In midtown Manhattan, the street crossings surrounding the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel were once some of the most challenging in the city. A mess of highway ramps, missing sidewalks, and concrete barriers made the corner of Dyer Avenue and 30th Street an area to avoid.
Now with a new $50 million elevated connector, pedestrians can safely move 30 feet above the intersections using a 600-foot-long L-shaped bridge from the High Line to Moynihan Train Hall.
Rock salt is a chemical sedimentary rock that forms through the evaporation of water, as minerals dissolve and settle down. When excavated directly from the earth, it maintains a cube-shaped crystalline form. With its diverse textures, compositions and structures, this natural element has captivated human interest for centuries. Depending on the region and environmental conditions, salt rock has been found in diverse applications in architecture, such as a construction material that uses blocks of salt to build structures, bricks, or tiles. Often translucent, these bricks allow diffused light to enter interior spaces, creating a unique atmosphere and aesthetic appeal.
Giving this ancient material a modern twist, Casalgrande Padana uses rock salt as the inspiration for its new Supreme porcelain stoneware tile collection. By replicating the colors, texture and brightness of natural sedimentary rock, this collection can be seen as a fascinating journey to discover the unique features of the center of the Earth.
Designing a bathroom requires careful attention to detail to remain beautiful and organized. The amount of hygiene and health products typically stored in this environment requires functional cabinets and other strategies. Increasingly, we see the solution of using niches to create a recess in the wall. This allows optimizing the available space and, as a bonus, makes the environment more aesthetically pleasing. That's why we bring you some examples of bathroom niches and tips for their installation. In addition, we bring you other examples beyond traditional soap dishes.
Landscape architecture is having a moment. The latest proof: last week, the US Department of Homeland Security decided to accredit the field with its prestigious STEM designation. As part of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines that fall under this category, landscape architecture students can now spend an additional 24 months seeking employment and training post-graduation in the United States after an initial period of a year granted to all graduates. The title also promises more prestige, higher entry salaries, and additional career flexibility. Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), calls the development a significant advancement for 'landscape architecture education and practice, and that is great for America and the global community.'
The news corresponds to a growing emphasis on landscape architecture as a pivotal practice around the globe in recent years – one that is closely connected to notions of public health, environmental design, biophilia, sustainability, and re-wilding. It also underlines the intimate relationship between technology and the discipline. Landscape proposals increasingly rely on advanced science and technology to predict how ecological interventions might alter an existing terrain and determine what measures will yield the highest benefit for both humans and nature. The contemporary ideal of wild meadows and biodiverse forests may exist free from external influence, but the path to get there requires assistance.
The work of the French-Swiss architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret is, among many other adjectives, comprehensive. Le Corbusier explored a wide range of scales in his work, from furniture design to urban planning for entire cities. His diverse portfolio also encompassed painting, varied projects, and writing books. One thing that isn't talked about as much, however, was the color theory he developed and applied to several of his architectural designs and artistic endeavors. Deeply rooted in his belief that color plays a significant role in evoking emotions and creating spatial illusions, Le Corbusier's color theory was described in his book "PolyChromie Architecturale" (polychrome architecture), published in 1931. There, he introduced his concept and a carefully curated range of colors that were intended to be used in specific architectural contexts.
Architects and builders often opt for metal panels due to their exceptional qualities: durability, affordability, and versatility. These attributes hold immense value for construction professionals, who constantly seek cost-effective solutions. Moreover, when a product seamlessly merges desired aesthetics with optimal performance, it becomes a highly sought-after choice for a diverse range of projects.
Biophilia, or love for life and nature, inspires architects around the world to create spaces that deeply connect with natural elements. These architectural projects seek to reintroduce nature into built environments, resulting in spaces that promote well-being, health, inspiration, and even productivity. In Brazil, the possibilities are even broader, given the country's exuberant climate and the vegetation found in various biomes. In this article, we will explore seven projects from different programs that embrace this concept and allow for a symbiosis between architecture, humans, and nature.
At first, adding a mezzanine floor to a layout either seems like a complete waste of good floorspace or a clumsy attempt to squeeze two stories into one – like wearing skinny jeans after Christmas – both spaces end up feeling constricted and uncomfortable.
But whether the intermediate-level floor is achieved by addition – erecting an extra level in a high-ceilinged room, or by subtraction – removing part of the floor to connect with the one below, mezzanines are a relatively simple way to dramatically change and improve how we use and interact with our existing environments.
There is often an intricate relationship between architecture and the environment. Each part of the world has defined its own architectural techniques based on its unique climatic conditions. However, environmental concerns in the 21st century provoked new techniques, implementing solutions to preserve natural resources and provide thermal comfort. While some opted for a futuristic approach with mechanical and technologically-advanced solutions, others decided to go back in time and explore how civilizations protected their people, architecture, and environment when they had nothing else to resort to but the environment itself. In this article, we look at how Musharrabiyas found their way back into modern-day architecture as significant vernacular features.
As they recognize the growing significance of innovation in today’s business landscape, architecture firms are experiencing a transformation. Companies across diverse industries have also come to appreciate the impact of design on cracking challenges, thanks to the success of design-focused startups such as Airbnb. Traditionally confined to designing physical structures, architecture firms are broadening their scope and embracing research and innovation as integral elements of their design process. With the establishment of research and innovation divisions, these firms not only enhance their own practices but also offer their expertise to address the evolving needs of our era—ranging from human and technological advancements to strategic innovation.
Disguise, makeup. Expression of the subjectivity of a group, language, or sign. Historical document, emblem of fleeting fashions. A crime. Ornaments have been interpreted in different ways and are considered one of the most degenerate sins of architecture. Resisting the temptation of decoration has become a virtue, a legitimate sign of authenticity and a possible future.
In his book “Curation: The Power of Selection in a World of Excess,” Michael Bhaskar defines curation as “using acts of selection and arrangement (but also refining, reducing, displaying, simplifying, presenting, and explaining) to add value.” Originating from the Latin word curare, meaning to take care of, the curator’s role in dissecting our understanding of the world around us cannot be overlooked. Over time, as the definition morphs into different bodies, the practice of curation continues to evolve, filling the roles of caretakers of our built environment and thinkers of different forms for the overall bettering of society.
At first glance, building a pool right beside another body of water seems a little redundant. After all, why would someone choose to swim in a pool when they have a river or ocean to enjoy? However, for people with limited mobility and younger more inexperienced swimmers, natural bodies of water can prove both daunting and dangerous. Pools not only provide a controlled, secure space for them to enjoy aquatic activities, they also provide a connection with the surrounding landscape.
Due to its specific characteristics, the architecture of the sauna is interesting because it gives us lessons related to efficiency and the beauty of simplicity. These are generally very basic structures with a clear function, created to contain different levels of heat and humidity. Thanks to this steam bath, people can release toxins and improve their blood circulation. In addition, they are widely used in cold climates, in close proximity to nature and utilizing the presence of water.
To function, these normally airtight spaces contain a series of internal benches with different dimensions and a heat source that must reach temperatures between 80 and 90°C, including, if necessary, a chimney to expel the smoke. Wood is the material par excellence for saunas, using in most cases native species that maintain their rustic appearance and natural texture. Next, we review 9 saunas designed by architects, including some of their construction details.
There are moments when architects take the design process beyond their practice and engage with potential users as design participants. This expands the design framework and makes the input of future users key to project development. By seeking the knowledge, skills, and decision-making of a communal collective, the project becomes more tailored to their needs, better designed to fit within their local context, and a platform to exchange techniques and vernacular skills. It also creates a general sense of belonging in communities and gives users the authority to claim the environment around them.
Participatory design is a process that can be applied to all scales of architecture, from houses and offices to public spaces and urban interventions. By examining various projects through the lens of communal collaboration with architects, we gain a deeper understanding of the value this design process holds. It breaks down the participatory theoretical principles of collaboration, co-creation, and empowerment into actionable examples and pragmatic events. These projects exemplify users' contributions to the design process, whether through spatial and urban planning or material and local construction techniques.
Prominent surfaces play a fundamental role in creating memorable interiors. One example in architectural history is Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion, recognized as a landmark of modernism. The marble claddings in the pavilion are iconic elements, symbolizing the architect's commitment to material quality, craftsmanship, and the creation of spaces that transcend time and inspire. With the aim of establishing an atmosphere of elegance, sophistication, and timelessness, connecting classical architecture with contemporary design through a shared material, onyx, travertine marble, and green marble are used in the claddings, transforming the wall surfaces into striking focal points that captivate visitors in a visually captivating experience.
As we explore social practices that challenge the dominant model in architecture, we have come to recognize the significance of addressing issues related to identity, gender, race, and sexual orientation within the realm of spatial design. By considering these dimensions, we aim to highlight how the built environment can foster new ways of envisioning society and shaping our relationship with the world around us. To provide valuable insights, we have curated a bibliography that showcases the perspectives and experiences of individuals who defy the norms dictated by a universalizing approach. This collection of 20 books offers diverse narratives that invite us to perceive, imagine, and experience space through an LGBTQIA+ lens.
The European Cultural Centre (ECC), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges on an international scale, showcased its sixth edition of the Time Space Existence architecture exhibition alongside this year's Venice Architecture Biennale. The 2023 installment was centered on the theme of sustainability in its various forms, encompassing subjects related to migration, digital building technologies and material research, future urban developments, and housing, bringing together architects, designers, artists, academics, and photographers from 52 different countries.
Through diverse mediums and perspectives, participants have explored the philosophical concepts of Time, Space, and Existence. With a total of 217 projects on display, the exhibition is held at Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora, and the Marinaressa Gardens in Venice, throughout the six-month duration of the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, running from May 20th to November 26th, 2023. Focusing also on emerging young architects, designers, and researchers, the 2023 edition of the exhibition is a proactive endeavor to reimagine alternative lifestyles and reconceptualize architecture within the contemporary landscape.
This article was originally published on Common Edge.
It has been about 200 years since the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris created an academic discipline—and thus the profession—of architecture. The central role of the architect as the defining agent of creation transcended the Master Builder, a role that defined those who designed buildings not as experts or celebrities but as stewards of building traditions.
Architecture encompasses a comprehensive design process that incorporates various steps and considerations for transforming abstract ideas into well-designed and functional projects. While specific approaches may vary, this dynamic and iterative process involves understanding the requirements, goals, and constraints of each case, followed by a conceptual design and detailed development of the spatial organization, relationships, and aesthetic aspects. It concludes with a construction and post-occupancy evaluation. Creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and previous site analysis guide the creation of functional and aesthetically pleasing designs.
As the most impactful part of the process, the concept design stage is where the shape of a project comes together. Utilizing technologies to revolutionize the nature of design processes, Codesign emerges as a pioneering tool that leverages the power of the iPad and the flexibility of sketching to inform and encourage architects in exploring all the angles and potentialities of their ideas. By transforming sketches into 3D building models, Codesign facilitates an iterative process, enabling architects to explore, iterate, and promptly comprehend the downstream effects of their design possibilities. Here are five ways they are helping leading practices and principles design more today.
Sun protection is a universal need for human beings. While sunlight benefits our health and mood, it is also essential to protect ourselves from its harmful effects on our well-being and comfort. Throughout history, architecture has provided solutions to this need by offering shelter and comfort in shaded areas. Since ancient Egypt, sunshades made of palm leaves attached to a pole have been used to protect against the sun in open spaces.
Thanks to contemporary materials, we can now develop more durable outdoor structures and furniture than the palm leaves used by the Egyptians 4000 years ago. This has resulted in lightweight and aesthetically pleasing structures that resulted from the designs and materials that emerged in the 20th century. Although these designs are not made from natural elements, they incorporate pieces that replicate their characteristics, providing shade with unique shapes and a distinctive design. In this context, cbdesign has created the Daisy umbrella. This flower-shaped parasol reproduces the colors found in natural surroundings, such as the sea, yellow frangipani, the blue sky, and purple bougainvillea.
