An open international competition is being held to transform the central market area of Pazardzhik, Bulgaria (Deadline: 1 September) The ‘Pazardzhik Central Market Area’ competition – organised by OPTIMISTAS on behalf of the Municipality of Pazardzhik – seeks innovative urban and architectural solutions to revitalise the historic market zone which serves as a key commercial and social hub for the wider city centre. The competition invites participants to propose a new vision for one of the city’s most significant public spaces located a short distance from Mineral Baths Park, Saedinenie Square and a shopping centre. The project aims to deliver a contemporary, multifunctional public space that strengthens the identity and vibrancy of Pazardzhik. Competition site: Pazardzhik market, Bulgaria According to the brief: ‘This is a unique opportunity for creators from all over the world to contribute to the development of Pazardzhik’s central area with ideas that preserve cultural heritage and inspire future generations. ‘A chance is emerging for bold architectural and urban inspiration that will confidently combine history with modernity, creating a new recognisable face for the city. ‘The Municipality of Pazardzhik believes that responsibility towards the urban environment is a duty to both past and future generations. ‘The launch of this competition demonstrates our choice to plan thoughtfully, create carefully, and attract ideas with an open heart. The responsibility to preserve and develop the spirit of the city market is our mission and commitment to the city and its residents.’ Located 112km southeast of Sofia, Pazardzhik – named after the Turkish word for market – is a historic city on the banks of the Maritsa River with around 50,000 inhabitants. The latest contest comes less than a year after an international contest was held to upgrade the historic market square of Stara Zagora in Bulgaria. The latest competition calls for a new vision for Pazardzhik’s main market – reorganising trading spaces, improving pedestrian and cycling access, integrating greenery and relaxation zones, resolving vehicle and parking issues and ensuring accessibility. The contest site, located in the heart of Pazardzhik, is characterised by its historic market function, proximity to key civic and cultural institutions, and its potential to serve as a catalyst for broader urban regeneration. Designs will be expected to include covered and open market areas, modern amenities and multifunctional, year-round public space. The competition is open to all Bulgarian and international architects. The competition language is Bulgarian and submissions will be assessed anonymously by a yet-to-be-announced jury featuring seven international members. Submissions will be evaluated 25 per cent on urban concept, 25 per cent on functional solution, 20 per cent on innovation, 20 per cent on design and 10 per cent on project value. The overall winner – due to be announced on 17 September – will receive a €7,500 prize while a second prize of €5,000 and third prize of €2,500 will also be awarded. The winning team will also be invited to negotiate for an estimated €75,000 contract for further design development and the implementation of their proposal. How to apply Deadline: 1 September Competition funding source: Municipality of Pazardzhik Project funding source: Municipality of Pazardzhik Owner of site(s): Municipality of Pazardzhik Contact: pazardzhikmarket@competition.bgVisit the competition website for more information

The Botanical Cabin by Plume is a refreshing testament to the enduring appeal of minimal living. Designed and crafted in France, this tiny house is more than a fleeting trend or a clever response to spatial constraints. It is a study in how thoughtful design can elevate even the most compact of footprints into something both beautiful and deeply functional. Built on a trailer, the Botanical Cabin measures just under twenty feet in length, yet every inch is meticulously utilized, creating a home that feels open, airy, and full of light. As you move inside, you are immediately struck by the cabin’s abundant natural illumination. Large windows frame the greenery outside, inviting the outdoors in and making the interior feel much larger than its modest measurements suggest. The layout flows effortlessly from one space to the next, with clever woodwork offering moments of privacy without sacrificing openness. There is a gentle rhythm to the way spaces are defined, making the entire experience feel both cozy and uncluttered. Designer: Plume The kitchen, though compact, is a masterclass in efficiency. A built-in breakfast bar serves as both a dining area and a generous workspace for meal prep. The use of wood throughout the kitchen and living areas unifies the aesthetic but also brings a warmth that is often missing from modern, small-scale structures. Each detail, from the mini fridge to the compact stove, is chosen for practicality without compromising the visual serenity of the space. Every element in the Botanical Cabin seems to have a purpose that goes beyond mere utility. The ethereal, soft decor imparts a whimsical quality, turning this portable dwelling into a sanctuary for romantic getaways or peaceful solo retreats. It is easy to imagine settling into its intimate nooks with a book or gazing out at the landscape in quiet contemplation. The cabin’s atmosphere is one of gentle luxury, where comfort is derived from simplicity rather than abundance. Plume’s approach to design, evident in the Botanical Cabin, is rooted in a deep respect for both craftsmanship and environment. The use of natural materials and a restrained palette is pleasing to the eye and also fosters a sense of harmony with the surroundings. This is a home that invites reflection, not just on the space itself but on the kind of life one wishes to lead within its walls. It encourages a slower, more intentional way of living, where each object and every moment is appreciated. For those of us who find inspiration in architecture and interiors, the Botanical Cabin is a reminder of how powerful minimal design can be. It proves that a small home does not have to feel temporary or incomplete. Instead, it can be a place of real belonging, where design and daily life are intertwined with grace. The Botanical Cabin stands as a quiet ode to the beauty of less, and in its simplicity, it offers endless possibilities for living well. The post Chic Minimalist Tiny Home Delivers Style With Effortless Mobility For Modern Nomads first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gabriel Faria Lima Corporate / Perkins&Will São PauloSave this picture!© Pedro MascaroOffice Buildings•São Paulo, Brazil Architects: Perkins&Will São Paulo Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2900 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2025 Photographs Photographs:Pedro Mascaro Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:  Protecnica, Stone, Sulmetais Lead Architects: Douglas Tolaine More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. Alameda Gabriel Monteiro da Silva is home to the most prestigious addresses in Brazilian design, where big names in furniture and interior design set up their headquarters and welcome design enthusiasts daily, connecting the financial hubs of Avenida Paulista and Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima. In 2025, this star-studded address will gain yet another example of design excellence, this time an icon of contemporary architecture developed by Perkins&Will, Gabriel Faria Lima Corporate.Save this picture!Save this picture!The neighborhood is a high-end residential area, marked by a series of restrictions on the height and typology of buildings. In other words, designing at this address means being aware of the enormous responsibility of interacting with the surrounding area, taking advantage of this very special opportunity to contribute to the development of a strategic and inspiring area of the city.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The single-occupancy building is composed of two floors resting on a permeable ground floor, with concrete pilotis and glass panels that reinforce the connection between the interior and exterior, elegant design and abundant landscaping. The large slabs – free of structural interruptions – offer flexibility for occupation and interaction with the vegetation that surrounds the building, without giving up privacy, guaranteed by the Corten steel brise-soleils, which also mark the limit with the sidewalk, in a composition complemented by the soft stone walls, which lend organicity (and Brazilianness) to the timeless volume.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The distinctive metal elements dictate the rhythm of the façade, with alternating vertical lines that protect the generous windows, always ready to flood the spaces with natural light. The landscaping enhances the garden, echoing the beauty and tranquility that greenery can provide to the urban environment.Save this picture!"Developing a corporate boutique in such an iconic location is a tremendous opportunity to redevelop and give new meaning and purpose to a corner lot. Our proposal is to integrate the Jardins neighborhood into the building, as if the development had always existed. We seek to combine the comfort, scale and identity of the surrounding homes with a unique design that values nature in an exuberant and singular symbiosis, meeting the needs of a society in constant evolution," shares Douglas Tolaine, creative leader and design director at Perkins&Will São Paulo.Save this picture!Save this picture!This corporate project challenges the outdated notion that office buildings must be imposing, mirrored structures. What makes it particularly appealing is the way it embraces its surroundings — respecting the existing urban fabric and integrating deeply into the local landscape, creating a harmonious and solid presence in the city.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Jardim America, BrazilLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this office Published on June 07, 2025Cite: "Gabriel Faria Lima Corporate / Perkins&Will São Paulo" 07 Jun 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030666/gabriel-faria-lima-corporate-perkins-and-will-sao-paulo&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" The 2025 Serpentine Pavilion has opened to the public today, on 6 June, in London's Kensington Gardens. Named A Capsule in Time, the pavilion, designed by Bangladeshi architect and educator Marina Tabassum and her firm, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), the design discusses the permanent and ephemeral aspects of the commission. The Serpentine Pavilion will be on view in London's Kensington Gardens from June 6th to October 26th, 2025.The pavilion, which runs along the park's north-south axis, has a center court that lines up with Serpentine South's bell tower and an elongated capsule-like shape. The building, which consists of four wooden sculptures with a translucent façade that diffuses and dapples light as it enters the room, was inspired by summer park visitors and arched garden canopies that filter warm daylight through verdant greenery. A kinetic component that allows one of the capsule forms to move, link, and change the Pavilion into a new area is essential to Tabassum's design.Drawing inspiration from the history and architectural heritage of South Asian Shamiyana tents or awnings, Tabassum's design emphasizes the sensory and spiritual possibilities of architecture through scale and the interaction of light and shadow. Made of cloth and held up by bamboo poles, these structures serve a similar dynamic purpose and are frequently set up for outdoor events and festivities. The potential to bring people together through dialogue, networking, live events, and public gatherings is welcomed by Tabassum's Pavilion's openness.In keeping with Dame Zaha Hadid's philosophy of pushing the limits of architecture, Tabassum's Pavilion will commemorate the 25th anniversary of this groundbreaking project.Like many of Tabassum's earlier projects, the Pavilion is built around a semi-mature Ginkgo tree, a climate-resilient tree species that dates back to the early Jurassic Period. It takes into account the threshold between inside and outside, the tactility of material, lightness and darkness, height and volume. The leaves of the Gingko tree will gradually change from green to a brilliant gold-yellow color during the summer and into the fall. The choice of a gingko was motivated by the species' demonstrated climate change resistance and its contribution to Kensington Gardens' varied treescape. After the Pavilion closes in October, the species—which is immune to many modern pests and diseases—will be transplanted in the park.Tabassum elaborates on her idea for the Pavilion to serve as a multipurpose area where guests can congregate and bond via dialogue and information exchange in an age of growing censorship. The books that Tabassum and her colleagues at MTA have put together honor the diversity of Bangladesh, Bengali literature, poetry, ecology, and culture. It is housed on shelves that are integrated into the building and references the Pavilion's afterlife, which is a library that is accessible to everyone and is no longer located on Serpentine's lawn.“The Serpentine Pavilion celebrates the London summer—a time to be outdoors, connecting with friends and family in Kensington Gardens. We want to celebrate the tradition of park-going. "On a sunny day, the play of filtered daylight through the translucent facade draws on the memory of being under a Shamiyana at a Bengali wedding. Built from bamboo and decorated cloth, Shamiyanas convene hundreds of guests on any occasion," said Marina Tabassum, Architect, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA). The Serpentine Pavilion offers a unique platform under the summer sun to unite as people rich in diversity. How can we transcend our differences and connect as humans?.""The Serpentine Pavilion offers a place where people of diverse backgrounds, ages and cultures can come together under one roof and call for action, facilitating dialogues that expand our boundaries of tolerance and respect," Tabassum added."We are thrilled to be working with Marina and her team on this year's Pavilion. The project, with its tight timescales and unique engineering challenges, is always particularly rewarding for our team of engineers and project managers," said Jon Leach, Director of AECOM. "Celebrating our thirteenth year on the Pavilion, it is fantastic to work with the Serpentine and the entire team once again to bring this year's design to life," Leach added.In 2024, architect, researcher and educator Marina Tabassum was named as the world's most influential architects in the 2024 TIME100 Next List by TIME Magazine. In 20216, Tabassum was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture with Bait Ur Rouf Mosque, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Founded in 2005 after Tabassum's ten-year partnership with URBANA, Marina Tabassum Architects has created environmentally, politically, and socially concerned architectural designs. MTA carries out research on environmental deterioration in Bangladesh, a country particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, in addition to buildings situated in Dhaka, the surrounding areas, and other regions of the country.All images © Iwan Baan, courtesy of Serpentine.> via Serpentine Galleries 

It's time we settle an age-old debate: Where should your living room television *actually* go? There's no hard-and-fast rule, but designers have opinions on the best way to keep your family entertaining space functional and stylish. And sometimes, those opinions isn't always based on aesthetics! "I don't always want to fight the 'TV over the fireplace' battle," admits designer Annie Downing. So, where should it go? Below, I dive into designers' best stylish solutions. Related StoriesGo Over the MantelSometimes, the path of least resistance is ultimately the correct one, and all of the designers I spoke to had no real issue with putting a television over the fireplace or mantel. "As long as the design is intentional and well-executed regarding the placement, I think we live in a time where we have to embrace the technology," says designer Amanda Lantz. Just be sure that the technology you're embracing is primed for a little designer upgrade. "The TV doesn't have to be a giant black box," says Annie, who recommends homeowners opt for sleeker options, such as Samsung's Frame TV, which can be easily integrated. "It’s not about hiding it completely," she says, "it’s about treating it like a design element instead of an afterthought." To give the TV a more intentional feel, Annie recommends pairing a frame television with custom or pre-fabricated trim packages. A simple tile surround also works if you want a more integrated look. Hide It—But Do It CleverlyIf mounting a television over your fireplace is an absolute no-go for you, either because you hate the way it looks or because the angle or height of the television makes viewing uncomfortable, there are still plenty of places to put or hide it. Tuck Into An Adjacent Book CaseEarlier this year, I visited a home where the fireplace was flanked on either side by built-in shelving that spanned the length of the wall. Instead of placing the television over the (admittedly too-high) mantel, the owners tucked it neatly into the right side of the bookcase, surrounding it with books and other collected objet. This approach, which works well in living rooms with vaulted ceilings, easily fosters a cozy, gather-round atmosphere. Pair It With Greenery Stacy Zarin GoldbergThis cabin makes expert use of freshly foraged greens. Try camouflaging your television—literally. Fresh, seasonal greens go a long way in adding visual intrigue and casual, lived-in charm. Choose fluffy, loose flowers or greenery to balance the structured, technical feel of the television. Cover It With ArtIn designer Christina Salway's Brooklyn home, the television is hidden by a large painting hung on cleats. "When we watch TV, we take the painting down, and when we’re finished, we put it back up," she says. "This is probably unimaginable to most people, but I hated the prospect of having a television so visibly positioned in our living room." It's best to avoid art with high sentimental value or that is irreplaceable if you go this route. Instead, opt for inexpensive vintage art or a print that you don't mind handling regularly. Related StoryHide It With MillworkMy personal favorite way to hide a television in a living room involves a clever bit of carpentry. I first came across this idea while admiring (read: drooling over) @MyMulberryHouse on Instagram. In her post, homeowner Leah Lane walks her followers through the process of building a concertina TV screen fabricated with piano hinges—which are key to its seamless, lie-flat appearance. The screen is cleverly disguised as a set of antique botanical prints. If you're willing to put a little extra elbow grease and manpower behind hiding your television, this is a stunning, design-editor-approved method.Related StoriesAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.   Is an architecture firm designing its own studio the equivalent of an artist painting a self-portrait? (Should we coin the term “auto-architecture?”) Perhaps this isn’t a perfect analogy, but it certainly contains parallels that are productive to parse… Studio spaces are distinct from offices in that they not only shape daily rituals and structure relationships between colleagues but also act as an expression of the values at the core of the firm’s design philosophies. Freed from the usual constraints of client briefs, for many firms, designing their own workspace offers a unique opportunity for experimentation and self-expression. The studios featured in this collection span diverse geographies and contexts — from a vaulted school library repurposed as an “anti-office,” to a carbon-neutral warehouse conversion in Sydney, to a minimalist tiled atelier in Casablanca. Despite their differences, each workspace shares a commitment to thoughtful design that blurs the line between functions and offers a vision for cultivating creativity. More than places of production, these studios are active expressions of architectural identity; spaces that support not only what architects make, but how they make it. They also challenge outdated typologies and embrace the hybrid realities of contemporary practice. Skylab HQ By Skylab, Portland, Oregon After spending years in a historic structure in downtown Portland, the Skylab team decided the time had come to create a space that reflected the dynamic nature of their practice. They asked themselves: “How can our studio evolve from a dedicated workspace to a playground for the art and design community? Where can we find a space to integrate gardens, an event venue, and a fabrication shop, as well as our studio?” Leaving the downtown core, they opted to transform a pair of WWII-era prefabricated steel warehouses into a hybrid studio, fabrication lab and cultural venue supporting both architectural production and artistic exchange. Strategic insertions — like a 60-foot-long (18-meter) ridge skylight, 10-foot (3-meter) operable window walls and CLT-framed meeting rooms — maximize daylight and material contrast, balancing industrial grit with biophilic warmth. The adaptive reuse reflects the firm’s ethos of experimentation, extending their design process into the very architecture that houses it. Alexander House By Alexander &CO., Sydney, Australia Jury Winner, Architecture +Workspace, 10th Annual A+Awards Alexander House functions as both studio and experimental prototype, integrating low-carbon construction with hybrid live/work spatial typologies tailored to an evolving architectural practice. While functioning as an architectural residential showcase, the team also works from this home, and their clients meet with them there; the project challenges preconceptions of home, land, family and work. From a voluminous material library in the basement to a concrete mezzanine bench designed for quiet focus, the layout supports varied modes of design work while challenging conventional boundaries between domestic and professional space. Crafted in collaboration with local makers, the building also pioneers sustainability through reclaimed timber linings, carbon-neutral bricks, and a solar system supplying up to 80% of daily energy demand. say architects Community Office By say architects, Hangzhou, China Say Architects’ office reimagines workplace architecture as a life-oriented, materially expressive environment, where exposed I-beams structure both the building and the studio’s daily rhythms. Cantilevered volumes, rope-grown greenery, and integrated misting systems animate the exterior, while steel-framed shelving and model rooms of rich timber textures create a tactile, inspiration-driven interior. Prioritizing adaptability and sensory comfort, the space dissolves traditional partitions in favor of spatial arrangements that align with design habits, offering a studio that is both tool and manifesto. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Philadelphia Studio By Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bohlin Cywinski Jackson’s Philadelphia studio transforms a historic social club (founded in 1923) into a contemporary workspace through adaptive reuse, prioritizing flexibility, daylight and material economy. The goal was to create a highly flexible work environment that would allow designers to move quickly between individual work, impromptu discussions and group meetings throughout the day. Restored terrazzo floors and ornamental detailing anchor a modern layout featuring hoteling desks, collaborative mezzanine zones and panoramic views of the city center.  The design supports agile workflows and hybrid collaboration while integrating repurposed custom furnishings to extend the life cycle of past projects. ADND OFFICE By Atelier Design N Domain, Mumbai, India ADND’s new Bombay headquarters is a richly layered adaptive reuse of a century-old industrial warehouse, reimagined as an expressive design laboratory charged with material experimentation and symbolic nuance. The studio’s soaring central bay reaches 26 feet (8 meters) in height, punctuated by 7-foot (2-meter) pivoting porthole windows that flood the workspace with southern light, evoking a cathedral-like ambiance. Throughout, bespoke interventions — from terrazzo-cast floors and mirrored reception desks to hand-sketched upholstery and looped oak chairs — translate the founders’ personal design dialects into architectural form, creating a space where industrial memory and contemporary authorship converge. Studio Cays X Studio BO By Studio CAYS, Casablanca, Morocco In this Casablanca-based studio, minimalist rigor meets material clarity through tiled walls and seamless epoxy flooring, crafting a luminous, low-maintenance workspace. At its core, a central bench anchors the open-plan layout, fostering daily collaboration and reinforcing the studio’s emphasis on shared ideation within a purified architectural envelope. Smart Design Studio By smart design studio, Alexandria, Australia Jury Winner, Office Interiors (<25,000 sq ft); Jury Winner, Office Building Low Rise, 10th Annual A+Awards Smart Design Studio’s headquarters fuses industrial heritage with cutting-edge sustainability, transforming a conserved warehouse into a carbon-neutral workspace powered by on-site energy and water collection systems. The studio’s open-plan interior is crowned by a mezzanine framed by original steel trusses, while a striking vaulted residence above features self-supporting brick catenary arches — an elegant synthesis of structural economy and sculptural ambition. Designed to reflect the material restraint and innovation of early industrial architecture, the building is a working manifesto for the studio’s interdisciplinary ethos. Architect’s Office at Kim Yam Road By Park + Associates, Singapore Popular Choice Winner, Office Interiors, 10th Annual A+Awards Photos by Edward Hendricks Occupying a former library hall atop a repurposed 1960s school, this studio embraces the latent grandeur of its barrel-vaulted, column-free volume to craft a boundary-less, anti-office environment. Full-height louvered windows invite daylight and breeze through the arching space, while the design resists conventional programming in favor of layered, informal settings that foster creativity and fluid collaboration. Rather than overwrite its past, the intervention amplifies the building’s inherent spatial expression; through adaptive reuse, the architects position atmosphere as architecture. Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.   The post Self-Portrait in Plan: 8 Architecture Studios Designed By Their Owners appeared first on Journal.