Rendering of the proposed La Rambla redevelopment project. Image Courtesy of Barcelona City Council, under policy of fair use
La Rambla, a 1.2-kilometer-long promenade in Barcelona, was established in 1766 along the old city walls. Embraced by locals, it became the only spacious area for strolling in a city of narrow streets and grew into a central meeting place for all social classes. Over time, leisure and cultural sites, like the Gran Teatre del Liceu and Boqueria Market, emerged, making it a vibrant, cultural hub. In 2017, Barcelona's local government launched a competition for the revitalization of this beloved urban space. Km_ZERO, a 15-member interdisciplinary team that also relied on the input of community groups was declared the winner. Now the first phase of the urbanization process has been almost completed, led by Lola Domènech and Olga Tarrasó. A hundred trees still remain to be planted in this phase, postponed due to drought conditions. The entire project is expected to be finished in 2027.
Foster + Partners has just announced its upcoming appointment by Manchester United to lead the development of a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District, focusing on club-owned land surrounding the current stadium. The goal is to create a world-class football destination for Manchester United fans, integrated with a broader vision for a mixed-use development that benefits the local community. This transformation aims to attract new residents, increase job opportunities, and establish the area as a vibrant hub for visitors from Manchester, across the UK, and beyond.
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming October workshops in collaboration with our ArchDaily Plus partner, Parametric Architecture. These workshops have been thoughtfully curated to empower architects, designers, and enthusiasts by providing them with the latest insights and skills in the dynamic realm of parametric design. Guided by industry experts and visionaries, these immersive sessions will explore cutting-edge techniques, innovative tools, and practical applications, creating an inspiring and dynamic learning environment where participants can take their design expertise to unprecedented levels.
https://www.archdaily.com/1021403/parametric-architecture-october-workshopsArchDaily Team
CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, in partnership with real estate group IPI, has revealed plans to transform the iconic modernist Palazzo Micca in Turin, Italy. Originally the headquarters of RAI, Italy's national broadcaster, the 19-story building will undergo a comprehensive adaptive reuse project. A significant feature of the redesign is the creation of an elevated public plaza at 26.5 meters, offering views of Turin's Baroque rooftops, the surrounding hills, and the Alps. The project also integrates sustainable design principles by converting parts of the office spaces into residential units and reusing existing materials.
MVRDV, in collaboration with Huayi Design, has been awarded the design contract for the Shenzhen Pingshan Sports Park in eastern Shenzhen, China. The sports park will feature a wide range of facilities, including an arena for badminton and other competitive sports, the new Chinese National Badminton Training Centre, and a National Fitness Centre, alongside various amenities for public use. Central to the project is the inclusion of 100 badminton courts, which also inspired the architectural design, particularly exemplified by the 240-meter-long roof shaped like a badminton racket head.
The India Autism Center (IAC), situated in Sirakole, West Bengal, represents a new perspective in accessible design and inclusivity. Designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions, the center embodies a comprehensive approach to neurodiverse living. Developed by Practice Design, an architectural firm based in Mumbai and Kolkata, the 52-acre project is expected to be completed by 2030. It aims to create a supportive community where individuals with autism can realize their full potential through a variety of tailored services.
British architect and planner Colin Fournier, co-founder of conceptual architecture studio Archigram and Professor of Architecture and Urbanism at the Bartlett School of Architecture, has passed away at the age of 79. Fournier was best known for his co-design of the Kunsthaus Graz in Austria, also known as the "Friendly Alien." This project, completed together with Sir Peter Cook, is celebrated as one of the most distinctive cultural landmarks of its time. For his contributions to this work, Fournier was awarded Austria's Goldener Ehrenzeichen medal in 2005, a recognition of his impact on the architectural landscape.
The Belgian Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by the winning consortium of Carré 7, Beyond Limits, One Designs, Pirnay, and Poly-Tech, embraces the Expo's overarching theme, "Designing the Society of the Future, Imagining Our Life of Tomorrow." With a focus on "Saving Lives," the pavilion' explores the universal significance of water and its vital role in creating and sustaining life. By highlighting water's interconnectedness with all living beings through the metaphor of cells, the pavilion aims to reflect humanity's relationship with the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Following the devastating earthquake that hit central Turkiye and northwest Syria in February 2023, the province of Hatay, Türkiye, was left with large sections of its urban fabric destroyed and thousands of residents displaced. Türkiye Design Council has commissioned design studio SOUR to contribute to the regeneration initiative as part of a wider design-led revitalization process.
In a significant win for historic preservation, two landmark Chicagoskyscrapers, the Century and Consumers Buildings, have been saved from demolition. These iconic structures, located on State Street, were initially set for destruction due to security concerns, given their proximity to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. However, after extensive advocacy and public pressure, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has shifted toward an adaptive reuse plan, ensuring the preservation of these architectural landmarks.
Known for its unconventional art installations and striking desert setting, the Burning Man festival has concluded this year with an array of temporary installations spread across the Black RockDesert in Nevada. The festival's 2024 theme, "Curiouser & Curiouser," inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, encouraged participants to embrace wonder and whimsy.
At Burning Man, a tapestry of themes emerges through diverse installations, from reflections on connectivity and isolation to explorations of time and space. Installations like Nebula Shroom Grove and the Temple of Together emphasize community and unity, inviting interaction and participation. Pieces like "I'm Fine" and Tree Circle delve into universal emotions and humanity's connection to the infinite, while works like Matter Out of Time and The End of Time play with perceptions of time and reality.
Designed by MAD Architects, the FENIX Museum of Migration is scheduled to open in Rotterdam's City Harbor in 2025. Currently under construction, the museum is set to explore the global narrative of migration through art, architecture, photography, and history. Situated in a 16,000-square-meter warehouse built in 1923, once part of the world's largest warehouse, the building has historical significance as a key storage and shipping hub for the Holland America Line. New construction photographs showcase the assembly of the metallic helix, named The Tornado, taking shape above the historical warehouse.
Use the form to receive a free pass for the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 in Barcelona. You can choose from the Visitor Pass, the Tomorrow.Building World Congress Pass, and the Full Congress Pass.
The event will take place from November 5th to 7th. For more information about the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024, visit the event's official website.
https://www.archdaily.com/1021354/get-your-free-pass-for-smart-city-expo-2024-in-barcelonaArchDaily Team
In Timișoara, Romania, Beta Architecture Biennial opens to the public today, September 13, under the curatorial direction of Oana Stănescu. Now in its 5th edition, thus celebrating 10 years since its inauguration, the 2024 biennial proposes a wide-ranging program of debates, exhibitions, guided tours, and artistic performances. The two main components of the biennale are the Main Exhibition, cover me softly, led by Stănescu, and the Beta Awards, aiming to highlight architects and professionals from Romania, Hungary, and Serbia who actively contribute to the improvement of the built environment. The biennale is open between September 13, and October 27, 2024.
In a recent interview with ArchDaily, Sigurd Larsen, renowned for his innovative architecture practice, reflects on his journey and the evolution of his office. A significant player in shaping contemporary European architecture, Larsen shares insights into his career development, the current profile of his practice, and his approach to various types of projects.
Currently, Larsen's office is known for its diverse range of projects, including residential homes,hotels, and public spaces across Europe. "Our focus is on combining conceptual creativity with practical considerations," Larsen explained. Projects such as landscape hotels and public schools in Germany exemplify this approach, showcasing a blend of innovation and context-sensitive design.
The Obel Award is an international prize seeking to highlight unconventional and original initiatives within the architectural profession. Supported by the Henrik Frode Obel Foundation, each annual award is centered around a specific theme. By exploring a different challenge of the built environment each year, the award remains open to a wide range of solutions and architectural innovations, honoring those contributions that have a positive impact on both people and the planet.
"Architectures WITH," the recently announced theme of the 2024 edition, explores participatory design, co-creation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, challenging traditional roles in architecture to foster inclusive, adaptable environments. It aims to empower all stakeholders and enhance collective intelligence in architecture.
The Transamerica Pyramid Center has just announced the completion of the long-awaited Foster + Partners led renovation in San Francisco, United States. An iconic landmark of San Francisco's skyline since its completion in 1972, has been undergoing its most significant renovation to date. Originally designed by American architect William Pereira in a Brutalist style, the 48-story tower was the tallest building in San Francisco for nearly 50 years. This renovation will also include enhancements to the adjacent buildings.
Japanese architect and humanitarian Shigeru Ban has been named the 35th Laureate of the Praemium Imperiale Award for Architecture. Established in 1988 by the Japan Art Association, the annual award seeks to recognize exceptional achievements in Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Music, and Theatre/Film. Shigeru Ban's contributions to architecture have been significant, not only for the distinctive design aesthetics but also for the innovative use of materials, particularly in the context of emergency interventions and humanitarian work.
