Transforming urban buildings into clean energy plants is a bold and powerful strategy to combat the climate crisis, reduce dependence on centralized grids, and promote more resilient, sustainable cities. Since 2010, cities have been responsible for over 75% of global electricity use, a demand historically met by fossil fuels as urbanization has increased since the Industrial Revolution. By the late 19th century, hydroelectric power began gaining relevance as a renewable alternative. However, with rapid advancements in solar technology, urban buildings now have the unprecedented potential to become self-sufficient power hubs.

The Jewish Museum in Berlin, designed by Daniel Libeskind, employs synesthesia to evoke feelings of disorientation, loss, and memory through fragmented geometry, contrasting lighting, and material choices. Inspired by a shattered Star of David, the building guides visitors through slanted and narrow corridors, creating instability and discomfort. Light, either filtered through slits or almost entirely absent in certain areas, reinforces the oppressive atmosphere. The raw concrete, with its cold and rigid texture, intensifies this experience, while the void resonates with echoes and silence. In the Shalekhet (Fallen Leaves) space, metal plates shaped like faces emit unsettling sounds when stepped on, creating a disturbing auditory experience. The museum transcends its function as an exhibition space and becomes an immersive architectural experience, where light, sound, texture, and form combine to convey the pain and memory of the Holocaust.

In 1902, physicist Philipp Lenard discovered that the breaking of water droplets in waves, waterfalls, rain, or mist releases negative ions into the air. This occurs because, upon breaking, the droplets separate their electrical charges: electrons, which are smaller and lighter, adhere to suspended particles in the air, while positive charges remain in the water or dissipate quickly. This phenomenon increases the concentration of negative ions in the environment, which can directly influence our body and mind, interacting with neurotransmitters and essential cellular functions. It is no coincidence that many people report feelings of well-being, energy, and mental clarity after spending time at beaches, waterfalls, or forests. In Japan, this connection with nature is explored in the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or "forest bathing," which promotes relaxation and revitalization simply through contact with the natural environment.

Dubai has evolved from a humble trading port into a global metropolis renowned for its futuristic skyline and pioneering architectural feats. In the early 20th century, its landscape was shaped by traditional Arab homes featuring internal courtyards and wind towers, designed to endure the harsh arid climate. The discovery of oil in the 1960s marked a turning point, triggering rapid urbanization. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, a surge in construction, fueled by oil revenues, led to the rise of concrete tower blocks and low-rise apartment complexes, accommodating an influx of expatriates drawn to UAE's booming economy. By the 21st century, the UAE witnessed unparalleled architectural advancements. Landmark projects like the Burj Khalifa—the world's tallest building—and the Palm Jumeirah—an artificial archipelago—transformed the country's skyline, solidifying the UAE's reputation as a global hub of architectural ambition and innovation.

This rapid growth has also brought diverse challenges across the UAE, particularly in housing and the difficulty of ensuring dignified living conditions for the working class. Dubai serves as a striking example of how urban expansion has transformed the country, but different geographies and regions within the UAE have distinct needs, shaped by their local environments and communities. The House of the Future competition—organized by Buildner in partnership with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme—calls on visionaries to rethink residential architecture across the UAE. With submissions open until April 30, the competition offers a platform for bold ideas that could shape the homes of tomorrow, addressing the varied demands of different locations.

Cladding is an essential element in architecture, combining functionality, technology, and aesthetics to protect and enhance buildings. Among the various materials available, such as stone, wood, and composites, metal cladding stands out for its durability, low maintenance, and design flexibility. In addition to offering weather resistance and fire safety, its recyclability makes it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for projects of all sizes. To meet these demands with efficiency and sophistication, Parallel Architectural Products offers a range of metal claddings and other innovative products designed to optimize installation, reduce labor costs, and ensure high-quality finishes.

Disciplines such as architecture, interior design, product design, and fashion rely on awards to celebrate innovation, set industry benchmarks, and inspire excellence. Beyond mere recognition, these accolades validate creative achievements, strengthen reputations, and expand the visibility of ideas that challenge conventions. They also foster interdisciplinary collaboration, encourage professional growth, and highlight the transformative impact of design on everyday life. 

Among the world's most prestigious design competitions, the A' Design Awards & Competition is now open for submissions—an opportunity for designers, architects, and creative professionals to showcase their work on a global stage. Winning this award brings unparalleled benefits, including international exhibitions, media exposure, and a coveted place in the World Design Rankings. Past winners have had their work showcased in global exhibitions, featured in renowned publications, and presented at industry events, connecting them with influential leaders and expanding their reach in the competitive design market.

Polyurethane (PU) started as a solution to a 1930s shortage, but today it's a key material in industries from insulation to cushioning. Invented in 1937 by Otto Bayer and his team in Germany, PU was originally designed as a cheap, versatile alternative to rubber. It quickly became popular in coatings and adhesives for its strong bonding and protective properties. PU is made by reacting polyols and isocyanates, which generates heat and, in the presence of expansion agents such as water or gases, creates bubbles that cause the material to expand, resulting in a foam with adjustable density and structure. Its flexibility allowed PU to revolutionize industries with products like insulation and padding. However, its durability and non-biodegradability have raised environmental concerns. To address this, companies like Purman are leading the charge in recycling PU waste, helping to reduce its environmental impact while promoting more sustainable alternatives.

Prototyping is an essential element in sectors such as automotive design and technology, where iterative development enables testing, refining, and innovating. It involves creating initial models or early versions to validate concepts and fine-tune solutions before moving on to final production. This stage is crucial for identifying flaws, optimizing designs, and reducing risks, saving time and resources in the final implementation. In architecture, however, prototyping remains an underused tool. Despite the unique challenges inherent in architectural projects—whether programmatic, climatic, or related to site conditions—the benefits of prototyping can be profound. It offers architects the opportunity to experiment with new materials, validate construction methods, and test spatial configurations in a tangible, measurable way. As a result, it not only reduces uncertainties in the creative process but also drives bold and efficient solutions, fostering a more robust balance between aesthetics, functionality, and feasibility.

Walking on a glass floor is a unique experience that blends awe with a touch of unease. The transparency creates the illusion of emptiness beneath your feet, despite the firm support, generating a visual disconnection that makes each step feel tentative, as if you were floating or crossing an invisible bridge. Although glass is engineered for safety, the mind often associates it with fragility, producing a curious tension between trust and doubt. It's this mix of emotions that makes walking on a glass floor so unforgettable.

Modern glass floors are remarkably strong, thanks to advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Typically made from laminated glass—composed of multiple layers of glass bonded with a durable interlayer—they are designed to prevent shattering into sharp fragments. In terms of load capacity, a well-designed glass floor can support weights equivalent to or greater than traditional flooring materials, often exceeding 500 kilograms per square meter or more, depending on the design and application. Step onto a glass floor, and you're not just walking—you're floating, suspended between reality and illusion in a thrilling feat of modern design. 

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.

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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.