The Belgian Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by the winning consortium of Carré 7, Beyond Limits, One Designs, Pirnay, and Poly-Tech, embraces the Expo's overarching theme, "Designing the Society of the Future, Imagining Our Life of Tomorrow." With a focus on "Saving Lives," the pavilion' explores the universal significance of water and its vital role in creating and sustaining life. By highlighting water's interconnectedness with all living beings through the metaphor of cells, the pavilion aims to reflect humanity's relationship with the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Contemporary architecture in UNESCO World Heritage contexts presents a unique challenge: revitalizing historically significant sites while adhering to strict preservation guidelines. From urban centers to natural landscapes and intangible cultural traditions, these projects demonstrate the delicate balance between innovation and heritage conservation. Whether working in a mega city, a protected landscape, or a culturally rich rural area, architects are tasked with reimagining these spaces without compromising their historical value. Each project offers a fresh perspective on how heritage sites can evolve and remain relevant in modern times.
In a significant win for historic preservation, two landmark Chicagoskyscrapers, the Century and Consumers Buildings, have been saved from demolition. These iconic structures, located on State Street, were initially set for destruction due to security concerns, given their proximity to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. However, after extensive advocacy and public pressure, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has shifted toward an adaptive reuse plan, ensuring the preservation of these architectural landmarks.
Designed by MAD Architects, the FENIX Museum of Migration is scheduled to open in Rotterdam's City Harbor in 2025. Currently under construction, the museum is set to explore the global narrative of migration through art, architecture, photography, and history. Situated in a 16,000-square-meter warehouse built in 1923, once part of the world's largest warehouse, the building has historical significance as a key storage and shipping hub for the Holland America Line. New construction photographs showcase the assembly of the metallic helix, named The Tornado, taking shape above the historical warehouse.
In a recent interview with ArchDaily, Sigurd Larsen, renowned for his innovative architecture practice, reflects on his journey and the evolution of his office. A significant player in shaping contemporary European architecture, Larsen shares insights into his career development, the current profile of his practice, and his approach to various types of projects.
Currently, Larsen's office is known for its diverse range of projects, including residential homes,hotels, and public spaces across Europe. "Our focus is on combining conceptual creativity with practical considerations," Larsen explained. Projects such as landscape hotels and public schools in Germany exemplify this approach, showcasing a blend of innovation and context-sensitive design.
The Transamerica Pyramid Center has just announced the completion of the long-awaited Foster + Partners led renovation in San Francisco, United States. An iconic landmark of San Francisco's skyline since its completion in 1972, has been undergoing its most significant renovation to date. Originally designed by American architect William Pereira in a Brutalist style, the 48-story tower was the tallest building in San Francisco for nearly 50 years. This renovation will also include enhancements to the adjacent buildings.
Azerbaijan Pavilion. Image Courtesy of Bellprat Partner
The Republic of Azerbaijan has just revealed its design for it's pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. Shining a spotlight on the country's culture, history, and forward-thinking approaches, the pavilion aims to promote connection and sustainability. Designed by Bellprat Partner in collaboration with Eleven, the pavilion will offer visitors a journey through Azerbaijan's rich traditions while emphasizing its modern goals for sustainability and international cooperation.
Courtesy of BCT Design Group and Gensler | The Wildset
Master plans are comprehensive design strategies that guide the future development of cities, districts, or large-scale projects. From a design and architectural perspective, they strive to balance the need for flexibility, long-term vision, and the integration of infrastructure with the public realm. Key themes in master planning often include sustainable development, urban connectivity, and cultural integration. Master plans shape not only the physical environment but also the social fabric of communities by emphasizing walkability, mixed-use spaces, and the blending of natural and built environments. These large-scale frameworks showcase the role architecture plays in shaping the future of urban life.
This curated selection of Unbuilt Architecture,submitted by the ArchDaily community, illustrates a range of visionary urban strategies. Whether it’s the revival of the village of Ad-Damun in Palestine, reconnecting with a rich historical past, or the bold reconstruction of the Al-Nouri Complex in Iraq as a cultural and spiritual hub, some of these projects engage with complex narratives of memory and restoration. From the sustainable design of Mokolo Green Scarf City in Cameroon to the marine research center in Yemen, these projects showcase diverse approaches to architectural challenges, focusing on community, environment, and the preservation of cultural heritage. By addressing unique regional contexts, these proposals reflect a broader commitment to rethinking how architecture can foster resilience and inclusivity.
The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. has just announced Walter Hood as the 26th recipient of the prestigious Vincent Scully Prize. Walter Hood is a celebrated landscape designer working in public spaces and urban environments. Established in 1999, this award honors outstanding contributions in architecture, historic preservation, and urban design through practice, scholarship, or criticism. Hood now joins the ranks of past notable winners like Theaster Gates, Dolores Hayden, and Mabel O. Wilson.
The Chile Pavilion, recently revealed by Constructo Architects for Expo Osaka 2025, blends contemporary industrial design and traditional Mapuche textile artistry. Constructed using industrialized wood (CLT) and featuring handwoven textiles, the pavilion emphasizes both innovation and cultural heritage. The structure is designed to be a "nomadic pavilion," easily assembled and disassembled, allowing it to travel from Chile to Japan and back.
Courtesy of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU | Al Maktoum International Airport
Coop Himmelb(l)au has been selected to lead the architectural design for the new Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Working in collaboration with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and Dar Al-Handasah, the design integrates advanced structural solutions, energy efficiency, and modern technologies to create a facility of global significance.
Masterplan Framework, designed by KPF. Image Courtesy of Plomp
Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has just unveiled its 2045 Campus Vision for the University of Birmingham, a plan designed to shape the future of the institution. This framework evaluates the university’s portfolio of over 300 buildings, identifying areas for retention, refurbishment, transformation, or replacement to support its goal of becoming a net-zero, future-ready university. Developed in collaboration with Ayers Saint Gross, the 2045 Campus Vision leverages data on building conditions, operational costs, environmental performance, and space utilization. In fact, this data-driven approach aims to help the university achieve its long-term objectives while maintaining its historical legacy.
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 26, 2018: Cityscape view from above of large contruction site at the Old Town and Slussen in Stockholm Sweden May 26, 2018.. Image via Shutterstock | Per-Boge
Landscape architecture has traditionally been associated with lush greenery, rooted in the historical development of gardens and parks as spaces that bring nature into urban areas. This connection to greenery is deeply ingrained in the origins of the field, where the creation of verdant retreats was seen as both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to human well-being. However, in regions like the Middle East, where water scarcity and harsh climates are more prevalent, there is a growing trend toward using local materials such as sand, stone, minerals, and indigenous plants. This shift reflects a more sustainable approach, reimagining landscape architecture to align with the environmental and cultural contexts of the region.
Goettsch Partners has just revealed the design for a new tower in Nashville, United States, which is set to become the city’s tallest structure. The building, named “Paramount,” will reach 750 feet across 60 stories, surpassing the current tallest, the 617-foot AT&T Building. Located in downtown Nashville, the Paramount will include 360 apartments, 140 condominiums, a 517-space parking garage, and a 60,000-square-foot expansion to the neighboring Downtown YMCA.
The Design Educates Awards 2024 has just announced the winners of this year’s winners, celebrating projects that excel in addressing complex social and environmental challenges while carrying significant educational value. Held annually, the awards recognize projects that respond to social and environmental issues and promote sustainability, even if the educational impact is gradual. In fact, it aims to highlight projects that offer long-term value and address the complexities of modern life.
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) headquarters, designed by the UK-based Zaha Hadid Architects, is a new landmark on the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad. Now the tallest building in the city, the 170-meter-tall skyscraper aims to echo the values of the institution: solidity, stability, and sustainability. Blending innovation with the rich heritage of Baghdad, her birthplace, Zaha Hadid’s vision for the Central Bank of Iraq headquarters stands as a tribute to the city's enduring legacy.
