and the social aspect of the city.The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection explores Riyadh's architectural legacy in relation to identity, ecology, and urban-making by promoting the ways in which regional educational institutions and knowledge hubs can respond to the demands of a world that is changing quickly, both within and outside of Saudi Arabia.Under the direction of curator Beatrice Leanza and with assistance from Maryam AlNoaimi, a generative program of public and laboratorial sessions will advance spatial and urban thinking in the area and foster international cooperation to inform the future school. Alongside the program, a magazine will be created to compile the results for use after Biennale Architettura 2025.Anywhere can be a place of worship by Syn Architects at the 2023 Islamic Arts Biennale. Image Laurian Ghinitoiu"The Um Slaim School is a foundation for an alternative approach to architectural re-imagining through spatial narratives and materiality. This pavilion will invite a collective retelling of our effect on the environments we inhabit and our urban histories," said Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi, Syn Architects partners."Our interest lies in that symbiosis, how our values and ideas shape our world, and how the parameters of our landscapes influence that shaping," Alissa and Alsudairi added."Our participation at the Biennale Architettura 2025 embraces the emergence of generational voices in Saudi Arabia that are reshaping spatial practices. The Um Slaim School reflects a critical shift towards participatory frameworks for urban futures and eco-social imaginaries of resilience and renewal," said Beatrice Leanza, the curator."It endeavors to create an alternative pedagogical initiative that remains rooted in vernacular knowledge while striving to suggest new pathways for architectures role and purpose in todays world," Leanza added.The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection will be on display at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 from May 10 to November 23, 2025, at the National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia. This will be the eighth time Saudi Arabia has participated in the La Biennale di Venezia's International Architecture and Art Exhibitions.The Kingdom's best creative talent from all throughout its regions may be found at the Saudi Pavilion, which is housed in the Arsenale. The pavilion will serve as a gathering place for cultural practitioners to study, investigate, and work together in the domains of architecture and art.The commission for Saudi Arabia's National Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale is the Architecture and Design Commission. In order to foster talent and innovative thinking that reflects the Kingdom's unique culture, the Commission promotes Saudi Arabian architects and designers through educational programs and initiatives.The top image: Participants: Syn Architects, Nojoud Alsudairi (left) and Sara Alissa (right). Image Nora Alissa.> via Syn Architects

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The second phase of Habitat Qinhuangdao, a high-density residential complex situated 200 miles east of Beijing, China, on the Bohai Sea coast, has been completed, by Safdie Architects and Kerry Properties.The original development, which opened in 2016, was more than quadrupled in size during this phase, creating a thriving community of more than 1,800 houses with access to more than 40 acres (16 hectares) of elegant public gardens, terraces, and outdoor and indoor recreational areas.This is Safdie Architects' largest residential project to date, fulfilling the promise of Habitat 67's revolutionary vision for high-density, humane urban dwelling.The concepts and ideals established in Habitat '67, Moshe Safdie's ground-breaking urban housing project designed for the 1967 World Exposition in Montreal, are incorporated into the design of Habitat Qinhuangdao. Over half a century later, Habitat Qinhuangdao reiterates that the idea is "highly scalable and widely transferable."Habitat Qinhuangdao offers a lively coastal neighborhood that promotes community and develops a connection to environment by prioritizing sunshine, natural ventilation, views, and outdoor green spaceconditions that deliver quality of life that are rarely accomplished in large-scale, high-density development."The demand for quality multi-family housing in Chinas growing cities has allowed us to apply the principles that informed Habitat 67 at a greater density," said Moshe Safdie, Founding Partner."By breaking down the mega- scale, Habitat Qinhuangdao is a model for high- density housing where the amenities surpass that of the typical high-rise complex without sacrificing the structures efficiency or humanity," Safdie added.In order to create Habitat Qinhuangdao, Safdie Architects arranged the dwellings in a sequence of 16-story stacked residential blocks that are connected by skybridges at the 18th and 33rd floors and offset by gardens at the base.The stepped and staggered shapes of the buildings contain enormous "urban windows"view passages between the city and the seaand produce private terraces, balconies, and solariums, humanizing the scale and tying the development to its surroundings. In order to get sunlight, the buildings' long elevations face south, west, and east.Light from the wide cityscape windows is filtered into the interiors facing north. The development feels light, spacious, and open as a result."In Kerry Properties we had an ambitious client who saw how our design philosophy would resonate with the local culture and context," said Sean Scensor, Senior Partner and project lead."When you stagger and offset units from one another, stepping the buildings away from the sea, you create beautiful terraces that make each unit feel like a penthouse. The project is simultaneously visually intriguing and inherently rational," Scensor added.A number of densely planted parks that honor Qinhuangdao's natural setting and encourage both passive and active recreation encircle the structures.With their varying topography, various flora, and interesting elements like adventure playgrounds, a manicured amphitheater, planted promenades, and water features, each park provides its occupants a unique experience.The skybridges connecting the houses are used for additional community gardens and pool areas, offering fresh outdoor activities amid views of the sky, city, and sea.Across typologies, geographies, scales, and decades, Safdie Architects' design approach is driven by Habitat '67's animating principle, "For Everyone a Garden," a beautifully simple idea that views architecture as a selfless act of connecting us to nature and creating meaningful spaces of community that act as catalysts for vibrant public life.The concept was evaluated at various dimensions, densities, climates, and cultural settings as part of a year-long research fellowship called Habitat of the Future, which was conducted by Safdie Architects in 2010.The design of Habitat Qinhuangdao and the other recent Habitat urban housing projects by Safdie Architects, including Sky Habitat in Singapore in 2016, Altair in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2021, and Qorner in Quito, Ecuador in 2022, are based on the findings of this study.Although every iteration presents a different reaction to site, environment, and culture, the design team's overarching objective remains the same: to build thriving, livable communities.The largest built example of these ideals to date is Habitat Qinhuangdao, according to Safdie Architects.Project factsProject name: Habitat QinhuangdaoDesign Architect: Safdie ArchitectsClient: Kerry Properties LimitedPartners: Moshe Safdie, Charu Kokate, Sean Scensor, Chris Mulvey, Warren MathisonDesign team: David Orens (Project Director), Benjy Lee, Carrie Yoon, Daniel Cho, David Brooks, Fred Kim, Lusha Wainford, Michael Guran, Nan Xiang, Paige Mader, Shiyun Qian, Ye Yang.Local Design Institute: China Shanghai Architectural Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd, ShanghaiGeneral Contractor: China Railway Group LimitedFaade Consultant: Phase I - Konstruct Partners, Hong Kong - Phase II AECOMFaade Design Institute: Zhe Jiang Zhong Nan Construction Group Co. LtdInterior Designers:Phase I - BC&A International Ltd., Hong Kong; YASHA Decoration Co., Ltd.Phase II QUAD (Lobby Interiors); Yang and Associates Group, Shenzhen (Unit Interiors)Landscape Design Architect: Phase I SWA Group, Laguna Beach, CA - Phase II WAA+ Landscape Architects, ShanghaiLandscape Design Institutes: Ager Group, Beijing DQLand, BeijingLighting Design: LAM Partners, Cambridge, MA, Brandston Partnership Inc., Shanghai / New YorkSignage: Square Peg DesignPhase 1: 152,450m2Phase 2: 244,000m2Sales Building: 5,500m2All images Shao Feng, courtesy of Safdie Architects.> via Safdie Architects

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"SANAA has been awarded the 2025 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for Architecture, announced by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).Japanese architecture practice SANAA, led by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, will receive the 2025 Royal Gold Medal for architecture - one of the worlds highest honours in architecture.The award honors SANAA's work to transform the world of design by "creating spaces that prioritize elegance, lightness, and simplicity."The 2025 RIBA Honours Committee commended SANAA for its work in advancing sustainable, user-centered design for almost thirty years.The 21st Century Museum of Art, Japan. Image SANAA"A universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere"SANAA was praised for shaping "a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere. Balancing boldness with sensitivity to the local environment, their works demonstrate that architecture can be both functional and profoundly elegant, offering a sense of calm amidst an increasingly complex and chaotic world."Bocconi University, Italy. Image SANAA"We have tried to make spaces that bring people together""We are delighted and very honoured to receive the Royal Gold Medal. We have always believed that architecture can transform and repair environments, helping us to relate to our surroundings, nature and each other," said SANAA."Throughout our careers we have tried to make spaces that bring people together, inviting them to imagine new ways of living and learning collectively.""Architecture is always teamwork, and we are very grateful to everyone that has given us opportunities to develop these ideas over the years, and to all those people that have worked tirelessly with us to realise them. This is a very happy moment for us, thank you," SANAA added.Grace Farms, USA. Image Iwan BaanWith an emphasis on accessibility and diversity, SANAA is known for its strong dedication to developing spaces that foster community and encourage cooperation.Transparency and materiality frequently blend together to create surroundings that connect visitors to the architecture and surrounding landscape, and their unique use of light gives their spaces an ethereal feel.Their designs exhibit a remarkable commitment to their local context and surrounds, with projects across the globe.SANAA's designs reflect a profound sensitivity to place, from the imposing New Museum that towers over the busy streets of New York City to the subtly flowing low rise Rolex Learning Centre that "flows" over the beaches of Lake Geneva in Lausanne.Louvre-Lens, France. Image SANAAA tribute to the profound rigor of Sejima and Nishizawa's work, their designs frequently conceal the calm richness of their interiors behind a plain, minimalistic exterior. Their architectural approach is defined by this harmony between depth and simplicity. The Dior Omotesando Store in Japan (2003), the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan (2004), the Zollverein School of Design in Germany (2006), the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in the United Kingdom (2009), the Louvre-Lens in France (2012), Grace Farms in the United States (2015), and Sydney Modern in Australia (2022) are some of their other notable works throughout their career. New Kagawa Sports Arena, Japan. Image SANAA"Exemplifying an unassuming yet impactful leadership in the evolving practice and theory of architecture, SANAAs designs demonstrate that architecture can balance functionality with profound elegance," said Muyiwa Oki, the RIBA President and Chair of the 2025 RIBA Honours Committee."True pioneers in the field, their unwavering commitment to sustainable, user-centred design has quietly blazed a trail for others, setting an inspiring standard for the future of our built environment.""Showing remarkable clarity and consistency over the decades, their work serves as a lasting testament to the transformative power of architecture - to inspire joy, create a sense of belonging, and connect us to the environments we inhabit," Oki added.New Museum, USA. Image Dean KaufmanSANAA will receive the award during a public celebration in London on May 1, 2025. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki chaired the 2025 RIBA Honours Committee, which included 2024 Royal Gold Medal winner Lesley Lokko, BIG founder and architect Bjarke Ingels, and dRMM co-founding director and architect Sadie Morgan OBE.Samaritaine in France. Image SANAAKazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa have received numerous awards, including the renowned Pritzker Prize in 2010, the Architectural Institute of Japan Award in 2006 and the Praemium Imperiale award for architecture in 2022.Kazuyo Sejima was awarded the Jane Drew Prize for Architecture 2023 for her work and commitment to design excellence and her contribution to raising the profile of women in architecture.Sydney Modern Project, Australia. Image Iwan BaanTsuruoka, Japan. Image SANAARead the fully citation by the 2025 RIBA Honours Committee:Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates (SANAA) is the established collaborative practice of Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. Spanning nearly three decades, their work has become a standard for creating meaningful, culturally insightful, and elegant architectural designs.Their work has reshaped the global design landscape, producing works that bring simplicity, light and elegance to the fore, establishing themselves as leaders in architectures global discourse. The projects bring spaces to life with a simplicity that resonates deeply across cultures and generations.SANAAs extraordinary talent comes from the unusual nature of their practice. One which oscillates between the two partners as individual practitioners, but whose many collaborations always produce interesting and remarkable results.Balancing subtlety with strength, SANAAs landmark works speak for themselves. From the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa to the Rolex Learning Centre in Lausanne, these projects blend transparency with solidity, uniting public and private spaces. With simple, elegant materials and graceful lines, their designs invite interaction, creating a seamless flow of natural light a hallmark of their approach. Their work at the New Museum in New York and the Louvre-Lens in France reflects the innovative spirit and technical skill, bringing warmth and life to every space. Bold yet respectful of the local environment, SANAA has, since its founding, shaped a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere.As pioneers in sustainable, user-centred design, SANAA exemplifies an unassuming yet impactful leadership in the evolving practice and theory of architecture. Their lasting commitment to minimalist, human-focused space speaks to a deep understanding of architecture's power to shape society. In an era where sustainability and accessibility are increasingly essential, SANAAs work continues to set a thoughtful, inspiring standard.This medal recognises a practice that has exemplified remarkable clarity and consistency over the decades. It is a testament to their contribution to architecture - intellectually rigorous yet playfully engaging. Their legacy is rooted in a shared vision where architecture prioritises the human experience and human interaction, alongside form and function. As pioneers, they demonstrate that architecture can be both functional and profoundly elegant, bringing a sense of calm to our increasingly complex and chaotic world. Their designs prove that good architecture is approachable, easy to use, and compelling, as it embodies a global language of design understood across culture and generations.The top image in the article: Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa Aiko Suzuki.> via RIBA

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"SANAA has been awarded the 2025 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for Architecture, announced by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).Japanese architecture practice SANAA, led by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, will receive the 2025 Royal Gold Medal for architecture - one of the worlds highest honours in architecture.The award honors SANAA's work to transform the world of design by "creating spaces that prioritize elegance, lightness, and simplicity."The 2025 RIBA Honours Committee commended SANAA for its work in advancing sustainable, user-centered design for almost thirty years.The 21st Century Museum of Art, Japan. Image SANAA"A universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere"SANAA was praised for shaping "a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere. Balancing boldness with sensitivity to the local environment, their works demonstrate that architecture can be both functional and profoundly elegant, offering a sense of calm amidst an increasingly complex and chaotic world."Bocconi University, Italy. Image SANAA"We have tried to make spaces that bring people together""We are delighted and very honoured to receive the Royal Gold Medal. We have always believed that architecture can transform and repair environments, helping us to relate to our surroundings, nature and each other," said SANAA."Throughout our careers we have tried to make spaces that bring people together, inviting them to imagine new ways of living and learning collectively.""Architecture is always teamwork, and we are very grateful to everyone that has given us opportunities to develop these ideas over the years, and to all those people that have worked tirelessly with us to realise them. This is a very happy moment for us, thank you," SANAA added.Grace Farms, USA. Image Iwan BaanWith an emphasis on accessibility and diversity, SANAA is known for its strong dedication to developing spaces that foster community and encourage cooperation.Transparency and materiality frequently blend together to create surroundings that connect visitors to the architecture and surrounding landscape, and their unique use of light gives their spaces an ethereal feel.Their designs exhibit a remarkable commitment to their local context and surrounds, with projects across the globe.SANAA's designs reflect a profound sensitivity to place, from the imposing New Museum that towers over the busy streets of New York City to the subtly flowing low rise Rolex Learning Centre that "flows" over the beaches of Lake Geneva in Lausanne.Louvre-Lens, France. Image SANAAA tribute to the profound rigor of Sejima and Nishizawa's work, their designs frequently conceal the calm richness of their interiors behind a plain, minimalistic exterior. Their architectural approach is defined by this harmony between depth and simplicity. The Dior Omotesando Store in Japan (2003), the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan (2004), the Zollverein School of Design in Germany (2006), the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in the United Kingdom (2009), the Louvre-Lens in France (2012), Grace Farms in the United States (2015), and Sydney Modern in Australia (2022) are some of their other notable works throughout their career. New Kagawa Sports Arena, Japan. Image SANAA"Exemplifying an unassuming yet impactful leadership in the evolving practice and theory of architecture, SANAAs designs demonstrate that architecture can balance functionality with profound elegance," said Muyiwa Oki, the RIBA President and Chair of the 2025 RIBA Honours Committee."True pioneers in the field, their unwavering commitment to sustainable, user-centred design has quietly blazed a trail for others, setting an inspiring standard for the future of our built environment.""Showing remarkable clarity and consistency over the decades, their work serves as a lasting testament to the transformative power of architecture - to inspire joy, create a sense of belonging, and connect us to the environments we inhabit," Oki added.New Museum, USA. Image Dean KaufmanSANAA will receive the award during a public celebration in London on May 1, 2025. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki chaired the 2025 RIBA Honours Committee, which included 2024 Royal Gold Medal winner Lesley Lokko, BIG founder and architect Bjarke Ingels, and dRMM co-founding director and architect Sadie Morgan OBE.Samaritaine in France. Image SANAAKazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa have received numerous awards, including the renowned Pritzker Prize in 2010, the Architectural Institute of Japan Award in 2006 and the Praemium Imperiale award for architecture in 2022.Kazuyo Sejima was awarded the Jane Drew Prize for Architecture 2023 for her work and commitment to design excellence and her contribution to raising the profile of women in architecture.Sydney Modern Project, Australia. Image Iwan BaanTsuruoka, Japan. Image SANAARead the fully citation by the 2025 RIBA Honours Committee:Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates (SANAA) is the established collaborative practice of Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. Spanning nearly three decades, their work has become a standard for creating meaningful, culturally insightful, and elegant architectural designs.Their work has reshaped the global design landscape, producing works that bring simplicity, light and elegance to the fore, establishing themselves as leaders in architectures global discourse. The projects bring spaces to life with a simplicity that resonates deeply across cultures and generations.SANAAs extraordinary talent comes from the unusual nature of their practice. One which oscillates between the two partners as individual practitioners, but whose many collaborations always produce interesting and remarkable results.Balancing subtlety with strength, SANAAs landmark works speak for themselves. From the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa to the Rolex Learning Centre in Lausanne, these projects blend transparency with solidity, uniting public and private spaces. With simple, elegant materials and graceful lines, their designs invite interaction, creating a seamless flow of natural light a hallmark of their approach. Their work at the New Museum in New York and the Louvre-Lens in France reflects the innovative spirit and technical skill, bringing warmth and life to every space. Bold yet respectful of the local environment, SANAA has, since its founding, shaped a universal language of architecture that resonates with people everywhere.As pioneers in sustainable, user-centred design, SANAA exemplifies an unassuming yet impactful leadership in the evolving practice and theory of architecture. Their lasting commitment to minimalist, human-focused space speaks to a deep understanding of architecture's power to shape society. In an era where sustainability and accessibility are increasingly essential, SANAAs work continues to set a thoughtful, inspiring standard.This medal recognises a practice that has exemplified remarkable clarity and consistency over the decades. It is a testament to their contribution to architecture - intellectually rigorous yet playfully engaging. Their legacy is rooted in a shared vision where architecture prioritises the human experience and human interaction, alongside form and function. As pioneers, they demonstrate that architecture can be both functional and profoundly elegant, bringing a sense of calm to our increasingly complex and chaotic world. Their designs prove that good architecture is approachable, easy to use, and compelling, as it embodies a global language of design understood across culture and generations.The top image in the article: Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa Aiko Suzuki.> via RIBA

Submitted by WA ContentsHEMAA built a slender skyscraper that stands elegantly on a narrow plot in Mexico City Mexico Architecture News - Feb 04, 2025 - 14:55 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Mexican architecture firm HEMAA has built a slender skyscraper that stands elegantly on a narrow plot in Mexico City, Mexico.Named Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780, the 13-storey skyscraper is situated on a narrow strip of land which was destined to become a neglected area of the city.Situated between a narrow street and the remnants of the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad, HEMAA faced the challenge of envisioning "a graceful" tower that would adapt to the difficult terrain. This tower would emerge like a resilient plants that flourish in the face of hardship, exceeding all expectations.Inheriting its external appearance from the industrial past of the urban fabric, the tower becomes an elegant representation of modern architecture using steel, concrete and glass.The structure is a result of meticulous analysis and reworking of classical architectural features. The design explores attractive proportions in great detail, using golden ratios whenever feasible.Moreover, it demonstrates a knowledge of steel, concrete, and glass construction in the context of contemporary architecture while paying close attention to the site's unique characteristics.Each of the base, shaft, and capital that make up its volumetric composition reveals its own character through a variety of modulations and windows of different sizes.The design removes any obstacles from the floors by cleverly using the structural facade. A constructive technique like this produces modules that carefully arrange the facades and maximize the use of interior space.These facades, which are enclosed within the urban setting, primarily use glazing to let in a lot of natural light and to blend the building in with its surroundings.Image Rory GardinerIn terms of architecture, the bottom floor welcomes guests with two symmetrical entrances on the north and south faces, which allow pedestrian traffic to flow freely and visually connect the street to the newly finished linear park along the railroad.Its domain includes two parking cabins, aided by a robotic pallet system, and two service cores that include utilities, restrooms, stairwells, and elevators. Image Rory GardinerThe ground floor is further enhanced with a commercial space intended for a local coffee shop with welcoming terraces. The program streamlines on the normal floors, keeping only the most important service cores.On the thirteenth story, however, the inner space recedes to make room for a spacious terrace that offers expansive views that stretch from Chapultepec Park to the city skyline.Image Rory GardinerStorage rooms, cleaning and maintenance areas, and other areas essential to the building's smooth functioning are located below street level. Interestingly, 126 parking spots spread over 13 storeys are accommodated by a robotic parking system.The limited site limitations and local standard requirements that made it difficult to use a conventional parking system gave rise to this creative approach.Image Rory Gardiner"The substantial materiality of steel serves as an evocative reminder of the area's industrial past. Once peripheral, this district has undergone a remarkable rejuvenation, emerging as one of Mexico City's most vibrant locales, boasting unparalleled cultural, economic, and infrastructural growth in recent years," said HEMAA."Echoing this historical resonance, the building's name boldly situates the tower alongside the railway tracks.""Guided by the principles of rationality, order, and meticulous proportion, this project aspires to contribute to the urban fabric, becoming an integral part of its narrative," the firm added.Image Rory GardinerApart from its historical significance, the choice of steel as the primary building material is crucial for tackling the particular difficulties presented by Mexico City's seismic regulations.The city's building standards mandate that structures have strong systems that can withstand earthquake forces because the area is seismically active.Image Rory GardinerThe project collaborated with elite structural designers known for their proficiency in seismic-resistant design in order to meet the seismic difficulties and guarantee the highest degree of structural integrity.The structure has a distinctive and unique form while blending in with its surroundings. Its shape gently changes depending on the time of observation and the viewpoint of the observer, providing a multitude of distinct interpretations.Image Rory GardinerIts "unequivocal identity" provides the perfect setting for the tower to take on a lively life once it is occupied. Architecture and technology blend together to create a flexible system that guarantees effective resource management and energy use.In addition, Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 is certified by LEED, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Advanced HVAC systems, high-efficiency lighting, and insulation systems are examples of energy efficiency techniques that guarantee optimal energy use and lower carbon emissions.Water consumption can be considerably decreased by implementing water conservation techniques, such as rainwater collection and energy-efficient plumbing fixtures.The health and well-being of occupants are promoted by adequate natural lighting and efficient air replacement, which are key components of indoor environmental quality.With expansive windows, a rooftop garden, and outdoor gathering spaces that improve the user experience overall, the building's architecture promotes a connection to nature.Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 actively contributes to the restoration of the neighboring urban ecosystem in addition to adapting to it. It engages in an active conversation with its community, embracing its obligation to public space.As a result, a section of the property has been set aside for public space expansion rather than new development.This will promote connectivity and ease traffic flow by linking a densely populated and once congested street to the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad linear park.Additionally, the ground floor's planned commercial area adds to the lively ambiance. Like the nearby parks and museums, this structure accepts the duty of creating a resilient urban fabric in which the past and present coexist peacefully to create a picture that represents the city's future.Location planBasement floor planGround floor planFloor planFloor planEast faadeNorth facadeAxonometric drawingAxonometric detail drawingProject factsProject name: Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780Architects: HEMAALocation:Mexico City, MexicoBuilding area:9,464.43mDesign and Construction Team:Santiago Hernndez Matos, Alejandra Tornel Cahue, Jos Miguel Fainsod Castro, Jos Pedro Lpez Gonzlez, Alonso Snchez Toscano, Adriana Aguirre Becerra, Andrea Motilla Chvez, Daniela Parra Orozco, Jos Miguel Santivaez Gmez, Juan Octavio Ferreira, Mnica Garca Cruz, Patricio Salgado Rodrguez.Estructural Engineering:PESAElectric Engineering:DECPlumbing Engineering:Garza MaldonadoHVAC Engineering:CYVSASpecial Engineering:TecnoBuildingsLandscape Design:DLC ArchitectsLEED Certification Comissioning:Alejandro Trillo + Gabriel MoralesArchitectural Model:Taller Cuatro CuartosModel Photographs:Rodrigo ChapaOthers: Omar Sad / Augusto lvarezThe top image in the article Rory Gardiner.All images Csar BjarAll drawings HEMAA.> via HEMAA

Submitted by WA ContentsUNStudio releases first-ever biophilic residential concept in SeoulKorea, South Architecture News - Feb 04, 2025 - 13:00 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"UNStudio has released a new residenctial development that can represent a new landmark for urban living in Seoul, South Korea. Called Hannamdong-4 Residences, the 114,930-square-metre project is decsribed as "the first-ever biophilic residential concept" in Seoul.By fusing innovative design, community-focused areas, state-of-the-art sustainability, and the breathtaking surrounding natural scenery, UNStudio's Hannamdong-4 Residences reinvent urban life. The complex consists of 2,360 units, including retail and residential units. UNStudio's design, in partnership with Samsung C&T Corporation, introduces a high-end lifestyle where architecture, community, and environment come together to create a harmonious and future-ready living experience.Image Flying ArchitectureThis is in response to the growing gap between the Namsan Mountain and the Han River, which is partly caused by Seoul's rapid urbanization and sprawl."Hannamdong-4 Residences is an incredibly exciting project because it represents a new benchmark for urban living in Seoul," said Ben van Berkel, founder and principal architect, UNStudio."By blending biophilic design, sustainability and innovation, we are creating a unique residential experience that harmonises the vitality of the city with the tranquility of nature.""This project is not just about architectureits about shaping a future where people, community, and the environment thrive together," added Van Berkel.Image Flying ArchitectureThe complex, which is part of Seoul's Hannamdong-4 Residences, consists of a series of O-shaped towers overlooking the Han River that have a unique, patented spiral design. Along Bogwang-ro, which leads to Namsan Mountain, X- and L-shaped towers have been erected to complement these.Drawing inspiration from the unique features of the area, UNStudio's design proposal for this cutting-edge new residential development, which is based on the idea of "Biophilic Nexus," improves both individual well-being and communal connectivity. By putting sustainability and well-being first, this all-encompassing strategy fosters a harmonious coexistence of the city and the natural world.UNStudio said that "this project is more than just a place to live; it is a special residential experience offering breathtaking views and easy access to both natural and urban amenities.""By reconnecting residents with their surroundings, it fosters a sense of peace and balance, enhancing the quality of life for all who call it home," the firm added.Image UNStudioThe design takes inspiration from South Korea's rich past. The design incorporates aspects that represent local heritage in an effort to both reconnect the mountain to the river and connect users to the city's past.The project's front design was heavily influenced by the white pine, which was thought to have vanished but has since resurfaced in Seoul, and waterlilies, which are symbolic of the Han River.The project's dedication to combining urban living with natural beauty is reflected in the exterior's aesthetic appeal and environmental coherence, which are produced by this biophilic approach.The exterior of the X-shaped towers have been adorned with elaborate patterns that resemble the shape and texture of white pine trees. The building's structure has vertical features that resemble tree trunks and branches. The main "trunk" extends to the top, framing each tower, and branches out at the podium levels to form balconies with views of the Han River.Image UNStudioThe cylindrical tower of the O-shaped towers is surrounded by revolving waterlily modules, which organically form a green spine. These modules provide a unified and expressive articulation around the cylindrical tower and are inspired by petals. These are positioned thoughtfully throughout the building to give it a feeling of flow and movement.The O towers are powerfully framed by the L towers. Waterlilies are the inspiration for the front side of their design, while pine trees are the inspiration for the reverse side. This "Biophilic Nexus" fosters a closer bond with nature while advancing sustainability and well-being.The project's adaptable living space layout is a major breakthrough. These adaptable plans enable inhabitants to modify the interior areas to suit their needs and are made to support shifting family structures and a variety of lifestyles.In addition to improving spatial efficiency, this design strategy creates surroundings that are personalized to the tastes of users. The development is in line with the future of urban living thanks to these advances, which offer efficiency and ease.Hannamdong-4 Residences' large areas and verdant greenery will likewise revolutionize city life. Even in a highly populated metropolitan setting, shared spacessuch as a community center with 360-degree panoramic viewsare intended to promote a sense of community.The eco-friendly elevated walkway known as "Highline 365" will span 365 meters and include year-round gardens and jogging pathways for both locals and visitors.Additionally, Samsung C&T Corporation intends to create five parks across the Hannamdong-4 Residences, totaling 33,000 square meters of green space that is more than five times the size of the Seoul City Hall lawn.Image UNStudioSustainability is central to UNStudio's design, which seamlessly combines elements that improve quality of life while preserving the environment.Green terraces enhance biodiversity and air quality, while sophisticated water management techniques, such as rainwater collection and permeable pavement, reduce the environmental effect of the development.A healthy ecological relationship between the Han River and Namsan is promoted by energy-efficient technology, solar panels, and renewable energy sources, which further lessen the carbon imprint. By preserving the area's unique landscape, these design elements give locals a healthier and more sustainable place to live.UNStudio unveiled design for a new office with a mixed-use plinth in Luxembourg, which will reduce carbon footprint around 80%. In addition, the firm created a monumental faade with petal-like columns for Huawei flagship store in Shanghai, China.Project factsProject name:Hannamdong-4 ResidencesArchitects:UNStudioLocation:Bogwang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of KoreaBuilding surface:Above ground GFA 262,671.18 m2Total units: 2,360 units Building site:114,930.00 m2Status:Competition design April, 2024 ~ July, 2024UNStudio:Ben van Berkel, Astrid Piber with Marc Salemink, Sontaya Bluangtook, Lars van Hoften and Seung Keun Lee, Neeraj Mahajan, Dichao Wang, Jose Sibi, Soojin Yoon.Advisors:Local Architect: THE JIIN Architects and Associates.Top image in the article UNStudio.All images Flying Architecture and UNStudio.> via UNStudio

Submitted by WA ContentsFenix Museum by MAD Architects is set to open in May 2025 in Rotterdam Netherlands Architecture News - Feb 03, 2025 - 14:24 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"MAD Architects has announced the opening date of the Fenix, the first art museum dedicated to exploring migration as its central theme.The Fenix was designed by MAD Architects in collaboration with the Droom en Daad Foundation, which is nearing completion and set to open in May 2025.Video courtesy of MADMAD released a video featuring its founder, Ma Yansong, who discusses his vision for the museum in addition to showcasing the construction visuals.Drone Footage Henry VerhorstFenix will open to the public on May 16, 2025, in a meticulously renovated 16,000-square-meter warehouse on the waterfront where millions of refugees entered and left Rotterdam's historic Katendrecht peninsula."When MAD Architects was asked to work on Fenix, we knew we had to create a dialogue with the existing building and its surroundingsand with a past containing so many stories of migration, memories, and uncertainty," said Ma Yansong, Founder and Principal Architect of MAD.Fenix at Dusk Gregg TelussaFenix is housed in a century-old building in the center of Rotterdam's Katendrecht peninsula that was formerly the largest transshipment warehouse in the world for the Holland America Line, a company that helped millions of people, including Willem de Kooning and Albert Einstein, migrate.The Tornado, a striking double-helix staircase that ascends through the center of the warehouse and leads to a rooftop observation platform, is the focal point of its makeover.Rendering courtesy of MADThis architectural element represents a link between the past and the present by providing guests with expansive views of the River Maas and the skyline of Rotterdam.The accompanying documentary,Ma Yansong: Journey to Design the Fenix Tornado, delves into the creative process behind the Tornado, offering unique insights into how architecture intersects history, and human movement.Interior view Wilbert Zuiderduin"The Tornado is all about the future, but its rooted in the past. For me, its a metaphor for the journeys of migrants who passed through this building," said Ma Yansong.Fenix seeks to represent Rotterdam's heterogeneous diversity through its programming, architecture, and art while providing a forum for examining migration as a universal human experience.Image courtesy of MADImage courtesy of MADImage courtesy of MADMa Yansong at Fenix Mark BolkMAD revealed its latest installation, The Never Hut, at the Guangdong Nanhai Land Art Festival 2024 in Yanqiao Village, Nanhai District, Foshan City, China. In addition, the firm revealed photos of the bird-like LIJ Airport nearing completion in the foothill valleys of Lishui, China.Project factsProject name:FenixLocation: Rotterdam, NetherlandsDates:2018 2025Site Area:8,000m2Gross Internal Area:16,000m2Tornado Specifications:Height: 30 m; Ramp Length: 550 m; Cladding Area: 4,000 sqm Polished Stainless SteelPrincipal Partners in Charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke HayanoAssociate Partner in Charge: Andrea DAntrassiDesign Team:Alessandro Fisalli, Neeraj Mahajan, Marco Gastoldi, Edgar Navarrete, Cievanard Nattabowonphal, Jordan Demer, Chen Yien, YukiIshigami, Pittayapa Suriyapee, Claudia Hertrich.Client:Droom en Daad FoundationArchitectural Design:MAD ArchitectsExecutive Architect:EGMMonumental Architecture Renovation:Bureau PoldermanStructural Engineer:IMd Raadgevende IngenieursSteel Constructor:CSM SteelstructuresCladding Constructor:Central Industry Group (CIG)Lighting Consultant:Beersnielsen LichtontwerpersInstallation Design:Bosman BedrijvenInstallation Advisor:DWABuilding Physics Advisor: LBP SightTop image courtesy of MAD.> via MAD

Submitted by WA ContentsHAS design and research built a museum featuring curved walls resembling landscape caves China Architecture News - Feb 03, 2025 - 13:35 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Bangkok-based architecture firm HAS design and research has built a museum featuring curved walls for "endless spiritual perception" in Hefei, China. The project is described as "a poetic sanctuary" by the architects.Named Simple Design Archive, the 440-square-metre museum is situated in Anhui, China, it is well-known for the renowned Huangshan alpine, whose breathtaking alpine landscape gives visitors a sense of eternity and limitless spiritual vision.The building features openings instead of windows, creating a sense of mysteryModern Northern European furniture and contemporary Asian artwork are collected at the Simple Design Archive, a hybrid museum.Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, the founders and architects of HAS Design and Research, were also influenced by this exceptional natural beauty, which led them to design an endless natural flow experience for the museum and art spaces.In contrast to traditional museums, which typically open directly to the public, the Simple Design Archive has a distinct entrance. Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) has installed almost ten curving walls at the entrance, which resemble landscape caves facing the sky, in response to the crowded and noisy surroundings.By progressively altering the height of the wall apertures, these walls not only block out the noise from the outside highways but also transform the cave into a poetic sound sanctuary by creating a "echo chamber" courtyard.During the day, cicadas and birds from the wild world are drawn to the echo chamber courtyard in front of the museum by the aromatic landscape vegetation.The extended curved wall forms a natural entrywayThis offers city dwellers a new kind of relaxation by bringing a natural and refreshing micro-ecosystem to the cacophonous surrounds and offering tourists a rich and varied audio feast.In the afternoon, the curving walls create a church-like hallowed place by blocking the harsh western sunshine and letting some sunlight into the echo chamber courtyard. This gives the normally everyday city life a feeling of remarkable ritual.The wall also introduces a unique play of light and shadow to the interior spaceWith its curving walls that reach from the outside to the inside, the external architecture has an impact on the inner space. This creates a dynamic and flowing look that delicately blends the interior and exterior spaces.The entryway leads to the curved gallery, where the external seasonal skylight forest garden's tall walls are completely open except for a five-meter-tall skylight.The transparent foyer seamlessly integrates with the forestThis forest region gives the space a timeless and everlasting air by coordinating with the sun's movement to cast distinctive light and shadows on the seasonal trees below.The art and materials library, on the other hand, offers visitors a calm and stress-free viewing experience with its endless, continuous walls that blend art collections with handcrafted wooden furniture.The internal art gallery spaceIn addition to using continuous walls as architectural features for directing, showing, and storing purposes, Simple Design Archive employs these walls to demarcate indoor and outside locations.The external curved wall brings a sense of tranquility to the interior spaceArchitects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee are working on this project with the goal of creating a lyrical haven that skillfully combines indoor and outdoor areas.In addition to being a museum and collection space, it provides residents of the crowded and bustling metropolis with a sense of spatial belonging and deeper spiritual healing.This method gives the city and its residents a new sense of life that goes beyond the confines of the architectural site.The extension of the interior space provides visitors with a relaxing nature effectNature and architecture merge seamlessly into one anotherHung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) have designed a unique circulation for these art spacesThe internal art space exudes elegance and timelessnessThe floating ceiling creates a pure effect, akin to sunlight pouring down from the skySeasonal skylight forest garden links both exterior and interior spaces seamlesslyThe unique seasonal skylight forest garden imbues the interior with spirituality and ritualThe curved wall and ceiling provide a dynamic experienceThe internal openings not only connect the spaces but also serve as visual axesBringing peace of mind and a perception of eternal spaceThe interior wooden furniture echoes the forest garden, bringing a sense of nature into the spaceThe seasonal skylight forest garden creates a unique interplay of light and shadowView from the entrance to the foyerThe forest in the front coexists with the oval bubbles wallThe curved wall not only guides the flow of movement but also creates a unique framing effectThe infinite curved wall extends from the inside to the outsideThe curved wall extends upward, creating a unique skylight effectGround floor planGeometry planAxonometric diagramWest elevationHAS design and research, previously, completed a showroom like "a snowy landscape" in Hefei, China. In addition, the firm designed a public ground interior made of disc-like thousands of aluminum rods in Bangkok, Thailand.HAS design and research is an internationally recognized, leading architecture practice by architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee.Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee / HAS design and research explore Asias architectural language through a design + research parallel approach, emphasizing the analogy of nature and man-made nature. Project factsProject name:Simple Design ArchiveLocation:Hefei, ChinaCompletion year: 2024Architecture firm:HAS design and researchLead architects:Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida SongkittipakdeeDesign team:Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Atithan Pongpitak, Tapanee LaddahomLighting consultant: Jenna Tsailin LiuLighting technology: Visual Feast (VF)Landscape consultant:Weili YangConstruction consultant: Zaiwei SongConstructor:Guangdong Xingyi Decoration Group Anhui Co., LtdGross built area:440m2All images W Workspace.All drawings HAS design and research.> via HAS design and research