Crisis, crisis, crisis... and guess what? More crises. Every time we hear that word, it all feels more daunting. But here's the thing: with every challenge comes an opportunity. From the affordable housing shortage to the economic downturn and the climate emergency, there's always a new challenge, opening the door to new possibilities. But the truth is, none of these are isolated events; they're all interconnected in some way, forming different facets of the same story. Perhaps one of the least mentioned, particularly when it comes to the built environment, is the global food crisis, which is growing (almost) silently, waiting to take center stage. It poses various challenges for future food production, especially in cities.
Articles
Revitalizing the Local Library: Diverse Functions to Drive Community Engagement
In the year 2000, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awarded its prestigious Stirling Prize to Peckham Library, by architects Alsop and Stormer. Although it wasn't the first time for a library to win the prize, it was the first time a local library won it. It was an illustration of the times when public finances could conjure briefs with the intention to "create a building of architectural merit that will bring prestige to the borough." The library was commended for the public open space it created, its fun and colorful design, and its environmental credentials. It sits proudly in the heart of the community and it is interesting that its sign, projecting above the roof line, simply spells 'Library', an indication of the importance of this building's function to the area.
Courtyards, Gardens, and Terraces for Seniors: Residences that Integrate Community Life into the Natural Environment
Faced with the aging of the global population, one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century is anticipated. The design of patios, gardens, terraces, and other green areas in facilities for the elderly presents an opportunity to foster interaction, participation in various collective activities, and the establishment of gathering spaces aimed at reducing loneliness among older adults while enhancing well-being and social interaction in connection with nature. How can built environments be created to adapt to the needs of older adults?
MVRDV’s Tianjin Binhai Library: A Case Study in Visualization Using D5 Render
The Tianjin Binhai Library is an iconic building designed by MVRDV, located in the Tianjin Binhai New Area. Its intricate geometry invites exploration through advanced visualization techniques, enriching the storytelling and unveiling the design's full potential. This piece delves into how D5 Render creatively illustrates the visual narrative of this architectural gem through its real-time rendering and animation capabilities.
Step by Step: Exploring 12 Projects Featuring Staircase or Terraced Roof Designs
Pitched roofs and terraced lots or hillsides are some of the oldest, yet still highly functional, solutions for rainwater dispersal, redirection, and erosion management. While most constructions today still opt for traditional pitched or flat roofs, advancements in construction materials and techniques are leading to greater design exploration and layout variations. This has resulted in a rise in green roofs, passive insulation solutions, and more innovative uses of rooftops. One particular case has been the recurrence of the staircase or terraced roofs that often bring about a smooth continuity with the site and provide additional functional spaces to the project.
Building Methods in Focus: The Solid vs Hollow Partitioning Debate
Two primary building approaches are commonly identified in architecture and design: solid versus hollow construction. These methods vary significantly across different cultures and regions, specifically for interior partitioning systems, when they appear interchangeable. Each has its own established practices influenced by local materials, labor preferences, climatic conditions, and cultural traditions. When architects and designers focus on their local context, it is easy to overlook the broader construction assumptions, limiting design flexibility and methodology. This raises an important question: How do these two building approaches differ?
Focusing mainly on interior systems, the distinctions between solid and hollow construction largely stem from the availability of materials and workforce preferences. For example, in the United States and Japan, stud walls, both wood and metal, are frequently used for partitioning. Conversely, brick remains the predominant material for partition walls in regions such as Hong Kong and southern China. Why do we build differently, and what are the benefits and challenges of each building methodology?
The Second Studio Podcast: 6 Reasons to Love Architecture
The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, it features different creative professionals in unscripted conversations that allow for thoughtful takes and personal discussions.
A variety of subjects are covered with honesty and humor: some episodes are interviews, while others are tips for fellow designers, reviews of buildings and other projects, or casual explorations of everyday life and design. The Second Studio is also available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design share their favorite aspects of being an architect. They discussed ongoing learning opportunities; building something from nothing; architecture comradery; construction; appreciation for man-made and natural objects; technical drawings; when architecture projects are finished; and more.
Exploring The Role of Tourist Information Centers in Europe's Top Destinations
In celebration of World Tourism Day, it's important to highlight the crucial role that tourist information points (TICs) play across Europe. These centers provide essential services, from maps and local advice to promoting sustainable travel. Strategically located at major transit hubs and landmarks, TICs ensure that visitors receive personalized guidance to enhance their travel experience. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Europe welcomed an estimated 585 million international tourists in 2023, underscoring the importance of efficient, localized visitor support. TICs have adapted to this surge by offering both in-person and digital services, helping tourists make informed decisions about their upcoming journeys.
What Makes a City Resilient?
This article was originally published on Common Edge.
About a decade ago, the term "resilience planning" became ubiquitous in climate circles. That shift, in the wake of increasingly unpredictable events, was shaped in part by the Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities program, a six-year, $160 million effort to establish chief resilience officers in cities all over the world. Out of that program, which ended in 2019, emerged its successor, Resilient Cities Catalyst (RCC), a New York–based nonprofit engaged in what it calls "capacity building" projects. For Climate Week, I talked to Sam Carter, one of RCC's founding principals, about his definition of resilience, the organization's planning and philanthropic method, and the challenge of scaling up climate efforts.
Where Italian Style Meets Wellness and Serenity: The Case of Villa Apua
Italy's influence on contemporary design has been profound and captivating, with Italian architecture consistently bridging cultural heritage and innovation, from advancements in construction techniques to the evolution of the neoclassical style. A prime example of this integration is the Italian villa typology, which reached its zenith during the Renaissance with groundbreaking innovations. Villa Almerico —designed by Andrea Palladio and inspired by Alberti's treatise De re aedificatoria— exemplifies this evolution. Renowned for its centralized and symmetrical plan, its construction marked a turning point with classical proportions and the incorporation of courtyards and gardens as extensions of the living space, highlighting a remarkable contextual relationship.
Although Palladio's influence was so profound that his style defined much of European and American architecture in subsequent centuries, the concept of the Italian villa has endured and evolved. Its ability to combine functionality, aesthetics, and respect for the environment has allowed its fundamental principles to remain in force, now merging with new currents of contemporary design. A clear example is Villa Apua, a project by PAN Architetti inspired by the Versilian concept of buen ritiro. The house's meticulous design addresses the needs of its inhabitants while fostering an intimate, thoughtful connection with the landscape and the memory of Forte dei Marmi, a town nestled between the Mediterranean coast and the Apuan Alps. This harmony is further enhanced by the great flexibility of the antoniolupi collections, whose rich finishes and materials seamlessly integrate the living space with its furnishings and the surrounding environment.
What Architectural Opportunities Will the Trans-West African Coastal Highway Provide?
Traveling on land through vast regional areas of African countries has been an inefficient ordeal, particularly in West Africa. Google Maps optimistically estimates it would take 53 hours to drive nonstop from Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, to Dakar, Senegal's capital. However, this estimate doesn't account for the poor road infrastructure, complex border crossings, and socio-economic challenges that realistically extend the journey to about a week.
This is why the ongoing Trans-West African Coastal Highway project offers a great opportunity to connect and unlock the region's potential. This project, also known as TAH 7, is a transnational highway initiative linking 12 West African coastal nations, from Mauritania in the northwest to Nigeria in the east. Its gradual construction opens new avenues for freight movement, rail infrastructure, and, more importantly, innovative forms of architecture around borders, addressing their unique socio-cultural functions.
Exploring the Legacy of Modernism in Landscape Architecture
Modernist landscape architecture marked a radical shift from traditional garden designs, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and a stronger connection between people and their environments. From the 1930s through the 1960s, this movement saw the emergence of visionary landscape architects who integrated form and function in ways that redefined outdoor spaces. Their designs responded to the rapidly evolving urban landscapes of the time, prioritizing usability and creating environments that could accommodate modern life. The enduring influence of these principles continues to shape contemporary practices, while also presenting unique challenges in preservation as these landscapes age.
Reimagining Low-Income Housing: The Lillian Murphy Housing Complex
Mission Bay, San Francisco, once an industrial landscape of warehouses and railroad land, has transformed into the city’s fastest-growing commercial and urban development area. This rapid change, typical of such developments, has led to gentrification, driving up housing prices and making the area unaffordable for many. To address the affordable housing crisis, the Lillian Murphy Housing Complex was built—not just as a place to live, but as a project that redefines the standards for low-income housing. This success was achieved through the collaboration of Paulett Taggart Architects, Studio VARA, and BŌK Modern, demonstrating that functional, intuitive, and high-quality design that strengthens a community is accessible to everyone.
Curves of Comfort: Ergonomic Infrared Sauna Lounges Redefining Wellness Design
Saunas, originating over 2,000 years ago in Northern Europe, were initially developed as a method for body purification. In Finland, these spaces were revered for their cleanliness and often served as locations for childbirth. Rooted in Nordic traditions, saunas have traveled globally, carrying with them distinctive design elements such as abundant wood, clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a stark aesthetic. Traditionally, they offered a serene environment with seating limited to simple straight benches, allowing users to either sit or lie down. This traditional model gained widespread acceptance, with its health benefits championed by medical professionals and its value recognized across various cultures.