"I Book on Sundays" is hosted by Carmelo of Enorme Studio, delving into forgotten architectural publications, books, and architecture magazines from the '60s, '70s, and '80s that harbor the most fascinating stories.
Following a hiatus in 2022, the series returned with Episode 19, titled “Always Young”, telling the story of Ettore Sottsass Jr., and "No One Is a Prophet in Their Own Land", a tribute to the late master of architecture, Ricardo Bofill. Now, he brings us "Only the Best Products Go to the Museum", the first part of a two-part episode dedicated to the American "architects" of SITE—James Wines, Alison Sky, and Michelle Stone—and how they elevated BEST showrooms to the pinnacle of art.
A city of electric architectural diversity – Belgrade’s Modernist structures give the Serbian capital a unique character. The grey of Belgrade’s Brutalist concrete is one of the city’s architectural signatures, existing in both complex volumetric facades and monolithic rectilinear forms. But while a plethora of architectural appraisals has been conducted on the external qualities of brutalist structures in Belgrade and beyond, photographic documentation of Belgrade’s brutalist interiors is relatively rare – something that photographer Inês d’Orey has sought to change in her most recent exhibition.
The importance of connecting with nature is the subject of numerous studies. Research by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that living near woodlands, parks, and gardens is associated with a lower risk of developing kidney and respiratory diseases, as well as reduced rates of depression. However, those living in major urban centers cannot always bridge this gap, whether due to a lack of parks, a shortage of time, or simply the distance to the nearest green space. In such cases, an alternative is to bring nature indoors, relying on the power of plants as an integral part of home decor.
Over the years, interior design has evolved according to the needs that arise, but above all, according to the experiences it seeks to evoke in the user. In the last two years, we have witnessed a radical change and a particular interest in this subject because the pandemic forced us to pay specific attention to the configuration of the places we inhabit. This brought about much more holistic designs that seek to address the user's wellbeing, combining colors, sensory experiences, technology, and natural elements that promote health.
Mies Van der Rohe and Lilly Reich’s German Pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition is known as the most written-about modern building. But no matter how many times the pavilion is redrawn for analysis, there are always new angles from which to interpret it. Identifying its capacity to redefine the German image, while genuinely introducing new strategies that continue present in contemporary architecture projects are two key elements of the architects’ intentions behind their design strategy.
'We have to get away from the coldness of functionalism. It is a mistake to believe that to understand the problem of modern architecture it is enough to recognize a necessity for rational solutions. Beauty in architecture, which is a necessity and finality for our time as for past periods, cannot be attained unless we can see beyond simple utility when we build.' – Mies Van der Rohe
Today, October 7, 2022, news of the passing of Mexican architect Fernando González Gortázar was announced on social media. Born in Mexico City, he spent most of his life in Guadalajara, where he earned his degree in 1966 and developed a keen interest in sculpture through workshops with master Olivier Seguin.
“La Olotera” Autores: Alfombristas Mexicanos. Image Cortesía de Mextrópoli
For the eighth time, the MEXTRÓPOLI Architecture and City Festival held the Arquine No. 24 | MEXTRÓPOLI 2022 Pavilion competition, a platform where architecture, urban planning, and art meet to contemplate and celebrate Mexico City. The event also aims to engage citizens by occupying public space with architectural installations that can be activated by visitors. Celebrating public spaces or offering a fresh perspective on everyday routes is the driving force behind MEXTRÓPOLI’s exhibition of these ephemeral architectural installations.
The role of a building’s entrance area is critical in a world where first impressions are everything. It anticipates what is to come, marks the starting point to an architectural journey and sets the tone for the rest of the interior. As a practical “passageway” between different places, an entrance connects and unites, but at the same time separates, protects and provides safety for both homeowners and visitors. Thus, every aspect conveys specific formal features to serve that purpose; from the position of the door, to the shape of the threshold, to the structure of the ceiling.
Fashion designer Paul Smith, British band Radiohead and Swedish film director Ingmar Bergman seem to have nothing in common, except for being constantly mentioned as major inspirations for São Paulo architect Isay Weinfeld. A multidisciplinary range of influences that says a lot about his personality and, accordingly , about his works.
The U.S. housing shortage is most severe on the more affordable side of the market. At a time when costs are escalating broadly and homes that were recently attainable by many have moved out of reach of most, this is no surprise. The problem is most acute in the heated markets, of course, where affordability mandates and rent controls seek to retain rental affordability for some, as owning a home in such markets is a dream accessible only to the wealthiest. (No measures in this post have any impact on these markets.)
Initiated by Patio Efímero—a collective of young creatives—the open call for the "Patio 3 Competition: Encounter of Ephemeral Interventions" was launched in early 2022. Organized in collaboration with the National System of Art Creators of the Federal Ministry of Culture, the Puebla State Ministry of Culture, Museos Puebla, the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture of Puebla, the Municipal Ministry of Economy and Tourism of Puebla, and the Historic Center and Cultural Heritage Management Office of the Municipality of Puebla, the call invited established and emerging graphic, visual, and multidisciplinary artists, as well as architects, to participate in the third edition of Patio Efímero.
Construction practices across the world, as well as the types and uses of building materials, have been identified as key factors that impact global warming. Studies have shown that the building sector will play a central role in achieving the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) CO2 emissions reduction targets for 2030 and net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
The construction sector's support for the achievement of these targets must focus on sustainable construction, which entails environmentally-friendly structures that consume less energy and have smaller or even net zero carbon footprints.
Green buildings are structures that, in their design, construction or operation, reduce or eliminate negative impacts on our climate and natural environment. They preserve precious natural resources and improve quality of life.
Dimensions, textures and colors are not the only factors to consider when designing a space. Choosing the right lighting also rises as a key strategy to create a project’s atmosphere. Appropriate lighting adds new aspects to space. Within the same project, different ways of applying light develops diverse situations, playing with light and shade, warmness and coldness, as well as depth and height.
Through the boundless lighting products available in Architonic’s ‘Interior lighting’ and ‘Outdoor lighting’ sections, architects are able to play with a new angle to design their future projects. The following discussion brings up four ways - path guides, outside lighting, art objects and a combination with furniture - in which architecture applies lighting as a design strategy.
Public health and the built environment have a long-intertwined history—one that was catapulted into the limelight amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The global crisis made us all acutely aware of how design, whether for dedicated medical buildings or other building types, can affect our ability to respond to health emergencies as well as our daily well-being. Those most attuned to this connection are a niche group of architecture and design practitioners who also have medical experience.
Santuario Señor de Tula / Dellekamp Schleich + AGENdA Agencia de Arquitectura. Image Cortesía de Bienal Nacional de Arquitectura Mexicana
The Federation of Colleges of Architects of the Republic of Mexico, A.C., invited all Mexican architects to participate in the XVII National and International Biennial of Mexican Architecture 2022. This event sought to identify the country's best architectural works, as well as publications, research, and theses, recognizing their authors and promoting the most outstanding projects to foster, through analysis and critique, a reflection on responsible contemporary architecture and sustainable solutions. In this biennial, a single Gold Medal was awarded, and the projects were classified into 23 categories, featuring various Honorable Mentions and Silver Medals. Read on to discover the winners.
Gibsons Elementary, Gibsons, BC. KMBR Architects Planners Inc. Photo credit: Ed White Photographics. Image Courtesy of naturallywood.com
How does school design influence the process of teaching and learning? Understanding current educational design trends and methodologies is key to designing healthy spaces for students to develop their social and academic capacities.
If we look at the evolution of school design through time, we can see that each period has its own challenges and preferences. Today's main challenge in school design is to create spaces that can integrate open learning environments that incorporate diversity of learning spaces, social interaction and sustainability.
The architecture industry seems to constantly be on the lookout for new materials and methodologies that better incorporate sustainability. One material which has stood the test of time, while also finding space for innovation, is wood. In this context, British Columbia (Canada) stands out as one of the world's largest exporters of wood products, and has successfully applied a number of strategies to maximize its use in sustainable design. One notable example, which will be explored in this article, is the use of wood in schools.
Gleba A. Photo by: Azul Serra. Collection of the Vigliecca office, edited by ArchDaily
The layout of the Heliópolis neighborhood is the result of a history of informal settlements and complex urbanization. Over the last few decades, public authorities have taken varied approaches to the area, yet they have been unable to overcome the territory's informal nature, particularly regarding the complete, coordinated implementation of urban infrastructure. It was to address this context that the firm Vigliecca & Associados was invited to design the housing complexes for Glebas A and H, developed in 2004 and 2013, respectively.
https://www.archdaily.com/1131856/urbanization-of-heliopolis-the-challenges-of-intervention-in-the-informal-cityAlexandre Kok, Caio França, Gabriela Rudge, Lara Girardi, Lia Soares, Maria Clara Calixto, Marina Liesegang, Marina Saboya, Pedro Trama, Tamara Silberfeld e Valentina Kacelnik
Visualization of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ grey infrastructure proposal. Response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Study / Curtis + Rogers Design Studio. Image Courtesy of Miami Downtown Development Authority
A persuasive local advocacy and media campaign convinced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a new, expanded study for a $6 billion project to protect Miami from future hurricanes, coastal flooding, and climate impacts. Critics argued that the Army Corps’ initial draft plan for the project, which had proposed a series of sea walls and gates, would have negatively impacted the character of Miami, reduced property values, and cut-off access to important waterfront parks, exacerbating existing inequities in access to public space.
The artistic work of the prominent Chilean architect Alberto Cruz (1917–2013), recipient of the National Architecture Prize in 1975, will be exhibited at the AA Gallery of the London-based Architectural Association. The exhibition will run from November 11 to December 10, 2022, and will showcase the graphic work of the architect and academic under the title “Observation, Act, and Form.”
Edificio damero / Francisco Cadau Oficina de Arquitectura. Image Cortesía de Francisco Cadau Oficina de Arquitectura
During the fourth day of the 18th Buenos Aires International Biennial of Architecture, the Biennial Awards were announced, highlighting architectural projects and works developed over the last four years both nationally and internationally. Awarded by the Biennial's Steering Committee, the categories spanned from single-family housing, multi-family housing, and interior design to landscape, urban space, and public and private facilities.
The first full-size London Design Festival (LDF) for three years, and the event’s 20th anniversary year, this was meant to be a celebration. But life, as the saying goes, had other plans. Rocked by the news of HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, the country, and indeed the world started the London Design Festival in a period of mourning. Having reigned over the densest period of design innovation in human history, however, her majesty was no stranger to change.
With long-running themes like sustainability, materials, economic crises, and digital futures never higher in the public’s consciousness, LDF ’22 wasn’t just a professional meet and greet, but a chance to share some much-needed positivity with design enthusiasts, as well as locals, just passing by. Here are the most interesting and talked-about installations and talks from nine days of reflection on the past and hope for the future.
The mystery of color intrigues us from a young age. Mixing paints to make new hues or watching sunbeams and crystals create rainbows becomes a fascinating part of our childhood long before we ever hear of chemistry and optics. As we grow, color continues to play a major role in how we experience the world, impacting mood, emotions, productivity and behavior. This explains why humans are naturally drawn to certain hues; it is hard-wired into their brains. There is a common perception, for example, that red, orange and yellow palettes create a feeling of warmth and cheerfulness, while browns, grays and blacks evoke sadness and melancholy. Of course, the same applies to design and the built environment, as together with texture, light and shadow, the spaces around us are defined by tones and nuances that shape what we see and how we feel. Hence, color ultimately transforms the way we perceive, feel and live architecture.
It is increasingly common to see contemporary families seeking housing options that not only meet their social, economic, and cultural conditions, but are also capable of responding to their future residential needs. At the same time, we witness the emotional, physical, and financial effort required to transform and adapt existing spaces to accommodate family changes. Consequently, designing evolutionary and adaptable housing has become one of the greatest challenges for architects today.
