Alya Abourezk

BROWSE ALL FROM THIS AUTHOR HERE

This Brick Arch Installation Dissolves in the Rain to Leave a Mortar Skeleton

Sometimes known as the “Island of the Gods,” Jeju Island in South Korea is characterized by its volcanic rock, stunning waterfalls, and warm, tropical climate. Here, life is integrated with nature and the architecture is in harmony with the landscape. Dissolving Arch, a weather-specific installation by stpmj, responds to the island’s tropical environment. The structure began life as a solid brick vault, which then slowly dissolved in the hot and rainy periods of Jeju to produce a light, porous skeleton made of the remaining mortar which connects people with nature.

This Brick Arch Installation Dissolves in the Rain to Leave a Mortar Skeleton - Image 1 of 4This Brick Arch Installation Dissolves in the Rain to Leave a Mortar Skeleton - Image 2 of 4This Brick Arch Installation Dissolves in the Rain to Leave a Mortar Skeleton - Image 3 of 4This Brick Arch Installation Dissolves in the Rain to Leave a Mortar Skeleton - Image 4 of 4This Brick Arch Installation Dissolves in the Rain to Leave a Mortar Skeleton - More Images+ 15

New Renderings Reveal Thomas Heatherwick's Design for Residential Towers Straddling NYC's Highline

Thomas Heatherwick is touching the New York Architecture Scene again, revealing his design for a pair of residential towers in a pair of renderings. The two towers will flank either side of the New York High Line, located at 18th Street, it will situate itself adjacent to Frank Gehry’s IAC Headquarters building.

The Arc de Triomphe as an Elephant?! These Illustrations Reveal What Famous Monuments Could Have Been

A city’s monuments are integral parts of its metropolitan identity. They stand proud and tall and are often the subject of a few of your vacation photos. It is their form and design which makes them instantly recognizable, but what if their design had turned out differently?

Paris’ iconic and stunning Arc de Triomphe could have been a giant elephant, large enough to hold banquets and balls, and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. could have featured an impressive pyramid.

GoCompare has compiled and illustrated a series of rejected designs for monuments and placed them in a modern context to commemorate what could have been. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Record Breaking 31 Meter Tall "Flamenco Ice Tower" Opens in Harbin, China

Beyonds igloos, sculptures, and Sweden’s ICEHOTEL, ice is not often seen as building material. An international team of Dutch-end Chinese students and professors from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Summa College, and the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) have used the freezing material to construct “Flamenco Ice Tower” in Harbin, China - the home of the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.

The Record Breaking 31 Meter Tall "Flamenco Ice Tower" Opens in Harbin, China - Image 1 of 4The Record Breaking 31 Meter Tall "Flamenco Ice Tower" Opens in Harbin, China - Image 2 of 4The Record Breaking 31 Meter Tall "Flamenco Ice Tower" Opens in Harbin, China - Image 3 of 4The Record Breaking 31 Meter Tall "Flamenco Ice Tower" Opens in Harbin, China - Image 4 of 4The Record Breaking 31 Meter Tall Flamenco Ice Tower Opens in Harbin, China - More Images+ 15

What Would Happen if Other People Designed Buildings

What Would Happen if Other People Designed Buildings  - Films & Architecture
Courtesy of The Leewardists

In an alternative universe, architects would have the ability to design every single aspect of their building in line with their architectural vision. There would be no mechanical, structure, or government regulations to worry about. Back in the real world though, this could not happen—many people have to be involved in the creation of a building in order for it to function. From the government to structural consultants, everyone thinks they know best, and the role of the architect sometimes becomes that of a negotiator, trying to please the third parties while maintaining their aspirations for the project. Architects must stand strong, however, because who really knows what would happen if we let someone else be in charge.

A "Hairy" Facade Conceals a Beautiful, Calm and Serene Workspace Dedicated to Focus

“Hairy” isn’t typically a term used to describe architecture. However, a “hairy” exterior is perhaps the defining characteristic of this micro-office by 2hD Architecture Workshop in the UK—the outer facades are entirely clad in natural coco-fiber broom heads.

The details and junctions of the broom heads are largely concealed as to let the broom bristles interlock, providing a continuous and visually diffuse surface. This hides any clue as to what is occurring on the interior—the structure existing merely as an object of intrigue.

A "Hairy" Facade Conceals a Beautiful, Calm and Serene Workspace Dedicated to Focus - Image 1 of 4A "Hairy" Facade Conceals a Beautiful, Calm and Serene Workspace Dedicated to Focus - Image 2 of 4A "Hairy" Facade Conceals a Beautiful, Calm and Serene Workspace Dedicated to Focus - Image 3 of 4A "Hairy" Facade Conceals a Beautiful, Calm and Serene Workspace Dedicated to Focus - Image 4 of 4A Hairy Facade Conceals a Beautiful, Calm and Serene Workspace Dedicated to Focus - More Images+ 18

Bring Chicago's Downtown to your Home or Office with this Kickstarter Campaign

Bring Chicago's Downtown to your Home or Office with this Kickstarter Campaign - Image 9 of 4
Courtesy of Microscape

Site models: they are intriguing and playful things by nature, making you feel like a giant looking down on a city. These miniature neighborhoods, however, are often large and bulky and only suited for architecture schools or offices. Imagine being able to have a site model in your home or office. Microscape has launched a Kickstarter to produce 1:5000 scale models of America’s Windy City, Chicago.

Look Inside a Collection of Shanghai-Based Architecture Offices, Photographed by Marc Goodwin

Through his series of architectural photographs, photographer, Marc Goodwin, is giving us an inside look into the architecture firms of the world’s greatest cities. His work has brought us through a collection of Nordic architectural offices, firms both large and small in London, numerous studios within Beijing, a selection of practices in Seoul, and a compendium of offices through the French capital. Shanghai is the next to be added to his list with his most recent collection showcasing the rich architectural culture of China’s largest city.

Look Inside a Collection of Shanghai-Based Architecture Offices, Photographed by Marc Goodwin - Image 1 of 4Look Inside a Collection of Shanghai-Based Architecture Offices, Photographed by Marc Goodwin - Image 2 of 4Look Inside a Collection of Shanghai-Based Architecture Offices, Photographed by Marc Goodwin - Image 3 of 4Look Inside a Collection of Shanghai-Based Architecture Offices, Photographed by Marc Goodwin - Image 4 of 4Look Inside a Collection of Shanghai-Based Architecture Offices, Photographed by Marc Goodwin - More Images+ 29

Oslo's Barcode Project Showcased in Stunning Photo Series by Rainer Taepper

Oslo's Barcode Project Showcased in Stunning Photo Series by Rainer Taepper - Image 37 of 4
© Rainer Taepper

Situated behind Snøhetta's iconic Oslo Opera House is another set of buildings which mark out Oslo as a cutting-edge architectural hub. The Barcode Project is a masterplanning project consisting of a row multi-purpose high-rise buildings which largely make up the skyline of Oslo. Each of the buildings is the creation of different combinations of European architecture firms; however, together they form an enticing composition with the gaps between them creating the impression of a barcode—hence the project’s clever nickname.

Each of the resulting buildings pushes the idea of what a high-rise building can be. Whether they take the form of a giant staircase or resemble a 3D version of Tetris, each of the buildings has its own peculiarities. The firms involved in the project included Dark Arkitekter, A-lab, MVRDV, and Snøhetta adding their stamp on the architecture of Oslo. Read on to see German architectural photographer Rainer Taepper’s stunning set of photographs on the Barcode Project.

Oslo's Barcode Project Showcased in Stunning Photo Series by Rainer Taepper - Image 1 of 4Oslo's Barcode Project Showcased in Stunning Photo Series by Rainer Taepper - Image 2 of 4Oslo's Barcode Project Showcased in Stunning Photo Series by Rainer Taepper - Image 3 of 4Oslo's Barcode Project Showcased in Stunning Photo Series by Rainer Taepper - Image 4 of 4Oslo's Barcode Project Showcased in Stunning Photo Series by Rainer Taepper - More Images+ 40

Soar Through Dubai's Cityscape With This Extreme Zipline

Ever wished you had superpowers and could fly through cities like Superman? Now is your chance! Well, kind of. The new XLine Dubai Marina lets you zipline at speeds up to 80 km/hr through the “City of Gold.” An upgrade from its first XLine on the Dubai Fountain, its new sequel is twice the distance, twice the time and, of course, twice the thrill, excitement, and adventure.

The Engineering Behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi's Striking Geometric Dome

Walking into Abu Dhabi’s new Louvre Museum, one is immediately greeted by a flood of dappled light created by the stunning, multi-layered lattice covering the interweaving interior spaces of the building. The intricate geometric dome is both reminiscent of traditional Arabic architecture screens and crucial in achieving Architect’s Jean Nouvel’s vision for a “rain of light.” But what went into the design and construction of the building’s most striking element, and how does it function structurally? Ateliers Jean Nouvel worked for over one year in close collaboration with BuroHappold Engineering to develop a design which is both an architectural and structural masterpiece. We spoke with Andy Pottinger, Associate Director at BuroHappold, to understand the dome in more depth.

The Engineering Behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi's Striking Geometric Dome - Image 8 of 4The Engineering Behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi's Striking Geometric Dome - Image 10 of 4The Engineering Behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi's Striking Geometric Dome - Image 11 of 4The Engineering Behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi's Striking Geometric Dome - Image 12 of 4The Engineering Behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi's Striking Geometric Dome - More Images+ 8

These Chimney Sections Show Santa's Magical Shape-Shifting Abilities

Oh no! Santa is stuck in the chimney again! For many children, there is nothing more terrifying yet thrilling than the thought of waking up to see a pair of black leather boots and red pants dangling from the fireplace on Christmas morning—maybe he ate one cookie too many.

Chimneys come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. With the thousands of chimneys Santa squeezes down every Christmas Eve, it makes you wonder about the maneuvers, tips, and tricks he uses to shimmy down even the most unusual of spaces. Santa’s maneuvers are caught, mid-squeeze, in this series of section drawings by illustrator Chanel Dehond. With some wacky chimney shapes, perhaps shape-shifting can be added to Santa’s list of magical abilities!

Zaha Hadid Architects' Hungerburgbahn Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary

For 10 years this December, Zaha Hadid’s Hungerburgbahn have graced the built environment of Innsbruck, Austria. Since its conception, over 4.5 million passengers have visited one of the four train stations connecting them from downtown Innsbruck to the Norkette Mountain to Hungerburg.

Faith & Form's 2017 Religious Architecture Awards Recognizes the Best in Religious Architecture and Art

How does contemporary religious architecture adapt to the needs of the modern world? Each year, Faith & Form magazine and the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture (IFRAA) award acknowledges the best in religious art and architecture. This year’s winners included 27 projects spanning in religious denomination, size, and location. Beyonds this, the award recognizes three common trends present in religious architecture today: re-adaptation of existing facilities, community-based sacred spaces, and simplicity in design. Read on to see all 27 winners.

Faith & Form's 2017 Religious Architecture Awards Recognizes the Best in Religious Architecture and Art - Image 1 of 4Faith & Form's 2017 Religious Architecture Awards Recognizes the Best in Religious Architecture and Art - Image 2 of 4Faith & Form's 2017 Religious Architecture Awards Recognizes the Best in Religious Architecture and Art - Image 3 of 4Faith & Form's 2017 Religious Architecture Awards Recognizes the Best in Religious Architecture and Art - Image 4 of 4Faith & Form's 2017 Religious Architecture Awards Recognizes the Best in Religious Architecture and Art - More Images+ 24

The Stories Behind 7 of the Most Iconic Eyeglasses in Architecture

Eyeglasses: the quintessential accessory of the architect. They are mini pieces of architecture you can wear, and an outward expression of your inner persona. Whether they be square, round, or wire-frame, black, white, tortoiseshell, or bright neon tones, they represent our visionary ideals. As such, many of the most iconic spectacles have an interesting history behind them; so here are the stories behind seven of the most recognizable eyeglasses in the architecture world.

Migliore+Servetto Installation Lights Up Renzo Piano Skyscraper in Turin, Italy

A dynamic, pulsating installation is lighting up Renzo Piano's Intesa Sanpaolo skyscraper in Turin, Italy. Designed by Migliore+Servetto Architects, the installation is part of Turin's "Luci d'Artista," an annual, open-air light exhibition illuminating the squares and streets of the city.

Spice Up Your Floorplans With Color, Style, and Spunk

A post shared by Floorplan Man (@floorplan_man) on

We have all seen a floor plan before. They are typically black-and-white, and maybe some room labels, and an occasional furniture piece or two. This has been the norm for just about as long as anyone can remember, perhaps it's time to switch things up.

Filled with color, style, and spunk, Instagram account, floorplan_man isn’t your average architecture account—his feed highlights the architecture world’s most unique and creative approaches to floor plan drawings. Scrolling through his feed is like scrolling through the Pinterest page of the artsy-ist person you knew back in architecture school—it is flooded with inspiration to upgrade your generic, boring black-and-white floor plan.

The Ultimate Guide to the World's Architecture and Design Biennials

Venice? Chicago? Lisbon? Seoul? Architecture biennials, biennales, triennials, and triennales have become a vital part of the culture of modern architecture. Every two or three years, they debut new ideas, discuss popular topics, and showcase the best of what is happening in the field for both today and tomorrow. But, with the proliferation of these events in countries around the world, they can be tough to keep track of. How many are there, and when are they? ArchDaily has you covered. Below we have compiled what we believe is a comprehensive list showing the what, where, and when of the world's architecture and design biennials, triennials, and a handful of the larger yearly events. We've also included some more in-depth descriptions of a handful that have (in recent years at least) proven themselves to be big names.