1. ArchDaily
  2. Articles

Articles

From Design Movements to Materials: Reflecting on Architectural Exhibitions in 2024

Reflecting on 2024, numerous architectural exhibitions have opened worldwide, addressing various themes, exhibition formats, and featured architects. Architectural design and architecture practice influence our daily lives in subtle and often unnoticed ways, where the end-users embrace built environments as they are. This reaction may arise from a combination of factors, such as a sense of powerlessness to enact significant change after a building is constructed or the experience of growing up in environments over which individuals had little or no agency in shaping. For these reasons, architectural exhibitions serve an essential purpose, offering society a chance to pause, reflect, and critically examine the myriad issues that surface during designing and building. These issues are often overlooked or need to be acknowledged, as practitioners may prioritize delivering projects within strict timelines over exploring more profound reflections.

In 2024, museums, galleries, and curators responded to the evolving challenges within the built environment with various approaches. Some exhibitions questioned the ethics of building materials and the practices behind supply chains, drawing attention to the broader implications of material choices. Others focused on documenting architectural movements worldwide, emphasizing their cultural and historical significance and the urgent need to preserve and adapt rather than replace them with entirely new builds. These efforts highlight the role of exhibitions in raising awareness about pressing issues while fostering a more critical dialogue about the architectural discipline.

From Design Movements to Materials: Reflecting on Architectural Exhibitions in 2024 - Image 1 of 4From Design Movements to Materials: Reflecting on Architectural Exhibitions in 2024 - Image 2 of 4From Design Movements to Materials: Reflecting on Architectural Exhibitions in 2024 - Image 3 of 4From Design Movements to Materials: Reflecting on Architectural Exhibitions in 2024 - Image 4 of 4From Design Movements to Materials: Reflecting on Architectural Exhibitions in 2024 - More Images+ 20

Buildner and Kingspan Announce the Eighth Edition of the MICROHOME Competition with a 100,000 EUR Prize Fund

 | Sponsored Content

The MICROHOME 2025 Competition by Buildner is back, offering a record-breaking 100,000 EUR prize fund to celebrate cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for compact housing. Sponsored by Kingspan, this global competition invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to redefine the concept of microhomes.

Register before the deadline on 13 February 2025.

Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture

The concept of inclusive architecture has gained prominence as the built environment evolves to reflect and address the diverse needs of humanity. This approach prioritizes empathy, accessibility, and equity, striving to create spaces that resonate with individuals across a spectrum of demographics, abilities, and cultural contexts. It moves beyond merely meeting accessibility standards or incorporating universal design elements; instead, it embodies a paradigm shift that humanizes architecture and aligns it with fundamental social values. Through this lens, inclusive architecture fosters connections, embraces diversity, and ensures that physical spaces contribute to collective well-being.

This article explores four interrelated themes — Empathy, Inclusive Architecture, and Spatial Equity and Accessibility— through selected articles published in 2024. Together, these themes reveal how architecture can respond to societal challenges and aspirations, illustrating its potential as a catalyst for social change. From designing for emotional connection to addressing spatial inequalities, the lessons of 2024 emphasize the responsibility of architects to create spaces that transcend functionality, champion inclusivity at every scale, and foster environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture - Image 1 of 4Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture - Image 2 of 4Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture - Image 3 of 4Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture - Image 4 of 4Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture - More Images+ 11

Swissness Framed: Micromechanics and Minimalist Windows in Modern Architecture

 | Sponsored Content

Each region possesses a distinct architectural identity, serving as a cultural "fingerprint" that makes it uniquely recognizable. Italian design, for instance, draws from the Roman legacy using stone and light hues. Turkey is distinguished by intricate glazed tilework that adorns walls and ceilings, whereas Mexico embraces vibrant colors and textures through local materials and artisanry. Many of these elements are rooted in heritage-based practices, yet over time, they have been reimagined and transformed through new processes, giving rise to contemporary architectural expressions. In Switzerland, the concept of "Swissness" frames this core identity—a fusion of watchmaking precision and functionality. Rooted in micromechanics, Swiss engineering, and craftsmanship converge in the design of modern minimalist windows, where clean lines and transparency redefine boundaries and shape the architectural language.

An Innovative Take on Transforming Hospice Spaces with Buildner for Better Well-being

 | Sponsored Content

Buildner has announced the results of its Hospice - Home for the Terminally Ill competition, the third in a series of architectural idea challenges focused on creating compassionate spaces for individuals facing terminal illnesses. This competition encouraged architects to move beyond traditional medical models, designing environments that prioritize comfort, dignity, and community.

Winner Announced: ArchDaily X ICEX's Spanish Refurbishment Competition

 | Sponsored Content

Why demolish when you can embellish? A collaboration between ArchDaily and ICEX highlights the most outstanding remodeling, reuse, extension and renovation works recently built in Spain. This competition focuses on how Spanish architecture values the revitalization of historic buildings and centers, and recovers existing structures promoting a more balanced urban development. In Spain, old casonas become boutique gems, and factories like Madrid's Matadero morph into cultural havens—a clever mix of tradition and modern flair. After all, good design isn't built—it's built upon.

Winner Announced: ArchDaily X ICEX's Spanish Refurbishment Competition - Imagen 1 de 4Winner Announced: ArchDaily X ICEX's Spanish Refurbishment Competition - Imagen 2 de 4Winner Announced: ArchDaily X ICEX's Spanish Refurbishment Competition - Imagen 3 de 4Winner Announced: ArchDaily X ICEX's Spanish Refurbishment Competition - Imagen 4 de 4Winner Announced: ArchDaily X ICEX's Spanish Refurbishment Competition - More Images+ 7

Voices Shaping the Future of Architecture: ArchDaily's Best Interviews of 2024

In 2024, architecture continues to evolve in response to global challenges, with an increasing focus on sustainability, cultural context, and social responsibility. ArchDaily's interviews with leading architects, such as Kengo Kuma and Anne Lacaton, highlight how design is shifting towards environmental and community-centric solutions. These conversations also shed light on the emerging voices from the Global South, where innovative practices are addressing unique socio-political and environmental challenges. Architects from regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America are offering fresh perspectives, pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture to reflect their diverse cultural narratives and local contexts.

Voices Shaping the Future of Architecture: ArchDaily's Best Interviews of 2024 - Imagen 1 de 4Voices Shaping the Future of Architecture: ArchDaily's Best Interviews of 2024 - Imagen 2 de 4Voices Shaping the Future of Architecture: ArchDaily's Best Interviews of 2024 - Imagen 3 de 4Voices Shaping the Future of Architecture: ArchDaily's Best Interviews of 2024 - Imagen 4 de 4Voices Shaping the Future of Architecture: ArchDaily's Best Interviews of 2024 - More Images+ 9

Engineering Excellence for Guardrails and Windscreens: Merging Safety and Innovation

 | Sponsored Content

Guardrails and windscreens play an essential role in contemporary architecture, combining safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. These systems are crucial for protecting elevated spaces like balconies, terraces, and staircases, incorporating materials such as tempered laminated glass, stainless steel, aluminum and innovative fastening systems. This allows for transparency and unobstructed views without compromising safety. They also feature customizable options, including top caps, handrails and integrated lighting, enabling architects to create unique, visually striking spaces that meet both practical and aesthetic goals.

Essentially, a guardrail system is a carefully designed assembly of components, each playing a vital role in ensuring safety and aesthetics. Beyond the desired visual impact, these systems must be highly reliable and safe to fulfill their primary function. At the core of the system is the guardrail components, providing support and guidance, with infill options, including, glass panels, bar/tube or cables balancing safety and style. Base shoes, a type of guardrail system, anchors glass infill panels to the structure, ensuring durability and precision. Optional handrails, can either be post mounted or mounted directly to the glass, while top rails provide an aesthetic touch while protecting the top edge of the glass and helping with glass alignment.

The Transformative Power of Sculptures and Landmarks in Urban Spaces: The Case of AL Khobar, Saudi Arabia

 | Sponsored Content

Cities are vibrant environments where architecture, public spaces, and art intertwine to shape the human experience. Sculptures and landmarks are essential components of urban design, creating cultural connections and enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. They define a city's identity while fostering community interaction and civic pride.

In Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, public art has played a transformative role in reshaping the cityscape, with projects like Alarda, Alkhobar Memory, Aebayah Roundabout, and Albairaq Roundabout. These initiatives, many spurred by the Mujassam Wattan competition (MW Award), highlight the profound impact of integrating art into urban design.

Shaping Safe Journeys Through Fire-Resistant Design in Modern Train Stations

 | Sponsored Content

Infrastructure comprises the core services that urban areas must provide to ensure access to essential health and well-being standards, such as basic sanitation, energy, roads, transportation, and communication. Beyond being a functional network, infrastructure plays a transformative role in shaping how people live, work, and connect. Train stations, for instance, extend beyond their mobility functions to become centers of social interaction, economic hubs, and symbols of sustainable development. Their design reflects a delicate balance between functionality, safety, and architectural value, illustrating how infrastructure can enhance and transform urban experiences.

Transparent Future: Transforming Corporate Spaces with Interactive Glass Design

 | Sponsored Content

The likelihood that your next favorite basketball game unfolds atop a customizable and interactive glass floor is relatively high. Even more so, the chances that this glass marvel is crafted by ASB GlassFloor are markedly greater. In the ever-evolving world of sports and corporate architecture, innovative design elements are increasingly capturing the spotlight. One such marvel making waves is the glass floor—a feature that, while seemingly a novelty, has become a staple in high-profile arenas across the globe. Beyond illuminating sports arenas, ASB GlassFloor has plenty of tricks up its sleeves to dazzle the world. Venturing into the corporate world is just one of those clever moves. 

Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024

In 2024, a diverse range of topics have been comprehensively explored, some focusing specifically on architectural details and construction systems. These articles provide valuable insights into architecture's often-overlooked technical and functional aspects. By shifting attention away from aesthetics, materials, and spatial massing, they reveal the importance of intricate details and the construction systems underpinning contemporary projects' larger architectural vision.

Executing these seemingly small elements is crucial in shaping how architecture is perceived and experienced. Specifying and drawing a thoughtfully designed detail is not dissimilar to determining the correct screw in building a car—its thread count, material, and length—can dramatically influence not only the success of an architectural design but also the quality of the human experience it fosters. Such details, while often dismissed as mundane and may not be the most recognizable features of stellar projects, profoundly impact the cohesiveness and functionality of architectural projects.

Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024 - 1 的图像 4Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024 - 2 的图像 4Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024 - 3 的图像 4Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024 - 4 的图像 4Reflecting on Architectural Details and Construction Systems in 2024 - More Images+ 2

Cooling Canvas: When Air Conditioning Meets Interior Design

 | Sponsored Content

The first air conditioning systems were created by electrical engineer Willis Carrier in 1902 to solve a problem for a printing press in Brooklyn, New York, where humidity threatened to ruin the paper. Since then, air conditioning has evolved from a revolutionary thermal comfort system into an essential element of homes and workplaces. Initially, the units were large and centralized, hidden away due to their ducted system nature. However, this approach is rapidly changing as more energy-efficient efficient ductless air conditioners become more integrated into contemporary interiors.

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.