A guide from Graphisoft on how to create powerful design presentations with Archicad through the use of Archicad version 25.

While mass timber and off-site construction remain in the foreground, the associated digital technologies for architects have had a quieter evolution. Aiming to bring these issues to the architectural forefront, QWEB (Quebec Wood Export Bureau) is now expanding its Offsite Wood BIM initiative by joining the non-profit BC Wood Specialties Association.

Why is this east/west alliance great news for AEC professionals? BC Wood will share its range of timber systems with the Offsite Wood BIM platform, improving the representation of timber in the BIM market, as is currently the case with other structural materials. Because the wood industry is closely linked to specific geographic regions, this collaboration will quadruple the number of wood types available on the platform by 2024. By including detailed digital descriptions of these systems in the Revit modeling environment, industry professionals will be able to work with wood more effectively and efficiently in their projects.

As architectural theory undergoes a process of review and updating, there is a rejection of prevailing binary distinctions found both in common perception and in architectural education. Traditional dichotomies such as center versus periphery, the 'formal' versus 'informal' city, and design as a rigid technique versus construction as improvisation have been persistent architectural themes, with a history of ongoing debates. Despite the dominance of global northern perspectives on what constitutes good architecture or how it should be approached, reality consistently reveals itself to be more intricate, diverse, and multidimensional.

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In constantly changing industry of architectural design, the rebirth of organic shapes stands as a testament to the power of design. “Following years of linear, clean-cut, and refined spaces, curved silhouettes were revived, became one of the dominating interior design trends across the world.” Aiming to redefine the boundaries of physical spaces and conventional forms, these curves are often times inspired by nature. In fact, organic architecture symbolizes a departure from the static, reflecting the essence of our technological age.

This curated selection of the Best Unbuilt Architecture highlights projects submitted by the ArchDaily community that demonstrate the use of organic shapes in various forms of architecture and program use. Many times, organic architecture stands as a testament to what we are able to make in 2024, innovating in structural and material technology. From Vincent Callebaut’s HospiWood to Zomorrodi & Associates’ Cadence Art Center, these instances showcase this shift in desigin thinking. Whether its a residential villa in the United States or a resort centered around a curved pool in the Netherlands, organic architecture has been trending globally.

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This article was originally published on Common Edge.

About two weeks ago, I received an intriguing email from Jeff Speck, the author of two of the most influential books on urban planning in the past two decades: Suburban Nation (2010; co-authored by Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk) and Walkable City (2012; reissued in 2022 with new material). The press release it contained announced the formation of a new partnership, SpeckDempsey, “a new planning and design firm serving government, non-profit, and private clients.” Prior to this, Speck was a potent and highly visible one-man band spreading the gospel of walkable cities. After spending a decade as director of town planning at Duany and Plater-Zyberk’s firm, Speck served as director of design for the National Endowment for the Arts before setting up Speck & Associates in 2007. Now he has joined forces with Chris Dempsey, a Boston-area transportation advocate, with the joint goal of bringing walkable city practices to scale. Last week, I talked to them about their new partnership, their methodology, and their plans for the future.

The unique language employed by each architect serves as the foundation for analyzing their work. Over time, this distinctive style becomes more evident, allowing for the identification of past influences and references. Simultaneously, it showcases a continuous evolution of this language, manifesting as a formal progression that aligns with the contemporary context. The projects by Studio Guilherme Torres serve as exemplary instances of this developmental journey, spanning from its inception to the present day.

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Give your bathroom a fresh look with a modest investment, avoiding the hassle of extensive construction. Transform the space by adding plants, reconsidering lighting, or experimenting with new colors. If opting for a color change, explore painting the walls or tiles to revitalize the environment. To assist you in this endeavor, we present the perfect paints for the job along with inspiring projects to spark your creativity

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Within a city, various factors are taken into account when it comes to housing, such as location, proximity to services, mobility, access to natural light, view, and noise levels. These considerations are particularly crucial in densely populated areas, with a stronger relevance to apartments in high-rise buildings. In contrast, when designing a house, specific factors are inherently addressed. It is assumed that a single-family residence is situated away from busy city centers, leading to longer commutes for services. The availability of natural light is influenced by the location of the building on the land, and noise is minimized because residential areas are usually away from bustling urban environments.

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"We are focused on creating a just public realm," said Chelina Odbert, Hon. ASLA, CEO and founding principal of Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. And by just, "we mean free, inclusive, accessible, unbiased, and equitable". A "just public realm is open to everyone.” There is unlimited access to streets and public spaces so people can travel to school and work and be full members of their communities.

Unfortunately, the public realm is instead often “intimidating, exclusionary, inaccessible, unjust, and inequitable” for many women, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and people of color. Landscape architects, planners, and others need to understand who feels safe and comfortable in public spaces or there is a risk of perpetuating inequalities, Odbert argued.

Saudi Arabia, a country going through a tremendous transition, is not only changing its skyline but also redefining its identity on a global level. As part of their 2030 Vision serving as the compass, the kingdom is moving toward new developments, aiming to revive culture and diversify the economy. In fact, the capital, Riyadh, is leading the transformation by hosting the 2030 World Expo. Representing the country’s dedication to advancement, several mega projects are taking place and transforming the kingdom's fabric.

Amidst the various projects, many world-renowned firms are working on these mega projects at many different scales. For example, the cultural renaissance is shown through Snøhetta’s Opera House in Diriyah, while the Jeddah Tower is on a trajectory that will overtake the Burj Khalifa. In the meantime, Heatherwick Studio’s conversion of a Jeddah desalination plant into a thriving cultural center showcases their repurposing of industrial spaces. From coastal projects by Foster + Partners to city center skyscrapers that are redefining the skyline, the country is undergoing significant transformations in its built environment.

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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 discuss their stay at the Lighthus, a vacation rental home designed by Peripherie Design Studio's William Liow, AIA. The two cover the design of the home, the value of architecture, communicating to clients, what architects do, and more.