Architecture can be pretty stuffy. The field is filled with pomposity, big egos, and thin-skinned wunderkindsqualities ripe for lampooning. Its also a rather solipsistic one, where designers often struggle to communicate architectures value to society at large thanks to verbose archispeak, which rightfully leaves many bewildered. AN editors took a particular interest this year in architecture criticism on television, in film, and on stage. We were also captivated by TikTokkers, reel producers, and meme lords. This 2024 media roundup gives kudos to the critics and commentators who did things a little differently this year.Lee Bey (right) with ABC7 Chicago anchors Rob Elgas and Liz Nagy (Courtesy Lee Bey)Lee Bey on ABC7 ChicagoWhen was the last time you saw an architecture critic with a regular television gig on the nightly news? (Bruno Zevis epic talk showcomes to this writers mind, but not many other instances.)If theres one city where this makes the most sense, its Chicagoa place where, according to ABC7 Chicagos Lee Bey, people care as much about architecture as they do weather, sports, and politics.Bey, architecture critic forChicago Sun-Times, just started his new job at ABC7 Chicago. There, he will make frequent TV appearances to discuss all things Chicago architecture. (His first segments covered the Obama Presidential Center, Ballys Casino, a new stadium for the Bears;andhistoric preservation.) Beys new gig started around the same time Ed Keegan joined Chicago Tribune, whotook over that spot from Blair Kamin. America ByDesign: Architecture introduces contemporary architecture to a mass audience on CBSAmerica ByDesign: Architecture kicked off its second season this past October, introducing a lay audience to the latest trends in contemporary design.The new CBS program transcends the shows weve become so accustomed to on HGTV while still sticking to the same tropes that make series likeProperty BrothersandFlip or Flop appealing to so many folks trying to unwind after a long day. America ByDesign: Architectureshowcases the luxury single-family houses one expects from such an undertaking, but also schools, multi-family residential projects, skyscrapers, airports, and train stations.Lifeworld by Olafur Eliasson in coordination with London-based art platform CIRCA and Times Square Arts broadcasts lightly colored blobs across 92 screens in Times Square. (Michael Hull Photo)Olafur Eliassons Lifeworld lit up Times Square for a fleeting three minutesWhy not use every digital screen in Times Square as a massive installation portal? Famed artist Olafur Eliasson did just that in November 2024, when almost every interface overlooking Times Square partook in the affair. AN contributor Nolan Kelly reviewed Lifeworld, a media showing that casts blurred images on the digital billboards that then over the course of three minutes gradually sharpen to reveal less abstracted images.Designer-turned-comedian Nick White makes architects the punchlineAustralian comedian Nick White is someone who studied architecture, worked at an office for a bit, got sick of the daily grind, and then went onto make a living on stage and social media. Whites bits often poke fun at architects, and their pretenses. AN executive Jack Murphy interviewed White this year to learn about the man behind the mic.Other social media personalities who brought the heat this year were Dan Mahboubian Rosen, Firm Boys, HOOD CENTURY, and Erimaldo Ferreira. McMansion Hell peels back the pasticheThe Nations architecture critic Kate Wagner has long helmed her popular page, McMansion Hell. This year, Wagner set her sights on the fantasy of European medievalism, and how it besieges the American pysche, particularly New Jersey.British architecture student turned artist James Cook recreated the skyline of Lower Manhattan using a typewriter. The image contains over one million hand-typed letters. (Courtesy James Cook)James Cook typed a birds-eye view of Lower Manhattan to celebrate New York Citys 400th birthdayJames Cook is a British architecture student turned artist who painstakingly uses typewriters to illustrate cityscapes. For New Yorks 400th birthday, Cook started clacking away and rendered Lower Manhattan in granular detail, only using black and white ink and the keys on his console.Cook has found success via Instagram, where he has amassed over 600,000 followers on his James Cook Artworkaccount.Bobby Berk discussed his new collaboration with Tri Pointe Homes and life after Queer EyeFor Queer Eye fans who happen to be designers or architects, Bobby Berk needs no introduction. Berk has long been on television, working in real time as an interior designer before a mass audience.This year, Berk left the show to work more at his own practice. AN interviewed Berk to learn about his vision future plans and partnership with Tri Pointe Homes.(Courtesy Amelyn Ng)Amelyn Ng drew a cartoon for ANs July/August issueDedicated AN print readers may have noticed a few new features this year. For starters, AN published its first-ever crossword puzzle. We also commissioned architects to illustrate cartoons.Architect and Columbia GSAPP professor Amelyn Ng made a bespoke cartoon in our latest glass issue. The comic was titled Glazed Over: Life Behind the (Low-E) Glass Facade. In the final frames it pays homage tothe passing of a furry friend that long captured the internets heart.Casa Magazines, quintessential New York print shop, bought by Iconic MagazinesFor editors, theres few experiences as gratifying and rewarding than seeing a copy you toiled on display in stores. And in New York, that place above all is Casa Magazines, whose glowing storefront window showcases the glorious medium that is print publishing.This year, Casa Magazines was bought by Iconic Magazines. The transaction was announced around the time Mohammed Ahmed, the king of print, announced his retirement. Casa Magazines will put at its 8th Avenue location, albeit under new management.From the AN editorial team:Thank you for everything, Mohammed, and enjoy retirement!And to our readers: Keep reading, keep scrolling!