In a world facing resource scarcity, rapid digital transformation, and evolving societal demands, the need for dynamic dialogue between architects, designers, product developers, and manufacturers has never been more crucial. In 2025, the ICONIC AWARDS will take things further with an expanded and refreshed platform that unites architecture, interior design, and product innovation—spanning from buildings to furniture—all under one roof. The German Design Council is merging the former "Innovative Architecture" and "Interior Products" awards to create a powerful new stage for visionary ideas and groundbreaking solutions.
The Rixos Marina project demonstrates the perfect harmony between luxury and style using Terraco’s Terracoat Suede. Image Courtesy of Terraco
The façade of any building is more than just its exterior; it serves as a canvas that not only enhances the structure's appearance but also reflects its inner essence and character. The exterior façades category encompasses a broad variety of finishes and systems, including renders, and decorative coatings, designed to protect buildings while adding aesthetic value, blending functionality with visual appeal in perfect harmony. These finishes are crucial in defining the architectural character and energy efficiency of residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
The global exterior façade finishes and coatings industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by: increasing construction activities related to rapid urbanization and development; accelerated renovation projects; the adoption of energy-efficient building and sustainable construction practices; and the rising demand for aesthetically pleasing and durable building exteriors. It is projected to grow with a strong CAGR of 9% between 2023-2030, as per the Exterior Architectural Coating Market 2024 report by 360iResearch.
Models-Off Site Exhibition will be open for 2 days only from March 7th-8th
The ½” =1’-0” scale model has been an integral part of our design process since we started our practice 8 years ago. The scale of the model allows us to look “into” the model rather than “over” it. Looking in is like finding and the act of finding is important for design. Our primary goal of model-making is not to generate form, but to generate space. The ½” =1’-0” scale model allows us to test multiple spatial qualities: layout and section, material palette, assembly, details, and light. Testing the relationship of how these elements come together in the model allows us to make decisions. Sometimes things go well together, sometimes we see different elements require more tension. The models in Models Off-Site are a mix of in-progress models from our office, models returned from exhibitions, and models from completed projects that have been in storage. We see this two-day exhibition as an opportunity to bring models from the last 8 years of our practice together, unboxed, and in one space.
Each month, Friends of Residential Treasures Los Angeles (FORT: LA) curates a new self-guided trail, inviting Angelenos to explore the city’s rich architectural heritage. These immersive experiences highlight significant homes, hidden gems, and the designers who have shaped Los Angeles' built environment.
The call for the seventh edition of the European Award AHI is now open, an event that has become a benchmark for architectural heritage intervention, as evidenced by the large number of works submitted in each edition, which help shed light on the direction in which Europe is heading in this field.
Periodically, browngrotta arts takes a look at what's happening in the fiber medium. For Field Notes: an art invitational, Spring 2025, we are checking in with artists whose work we represent, to see what's on their minds, on their looms and in their studios. We have also reached out to a few other artists who have caught our attention and asked them to submit a possible work for Field Notes. And, we'll be including rarely seen works by art textile pioneers, including Kay Sekimachi and Mariette Rousseau-Vermette, who are receiving renewed, and well-deserved, attention. Mark your calendars – May 3 - May 11 — to see Field Notes, our state-of-play survey of fiber art.
Design District is the leading annual trade event for interior design in the Netherlands. From May 21st to 23rd, the iconic Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam is the place where professionals from the interior design industry gather to discover the latest developments in the sector, make connections, and get inspired. For 3 days, the exhibition floor is filled with presentations from the 200 most beautiful in- and outdoor brands. Design District also features exhibitions by design academies and young designers, captivating talks and provides plenty of space to catch up with colleagues. So don't miss out: Get inspirered at a meeting place for future friendships and business opportunities. #DesignDistrictNL
Often admired for its simplicity and ability to clearly communicate via scribbles on an espresso martini-stained napkin, the napkin sketch is perhaps one of the most recognized forms of creative leadership in the industry. Not only is it iconic, but this type of early-stage, iterative sketch helps to set project direction in a fast, easy, and effective way. However, the work that follows to translate that sketch into design (and ultimately win work) often robs firms of a profitable early-stage design phase.
Young Designers Open Call (deadline April 4th, 2025)
The Young Designers Open Call (YDOC), organized by reSITE for Manifesto Market, is an opportunity for emerging architects and designers to manifest their talent in front of a renowned jury, get their idea built and put in use in a popular Prague location, within only a few weeks.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House (Buffalo, New York) is pleased to announce a call for applications to its Creative Residency Program. The residency provides individuals from multiple disciplines a thought-provoking environment in which to produce new works of the imagination inspired by one of the great examples of 20th century architecture. Applications to the 2026 season will open on April 14 and close on May 9. They will be accepted in two distinct categories. The Artist Program supports the development and presentation of creative works as they relate to Martin House. The Researcher Program provides opportunities to conduct research that will lead to published texts or projects in various fields, again as they relate to Frank Lloyd Wright and Martin House. Creative makers who are selected to participate will generally spend 2-4 weeks onsite either consecutively or incrementally within the residency term: June - October, 2026. Residents are also expected to deliver a free public program, performance, exhibition, or other creative presentation in order to share their Martin House-inspired work with the larger public. Residents will receive a stipend of $5,000. Travel expenses of up to $1,000 will also be provided to residents who are from outside the Buffalo-Niagara region. The Creative Residency Program is an opportunity for the Martin House to respond to and engage with our community. We anticipate that it will lead to more robust interpretations of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Martin House, and the people who once lived and worked here so as to expand the dialogue as to what great architecture is and why it matters. Further information and application materials are available here: https://martinhouse.org/visit/creative-residency-program/
BuildFest 2: Peace Rises invites proposals for timber "Peace-Infrastructure" at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival.
Enter the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge Architecture Competition now! 50,000 € in prize money! Closing date for registration: July 24, 2025
Saudi Arabia is undergoing an extraordinary transformation, stepping boldly into a future shaped by innovation, creativity, and opportunity. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is diversifying its economy beyond oil, with significant investments in tourism, culture, technology, and sustainability. This national evolution is redefining Saudi Arabia's identity on the global stage, blending modern progress with deep-rooted heritage. Across the country, ambitious initiatives are revitalizing cities and landscapes, honoring the past while embracing the future. Historic sites are being preserved, new urban developments are emerging, and cultural projects are flourishing—all working together to create a contemporary Saudi Arabia that is both forward-thinking and proud of its traditions. As the Kingdom grows into a global hub for art and creativity, it provides new platforms for artists, architects, and designers to contribute to its evolving landscape. As part of Saudi Arabia's broader cultural transformation, the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge, organized by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative (an initiative by Al Fozan Social Foundation), provides a platform for architects and artists to shape the Kingdom's evolving public spaces. Since its launch in 2018, this prestigious competition has welcomed creative minds from around the world to design sculptures that reflect Saudi Arabia's culture, heritage, and aspirations. These works of art are envisioned as meaningful additions to the urban landscape, enhancing public spaces and celebrating the Kingdom's identity. This year's theme, "The Inspiration Around You," challenges participants to reflect on their environment and create sculptures that embody Saudi Arabia's unique story. Designers will choose from two distinct sites:
KMUTT-SoA+D Lecture by Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee of HAS Design and Research
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi - School of Architecture and Design (KMUTT - SoA+D) is pleased to announce its 2025 Lecture Series on the Life and Career of Architecture Students After Graduation. This semester's lectures will feature speakers from various fields around the world, offering diverse perspectives and international viewpoints on the forefront of contemporary architecture and architectural engineering.
Join us in the Newmark Gallery at Art Omi for Raising Supper, an afternoon of gathering, making, and conversation as we celebrate the opening of Staging Area: A Barn Raising in Two Parts by designer Erin Besler.
NYCxDESIGN Opening Night Party at Mercer Labs - Photo by Sub-Urban Photography
NYCxDESIGN brings together design professionals and enthusiasts for a dynamic, citywide celebration spanning all five boroughs. From exhibitions and design talks to cocktail parties and open studios, the Festival hosts hundreds of events, drawing thousands of attendees from around the world. The highly anticipated 2025 edition will explore "Design is for Everyone," highlighting the power of design to shape humanity, culture, and inclusion.