1. ArchDaily
  2. Articles

Articles

Serious question: How should the construction industry advance on the path to net zero?

Subscriber Access | 

It is well known that the construction industry is one of the largest producers of CO2. Although significant progress has been made in technology and in design and construction processes, there is still a long way to go to minimize or nearly eliminate carbon emissions in the development of the built environment. 

Indeed, as revolutionary as the construction industry may seem today, it remains responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions, 11% of which result from the manufacturing of building materials such as steel, cement, and glass.

What are the latest trends in reducing emissions in both design and material manufacturing? How should the industry transition toward net-zero architecture? These are some of the questions we want you to help us answer. 

The 10 Best Architecture Student Projects in Latin America and Spain 2022

Subscriber Access | 

To showcase the valuable work emerging from Latin American and Spanish universities, this year we launched an open call inviting architecture students to submit their graduation projects completed in 2021.

After thoroughly evaluating 137 proposals, our editorial team has selected and highlighted 10 projects that demonstrate rigorous critical thinking in response to their self-defined challenges. The selection valued not only those projects that delivered the best possible architecture through efficient design tailored to their context, program, and users, but also those that paid significant attention to human scale, the environment, experimentation, and new ways of addressing architecture in cities.

How do new technologies influence the collective urban experience?

Subscriber Access | 

Today, technology is increasingly ubiquitous in major cities, driven by the rapid pace of capital-driven movement. A popular term to describe the relationship between urbanism and technology is “Smart Cities,” which centers on leveraging data to enhance building connectivity. However, widespread access to these new technologies has revealed how our unique experiences as citizens—driven by a strong desire to document urban environments—allow us to map and experience cities from alternative perspectives.

Architecture Fanzines in Chile: Small Self-Managed Utopias Between 2005 and 2021

Subscriber Access | 

Publishing architecture is necessary for the discipline itself to be understood as such. Without it, architecture becomes an endeavor devoid of public inquiry, confined to private practices. Yet its presence opens up a field that translates a material language into a written one, reformulating the discourses emerging from this arena. Among the “smallest” of these publications are fanzines—mediums that arise from a desire for self-management and low-cost, small-run production, capable of adapting to diverse content, whether in the form of a booklet or simply folded paper.

The playful potential of the fanzine has sparked growing popularity in Chile, culminating in its inclusion in the XXI Chilean Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism in 2019. Although awareness of this medium predated this event, there is still a gap in understanding its characteristics. This necessitates asking simple, almost naive questions about the specific conditions of its production—discussions that ultimately reveal an invisible network woven among individuals who, without knowing it, were already connected.

"To change the way we build, we all need to participate": Our readers weigh in on Net Zero Architecture

Subscriber Access | 

It is well known that the construction industry is one of the world's largest producers of CO2. While significant progress has been made in technology and design and construction processes, a long road remains to minimize or virtually eliminate carbon emissions in the development of the built environment. 

Open question: How will we live in our cities?

Subscriber Access | 

Is there a future for our cities without a sustainable way of life? For some time now, urban sustainability has been viewed primarily through the lens of climate change rather than a holistic vision that integrates society and the way we live in community.

What new ways of living are we experiencing amid social, economic, and ecological shifts? We need to bring to the table different reference cases from around the world and understand the latest trends shaping how we live in our cities.

We want you, our readers, to not only be the first to share examples of co-living, cooperatives, and any new types of social housing you consider benchmarks, but also to share your thoughts on the matter in the form below. Selected comments will be published in an upcoming article.

Aesthetics in Interior Design: How to Define the Style of Our Spaces?

Subscriber Access | 

When defining the aesthetic of a space, whether interior or exterior, architects and interior designers should first ask themselves what the needs of its future inhabitants are or will be. Dialogue with users is essential to establishing the style of these spaces, which shapes their physical environment through composition, color, form, and furniture.

"The future of architectural visualization will be more democratic, liberal, and decentralized," according to our readers

Subscriber Access | 

From NFTs and the Metaverse to the productive advantages of real-time rendering, this year offers a tremendous opportunity to discuss the latest trends in architectural visualization. To this end, we opened the debate to our readers around these questions: How much can we learn from other related industries like cinema, video games, and industrial design? How can architecture contribute to and advance the world of visualization?

After reading and compiling all the comments received—from construction professionals, students, and architecture enthusiasts alike—we agree that as technological advancements continue, the future of architectural visualization will likely be more democratic, liberal, and decentralized. Below, we share the most frequent viewpoints from our readers.

Urs Fischer presents his first major exhibition for Mexico and Latin America at Museo Jumex

Subscriber Access | 

Urs Fischer presents his first major exhibition for Mexico and Latin America at Museo Jumex - Featured ImageUrs Fischer presents his first major exhibition for Mexico and Latin America at Museo Jumex - Imagem 1 de 4Urs Fischer presents his first major exhibition for Mexico and Latin America at Museo Jumex - Imagem 2 de 4Urs Fischer presents his first major exhibition for Mexico and Latin America at Museo Jumex - Imagem 3 de 4Urs Fischer presents his first major exhibition for Mexico and Latin America at Museo Jumex - More Images+ 6

As part of the programming hosted by Museo Jumex from April 2 to September 18 in Mexico City, "Urs Fischer: Lovers" presents a 25-year retrospective of one of today's most celebrated international artists. Organized by guest curator Francesco Bonami, the exhibition brings together new pieces created specifically for the museum alongside works from international public and private collections, as well as the artist's own archives. Together, these works showcase the expansive creativity, humor, and depth of the artist's practice.

FIIU 7 Urban Intervention Festival Opens in Lima

Subscriber Access | 

Yesterday marked the opening of the seventh International Festival of Urban Interventions in Lima, Peru. The opening day featured a series of events at the Lugar de la Memoria, aiming to shape the agenda, stimulate public debate, and highlight diverse efforts from multiple fronts striving to build a better city for everyone.

What can architects do besides architecture?

Subscriber Access | 

"I'm an architect... now what?" must be one of the most common questions for any recent graduate holding an architecture degree. Over the years, many will find jobs in different industries that do not necessarily involve working in an office designing and building buildings.

Architecture and Urbanism in “Dogon Country”: From Aldo van Eyck to Francis Kéré

Subscriber Access | 

We visited “Dogon Country” in Mali (latitude 15°N) in 2008 to observe how vernacular “Dogon” architecture (a UNESCO World Heritage site) has achieved the counter-form of lived experiences. We were looking for the coherence between society and dwelling through architecture and urbanism in another dimension and another culture.

Quality Housing for Vulnerable Older Adults: Casa Alegre 97 Project

Subscriber Access | 

Throughout its history, CHC has participated in and supported social projects that improve the quality of life of their residents, while constantly seeking to establish new and better standards that contribute to the construction of spaces. In this particular case, the project led by architect Jaime Ovando integrates public funds through Chile's Habitabilidad Program and the Illustrious Municipality of Paine, along with private contributions from building material companies, the architecture firm, and the construction company, including CHC.

Thinking about the present and future of older adults is essential to improving the population's quality of life. According to the United Nations study on world population prospects, by 2050, it is estimated that 32% of Chile's population will be over 65 years old. According to data from the 2017 National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN), 22.1% of older adults in the country live in multidimensional poverty. The connection between architecture and social commitment develops a strategy to combat vulnerability in this demographic.

Eldorado Tourism Hotel: Shadow as an Approach to an Environmental Aesthetic

Subscriber Access | 

For several years, the global context of energy and ecological crises has resonated across various disciplines, and architecture has been no exception. Consequently, a crucial question arises: how do our buildings help mitigate these issues? In this context, the global architectural scene has been flooded with buildings addressing these challenges through heavy technological dependence. In their bid to tackle environmental problems, some have forgotten that architecture can offer a synthetic response through an understanding of place and the deliberate manipulation of form, matter, and energy. 

Clásicos Mexicanos presents the book: Armando Franco. COFRAN COLLECTION (1955-2022)

Subscriber Access | 

To honor the life and work of architect Armando Franco—who passed away last June at the age of 100—Clásicos Mexicanos presents the book Armando Franco COLECCIÓN COFRAN (1955-2022). This publication, the result of extensive research by the Clásicos Mexicanos team, brings together biographical data, plans, sketches, designs, and photographs of the most iconic works from the career of Franco, one of the most original and enigmatic Mexican modern architects of the 20th century.

The 10 Most Populous Cities in Latin America in 2022

Subscriber Access | 
The 10 Most Populous Cities in Latin America in 2022 - Featured Image
The Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge in São Paulo, Brazil, over the Pinheiros River, opened in May 2008. It connects Marginal Pinheiros to Avenida Jornalista Roberto Marinho. Image © Raphael Paulino Goncalves/ Shutterstock

This July 11 marks World Population Day, an annual event established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1990 to raise awareness of global demographic issues. This is a critical issue today; not only is the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, but the latest UN-Habitat reports estimate that, by then, two-thirds of the world will live in cities.

Every year, World Population Review assesses urban growth and the number of residents living in metropolitan areas to understand global development trends. While the list of the 20 most populous cities in the world features recurring Asian hubs like Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai, it also includes several Latin American metropolises such as Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires. Consequently, we have compiled a list of the ten most populous cities in Latin America to understand their growth and role in the global context.

The latest in printing: High-quality colors on both rigid and flexible substrates

Delivering productivity levels up to 50% higher than previous models, HP introduces its new range of HP Latex large-format printing solutions. The series consists of four devices—the HP Latex 700 and 800, and the HP Latex 700W and 800W—introducing white ink printing to this category for the first time. Print jobs executed by this new series will not only deliver brighter colors and finer details, but will also do so at even faster printing speeds, reaching up to 36 m2 per hour.

The Timelessness of Brick: Its Benefits in Construction

Subscriber Access | 
The Timelessness of Brick: Its Benefits in Construction - Featured Image
Cerámica Santiago at Los Algarrobos House / MasFernandez Arquitectos + Claudio Tapia. Image © Nico Saieh

With more than 11,000 years of history, brick is one of the oldest building materials. In fact, replacing sun-dried mud blocks, the Romans were the first to experiment with fired clay masses in new structural forms such as arches, vaults, and domes. Although the dimensions and manufacturing methods of this small module have evolved over the years, its components and classic rectangular shape have undergone few changes, especially considering its long history. The reason is simple: with its warmth, versatility, and outstanding structural properties, brick is a timeless material that never goes out of style.

"We cannot continue to live in cities without ecological and social responsibility": Our readers share their thoughts on urban trends

Subscriber Access | 

Is there a future for our cities if we do not adopt a sustainable way of life? For some time, urban sustainability has been approached more from the perspective of climate change than from a holistic vision that integrates society and how we live as a community.

What new ways of living are we experiencing amidst today's social, economic, and ecological shifts? We must bring to the table the various reference cases emerging around the world to understand the latest trends in how we inhabit our cities.

"The Lava Landscape," the exhibition by David Pompa Studio, is presented at Milan Design Week 2022

Subscriber Access | 

Founded in 2013 and based in Mexico City, David Pompa is a studio comprising designers, engineers, and makers established in Mexico and Austria. David Pompa grew up in both countries and studied product design in London. Over time, the studio has shown a strong interest in traditional materials and techniques, maintaining a commitment to Mexican culture since its inception—a dedication reflected in the creation of aesthetic and accessible design objects. On this occasion, they are presenting a new collection for Milan Design Week 2022 on Via Simone Saint Bon as part of Fuorisalone from June 5 to 12.

Luz Amorocho, the first female architect to graduate in Colombia

Subscriber Access | 

As the first female architect to graduate in Colombia, in 1945, María Luz Amorocho Carreño is a prominent figure in the country's architectural field. Throughout her career, she approached the profession from diverse fronts, ranging from teaching and public and private design to writing and criticism, most notably for the journal *Proa*. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, she steadfastly championed her ideals within a shifting context focused on achieving modernity, setting a precedent for future generations of women architects. An analysis of her work and legacy offers a window into the diverse roles of the architect, spanning from drafting and construction to research and project management.

From Furniture to Coverings: Interior Design with Online Sales Platforms

Subscriber Access | 

While online stores have existed since the democratization of the internet in the late 20th century, the pandemic has marked a turning point in the evolution of e-commerce. In response to mobility restrictions and lockdowns, businesses of all scales were forced to embrace digital transformation, saving time and, in some cases, reducing costs. Furthermore, as more consumers discover the convenience of home delivery, online shopping is likely to continue growing even in the post-pandemic era.

Open Question: What is the future of architectural visualization?

Subscriber Access | 

From NFTs and the Metaverse to the productivity benefits of real-time rendering, this year presents a prime opportunity to discuss the latest trends in visualization.

With this in mind, we want to open the debate and hear your thoughts on the following questions: How much can we learn from other related industries such as cinema, video games, and industrial design? How can architecture contribute to and advance the world of visualization?

Freehand: Landscape and drawing united in sketches of Misiones, Argentina

Subscriber Access | 

Since the 15th century, the territory of Misiones, Argentina, has witnessed the constant passage and local overlap of a vast number of highly diverse cultures. Indigenous Guaraní, Spanish conquistadors, Jesuit missions, Paulist bandeirantes, people from the Republic of Entre Ríos and later the Province of Corrientes, Paraguayans, Brazilians, and, finally, a sweeping influx of European immigrants fleeing the world wars make up some of the layers of its immeasurable cultural fabric.  

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.