The Paul Klee Center, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, is a tribute to the renowned German-Swiss artist Paul Klee. Blending architecture with the natural landscape of Bern, Switzerland, the museum echoes the rolling hills and fields of the region. Situated on the city's easter outskirts, the structure aims to harmonize with its surroundings. Renowned as an iconic structure, Bern-based photographer Katerina Skarka has recently captured it through her lens, showcasing the architectural landmark.
This month, architecture has addressed a wide array of themes, from preserving cultural heritage to designing for adaptability. Around the world, architects are responding to changing needs with solutions that aim to prioritize both functionality and the environment. Notable examples include Gehl, SOM, and Bionic's ambitious redevelopment of San Francisco's India Basin waterfront, which reimagines urban living in harmony with nature, and VOID Studios' collaboration on Kenya's Masai Mara Conservation Centre, a project deeply rooted in ecological and cultural sensitivity. Elsewhere, Nokken and BIG unveiled their "Softshell structure," offering a flexible option for hospitality and residential markets. Meanwhile, the transformation of The Raleigh in Miami Beach by Peter Marino aims to preserve the site's heritage while introducing new standards. These projects, among others, reflect the ever-evolving priorities of the field. Read on to discover the latest news shaping the architectural world.
The British Museum has revealed Studio Weave as the lead team selected to design its new visitor welcome pavilions and forecourt as part of a larger redevelopment initiative. The project is one of the Museum's key steps in its extensive Masterplan, which aims to modernize the iconic central London site while preserving its historical significance. The winning proposal was chosen through a competition organized under the Greater London Authority's Architecture + Urbanism framework, which prioritizes diversity and sustainability in design.
Dubai has just unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing pedestrian mobility in the city and promoting sustainable urban development. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the "Dubai Walk Master Plan" envisions transforming the city into a pedestrian-friendly hub by 2040.
The Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) has just been selected to design the Jawaher Boston Medical District in Sharjah, a significant new healthcare initiative spearheaded by BEEAH, a private organization working in sustainability in the MENA region. Following a competitive selection process, RPBW's appointment marks the beginning of a project aimed at redefining the integration of healthcare excellence with environmental and cultural sensitivity.
In 2024, architecture continues to evolve in response to global challenges, with an increasing focus on sustainability, cultural context, and social responsibility. ArchDaily's interviews with leading architects, such as Kengo Kuma and Anne Lacaton, highlight how design is shifting towards environmental and community-centric solutions. These conversations also shed light on the emerging voices from the Global South, where innovative practices are addressing unique socio-political and environmental challenges. Architects from regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America are offering fresh perspectives, pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture to reflect their diverse cultural narratives and local contexts.
In his latest photographic journey, Paul Clemence explores the architectural essence of SwissMuseums at Le Salon Suisse, Miami Art Week. Delving into the architectural artistry of the region and the museum's significance in today's urban landscape, the photographer showcases a comprehensive exhibition. Titled "Shapes, Rhythm, Abstraction: Swiss Museums," the photo series includes Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Zurich, and St. Gallen.
Construction has just begun on a new mixed-use project within the Sanlin Riverside development in Shanghai, designed by Foster + Partners. A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of work on the site, which is envisioned to serve as a significant addition to the larger area. The development is designed to include modern office spaces in the northern section, with retail facilities and additional workspaces situated in the south. These components are connected by landscaped plazas, gardens, courtyards, and a park designed to host community markets, festivals, and waterfront activities. The site will also feature a colonnade along the river, aiming to appeal as a community gathering space.
The Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka embraces the theme "Ocean, The Blue Dialogue", offering visitors an immersive exploration of the ocean as a life-giving resource and a cornerstone of sustainability. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the Pavilion aims to reflect Portugal's deep historical, cultural, and economic connections to the sea, creating an architectural and narrative journey that bridges past, present, and future.
Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled the design for Forest Green Rovers' Eco Park Stadium, located in Stroud, UK. As the first all-timber football stadium, the design uses sustainably sourced timber for key structural elements, including the framework, roof cantilevers, and cladding. The project combines innovative construction techniques with advanced material research to create a functional and environmentally considerate venue. Part of a larger development, the stadium is designed to integrate with its surroundings while offering facilities that benefit both the football club and the wider community.
Sheikh Zayed National Museum / Foster + Partners. Image Courtesy of Foster + Partners
As 2024 comes to an end, the architectural world looks ahead to 2025, a year set to unveil transformative projects across the globe. From cultural landmarks in Asia, such as Sou Fujimoto's "Grand Ring" for Expo 2025 Osaka and MAD Architects' Hainan Science Museum in China, to dynamic urban developments like OMA's Harajuku Quest in Tokyo and David Chipperfield's Elbtower in Hamburg, these projects reflect a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage.
In North America, Studio Gang's Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Brooklyn and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles highlight architecture's role in fostering community connections. Meanwhile, Europe anticipates Shigeru Ban's hybrid residential tower in Antwerp and Kengo Kuma's Visitor Center at Albania's Butrint National Park, showcasing the intersection of contemporary design and local context. As these projects take shape, they offer a glimpse into architecture's power to redefine spaces and inspire communities.
Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA) has reimagined the architectural design of Palazzo Citterio in Milan, Italy, integrating historical and contemporary elements to create a dynamic cultural space. As part of the Grande Brera initiative, which seeks to unify key cultural institutions such as the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Braidense National Library, the palazzo now stands as a hub for modern and contemporary art. Ultimately, the project aims to reestablish Palazzo Citterio as a significant cultural and social landmark, fostering community engagement and interaction.
As Athens hosts The Architect Show (TAS) 2024, the event brings together global and local voices to highlight the latest innovations in architecture and design. Against this backdrop, the city's evolving urban narrative is exemplified by The Ellinikon, Europe's largest urban regeneration project. Encompassing 6.2 million square meters, this €8 billion development has already attracted globally renowned architects such as Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Kengo Kuma, Foster + Partners, and Aedas. Together, they are shaping the smart city that integrates sustainability, connectivity, and community-focused design into the heart of Athens.
The Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP) hosted its inaugural Conference on Critical Practice at S. R. Crown Hall, where two figures were celebrated for their transformative contributions to architecture. Phyllis Lambert, founder of the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) and Illinois Institute of Technology alumna, was named an MCHAP Luminary. Meanwhile, Román Meyer Falcón was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Phyllis Lambert Agent of Excellence Award, recognizing individuals or organizations whose work has directly elevated contemporary architecture. In an interview with ArchDaily, Meyer Falcón shared insights into his impactful tenure as Mexico's Secretary of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development, discussing his approach to public architecture.
The Board of La Biennale di Venezia has just announced the appointment of Koyo Kouoh as the Director of the Visual Arts Department. Kouoh will lead the curation of the 61st International Art Exhibition, scheduled for 2026. This announcement follows a recommendation by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale, who emphasized Kouoh's extensive experience in the global art world and her ability to engage with contemporary artistic and cultural discourse. Born in Cameroon, Koyo Kouoh will become the first African woman to curate the Venice Art Biennale.
Global design firm Perkins&Will has just announced final plans have been approved for the Florida Corridor Plan in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on which the firm is the leading planner and urban designer. This initiative, recently approved by the East Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council, aims to transform and rejuvenate a 12-mile stretch connecting downtown Baton Rouge to the Livingston Parish line.
Architectural Classics featured on ArchDaily serve as a record of significant works that have influenced the evolution of architecture and design. These projects represent a range of styles, purposes, and contexts, offering insight into how architecture responds to cultural, social, and environmental factors. By revisiting these influential works, one can better understand the principles and ideas that have shaped the built environment globally over time. These classics highlight moments of design innovation while also providing a broader perspective on architecture's role in reflecting and shaping the world around us.
