We have written a lot about the adaptive reuse of buildings and how this should become an even more important activity for architects in the future. Focusing on interiors, it consists of adapting spaces to new demands, promoting quality and comfort, and often incorporating new technologies into a space. Whether adding a new bedroom, organizing a home office, or transforming a historical building into an office, the architects' creativity allows them to create interesting environments without the need for demolishing. But one thing that tends to make designers scratch their heads in concern is how to include bathrooms and all the complication that it entails. This is because adding a simple toilet usually requires breaking slabs, walls, and floors, working with thick plumbing, and, above all, spending a lot of money and time. There is, however, the possibility of using a macerating pump system - a straightforward, affordable solution for creating a complete or half bathroom practically anywhere.

Ricardo Rocha writes about the German-Brazilian architect Hartmut Thimel. Forgotten by canonical historiography, he worked with Georges Candilis, Yona Friedman, and later with Oscar Niemeyer. His work is a bridge between 1970s Brazil, addressing the international avant-garde - Team X, Metabolism, Spatial Urbanism, and Prospective, among others.

Widely recognized as being responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions, concrete should be a blacklisted material, relegated to the shameful annals of architectural history. Rapid global urbanization, however, will ensure its unequaled production simplicity and structural strength help retain concrete’s firm grip on the construction industry.

If you can’t beat it, improve it: is the industry’s mantra on innovation, currently developing various alternatives to concrete or its constituent parts and admixtures. So with a concrete set for the environmental green list, the concrete revolution –using the material as an aesthetic exterior facade, interior decoration and fittings, or even in furniture and lighting, as well as a structural framework– is free to continue.

Museums play a critical role in preserving local cultures, promoting a better understanding of our collective heritage, and fostering dialogue, curiosity and self-reflection. In recent years –and largely driven by the Covid-19 pandemic– technological advances have enabled users from all over the world to visit exhibitions virtually, at any time and from the comfort of their own home. However, although online tours are a good way of increasing accessibility, there is something about the in-person museum experience that will never get old: the ability to witness, embrace and closely admire artefacts, paintings and sculptures in their true form, as well as the chance to experience the unique ambiance and essence of a traditional museum setting. Viewing the Mona Lisa virtually will never live up to appreciating it face-to-face at The Louvre, for instance.

In order to collect global intelligence and advanced ideas, and provide advice for the development of Shenzhen airport economics, the International Consultation for the Development Strategy and Implementation Strategy of Shenzhen Airport Economics was launched. Registration is now open to outstanding consultation institutions and planning and design institutions all over the world.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)—which organizes global data and supports research in this field—thermal comfort is defined as the condition of the mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. Why is it important to study adaptive comfort in Latin American climates? Given that 40% of the population lives in the tropics, designing architecture capable of adapting to tropical climates is essential. Consequently, in line with human-centered design, strategies must be tailored to the specific local conditions in which they are implemented.

Franco Morales, technical director of EBP Chile, who plays a cross-cutting role across the company's various departments (construction, climate change, and local energy), frequently collaborates with the CEELA Project. Following his participation in the energy retrofitting project for the Juan XXIII School in Montería, Colombia, and identifying a widespread challenge—namely, schools built without an architecture suited to their climatic context—he has begun developing a sustainable design manual for educational institutions in hot-dry and hot-humid climates.

On October 19, 21, and 22, Laguna in Mexico City hosted the second edition of the first design festival created by Coolhuntermx, conceived by and for projects led by cis women, trans women, and dissident communities. This festival was conceived with an inclusive, diverse, and collective approach, curated by designers Andrea Soler and Taina Campos. Following a first edition filled with key learnings and shared knowledge, the objective remains the same: to serve as an inclusive platform for design proposals and other creative expressions seeking alternative dialogues to those taking place during Design Month. This year, various forums were held to address topics such as "Social and Community Impact," "Representation and Decision-Making," "Activism for Transformation," and "Design of Care." In addition, the "Voces Estudiantiles" (Student Voices) exhibition showcased posters addressing various contemporary topics being explored in universities. Similarly, a mural by Artsynonym and Flaminguettes captured some of the core concepts and guiding principles of the festival. The event also featured 'Mujeres de la Tierra' (Women of the Earth), a collective of Indigenous women who defend the land and their lives against violence: "we stand in solidarity with the struggle by planting, cooking, and sharing knowledge." Attendance and participation during the event were highly diverse, enriching the panels to foster a horizontal dialogue addressing specific concerns. It is increasingly necessary to create these spaces to bring visibility to the collective struggles resisting day-to-day dynamics. Therefore, if you were unable to attend, the full talks are available below on coolhuntermx's Twitch channel; simply click on the link for each session. DAY 1
Panel: Social and Community Impact
WATCH THE RECORDING HERE
The panel featured Alessandra Cireddu (Moderator): National Director of the Architecture Program, Tecnológico de Monterrey (@alitac); Talachas Girl (Speaker): EXCLUSIVE SERVICE FOR WOMEN AND LGBTQ+. Remodeling, interior design, recycling, savings, construction, and creation (@talachas.girl); CACEH. Marcelina Bautista (Speaker): Domestic worker for 22 years, currently director of CACEH, a civil society organization that empowers and professionalizes domestic workers (@caceh_nacional); and Colectiva Argamasa (Speaker): A women's collective seeking to coordinate the presence of women in spaces through cross-cutting architectural interventions (@colectiva_argamasa). Panel: Representation and Decision-Making
WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE TALK HERE
The panel featured Vulvísima, Avelina Fonseca (Moderator): Feminist activist, B.A. in Political Science from UNAM, specializing in emancipatory feminist economics and the social organization of care. Creator of Vulvísima (@vulvisima); Ashby Solano (Speaker): Creative Direction. Digital Fabrication Jedi. Multidimensional creative being (@ashbysolano); GirlUp (Speaker): Passionate advocates for gender equality, sexual and reproductive rights, climate action, mental health, and other social injustice issues (@girlupmx); Marbella Figueroa (Speaker): Co-creator and collaborator of Afrochingonas, a self-managed project addressing and problematizing Afro-descent and racism in Mexico (@marbellabrilhinho); and Astra Lem (Speaker): Graphic designer and trans activism (@astra.lem). DAY 2
Panel: Activism for Transformation
WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE TALK HERE
The panel featured Dora Bartiloti (Moderator): Multimedia artist. She explores the material qualities of textiles and electronics as tactical mediums for feminist activism and collective action (@dorabartilotti); Zines por Morras (Speaker): The project aims to share experiences of harassment against lesbian and bisexual women in Mexico City (@zinespormorras); Alina Kiliwa (Speaker): "As a lettering artist, I seek to reclaim the sign-painting tradition and revalue the practice through participatory processes" (@alinakiliwa); Mi calle Nuestra Calle (Speaker): Urban laboratory of participatory futures [futures + feminist urbanism + community art] (@micalle_nuestracalle); and MOFA (Speaker): Feminist collective of young women from the urbanism, landscape, architecture, and industrial design programs at the Faculty of Architecture, UNAM (@mujeres_organizadas_fa). Panel: Design of Care
WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE TALK HERE
The panel featured Sofía Probert (Moderator): Illustrator. Through her work, she invites political and philosophical questioning around socio-environmental issues (@sofia.probert); Jovenas Comuneras de Milpa Alta. Daniela Moreno (Speaker): "We are a space for meeting and constructing action-participation to defend and care for our territories, land, and our existence within them" (@jovenascomuneras); Eli Caballero (Speaker): Environmental care and support for ADHD (@hazcompitas); Madres desobedientes (Speaker): Mothers parenting and transforming the world. Disseminating women's artistic projects and supporting feminist parenting (@madresdesobedientes); and Mariana Robles (Speaker): Gynecologist with a feminist perspective. Non-conscientious objector. Health at Every Size. Mom of two (@dra.mariana.robles). For more information, visit Diseña Mexicana.

Over 13 million Brazilians live with a physical disability. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that roughly 6% of the population has some form of compromised mobility and overall coordination due to the complete or partial impairment of one or more body segments. Designing more inclusive environments is key to eliminating architectural barriers, ensuring the integration of this entire demographic into social and cultural activities. During the month of the National Day of Persons with Physical Disabilities, we aim to combat prejudice and present universal design alternatives as a tool for change for architecture and urban planning professionals.

The 1970’s were a dark time for New York City. While the economy was down, crime rates were at an all-time high. The negative public image also kept tourists away, driving the city into a financial crisis. To change perceptions about The Big Apple, the New York State Department for Economic Development approached advertising firm Wells Rich Greene to create an inviting marketing operation. After 45 years, the resulting I Love NY campaign remains fresh in the minds of locals and tourists, successfully revamping New York City’s brand. Cities across the world like Paris, Amsterdam and Jerusalem have similarly invested heavily in constructing magnetic brands for themselves.

+ 1

Beyond its shape, size, and location, the process of building a swimming pool involves selecting various technologies, solutions, and materials to achieve proper waterproofing. While we often focus on the exterior aesthetics of a pool, are we aware of what lies beneath its finishes? Much like an "iceberg effect," pool design and construction companies such as CREST have developed a range of essential products that lie below ground level, applied through four specific steps: surface preparation, finish installation, grouting, and maintenance.

Site work has always been and remains a pivotal stage in forming our built environment. Most architects, designers or engineers have at one point or another been on the grounds and understand the importance of presence within the project development phases. Working on construction sites can be a valuable learning experience and allows different inputs from diverse experts to be considered in forming a better urban, living, and working environment for all. Starting from this idea, and as we delve into Women in Architecture as part of our ArchDaily topics, we published an invitation, encouraging our readers to share their opinion on gender-based discrimination on the construction site.

+ 8

Even if you have never engaged with the ins and outs of a building’s acoustics, you will, no doubt, have had many a meeting or passing conversation eased by Rockfon’s sound-absorbing solutions. They may have invisibly clad a ceiling above you in tile form or seamlessly formed the white walls that surrounded you. Rockfon – a part of Rockwool Group – specialises in banishing acoustic bounce with sound absorbing products made from organic stone wool. The products have been part of the fabric of our public spaces – offices, schools, restaurants and libraries – for more than 60 years.

The term “cradle to cradle” was coined by American architect William McDonough and German chemical engineer Michael Braungart in their manifesto-book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, published in 2002. This theory is not merely architectural; rather, it applies to any product, promoting a biological approach to manufacturing in which components are considered nutrients in a “healthy metabolism.”

These days, wellness is a commonly-used word in design and other areas, but what does it truly mean? According to the National Wellness Institute, the concept is defined as "an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence." It can be viewed from different perspectives, such as environmental, intellectual, spiritual and physical factors. Although these elements can be integrated separately into one’s life, they can also complement each other and work together. For example, exercise does not only provide physical benefits; it contributes to emotional wellness as well.

Sensory urbanism is a form of investigation of how non-visual information defines a city's character and affects its livability. Using methods that range from sound tracks and smell maps, wearables and virtual reality, researchers in this area have introduced other senses to urban centers.

If we previously brought in before and after plans of apartment refurbishments, we now focus on residential projects that have received needed improvements. In addition to the plans, the information contained in the memorial of each project helps to better understand the attitude taken in each architectural design. After all, each work brings with it different demands: deadlines, budgets, legislation and pre-existing conditions.

+ 16

What are the stories of the first Ibero-American women architects? This is the central question we seek to answer in celebration of this month's ArchDaily topic: Women in Architecture.

In seeking to present their motivations, inspirations, and career paths, we conducted research to bring visibility and recognition to several figures who have historically been overlooked. Meet Doris Clark Núñez, Guadalupe Ibarra, Matilde Ucelay Maórtua, Filandia Pizzul, Dora Riedel, Luz Amorocho, María Luisa Dehesa, Arinda da Cruz Sobral, and Julia Guarino below.

It was a close call, but the first round of the presidential election was unfortunately not enough to determine the country's next political leader. As a result, candidates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the Workers' Party, and Jair Bolsonaro, of the Liberal Party, will once again face the popular vote on October 30.

The next President will have, among many other responsibilities, the task of providing federal support for the development of Brazilian cities — home to approximately 87% of the country's population. To contribute to the debate and, if such a task falls to ArchDaily, help undecided voters make up their minds, we have compiled below the proposals of both presidential candidates for the future of cities, according to their respective government plans, covering topics such as housing, infrastructure, transportation, culture, sustainability, environment, and energy. 

We live in a world where the experienced, remembered, and imagined, as well as different moments in space and time concerning the past, present, and future are inseparably blended. As of recent, we are being offered various mediums to gain access to other planes of existence, utilizing immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), creating a pathway to the metaverse in which we are transported to spaces that are capable of feeling more ‘real’ than anything we presently experience.

+ 14

The design of cabinets and shelves is fundamental for the composition of the interior of a house. Their functions can be the most diverse - home libraries, storage, artwork and decorative elements display -, but with a little architectural ingenuity it is possible to make them protagonists, adding not only an aesthetic value to the room, but making the environment more versatile. Therefore, we have separated some tips and references to inspire your next project.

+ 15

On October 13, Design House opened in Mexico City. As it does every year, the event showcases a series of installations integrating disciplines such as design, architecture, and interior design. Over the course of ten years, across various properties, it has presented cutting-edge proposals from more than one hundred participating firms in collaboration with the showrooms of the Ruta del Diseño (Design Route), which provide the pieces and accessories that bring the diverse spaces to life.

The Mapocho Vivo Foundation was formally established in 2020 on the initiative of Joaquín Moure, an agricultural technician and muralist, who since 2019 had been captivated by the flora and fauna he found in the river when everyone else believed it to be lifeless, waste-filled water. Today, the project has established itself as an organization that maintains cleanliness, protects, and plans the future of the 110-kilometer biological corridor spanning 16 municipalities of Santiago de Chile, operating under the understanding that architecture must embrace natural ecosystems to integrate them into urban systems.

The façade is the only part of the building that can be seen from the outside and has the function of communicating a message derived from its design. It therefore deserves special attention in every detail. A façade that is well proportioned in terms of colours and materials, which facilitates the connection between the interior and the exterior, will generate an initial attraction for pedestrians, inviting them to enter.

From a small house clad in classic tiles, to big brands such as Apple or Louis Vuitton, façades are used as an architectural expression to give us a glimpse of the first elements that we will later find inside the premises. In interior design, the entrance hall of a home concentrates many clues as to what we will find next. The effect of this first impression would be even more positive if the façade included a design that leaves the user hungry for more.

Named 'Le Grand Charles' in honor of Charles Geisen—great-grandfather of Pierre-Étienne Bindschedler, the current president of the Soprema Group—the company's new headquarters is scheduled to open in late fall 2022. Located in the Port du Rhin district of Strasbourg, France, directly opposite the group's current headquarters, the project aligns with the company's vision to provide an engaging, stimulating, and high-quality workplace for its employees.

The construction of the project serves multiple objectives. Chief among them is to create a model building complex in terms of environmental impact, utilizing the sustainable and eco-friendly solutions developed by the Group.