Robotics and Autonomous Systems 1: Integrated Approaches to Fabrication, Computation and Architectural Design presents design research from the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design’s MSD-RAS program. At present, architectural design and construction approaches are unable to meet immediate and projected societal needs in productivity, affordability, and sustainability or to adequately engage with the diverse conditions found in our built environment. The MSD-RAS seeks to address these challenges through bespoke design solutions that are integral to a critical and creative approach to production. Implied in the term “RAS”, the program seeks to harness the potential of AI and robotic systems to work more adaptively than automation affords. Primarily operating through the development of robotically fabricated prototypes, projects are presented that incorporate custom approaches to generative computational design, machine learning, robot tooling, real-time adaptive robot programming, sensor feedback, material and manufacturing processes or human-in-the-loop activities. Serving as a graphical reflection on the first three years of the program, research projects are presented alongside interviews with some of the program’s graduates together with insights into the exciting career trajectories they embarked on post-study. Essays from the program’s faculty dive deeper into several core topics such as the MSD-RAS’s approach to design research, critical engagement with industrial manufacturing processes, and the integration of semi-autonomous workflows in design and production. Also discussed is the program’s unique integrated approach to coursework and why it is inducive to the creation of novel collaborative work that expands design agency into unchartered territories and careers.
How is greatness in architecture defined? For too long, the contributions of diverse designers have been overlooked — so much so that their absence is notable in a simple online search. GREATNESS: Diverse Designers of Architecture recognizes the often-ignored contributions of today’s industry leaders. The richly illustrated book blends insightful essays, project case studies, and designer profiles, exploring the work of 47 contemporary architects and designers. Through innovative, sustainable, and community-centered approaches, their work is reshaping residential, cultural, institutional, and master plan design. Addressing critical issues such as housing injustice and redlining, GREATNESS also confronts the challenging realities of architectural history while celebrating the transformative potential of the built environment. The book underscores the importance of diverse perspectives, highlighting how architecture can foster dignity, well-being, and belonging. With featured stunning projects from across the US and around the globe, GREATNESS serves as a call to action to embrace a more inclusive and equitable future.
We build fountains—those vibrant symbols of life and physical embodiments of beauty—to mark and celebrate our favored places. This act is an honor to all, and like listening to music, it is understood on an intuitive level. We also build fountains to commemorate life. Water is the basis for, and the symbol of, life. Many fountains are articulated to recognize some person, institution, or idea. Those particular recognitions are fused with water’s deeper symbolism to convey everlastingness to the identities being celebrated.
Bridges as Structural Art features twenty-five bridges designed by Miguel Rosales and his firm Rosales + Partners, Inc. The firm is characterized by a unique combination of architectural sensitivity, engineering knowledge, and communication skills that allows it to create iconic, cost-effective and technically innovative bridges. These transformational bridges have become a source of pride in the areas in which they have been built and tangible expressions of the art of bridge design.
The devastating fire at Notre-Dame de Paris on April 15, 2019 reminded the world of the significance of humanity's built heritage and inspired a resolute commitment to rebuild. The extraordinary project that restored the beloved French landmark in just five years marks a triumph in preservation and a renewed commitment to safeguarding our shared cultural heritage.
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.
SAH2025 - Society of Architectural Historians' 78th Annual International Conference, ATLANTA || April 30-May 4, sah.org/2025
Explore the history of buildings, landscapes, and curated spaces — as well as their authors and occupants — at the Society of Architectural Historian's 78th annual international meeting in Atlanta from April 30 to May 4.
Cool Gardens 2025 invites proposals by individual artists/designers or teams for temporary garden installations, to be open to the public from July 5th to September 28th.
Conceiving and Building: Lightweight Structures and Prefabrication
The guiding principles of the "Conceiving and Building" postgraduate program are technique, economy, environment, and aesthetics. These factors drive the selection of lightweight structures and prefabrication. The course addresses 21st-century demands for building lightness; responsibility regarding the origin, application, and disposal of construction materials; awareness of the various forms of social and technical organization on construction sites; the increasing integration of systems that interface buildings and urban infrastructure with energy sources, water quality, and air quality; and, above all, the urgency of facing the challenge of conceiving, building, and managing cities and territories.
Galeria Contempo, in São Paulo, opens “cons.truc.tion | an open definition” The first collective exhibition of the year begins on February 15th, featuring a selection of works by both emerging and established artists.
''My parents always had a hard time grounding me. While my brother would pound on the door asking to be let out, I would retreat into my own world, spending hours dreaming and drawing. My first encounter with architecture was at age 10, when my parents began a construction project. I loved watching those ink drawings that gradually took shape and transformed into our home. By 13, I had no doubts: I wanted to be an architect.'' - Gui Mattos
For almost four decades, ABB, the Swedish-Swiss multinational leader in electrical engineering, has been at the cutting edge of innovation and expertise. A standout initiative in their portfolio is the Frozen Music video series,a video series showcasing exceptional architectural projects and the architects who create them.As Katrin Förster, Global Key Account Manager at ABB, explains, 'When producing an episode for Frozen Music, I always begin by sending a bespoke questionnaire to the architect.'For Episode #24, a conversation with Mustafa Chehabeddine, Design Director at KPF, helped shape the narrative, emphasizing the formal and functional qualities of Ziraat Bank's new headquarters in Istanbul.
The expansion of the Sesc network and the development of new facilities at Sesc Mogi das Cruzes have prompted a National Preliminary Architectural Design Competition. Promoted by the Social Service of Commerce (Sesc SP) and organized by the Institute of Architects of Brazil – São Paulo Department (IABsp), the competition aims to select the best architectural project submitted by architects and urban planners. The project involves the creation of a new "Park Unit" near the center of Mogi das Cruzes, on a flat site surrounded by natural areas and the São Paulo Green Belt, with views of the Serra do Itapeti.
This catalog brings together a selection of contemporary works in Santiago that utilize wood not only for its aesthetic and functional attributes but also as a commitment to sustainability. It documents public and private projects, highlighting the relevance of this material in both historic buildings and innovative 21st-century proposals.
European Cultural Academy is pleased to offer a scholarship opportunity to join the 4th edition of the "Sustainable Healthy Cities: building for the future" course. The scholarship will cover full tuition fee.
