On April 10^th, 2025, Saint-Gobain revealed the winners of the 14th edition of its International Gypsum Trophy during a ceremony held in Paris, France. 85 projects from 29 countries participated in this unique international competition organized by Saint-Gobain.

From the Americas to Asia, from Europe to Africa, the most talented and skilled gypsum installers competed in six categories: Ceilings; Innovation; Residential; Culture, Education and Leisure; Business and Institutional; and Façades, for the chance to win one of the 14 prizes. The 1st and the 2nd prize were awarded in each category, as well as the President's Prize (the "coup de coeur" of the jury) and the Grand Prix (rewarding the most outstanding project across all categories).

The future of urban life is increasingly being imagined as collective, layered, and adaptable. As cities grow denser and the boundaries between work, home, and leisure blur, architects are rethinking the traditional notion of residential living, shifting from isolated units to integrated, community-driven environments. This collection of unbuilt projects, submitted by the ArchDaily community, reflects this shift: a global exploration into how design can shape more resilient, inclusive, and connected ways of living.

Many of the proposals take the form of vertical villages or mixed-use ecosystems that intertwine housing with amenities, nature, and public space. In North Macedonia, Urban Hills reimagines a high-rise as a mountain of stacked gardens; in Texas, West Parkway Residence creates communal experiences through elevated social spaces. Others, like Symbiosis in the Netherlands, propose hybrid models for co-living and co-working, while Build Now: Waterloo Region in Canada prioritizes affordability within a complete community framework. From symbolic gestures of national identity in THE EAGLE in Albania to the urban-natural interface in Rive Nature in Paris, the projects demonstrate a shared ambition to design not just buildings, but urban conditions that foster belonging and transformation.

Serpentine has announced the Play Pavilion, a new structure designed by British architect Peter Cook in collaboration with the LEGO Group. Set to open on June 11 to mark World Play Day, the Pavilion will be located next to Serpentine South in Kensington Gardens, London. Developed with Pablo Wheldon and Cong Ding, the Pavilion is a collaboration between Serpentine, the LEGO Group, The Royal Parks, and CONSUL. The project builds on Serpentine's broader efforts to connect architecture, design, and public engagement through temporary installations in the park.

The Latvian Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, commissioned by Jānis Dripe and curated by Liene Jākobsone and Ilka Ruby, explores the impact of military defense on the country's border landscape. The exhibition was designed by SAMPLING and Nomad Architects to highlight how geopolitical tensions shape both territory and daily life. In times of escalating international warfare, the curatorial team poses the question of what it means to live on NATO's external border in times of geopolitical conflict.

+ 1

When designing spaces for viewing, architecture enters into a dialogue with the territory in an effort to understand the landscape and the enjoyment of reality, whether natural or built. Through an invitation to contemplate our surroundings, several architecture professionals in Latin America embark on the challenge of constructing structures that interact with nature, reinterpret certain building typologies, or become part of the learning and teaching of architecture for future generations. The wide variety of landscapes and cultures present in the Latin American context reflects the endless opportunities where architecture holds the potential to foster dialogue between the observer and the observed while drawing from the region’s deep connection with local flora, fauna, and other species.

+ 6

Through the creative manipulation of common construction materials and the exploration of elements such as form, light, texture, and space, architecture transcends mere functionality to become an artistic expression. Whether through the boldness of an innovative design, the harmony of balanced proportions, or the evocative use of materials, a building can transform into a work of art that inspires, intrigues, and evokes emotion. The design of the Ginza 41 sushi restaurant, conceived by architect Àfrica Sabé, exemplifies this approach. Its facade stands out in its surroundings thanks to solutions provided by Kriskadecor, a company specializing in customized metallic cladding. By utilizing a tensioned chain facade system that showcases a unique design, the project redefines the integration between architecture and visual branding.

Renovation work has officially commenced at FC Dallas' Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, with architecture firm HKS leading the redesign. Originally opened in 2005 with a seating capacity of approximately 20,000, the stadium is undergoing a phased transformation to improve functionality, expand amenities, and prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the intention of hosting one of the teams for training. Construction began on the east side and will progress incrementally, allowing the venue to remain operational for home games throughout the process. Completion is scheduled for 2028.

This week, Milan once again becomes the global center of the design industry as the 63rd edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano unfolds at Fiera Milano, Rho. Running from April 8 to 13, the event welcomes over 2,100 exhibitors from 37 countries across 169,000 square meters of sold-out exhibition space. With a focus on sustainability, global outreach, and cultural programming, Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025 continues to evolve as both a marketplace and a space for critical reflection on the future of design. Featuring a notable number of first-time participants, 168 new brands, and a return of 91 previous exhibitors, the Salone continues to act as a key platform for international dialogue, innovation, and industry exchange. The ArchDaily team is on site to follow this year's highlights and share updates throughout the week.

+ 8

Wellness and healing spaces are shaped by cultural traditions, geographical contexts, and social structures. Across the world, certain practices have been deeply rooted for centuries, like Roman baths, Turkish hammams, and Japanese onsens, while others evolve by drawing inspiration from rituals or redefining their own concept and image of a healing environment. Europe, North America, and Oceania are characterized by a focus on personal journeys, self-care, and often luxurious wellness spaces. Asia shapes the prevailing global perception of wellness through meditation-based healing, inner reflection, and holistic retreats. In Africa, wellness is deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, integrated with nature, and centered around community and social interaction. The commonality worldwide lies in sensory engagement, relaxation, and holistic healing, often tied to nature. But what does wellness look like in Africa? What are the healing spaces that shape it, and what architectural languages define wellness from north to south?

+ 2

Pools have always symbolized luxury, leisure, and social interaction. Beyond their aesthetic appeal—where water dances across textures, movements, and reflections—they also serve functional purposes, providing relaxation, exercise, and entertainment. Their history dates back over 5,000 years to the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan), possibly used for rituals and communal practices. Later, the Greeks and Romans refined the concept, creating elaborate pools for bathing, sports, and social gatherings. The famous Roman baths, often heated and adorned with intricate mosaics, laid the foundation for modern spa and wellness culture, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, water, and quality of life.

During the Renaissance, pools were primarily associated with elite properties, but by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, public pools became more common, driven by urbanization and the promotion of hygiene. The rise of Olympic swimming competitions in the early 1900s further popularized the concept, leading to increased construction of both private and competitive pools worldwide. Today, pools continue to evolve, incorporating advanced materials and designs that enhance safety and sustainability. Whether for recreation, aesthetics, or well-being, pools remain a central element of modern architecture and lifestyle.

OMA/David Gianotten, has won the competition to revitalize the historic Selman Stërmasi Stadium and its surrounding area in central Tirana, Albania. Originally built in 1956, the stadium is now being redesigned to not only expand the existing football grounds but also to foster stronger links between surrounding neighborhoods in Tirana. With the revitalization, the stadium aims to be a key connector between the Blloku and Komune a Parisit neighborhoods.

+ 14