1. ArchDaily
  2. Articles

Articles

Dynamic Building Façades: Flexibility and Adaptability in Architecture

 | Sponsored Content

The referential of movement, which describes the variation in an object's position and velocity according to the observer's perspective, is one of the fundamental concepts of physics. This idea not only influences the understanding of movement in physical systems but can also be analogously applied in other areas, such as architecture, where the different perspectives of users can shape their experiences and interactions with built space. Each person brings cultural, emotional, and physical baggage, resulting in unique architectural interactions, similar to an observer's interpretation of a motion reference.

Inclusive Design that Meets the Needs of an Aging Society

 | Sponsored Content

The world's population is undergoing a significant demographic transformation, with an increasingly larger portion of people reaching older ages. This has prompted governments to implement public policies aimed at promoting the well-being of the growing number of elderly individuals worldwide. Alongside this trend, there is a need to address special needs that extend beyond just the elderly population and encompass various age groups. Advancements in medical science have enabled many people with disabilities or special needs to lead fuller and more independent lives, contributing to a more inclusive society. This progress also places a crucial responsibility on architects and designers, who must create built environments that are genuinely inclusive, and capable of accommodating a wide diversity of individuals with specific medical needs and varying levels of mobility. This underscores the fundamental importance of universal design and accessibility principles.

Baroque Architecture in Brazil: Adaptation and Influences

In the study of architectural history, one noticeable pattern is the apparent oscillation between different styles and languages. When a more restrained trend dominates, the subsequent one often reverts to more ornate motifs, and vice versa. It's crucial to acknowledge that this perceived 'flow' is only an impression; historical reality is invariably more intricate than records suggest, and the dominance of one style over another is an interpretation made by historians looking back from a future perspective. The Baroque style is a notable example of this phenomenon.

Baroque Architecture in Brazil: Adaptation and Influences - Image 1 of 4Baroque Architecture in Brazil: Adaptation and Influences - Image 2 of 4Baroque Architecture in Brazil: Adaptation and Influences - Image 3 of 4Baroque Architecture in Brazil: Adaptation and Influences - Image 4 of 4Baroque Architecture in Brazil: Adaptation and Influences - More Images+ 6

Redesigning Kitchens: Embracing Simplicity, Flexibility, and Innovation With the Induction Cooktop

 | Sponsored Content

Following evolving lifestyle trends and technological innovations, contemporary architecture often enhances the design of kitchens to fulfill multifaceted and dynamic roles. By incorporating smart and automated systems and creating flexible, adaptable spaces with minimalist and clean lines, kitchens embody the essence of contemporary life.

Based on technological advances, a clear design language and functionality, Gaggenau’s innovative home appliances evolve in harmony with changing lifestyles. Among their solutions, the Essential Induction cooktop seamlessly integrates into the kitchen’s worktop, providing flexibility and cutting-edge design for culinary enthusiasts.

Turning Corn Waste Into an Innovative Bio-Based Material

The practice of upcycling –present in a variety of industries from fashion to construction– not only revitalizes discarded items, adding new values and functions, but also contributes to turning them into valuable resources. Adopting the spirit of the circular economy by harnessing agricultural waste such as corn cobs, rice straw, and sugar cane bagasse for building materials marks a fundamental shift towards sustainable practices, promoting a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and optimizes resource efficiency.

CornWall®, developed by StoneCycling, is a pioneering innovation in this regard. Inspired by the need to shift to a bio-based economy, it incorporates a transformative solution that addresses the pressing concerns of the construction industry's environmental impact. It is a wall-finishing material made from plant biomass, obtained mainly from the cores of regionally sourced corn cobs. This organic waste is widely available and is usually destined for fermentation, burning as biomass, or becoming simple organic waste. We spoke to Ward Massa from StoneCycling to better understand this material.

Winners Announced for the Best Pivot Door Contest 2023

 | Sponsored Content

Pivot door design has evolved significantly in the past years, skillfully uniting design innovation and precision engineering to create a new type of door. In light of this, FritsJurgens' Best Pivot Door Contest awards the best designs in the field, which has just wrapped up its 2023 edition. With over 130 submissions worldwide and an esteemed jury panel, the following winners have been selected.

Newly Completed Market Halls That Revitalize Their Urban Communities

Market halls have long held a prominent position in the rich tapestry of architectural history, serving as vibrant hubs for commerce, community, and culture. Characterized by their imposing structures and bustling interiors, they have played an integral role in shaping urban landscapes and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas throughout the centuries.

From ancient agoras and bazaars to the grand marketplaces of the Renaissance and the modern-day food halls that have undergone a renaissance of their own, market halls stand as a testament to the enduring synergy between architecture, economic activity, and the social fabric of society. These four newly completed projects from around the globe are proof that the highly specialized structures have lost none of their appeal– and exemplify how they can revitalize communities by bridging commercial and cultural functions as well as the past, present, and future.

The Modern Toilet: How Innovation Has Transformed the Bathroom

 | Sponsored Content

Even the most mundane elements of everyday life have undergone remarkable developments throughout the years, especially when it comes to practicality, efficiency, and sustainability. A notable example is the contemporary toilet, an essential element for any home or public space, which has undergone significant transformations. Although they may appear to have remained relatively unchanged over the decades in terms of design and materials, incorporating technology has been the main development, offering improvements in comfort, variety of design, and innovative features. The evolution of toilets transcends mere functionality, representing a fusion of technology, design, and sustainability to create a holistic bathroom experience.

What Is an Urban Oasis? Combating the Excessive Heat of Cities

We are on the brink of concluding the hottest year in the past 125,000 years. Recently, elevated temperatures have adversely impacted the daily routines of a significant portion of the population, particularly those who spend most of their day outdoors without access to air-conditioned environments. Excessive heat stems from various sources, both natural and human-induced. Given the grim outlook on this matter, it becomes imperative to explore structural measures to address and mitigate the potential deterioration of public health caused by escalating temperatures.

What Is an Urban Oasis? Combating the Excessive Heat of Cities - Image 1 of 4What Is an Urban Oasis? Combating the Excessive Heat of Cities - Image 2 of 4What Is an Urban Oasis? Combating the Excessive Heat of Cities - Image 3 of 4What Is an Urban Oasis? Combating the Excessive Heat of Cities - Image 4 of 4What Is an Urban Oasis? Combating the Excessive Heat of Cities - More Images+ 2

Awarded Architecture Competitions Reshaping 2023: A Year in Review

As 2023 comes to an end, the future of our landscape is filled with visionary imaginations as a result of a year of forward-thinking design competitions. From revitalizing historical gems to designing new buildings, these global contests have pushed innovation further in the architecture industry. In fact, with each new competition, the boundaries of our living were challenged, reimagining what the future may accommodate or encourage.

This past year has been a showcase of architectural innovation, with award competitions surpassing the boundaries of traditional industry. Winning designs feature a deep embodiment of cultural heritage, communal aspirations, and environmental stewardship. In fact, the three categories of competitions that established firms participated in were cultural landmarks, mixed-use towers, and master plans. In each category, the winning design reimagines what these concepts stand for in 2023 and beyond, designing not just new buildings but new ways of living.

Awarded Architecture Competitions Reshaping 2023: A Year in Review - Image 1 of 4Awarded Architecture Competitions Reshaping 2023: A Year in Review - Image 2 of 4Awarded Architecture Competitions Reshaping 2023: A Year in Review - Image 3 of 4Awarded Architecture Competitions Reshaping 2023: A Year in Review - Image 4 of 4Awarded Architecture Competitions Reshaping 2023: A Year in Review - More Images+ 13

Climat de France: Colonial Social Housing in Algeria by Fernand Pouillon

The Climat de France is a French colonial social housing project in Algeria designed by Fernand Pouillon and currently renamed Oued Koriche. Located approximately 8km west of the country’s capital, Algiers, it was built from 1954 to 1957, right in the middle of the Algerian War of Independence. The project has several buildings with different scales. Its most prominent structure is a large rectangular building that houses 3000 dwellings, along with a spacious interior square similar to a Roman forum and exterior windows inspired by the mosaics found in Islamic architecture.

This social housing scheme has a complex history, involving the integration of Algerians into the French lifestyle, the use of modern architecture to challenge traditional Muslim ways of living, and the transformation of its collective square into a site of protest and rebellion.

Climat de France: Colonial Social Housing in Algeria by Fernand Pouillon - Image 1 of 4Climat de France: Colonial Social Housing in Algeria by Fernand Pouillon - Image 2 of 4Climat de France: Colonial Social Housing in Algeria by Fernand Pouillon - Image 3 of 4Climat de France: Colonial Social Housing in Algeria by Fernand Pouillon - Image 4 of 4Climat de France: Colonial Social Housing in Algeria by Fernand Pouillon - More Images+ 7

Call for Entries: International VELUX Award For Students Of Architecture 2024

 | Sponsored Content

The biannual International VELUX Award for Students of Architecture returns for its 2024 edition, inviting students from all over the world to innovate on the theme of daylight in architecture, specifically, to envision the "Light of Tomorrow." This broad theme has encapsulated the award since its launch in 2004. Since then, over 6,000 projects from 130 countries have been submitted that adopt an open-minded, experimental approach to daylight in the built environment.

Urban Anti-Flooding Strategies in Latin American Cities

In several cities in Brazil, the amount of rainfall has already surpassed the total accumulated for the rest of the year. Flooding, inundations, and landslides are commonplace news in regional newspapers. In this chaotic scenario, a study presented by the National Confederation of Municipalities states that, amidst the rains in the south and drought in the north, 5.8 million Brazilians have been directly affected by disasters in 2023, whether by loss of lives, displacements, or significant economic damages.

Unfortunately, the outlook is not promising either. The national version of the renowned IPCC climate change report, compiled by the Brazilian Panel on Climate Change (PBMC), has already warned that Brazil, along with other countries in Latin America, will not only experience rising temperatures due to climate change but will also witness a drastic shift in its rainfall patterns. In other words, here in the south, we better get used to the sound of rain on our windows, while the north should brace for historic droughts.

Urban Anti-Flooding Strategies in Latin American Cities - Image 1 of 4Urban Anti-Flooding Strategies in Latin American Cities - Image 2 of 4Urban Anti-Flooding Strategies in Latin American Cities - Image 3 of 4Urban Anti-Flooding Strategies in Latin American Cities - Image 4 of 4Urban Anti-Flooding Strategies in Latin American Cities - More Images+ 9

A Reimagined Brutalist Icon in the United States and a Maldivian Floating Villa: 12 Unbuilt Projects By Established Firms

Exploring architectural projects, competition entries and unbuilt works by renowned architects is an important step in fostering innovation and encouraging cross-cultural exchange and the development of diverse design approaches. Analyzing these unrealized concepts can offer insights into the evolution of architectural thinking, exploring a wider spectrum of approaches and design perspectives. This week’s curated selection of Best Unbuilt Architecture highlights designs submitted by established architecture practices.

Featuring internationally recognized offices like Brooks + Scarpa, Penoyre & Prasad, Aedas, Pininfarina, and Opposite Office, this selection exemplifies the wide range of projects and interventions designed by architects at various scales and programs. From creative reimaginings of well-known architectural icons to art museums, urban insertions, and conceptual activist proposals, these projects demonstrate the variety of approaches architects take when designing within a specific context and in response to local constraints, challenges and opportunities.

A Reimagined Brutalist Icon in the United States and a Maldivian Floating Villa: 12 Unbuilt Projects By Established Firms - Image 5 of 4A Reimagined Brutalist Icon in the United States and a Maldivian Floating Villa: 12 Unbuilt Projects By Established Firms - Image 14 of 4A Reimagined Brutalist Icon in the United States and a Maldivian Floating Villa: 12 Unbuilt Projects By Established Firms - Image 25 of 4A Reimagined Brutalist Icon in the United States and a Maldivian Floating Villa: 12 Unbuilt Projects By Established Firms - Image 47 of 4A Reimagined Brutalist Icon in the United States and a Maldivian Floating Villa: 12 Unbuilt Projects By Established Firms - More Images+ 66

The Future of Architectural Visualization: Real-time Rendering, Virtual Reality and Interactive Explorations

 | Sponsored Content

In the ever-evolving realm of architectural design, the trajectory of visualization technologies is propelling us into a future where creativity knows no bounds. A number of new tools are at the forefront of this revolution, offering architects and designers new software that redefine the boundaries of architectural visualization. In this article, we delve into one of these tools, Eyecad VR, and its strengths, exploring how its real-time rendering, immersive experiences, virtual reality capabilities, and extensive 3D asset library are helping reshape the landscape of architectural design.

Natural Touch: Biomaterials in Interior Coatings

Amid the ongoing environmental crisis, bioeconomy has gained significance across different domains, particularly in the construction sector, where efforts there is a push to enhance sustainability. This shift in mindset has also influenced the realm of interior architecture. With a growing awareness of climate change and the imperative to protect our planet, architects and designers are increasingly embracing biomaterials. The result is the creation of spaces that not only captivate visually but also demonstrate a proactive commitment to the environment.

Natural Touch: Biomaterials in Interior Coatings - Image 1 of 4Natural Touch: Biomaterials in Interior Coatings - Image 2 of 4Natural Touch: Biomaterials in Interior Coatings - Image 3 of 4Natural Touch: Biomaterials in Interior Coatings - Image 4 of 4Natural Touch: Biomaterials in Interior Coatings - More Images+ 8

Harmonizing Architecture: From Renaissance Masters to Al-Driven Design

The world of architecture is a captivating fusion of artistic expression and scientific precision. My journey in the realm of architecture started with a profound exploration of its rich history. It was the awe-inspiring works of Renaissance masters that propelled me onto a transformative trajectory, guiding me toward harnessing the immense potential of artificial intelligence and algorithms in architectural design.

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.