Maria-Cristina Florian

Architect, Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and KU Leuven. Based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

BROWSE ALL FROM THIS AUTHOR HERE

Powerhouse Company Wins Competition for a Diverse Urban Ensemble in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Powerhouse Company, together with Studio Donna van Milligen Bielke & Ard de Vries Architecten, Team V Architecture, Joppe Kusters, and DELVA Landscape Architecture | Urbanism, has won the competition to design a creative urban district in Havenstraat, a well-known fringe area in Amsterdam. Set in a location defined by disused industrial remnants, historic trams, and informal greenery, the area shows its potential in offering space for experimentation, opening itself to local businesses, creatives, and makers to refine its character.

Powerhouse Company Wins Competition for a Diverse Urban Ensemble in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Image 1 of 4Powerhouse Company Wins Competition for a Diverse Urban Ensemble in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Image 2 of 4Powerhouse Company Wins Competition for a Diverse Urban Ensemble in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Image 3 of 4Powerhouse Company Wins Competition for a Diverse Urban Ensemble in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Image 4 of 4Powerhouse Company Wins Competition for a Diverse Urban Ensemble in Amsterdam, Netherlands - More Images+ 7

Diamond Schmitt Architects Reveals Design for the New Brunswick Museum in Canada

Diamond Schmitt Architects, together with Associate Architect EXP, has unveiled the design for the New Brunswick Museum (NBM). Envisioned as an extension of Canada’s oldest museum, the new wing will expand the museum’s spaces for research and exhibitions while maintaining a minimum carbon footprint. The intervention is located on the historic Saint John site, taking advantage of the unique location by opening up views towards both the urban center and the Harbor of Saint John.

Diamond Schmitt Architects Reveals Design for the New Brunswick Museum in Canada - Image 1 of 4Diamond Schmitt Architects Reveals Design for the New Brunswick Museum in Canada - Image 2 of 4Diamond Schmitt Architects Reveals Design for the New Brunswick Museum in Canada - Image 3 of 4Diamond Schmitt Architects Reveals Design for the New Brunswick Museum in Canada - Image 4 of 4Diamond Schmitt Architects Reveals Design for the New Brunswick Museum in Canada - More Images+ 6

Designing the Future of Energy: An Exhibition on Design's Role in the Matter Opens at Vitra Design Museum

The Vitra Design Museum presents 'Transform! Designing the Future of Energy', an exhibition running from March 23rd to September 1st, 2024. As energy stands as the cornerstone of modern society, the subject encompasses political, social, and environmental dimensions. The exhibition aims to highlight design’s role in the effort to transform the energy sector into a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable one, relying more on renewable sources, smart mobility systems, and moving towards self-sufficient cities.

Designing the Future of Energy: An Exhibition on Design's Role in the Matter Opens at Vitra Design Museum - Image 1 of 4Designing the Future of Energy: An Exhibition on Design's Role in the Matter Opens at Vitra Design Museum - Image 2 of 4Designing the Future of Energy: An Exhibition on Design's Role in the Matter Opens at Vitra Design Museum - Image 3 of 4Designing the Future of Energy: An Exhibition on Design's Role in the Matter Opens at Vitra Design Museum - Image 4 of 4Designing the Future of Energy: An Exhibition on Design's Role in the Matter Opens at Vitra Design Museum - More Images+ 4

Taller Frida Escobedo Unveils Contextual Residential Project in Brooklyn, New York

Taller Frida Escobedo has unveiled a new residential project to take shape in Brooklyn, New York. The 209,000-square-foot project titled after its location, Boerum Hill – Bergen, aims to become a contextual addition to the neighborhood, adapting its materiality and scale to the surrounding context. The developers, Avdoo & Partners, also enlisted Workstead for interior design, DXA for master planning, and DXA and Patrick Cullina for landscape design. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Taller Frida Escobedo Unveils Contextual Residential Project in Brooklyn, New York - Image 1 of 4Taller Frida Escobedo Unveils Contextual Residential Project in Brooklyn, New York - Image 2 of 4Taller Frida Escobedo Unveils Contextual Residential Project in Brooklyn, New York - Image 3 of 4Taller Frida Escobedo Unveils Contextual Residential Project in Brooklyn, New York - Image 4 of 4Taller Frida Escobedo Unveils Contextual Residential Project in Brooklyn, New York - More Images

Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Announces Expansion Project by Safdie Architects

Marina Bay Sands has unveiled plans for a significant expansion project to be designed by Safdie Architects, led by Moshe Safdie, the architect of the existing structure. Featuring a luxury hotel and a 15,000-seat entertainment arena, the new intervention signals a new development phase in the evolution of the iconic landmark in Singapore. Anticipated to commence construction by July 2025, the project is slated for completion by July 2029, promising an array of new amenities and facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Earthquake Hits Taiwan: How Strict Building Codes Averted a Larger Disaster

On April 3, Taiwan was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the strongest one in 25 years. According to the latest reports, nine people have been killed, and at least 900 others have been injured by damaged buildings and landslides on the island. The seism was centered off the eastern coast of Hualien County, severely damaging buildings, some leaning at severe angles. However, the country’s strict building codes, developed in the past two decades in response to the area’s intense seismic activity, have prevented even more extensive damage and loss of life.

Stefano Boeri Architetti China Wins Competition for Landscape-Inspired Technology Museum in Xi’an

The satellite practice of Stefano Boeri Architetti in China has won the tender for the Culture CBD Modern Technology Experience Centre in Xi'an, the capital of the Chinese province of Shaanxi. The new technology-focused museum is set to become a hub for scientific and cultural exchange. The winning project takes inspiration from the area's natural landscape, characterized by a tortuous system of rivers and mountains, as well as the culture of the ancient city of Xi’an.

Stefano Boeri Architetti China Wins Competition for Landscape-Inspired Technology Museum in Xi’an - Image 1 of 4Stefano Boeri Architetti China Wins Competition for Landscape-Inspired Technology Museum in Xi’an - Image 2 of 4Stefano Boeri Architetti China Wins Competition for Landscape-Inspired Technology Museum in Xi’an - Image 3 of 4Stefano Boeri Architetti China Wins Competition for Landscape-Inspired Technology Museum in Xi’an - Image 4 of 4Stefano Boeri Architetti China Wins Competition for Landscape-Inspired Technology Museum in Xi’an - More Images+ 1

OODA and MassLab Win Competition for a “Building without Devastating” Master Plan in Portugal

In collaboration with MassLab, OODA has been awarded first place in the Barrosinha Agricultural Company competition, aimed at creating a 2,000-hectare development seamlessly integrated into the agro-forestry heritage of Alcácer do Sal, Portugal. The master plan, covering a variety of functions for tourism, housing, commerce, and leisure, is designed in harmony with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, striving to transform Herdade da Barrosinha into a model of sustainable renewal.

OODA and MassLab Win Competition for a “Building without Devastating” Master Plan in Portugal - Image 1 of 4OODA and MassLab Win Competition for a “Building without Devastating” Master Plan in Portugal - Image 2 of 4OODA and MassLab Win Competition for a “Building without Devastating” Master Plan in Portugal - Image 3 of 4OODA and MassLab Win Competition for a “Building without Devastating” Master Plan in Portugal - Image 4 of 4OODA and MassLab Win Competition for a “Building without Devastating” Master Plan in Portugal - More Images+ 13

Populous Reveals Design for a Peak Performance Training Center in Cleveland, United States

Populous has unveiled its design for the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, a 210,000-square-foot facility slanted to become the world’s largest training center. Created through a collaboration between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Clinic, and Bedrock Real Estate, the venue will be located along the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. Pending approval, the groundbreaking is expected to happen before the end of 2024.

Populous Reveals Design for a Peak Performance Training Center in Cleveland, United States - Image 5 of 4Populous Reveals Design for a Peak Performance Training Center in Cleveland, United States - Image 1 of 4Populous Reveals Design for a Peak Performance Training Center in Cleveland, United States - Featured ImagePopulous Reveals Design for a Peak Performance Training Center in Cleveland, United States - Image 2 of 4Populous Reveals Design for a Peak Performance Training Center in Cleveland, United States - More Images+ 2

Diller Scofidio + Renfro Unveil Design for a ‘Companion’ to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles

Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) has unveiled their proposal for the expansion of The Broad, a contemporary art museum founded in 2015 by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The project is set to adapt the existing museum, also designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, to the growing expectations of the public, as the institution has far exceeded its projections, now regularly attracting nearly four times more visitors than originally envisioned. The intervention aims to enhance public accessibility and offer the opportunity to host live performances and events, while also accommodating the institution’s growing collection. The expansion is expected to open before the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro Unveil Design for a ‘Companion’ to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles  - Image 1 of 4Diller Scofidio + Renfro Unveil Design for a ‘Companion’ to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles  - Image 2 of 4Diller Scofidio + Renfro Unveil Design for a ‘Companion’ to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles  - Image 3 of 4Diller Scofidio + Renfro Unveil Design for a ‘Companion’ to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles  - Image 4 of 4Diller Scofidio + Renfro Unveil Design for a ‘Companion’ to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles  - More Images

Ana Skobe Wins the Architecture Photography Category at Sony World Photography Awards 2024

The Sony World Photography Awards 2024 has announced its category winners and shortlist, showcasing the best single images from around the world captured during the last year. With over 395,000 submissions from 220 countries and territories, the competition aims to highlight established and emerging photographers from around the world. The Open Competition is divided into 10 category sections, covering a diverse range of themes, from Architecture and Landscape to Portraiture, Lifestyle, and Wildlife photography.

For the Architecture category, ArchDaily collaborator Ana Skobe has been declared the winner with a photograph titled “Falling Out of Time.” Bathed in the soft hues of evening light, a sleek geometric structure rises from the coastal landscape, its clean lines contrasting with the natural elements surrounding it. Positioned at the base of the lighthouse, a solitary figure gives a sense of scale to the composition, as it contemplates the vastness of the ocean.

Ana Skobe Wins the Architecture Photography Category at Sony World Photography Awards 2024 - Image 1 of 4Ana Skobe Wins the Architecture Photography Category at Sony World Photography Awards 2024 - Image 2 of 4Ana Skobe Wins the Architecture Photography Category at Sony World Photography Awards 2024 - Image 3 of 4Ana Skobe Wins the Architecture Photography Category at Sony World Photography Awards 2024 - Image 4 of 4Ana Skobe Wins the Architecture Photography Category at Sony World Photography Awards 2024 - More Images+ 10

Monumental Sculptor Richard Serra Passes Away at 85

Renowned sculptor Richard Serra, known for his monumental steel structures that reshaped the landscape of contemporary art, passed away at the age of 85 at his residence in Orient, N.Y. His groundbreaking works, characterized by massive tilting corridors and spirals of steel, offered viewers a unique experience, inviting them to navigate through and around the imposing forms to fully comprehend their essence. Because of this invitation to explore space, materiality, and site, the artist has been long-recognized in the architectural community, earning him the Architectural League of New York President’s Medal in 2014, becoming the first artist to receive the honor.

Monumental Sculptor Richard Serra Passes Away at 85 - Image 1 of 4Monumental Sculptor Richard Serra Passes Away at 85 - Image 2 of 4Monumental Sculptor Richard Serra Passes Away at 85 - Image 3 of 4Monumental Sculptor Richard Serra Passes Away at 85 - Image 4 of 4Monumental Sculptor Richard Serra Passes Away at 85 - More Images+ 3

Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago

The Obama Foundation has released details about the design of a new athletic, program and event facility to take shape at the Obama Presidential Center located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Designed by Moody Nolan, the facility titled Home Court will offer the largest gathering space on the campus, serving as a place for community engagement as well as health and wellness activities. The venue is scheduled to become the first space within the Obama Presidential Center campus to open in late 2025.

Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 1 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 2 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 3 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 4 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - More Images+ 9

BIG and A+ Architects Reveal Design for Mass Timber Transport Hub in France

Bjarke Ingels Group and A+ Architects have revealed the design for the 12,000-square-meter Marengo Multimodal Transport Hub in Toulouse, France. The project will expand the functionality of the city’s central station, Gare Matabiau, strengthening the area’s public transport networks by creating a hub for bus, railway, and metro, all connected under one roof. The design of the new hub takes cues from the city’s distinctive roofscape and the traditional use of the rose-colored “foraine” brick, employing a mass timber structure and low-carbon concrete to ensure a sustainable intervention adapted to its environment. The Hub is set to begin construction in 2026.

BIG and A+ Architects Reveal Design for Mass Timber Transport Hub in France - Image 1 of 4BIG and A+ Architects Reveal Design for Mass Timber Transport Hub in France - Image 2 of 4BIG and A+ Architects Reveal Design for Mass Timber Transport Hub in France - Image 3 of 4BIG and A+ Architects Reveal Design for Mass Timber Transport Hub in France - Image 4 of 4BIG and A+ Architects Reveal Design for Mass Timber Transport Hub in France - More Images+ 12