Fernanda Castro

Chilean architect from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Content Director at DAAily Platforms, working at ArchDaily for over 10 years.

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The Best Architectural Drawings of 2018

With the mission of providing tools and inspiration to architects all around the world, ArchDaily’s curators are constantly searching for new projects, ideas and forms of expression. For the past three years, ArchDaily has showcased the best discoveries of each year, and in keeping with tradition, we would like to share the best architecture drawings published throughout 2018.

What is the role of contemporary drawing in architecture? We approach the definition of drawing as design itself. Drawings are used to explain principles, to deliver ideas, to construct new architecture, and to document creative processes.
Below you will see the selection of drawings arranged under six categories: Context, Architectural Drawings, Sketches & Hand-drawn, Digital Collages, Conceptual Drawings & Diagrams and Animated Gifs. Each chosen drawing strengthens the proposed construction or enhances the built work.

We also invite you to review collections from previous years here or other drawing-related posts selected by our editors in the following link.

Architecture That Uses Meshes and Nets for Escape, Play and Rest

Architects use meshes and nets as a way to brighten up homes, hostels, and even office spaces. Functioning as a hammock, mesh establish a connection between floor levels. This playful feature often creates unexpected places for leisure, escape, and rest. Below, we've selected 17 projects that feature nets and meshes.

Puukuokka Housing Block / OOPEAA

Puukuokka Housing Block  / OOPEAA - Apartments, Facade, BalconyPuukuokka Housing Block  / OOPEAA - Apartments, FacadePuukuokka Housing Block  / OOPEAA - Apartments, Door, FacadePuukuokka Housing Block  / OOPEAA - Apartments, Facade, HandrailPuukuokka Housing Block  / OOPEAA - More Images+ 41

Jyväskylä, Finland

Charles Smith Wines Jet City / Olson Kundig

Charles Smith Wines Jet City / Olson Kundig - Restaurants & Bars, FacadeCharles Smith Wines Jet City / Olson Kundig - Restaurants & Bars, Facade, ArchCharles Smith Wines Jet City / Olson Kundig - Restaurants & Bars, Facade, BeamCharles Smith Wines Jet City / Olson Kundig - Restaurants & Bars, Beam, Facade, Table, ChairCharles Smith Wines Jet City / Olson Kundig - More Images+ 11

Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio

Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio - Retail Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio - Retail Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio - Retail Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio - Retail Coal Drops Yard / Heatherwick Studio - More Images+ 36

  • Architects: Heatherwick Studio
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  100000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Jansen, Sto, Nicholson Roof Products, Propak Architectural

MO Museum of Modern Art / Studio Libeskind

MO Museum of Modern Art / Studio Libeskind - Museum, Facade, Handrail, Beam
© Hufton + Crow

MO Museum of Modern Art / Studio Libeskind - Museum, Facade, Beam, HandrailMO Museum of Modern Art / Studio Libeskind - Museum, StairsMO Museum of Modern Art / Studio Libeskind - Museum, Facade, HandrailMO Museum of Modern Art / Studio Libeskind - Museum, Facade, HandrailMO Museum of Modern Art / Studio Libeskind - More Images+ 25

Vilnius, Lithuania

Wood and Concrete: Impressive Examples in Indian Architecture

Wood and Concrete: Impressive Examples in Indian Architecture  - Featured Image
© Shamanth Patil J.

Greatly influenced by the modern movement--and in particular the presence of Le Corbusier--contemporary Indian architecture reflects a mixture of traditional and western references. Using mainly local materials such as brick, concrete and stone, Indian buildings stand out with their high visual impact and a assertive heaviness. 

Because of its scarcity, wood is mostly used in details and finishes rather than as main structures. Some of the most successful architects in India have managed to gracefully balance the use of concrete and wood in a gentle gesture that evokes elegance and rough textures.

Here we present some of the best examples of contemporary Indian architecture that have used both concrete and wood in a harmonious and attractive way.

The New Glenstone / Thomas Phifer and Partners

The New Glenstone / Thomas Phifer and Partners - Extension, Garden, FacadeThe New Glenstone / Thomas Phifer and Partners - Extension, LightingThe New Glenstone / Thomas Phifer and Partners - Extension, FacadeThe New Glenstone / Thomas Phifer and Partners - ExtensionThe New Glenstone / Thomas Phifer and Partners - More Images+ 15

Boolean Operator / MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY

Boolean Operator / MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY - Temporary InstallationsBoolean Operator / MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY - Temporary Installations, FacadeBoolean Operator / MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY - Temporary InstallationsBoolean Operator / MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY - Temporary InstallationsBoolean Operator / MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY - More Images+ 18

Housing for Elderly People in Huningue / Dominique Coulon & associés

Housing for Elderly People in Huningue / Dominique Coulon & associés - Housing, Facade, Stairs, Door, HandrailHousing for Elderly People in Huningue / Dominique Coulon & associés - Housing, Facade, Door, ColumnHousing for Elderly People in Huningue / Dominique Coulon & associés - Housing, Bedroom, Arch, Chair, TableHousing for Elderly People in Huningue / Dominique Coulon & associés - Housing, Facade, ArchHousing for Elderly People in Huningue / Dominique Coulon & associés - More Images+ 38

  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  3932
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  ALSASOL, Atlas Schindler, BURGER, CF CUISINE, FREGONESE, +16

Stack House / FreelandBuck

Stack House / FreelandBuck - Houses, Facade, Door, Handrail
© Eric Staudenmaier Photography

Stack House / FreelandBuck - Houses, Garden, FacadeStack House / FreelandBuck - Houses, Facade, DoorStack House / FreelandBuck - Houses, Beam, Arch, Table, ChairStack House / FreelandBuck - Houses, Facade, HandrailStack House / FreelandBuck - More Images+ 26

  • Architects: FreelandBuck
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2207 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Western Window Systems, DuPont, Benjamin Obdyke, Bosch, CB2, +6

Folly / Cohesion Studio

Folly / Cohesion Studio - Cabins & Lodges, Facade
© Sam Frost

Folly / Cohesion Studio - Cabins & Lodges, Door, FacadeFolly / Cohesion Studio - Cabins & Lodges, ChairFolly / Cohesion Studio - Cabins & Lodges, Bedroom, Beam, Handrail, Facade, BedFolly / Cohesion Studio - Cabins & Lodges, FacadeFolly / Cohesion Studio - More Images+ 14

  • Architects: Cohesion Studio
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  950
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Lutron, VELUX Group, August, Delta Faucet, EcoSolarCool, +9

13 Instagram Accounts That Showcase the Diversity of Facades Around the World

13 Instagram Accounts That Showcase the Diversity of Facades Around the World - Image 1 of 4
Instagram user @serjios (Serge Najjar). ImageZaha Hadid in Beirut

In recent years, social media (especially Instagram) has become an extremely important tool in the field of architecture. Instagram has become the go-to visual platform for showcasing a wide variety of architectural typologies and styles, city views, and stunning edifices that often go unnoticed. While these buildings may seem ordinary to the everyday passerby, they become objects of art for not only architects but those who stop to take notice of their design.

Below we have selected 13 Instagram accounts dedicated to highlighting facades and walls from around the world, showcasing the diversity of our cities.

Napoli Afragola Station / Zaha Hadid Architects

Napoli Afragola Station / Zaha Hadid Architects - Train Station, CityscapeNapoli Afragola Station / Zaha Hadid Architects - Train StationNapoli Afragola Station / Zaha Hadid Architects - Train Station, Facade, LightingNapoli Afragola Station / Zaha Hadid Architects - Train Station, FacadeNapoli Afragola Station / Zaha Hadid Architects - More Images+ 41

Casoria, Italy

Kolon One & Only Tower / Morphosis Architects

Kolon One & Only Tower / Morphosis Architects - Office Buildings, Stairs, Facade, Handrail, BeamKolon One & Only Tower / Morphosis Architects - Office Buildings, Facade, Handrail, Stairs, Beam, LightingKolon One & Only Tower / Morphosis Architects - Office Buildings, FacadeKolon One & Only Tower / Morphosis Architects - Office Buildings, Stairs, HandrailKolon One & Only Tower / Morphosis Architects - More Images+ 26

  • Architects: Morphosis
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  821000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018

Sleeve House / actual / office

Sleeve House / actual / office - Houses, FacadeSleeve House / actual / office - Houses, Courtyard, Facade, Beam, Table, ChairSleeve House / actual / office - Houses, Door, Handrail, Facade, ChairSleeve House / actual / office - Houses, Garden, FacadeSleeve House / actual / office - More Images+ 15

Taghkanic, United States

‘Allende’ Performance Hall and Rehearsal Studios / Dominique Coulon & associés

‘Allende’ Performance Hall and Rehearsal Studios  / Dominique Coulon & associés -  Performing Arts Center , Facade‘Allende’ Performance Hall and Rehearsal Studios  / Dominique Coulon & associés -  Performing Arts Center , Facade‘Allende’ Performance Hall and Rehearsal Studios  / Dominique Coulon & associés -  Performing Arts Center , Facade‘Allende’ Performance Hall and Rehearsal Studios  / Dominique Coulon & associés -  Performing Arts Center , Facade‘Allende’ Performance Hall and Rehearsal Studios  / Dominique Coulon & associés - More Images+ 42

Mons-en-Barœul, France
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2336
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Atlas Schindler, CDI, CK CARRELAGE, COEXIA, ENGIE AXIMA, +14

Gateway Arch Museum / Cooper Robertson

Gateway Arch Museum / Cooper Robertson - Museums & Exhibit , Facade, Lighting, CityscapeGateway Arch Museum / Cooper Robertson - Museums & Exhibit , GardenGateway Arch Museum / Cooper Robertson - Museums & Exhibit , Facade, BeamGateway Arch Museum / Cooper Robertson - Museums & Exhibit , ArchGateway Arch Museum / Cooper Robertson - More Images+ 27

  • Architects: Cooper Robertson
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  47000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Terrazzo & Marble, Electrix Illumination