In today’s world, climate change stands as one of our most pressing challenges, with the built environment responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. So, how can we, as professionals in the AEC industry, underscore our role in mitigating this impact?
The team led by Henning Larsen, in collaboration with Ramboll, Cistri, Gehl, Participate in Design, and Camphora has won the commission for the master plan consultancy to design Singapore’s North-South Corridor’s surface streets. The project proposes an expansive urban transformation, aiming to integrate public transport, active mobility, community-focused spaces, and greenery along the 21.5km corridor. Local communities and stakeholders are also actively engaged in the design process through public engagement sessions. The initial master plan design is set to continue into 2026, over the next 18 months.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have just announced the news of their latest exhibition titled "Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds." Showcasing "architectural achievement in the face of tricky and uncompromising sites," the exhibition will take place at the RIBA Architecture Gallery, 66 Portland Place, London, from October 11, 2024, to March 29, 2025. The showcase features prominent works from renowned architects like Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, Neave Brown, and Lord Norman Foster, as well as contemporary practices such as Tonkin Liu, KnoxBhavan, and Carmody Groarke.
How is it possible to open educational spaces to the outdoors, and what are the appropriate conditions for their development? What bioclimatic strategies can be implemented to contribute to environmental comfort and the cultural preservation of communities? By conceiving outdoor learning spaces and blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, the educational infrastructures projected by the Semillas association in the Peruvian jungle invite reflection on the opportunities for gathering, meeting, and community participation among students, families, and local residents. Linked to the site's uses and customs, this conception of space represents a way of living where the implementation of bioclimatic strategies, along with the use of local materials and construction techniques, come together to create an architecture connected to its environment and history.
Anyone who walks during the summer in a city like Boston knows that a significant amount of time is spent charting routes with shade. But I can’t use that as my only excuse for being off-task. Honestly, I’m distracted. The swirling headlines of the U.S. presidential election, an unprecedented UN climate conference looming, and the phrase “decade of decisive action” weighs heavy on my shoulders. While it’s easy to get caught up in current events, those of us with solutions must stay focused.
A perhaps helpful Japanese phrase to call upon is “kotsu kotsu,” essentially meaning to slow down and focus on the task at hand, and do it well. Temperatures are soaring, people are suffering. As a recent UN COP letter stated, “time lost is lives, livelihoods, and the planet lost.” Cooling our cities and communities is more important than ever.
Dating from the1940s, the air raid shelter in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district has been reimagined as a „green mountain,” with expansive gardens covering the top of the wartime structure. Known as the Hochbunker, translated as ‘high bunker,’ the location has undergone a substantial restoration and refurbishment process introducing restaurants, event spaces, and a hotel, together with a rooftop urban park. The bunker has opened to the public on July 5, 2025, with the purpose of reconnecting the community with the iconic structure and its complex history.
EFFEKT and MAST have just revealed SØMÆRKET, a new access point to Nature Park Lillebælt in Denmark. Serving as the gateway to one of Denmark’s most protected coastal landscapes, the Little Belt strait, the design aims to strengthen the connections between the cities of Middlefart, Holding, and Fredericia. Renowned for having the world’s highest concentration of harbor porpoises and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, the Little Belt Strait is a popular destination for divers across Europe.
A region's identity is deeply tied to its community spaces. These spaces—whether parks, public squares, or community centers—reflect their users' culture, history, and values. They don't just preserve regional identity; they actively shape how communities engage with their environment, fostering a dynamic relationship between place and people. Community spaces are more than just physical locations; they are vital social hubs that foster engagement, cultural expression, and a sense of belonging. These spaces symbolize a shared identity and purpose.
The domestic space reflects individuals' activities, behaviors, and actions, where various dynamics and processes coexist as part of daily life. Although each home has its distribution logic according to the time of its design, the needs of its inhabitants, the technologies of the era, and other factors, residential interior renovations often express an interest in recovering old structures and façades, recycling unused furniture, restoring high-quality elements present in coverings and flooring, or directly integrating new features to achieve greater spatial fluidity, lighting, and optimization of surfaces.
Copenhagen was founded around the 11th century, from a small fishing village called "Havn" (harbor), which served as a strategic point for trade and navigation. Over time, this settlement transformed into an industrial city and eventually became the capital of Denmark. Though small in size, Copenhagen exerts significant global influence as a model of urban living. Spread across two islands, it is recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world, compensating for its modest size with an imposing character, reflected in its vibrant urban life and a skyline punctuated by historic towers, low-rise buildings, and a mix of old and modern 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 are joined by Robert Gilligan, Senior Technology Advisor at Amplified Lifestyles to discuss his background in audio-visual technology; advancements in smart home technology; home audio-visual system management; the role of audio-visual engineers in architecture projects; home security systems; the future of audio-visual technology; and more.
How have architecture and building design adapted to unforeseen future uses? As cities evolve, their needs for buildings inevitably change. Buildings may transition between cultural, commercial, industrial, and office functions depending on a city's identity and economic activity. In a world that is becoming increasingly dynamic and fast-paced, it's essential to consider the challenges static structures face when required to meet new demands. Cities have repurposed these static structures in ways not anticipated during their original design, with many successes in repurposing industrial buildings. Unlike structures designed with flexibility in mind, most manufacturing facilities were not initially intended for multiple uses. Yet, how have cities, communities, and occupants used these spaces, and what are the challenges of transforming a building’s existing uses?
Living in densely populated cities is a reality for many. While the benefits of urban living—such as proximity to amenities, infrastructure, job opportunities, and lifestyle—remain highly valued, homes have seen a significant reduction in square footage. The trend toward smaller apartments has become increasingly common, with interior design playing a fundamental role. Reducing square meters demands efficient use of space and smart floor plan layouts. However, far from generating dull spaces, creativity in design has led to interesting architectural solutions that condense high-quality living into what is often called a micro apartment or studio, studios of 40m2 or under.
The Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only realized high-rise building, and a beloved landmark in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, has been going through a financial controversy, with recent developments announcing an October auction, as revealed by the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise. Designed in 1952, the tower was commissioned by Harold C. Price, Sr., as a multipurpose tower for commercial and residential use.
Following a competition, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), in collaboration with JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG), have been chosen to design Discovery City in Johor, Malaysia. The disctrict is expected to be to be a visionary 582-acre mixed-use precinct within the expansive Ibrahim Technoloplis in Johor. As ZHA’s inaugural project in Malaysia, Discovery City aims to boast a blend of innovative design and sustainability, blending with the region’s landscapes.
In an increasingly diverse world, the emergence of multi-faith spaces represents a significant shift in architectural design, reflecting the evolving religious landscape of contemporary society. These spaces, which began to be formally established in the 1950s in public buildings like airports and hospitals, serve as microcosms of social transformation and peaceful coexistence. They allow various traditions to harmoniously share environments, embodying principles of inclusivity, flexibility, and adaptability.
As communities grow more multicultural and increasingly diverse, these spaces serve as physical manifestations of religious inclusion, encouraging the acceptance of religious and ethnic minorities within multicultural landscapes. Their proliferation reflects a growing need for inclusive environments that cater to diverse spiritual needs while promoting interfaith understanding. However, designing and implementing these spaces presents complex challenges, often sparking debates about representation, neutrality, and the very nature of sacred space. These discussions underscore the delicate balance architects must strike in creating spaces that are both universally welcoming and spiritually meaningful.
This article was originally published on Common Edge.
I was inspired to write this essay by a fascinating post on the social dynamic of porches by Patrick Deneen entitled A Republic of Front Porches. Sustainable places must be acccessible by a variety of means, especially walking. Neighborhoods where people walk to numerous destinations are more likely to be securable, because people tend to know more of their neighbors and therefore are likelier to know when a stranger is in the area. Walkability is essential to a serviceable place, because people won’t walk to those services as often if the pedestrian experience is bad. So walking is a fundamental aspect of a place’s sustainability. Porches can serve a crucial role in the walkability of residential streets in a neighborhood, and therefore in the ultimate sustainability of the neighborhood.
Educational and cultural centers serve as pivotal spaces where communities engage with knowledge, creativity, and shared experiences. As architectural programs, they offer unique opportunities to explore how physical environments can foster learning, cultural expression, and social interaction. The significance of these projects lies not just in their function but in how they reflect the values and aspirations of society. When established architecture firms take on these projects, their design choices become a lens through which we can examine contemporary approaches to space, place, and community, offering a glimpse into the evolving role of architecture in shaping educational and cultural landscapes.
Among this week's curated list of unbuilt projects submitted by established architecture practices, fala atelier’s project for a school in Broc, Switzerland, stands out with its sensitive integration of Alpine architectural elements; WXCA’s Xylopolis Centre in Poland reflects a deep contemplation on humanity’s relationship with nature, while KPF’s life sciences building in London and Jones Studio’s Water Education Center in Arizona further exemplify how architecture can address contemporary societal needs, from fostering innovation ecosystems to educating the public on critical environmental issues.
The primary function of an architecture event is to promote the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovations among professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the field. These events serve as platforms for discussing emerging trends, exploring new technologies, presenting innovative projects, and debating relevant issues that impact the future of the built environment. Additionally, they help foster networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and often boost the professional development of participants, thereby strengthening the architectural community and its ability to influence society. This is the case with India's Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing (FOAID), now in its 11th year, which continues to be a beacon of architectural discourse and innovation, bringing together the brightest minds from the design community. In partnership with CNBC TV18, the event attracts thousands of participants every year. In this new chapter, it will take place on November 22-23 at the NSIC Grounds in Okhla, New Delhi, and on December 20-21 at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai.
Populous and Oualalou + Choi have just released the design for the of Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco. Set to be the largest football stadium globally, the stadium boasts a capacity of 115,000 people. Drawing inspiration from Morcco’s traditional ‘moussem,’ a type of social gathering, the design features a grand, tent-like roof that integrates dramatically into its forested surroundings.
Montreal, located along the Saint Laurent River in Southern Quebec, is Canada’s second-largest city. Often renowned for its architectural diversity, its built environment reflects both its colonial past and modern evolution. As a former territory of "Nouvelle France," French language and culture remain dominant, which has in turn influenced the city's architectural character. Notably, Old Montreal features well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, most of which are a testament to the city’s industrial growth after the construction of the Lachine Canal. The area's heritage has been protected and restored through efforts by figures like Phyllis Lambert and organizations such as Heritage Montreal, allowing the city’s rich architectural history to coexist with its modern developments.
Montreal's multiculturalism is evident in neighborhoods like Little Italy and Little Portugal, with its diversity fueling a vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts a multitude of festivals every year, many held in open-air venues like Place des Festivals. Parc Jean-Drapeau, built for the 1967 World Expo, is another popular spot for large events while offering stunning views of the city skyline. Another relevant site is Mont Royal Hill, a park offering panoramic views of downtown and access to hiking trails, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Beaver’s Lake, and other areas of architectural interest such as the Plateau.
The 21st century has dramatically transformed school architecture, driven by new educational philosophies, technological progress, and social values emphasizing sustainability and inclusion. This change goes beyond mere aesthetics, deeply reshaping how physical spaces contribute to education. Traditional narrow hallways and rows of desks have been replaced by dynamic, flexible spaces that are well-integrated with their surroundings and the community. These modern designs prioritize versatility and multifunctionality.
Built in 1971, the Rothko Chapel in Huston, Texas, was conceived as an intimate sanctuary for people of every belief, while in front of the chapel, Barnett Newman's sculpture "Broken Obelisk" stands in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1964, Mark Rothko was commissioned by John and Dominique de Menil to create a meditative space for his site-specific paintings. Rothko’s vision clashed with that of the initial architect, Philip Johnson, over the scale and grandiosity of the building, which he felt distracted from the art. The project underwent several revisions with different architects, including Howard Barnstone and Eugene Aubry. Now officials have announced the indefinite closing of the chapel, after having sustained severe damage during Hurricane Beryl, the Category 1 storm that hit Houston on July 9.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw to a close, the city has showcased a new model for hosting the iconic Games by integrating its landmarks and urban spaces into the event. As the spotlight now shifts to Los Angeles, the 2028 Summer Olympics present a different approach from a built environment and urban planning perspective. During the 2024 Olympics, Paris used its rich cultural heritage as a backdrop for competition, reimagining sports within the city's built environment. This approach not only highlighted the city's history and architecture but also minimized the need for new construction, focusing instead on temporary and innovative uses of existing spaces.
Officially the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, LA28 is scheduled to take place from July 14–30, 2028. Los Angeles, a city with a deep Olympic history, will host the Games for the third time, following its previous times in 1932 and 1984. In contrast to the typical Olympic model, which often involves extensive new construction, Los Angeles is planning to leverage its existing infrastructure and venues spread across Greater Los Angeles, with most venues grouped in sports parks across Downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco Valley, Carson, Long Beach, and Oklahoma. No new permanent venue shave been announced to be built specifically for the Games. This strategy is designed to minimize environmental impact and financial costs, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and responsible urban development.
