Fabian Dejtiar

Architect and Project - Team Lead at ArchDaily Instagram: @ fabe.de

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If timber is the future of urban construction, its technological possibilities will need to be expanded.

Atrium Ljungberg unveiled Stockholm Wood City in Sweden, the world's largest urban construction project in wood, and in Norway, just four years ago, Voll Arkitekter completed the Mjøstårnet Tower on Lake Mjøsa, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world at 18 stories. On the other side of the planet, the Tamango project by Tallwood Architects is an example of the challenges and opportunities of wood construction in Chile, as it could become the first 12-story building with a prefabricated wood structure in Latin America. Meanwhile, in Peru, the Construye para Crecer project by Poggione+Biondi Arquitectos won the XIX National Architecture Biennial 2022 with a residential complex to be built mainly of wood. Nearby, Uruguay recently concluded its social housing in wood competition, paving the way toward innovation in social interest architecture. Furthermore, in 2020, Vicente Guallart won an international competition to define the standards for the buildings of a new city in China. The project, titled The Self-Sufficient City, was already a design that materialized a new urban model in wood across four city blocks.

Across the globe, sustainability and innovation in construction are constantly evolving, and wood structures are presented as a promising option. ArchDaily presented The Future of Wood as its monthly topic, opening up a discussion to explore and hear predictions and thoughts from our readers regarding the future of this material in architecture and urbanism. Is wood the key to a more sustainable and livable urban future? Or are there challenges we must address before embracing this trend? What are the implications for architecture, cities, the economy, and the environment?

A century of Ecuadorian architecture in Pamplona

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Rafael Vélez Calisto, a leading figure in shaping Quito's contemporary image, closed the latest Latin American Architecture Biennial with his lecture "The Trajectory of a Life," while Seville-based architect Manuel Ramos had already opened the event three days prior with his presentation, "The Last Century of Architecture in Ecuador." In the interim, practices ranging from MCM + A Taller de Arquitectura, Surreal estudio, Arquitectura X, Duran & Hermida, Diez & Muller, Espinoza Carvajal, and Arquitectura Sur to the selected young firms Rama Estudio and Emilio López presented a glimpse of both the historic and recent architecture of the country—the guest country of honor for the BAL 2023 edition.

BAL 2023 Extensions: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada

Concluding a successful edition of the 2023 Bienal de Arquitectura Latinoamericana in the city of Pamplona, extension activities will be held in Seville, Granada, Barcelona, and Madrid from October 2 to 6.

Cultural Centers: 50 Examples in Plan and Section

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How many times have you been faced with the challenge of designing a cultural center? While this may seem like quite a feat, many architects have had to design a program that blends a community center with culture.

Among the projects published on our site, we have found numerous examples that highlight different responses, from flexible configurations to sites that prioritize central gathering areas for citizens and activities. See our series of 50 community centers and their plans and sections below.

Cultural Centers: 50 Examples in Plan and Section - More Images+ 143

The Latin American Architecture Biennial 2023 Opens in Pamplona, Featuring Ecuador as the Guest Country

A new edition of the Latin American Architecture Biennial was inaugurated today, on September 26, in the city of Pamplona, Spain. The main program of the Biennial, featuring Ecuador as the guest country, will run until September 29 at The Condestable's House and the School of Architecture of the University of Navarra. Additionally, it will be complemented by extensions in Seville, Granada, Barcelona, and Madrid from October 2 to 5.

Energy Efficiency Now Offers a Technical Justification for Colors

Colors have played an essential role in the history of modern architecture - from Le Corbusier's theory of polychromy to the aesthetic conceptions of the Bauhaus. However, we find ourselves at the beginning of an era where the interpretation and implementation of colors in architecture are undergoing a transformation based on their impact on the built environment.

Throughout the month, we conducted an open call to listen and learn from our readers, exploring their predictions and thoughts related to the future of colors in architecture. After reviewing an immense number of comments and opinions, it was surprising to discover commonalities regarding the importance of considering energy efficiency in color choices. Check out the main viewpoints below.

Will wooden cities be the next urban revolution?

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Atrium Ljungberg recently unveiled Stockholm Wood City, the world's largest timber urban development project—an effort to showcase Sweden's commitment to sustainability. On the other side of the world, Tallwood Architects' Tamango Project exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of timber construction in Chile and could become Latin America's first 12-story building featuring a prefabricated mass timber structure.

"How to Design a Revolution: The Chilean Road to Design" opens at the CCLM with the reconstruction of Project Cybersyn

On September 7, the exhibition "How to Design a Revolution: The Chilean Road to Design" opened at Santiago's Centro Cultural La Moneda (CCLM), as part of the activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of Chile's civil-military coup. The exhibition showcases graphic and industrial design created during the administration of President Salvador Allende, bringing together over 350 original pieces and featuring a complete reconstruction of the Cybersyn operations room. The show will run until January 28, 2024.

Jointly produced by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and CCLM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation and the Goethe-Institut Chile, the exhibition is curated by designer Hugo Palmarola and architect Pedro Ignacio Alonso—both recognized for winning the Silver Lion for Monolith Controversies at the Chilean Pavilion during the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. Renowned Colombian science historian Eden Medina of MIT also participated in the project.

Open Question: Will timber cities be the next urban revolution?

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Atrium Ljungberg unveiled Stockholm Wood City, the world's largest timber urban development project, serving as a major showcase of Swedish sustainability. At around the same time, on the other side of the world, Tallwood Architects' 'Tamango Project' exemplified both the challenges and opportunities of timber construction in Chile, as it is poised to become Latin America's first 12-story building with a prefabricated timber structure.

Wood: ArchDaily's Best Articles

Wood has played a key role in the history of architecture by adding warmth, versatility, and sustainability to buildings. Today, its use is experiencing a renewed interest, driven both by technological advancements brought about by the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and by growing environmental awareness.

The following list is an index of articles, news, and projects published on ArchDaily that cover everything you need to know about the use of wood in architecture, from design strategies and the latest trends to its application in construction works and building materials.

The Future Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona Receives the International Architecture Award IAA 2023

The Museum of Architecture and Design, Chicago Athenaeum, and the European Center for Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies have just revealed the winning projects in their 2023 edition of the International Architecture Awards (IAA). Among these recognitions, the design by IDOM, Nikken Sekkei, and b720 for the Nou Camp Nou stands out.

Insurgencies: Experiences from Public Space / FIIU 08 + Placemaking Latin America

After two years of the pandemic, "Insurgencias: Experiencias desde el espacio público" arrives for the first time. This gathering brings together the Placemaking Latin America network and the International Festival of Urban Interventions (FIIU), taking place from September 12 to 16 in Rio de Janeiro.

Bars and Restaurants: 50 Examples in Plan and Section

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The spatial distribution of a restaurant or bar is essential to its success. Faced with this design challenge, several architects have experimented and proposed configurations that both enhance the use of space in different culinary experiences.

With this being said, take a look at 50 gastronomic establishments in plan and section to inspire your next design.

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"Building With Living Trees": The Story Behind Casa Jardín, in Quito, Ecuador

Today is the premiere of the first episode of a new documentary series that explores the projects of Al Borde. Titled "Building with Living Trees", this first instalment highlights the stories behind Casa Jardín (Garden House), a single-family home located in the suburban area of Quito, Ecuador.

Designed for an ecologist named José, the residence is developed into three small independent pavilions with hybrid structures that combine living trees with various construction systems. These structures utilize a vernacular technique of living fences that has been employed in the Andes since ancient times, showcasing a genuine pursuit of coexistence between architecture and nature.

Taller General: "Our Definition of Architecture Takes Shape Collectively"

Taller General is a meeting point where Martín Real and Florencia Sobrero, among other members and collaborators, come together daily to pursue their passion: channeling their creativity through architecture while merging all the aspects that shape their lives, from activism to education.

From Ecuador, the team undergoes changes based on the project's needs, and for the most part, it expands through collaborative work that enables them to share diverse perspectives, opinions, and practices. This enriches the environment and produces outcomes that would be unimaginable from an individual standpoint.

For these reasons, Taller General was chosen by ArchDaily as one of the best new architectural practices of 2023. Next, we bring you an interview with Florencia and Martín to get a close look at their inspirations, work processes, and future projects.

Documentary Premiere: Building with Living Trees / Al Borde

On Wednesday, August 23, the first episode of the new documentary series that explores the projects of Al Borde will be released. "Building with living trees", immerses itself in the stories of the Garden House, a single-family house located in the suburban area of the city of Quito.

Premiere of the documentary "Building with Living Trees" by Al Borde

On Wednesday, August 23, the first episode of a new documentary series exploring Al Borde's projects will be released. Building with Living Trees dives into the stories behind Casa-Jardín, a single-family residence located on the outskirts of Quito.

20 Brick Houses, 20 Years of Modern Architecture in Paraguay

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In Paraguay, brick can be many things. Walls, dividers, facades, sieves, vaults, floors, and pavement are just some of the many example that demonstrate, not only the variety of uses for brick, but the ingenuity of the architects who choose to utilize it in their projects.