Modular construction, also known as prefabrication, is rapidly emerging as a transformative trend in the construction industry. This innovative approach involves assembling building components off-site in a controlled factory environment before transporting them to the site for final assembly. The rise of modular construction is largely driven by its ability to overcome several of the challenges associated with traditional construction methods.
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Beyond a Trend: Modular Construction as a New Building Paradigm
Foster + Partners Reveals Design for a Beachside Master Plan in Bahrain
Foster + Partners have revealed their proposal for the Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach master plan, a new development aiming to introduce a new touristic destination along Bahrain's southwest coast. The 3.5-kilometer beachfront introduces a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure along with a mixed-use district fitted with residential areas, hotels, retail spaces, and public amenities.
Riken Yamamoto Honored in 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony Video
The Pritzker Architecture Prize has released a special video honoring Riken Yamamoto, the 2024 Laureate. Presented in a documentary-style format, the film celebrates Yamamoto's distinguished architectural career and his contributions as the 53rd Laureate, honored earlier this year in Chicago. This milestone coincided with the 100th birthday of Cindy Pritzker, co-founder of the Prize with her late husband, Jay A. Pritzker.
Exclusive Video Interview: London’s New Sustainability Landmark, the Natural History Museum Gardens
Over the past two decades, the Holcim Foundation Awards has committed USD 20M to spotlight transformative projects by architects, designers, and engineers who pioneer sustainable design and construction practices. To capture these stories, the Foundation launched a short film series titled Words with Winners.
Populous Unveils the King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, the Largest Venue to Host FIFA 2034 World Cup
Populous has unveiled the design for the King Salman Stadium and Masterplan, set to become the largest-capacity stadium in Saudi Arabia and the primary headquarters for the Saudi Arabia national football team. Developed with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sports, the stadium is located in northern Riyadh, adjacent to King Abdulaziz Park. Scheduled for completion in late 2029, the venue is also announced as one of the primary locations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, whose bid includes the construction of 11 new stadiums and the refurbishment of 4 existing ones.
Environmental Politics: Lydia Kallipoliti’s Approach to Transforming Architecture through Ecological Pedagogies
Lydia Kallipoliti is a recognized architect, author, and educator whose pioneering research has transformed the way architecture engages with the pressing challenges of sustainability, technology, and environmental politics. As an Associate Professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP), Kallipoliti's approach to architectural education encourages students to confront critical issues such as waste, reuse, and closed-loop systems. Her pedagogical philosophy empowers students to see design not only as an aesthetic or functional pursuit but as a powerful tool for addressing global ecological crises, urging them to think systemically and creatively about the future of the built environment.
In addition to her role in academia, Kallipoliti has authored influential works such as The Architecture of Closed Worlds and Histories of Ecological Design: an Unfinished Cyclopedia, which delve deeply into the relationship between architecture and environmental politics. Her research and writings have sparked discourse on methods for architects to reconsider traditional design paradigms and embrace sustainability as a core tenet of architectural practice.
Ammodo Architecture Announces Inaugural Global Awards Recipients for Social and Ecological Innovation
Ammodo Architecture has just revealed the first 23 recipients of its inaugural Ammodo Architecture Awards, an annual recognition dedicated to advancing socially and ecologically conscious architecture worldwide. The awardees, chosen for their exemplary contributions, will receive financial support ranging from €10,000 to €150,000 to further their work and projects across three categories: Social Architecture, Social Engagement, and Local Scale.
Your Go-To Guide for Interior Decorative Wall Panel Installation
Choosing the right method to install interior decorative wall panels can mean the difference between a flawless and a protracted affair. In today's design landscape, wall panels are lauded for their transformative powers–bringing depth, texture, and character to any room. These panels have a storied history, evolving through centuries to reflect the spirit of each era: from the opulence of Renaissance carving to the refined elegance of Rococco boiserie, with each style defined by the craftsmanship of its time.
But when it comes to installing these panels, today's designers and architects have a veritable toolkit of techniques at their disposal. Each method has its own advantages, whether traditional or cutting-edge, and choosing the right approach is as much about aesthetics as it is about practicality. In this guide, we'll take a close look at the spectrum of methods available, from classic fixtures to modern innovations–each ready to help bring design vision to life.
Emre Arolat Architecture Unveils Inclusive Civic Space, Winning the WAF 2024 Future Project of the Year
EAA-Emre Arolat Architecture has recently released its design for the Küçükçekmece Djemevi, a new concept for a civic space in Istanbul designed to combat social exclusion and provide a comfortable and inviting environment for the Alevi community. The building is comprised of a series of interconnected spaces and structures that generate a complex topography, offering ample recreational areas and a space of identity for the local community. The concept was recognized during the World Architecture Festival 2024, earning them the award of Future Project of the Year in recognition of its social inclusivity and careful adaptation to local traditions and needs.
OODA Unveils Mixed-Use Fragmented Towers in Tirana, Albania
OODA has just revealed its design for a new mixed-use urban development in central Tirana, Albania. Located in the central district of Tirana on Myslym Street, the Ndarja building, represents a new approach to mixed-use urban development, incorporating residential, hospitality, office, and commercial functions within a single structure. The building comprises two distinct sections positioned along their narrow sides, creating a central square that serves as a gathering spot, contrasting the busy surroundings.
Trends in Hotel Common Spaces: From Lounges and Co-Working Rooms to Terraces and Swimming Pools
The evolution of new technologies, innovative applications, and a shift towards sustainable solutions are central to contemporary hotel architecture. These developments aim to raise awareness about environmental care while enhancing indoor comfort and well-being. From expansive resorts and tourist complexes to cabins and remote retreats, the design of common areas incorporates essential furniture for effective activities, proper climate control equipments, and wall and floor finishes that align with specific needs.
The XIII Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism: Discover the 10 Awarded Projects
From December 2 to 6, the XIII Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (BIAU) will be held in Lima, Peru, under the theme CLIMATE: Actions for Good Living. Since 1998, the BIAU, promoted by the government of Spain through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda (MIVAU), in collaboration with the Higher Council of the Colleges of Architects of Spain and with the support of the ARQUIA Foundation, aims to disseminate good practices in architecture and urbanism in Ibero-America, fostering a space for discussion around contemporary challenges shared between Spain and Latin America. Weaving bridges of knowledge between both continents, the BIAU opens its doors once again, now in Lima.
Guiding Light Indoors in the Right Direction: VELUX Nordic Architecture Competition
In architecture, it's often the finer details that make the grandest impact. Across the ages, architects have carefully oriented buildings to balance function and aesthetics, with light as their guiding principle. The pursuit of perfect lighting in buildings dates back to medieval times—and the search continues. It turns out that simply allowing light into a space isn't enough; it's the direction and quality of that light that truly elevates the environment.
This year, the VELUX Nordic Architecture Competition—aptly titled "Daylight from Above"—invited architects from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway to explore the nuances of natural light in residential design. The competition urged them to craft spaces where light plays a starring role, sculpting interiors that shift and change with the hours and seasons. The aim? To create homes where light doesn't just brighten a space but elevates the experience of living in it..
MVRDV Transforms Shipping Containers into Sports and Community Hubs for Refugees
MVRDV has partnered with KLABU, a social enterprise based in Amsterdam, to design a modular, multi-functional clubhouse aimed at supporting refugees. This collaboration, which began in 2022, is founded on the belief that sports can play a pivotal role in helping individuals rebuild their lives, fostering joy, pride, and hope. KLABU's initiative involves constructing clubhouses within refugee camps, settlements, and urban areas, where they serve as community hubs offering access to sports equipment, activities, and connectivity through Wi-Fi and TV broadcasts.