Patrick Bateman (American Psycho); Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City); Travis Bickle (Taxi Driver); Fleabag; Thomas Magnum (Magnum, P.I.); Sinterklaas; Batman; Theodore Twombly (Her); Automat (Edward Hopper); Zaha Hadid; Mary Poppins; Bridget Jones; L. B. "Jeff" Jefferies (Rear Window); Coco Chanel; The Scream (Edvard Munch); Amélie Poulain; WALL-E; Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (Caspar David Friedrich); Yayoi Kusama; Whoopi Goldberg. Image
When I recently found myself flooded, during the ever-expanding shopping frenzy of the so-called Black Friday season, with offers branded as Singles' Day deals, it struck me: singles have become a remarkably powerful force in our societies. The prominence and intensity of Singles' Day—a celebration that began among students at a Chinese university in the early 1990s and has since grown into one of the largest global shopping festivals—underscores that singles are no longer just a demographic statistic, but a transformative presence reshaping cities and economies worldwide. That is why we aim to investigate, with this new issue of MONU entitled "Singles Urbanism", how singles transform cities and to understand the spatial consequences of life lived alone, and the growing prevalence of living outside the traditional structures of coupledom and family, and its urban influence.
Launch Webinar for the Diploma in Additive Design and Construction at the University of Bío-Bío. The program provides specialized training in the application of new additive design and construction technologies, particularly using cementitious mixtures for building. It aims to leverage the potential of 3D printing in architectural projects, urban equipment, and infrastructure, building on the University of Bío-Bío's distinguished multidisciplinary track record and advanced equipment. The university is a leader in this field in Latin America, evidenced by innovative projects such as the 3D-Printed Cabin, Urban Furniture, and the Seed House (Casa-Semilla).
The Zváračák brownfield area close to the Bratislava city center
One of the last large brownfields in Bratislava has been awaiting its transformation for years. Today, a new phase is beginning for the area known as "Zváračák," located on Račianska Street near the Bratislava's city center.
Image of an Open House Miami attendee. Image credit: MCAD.
Open House Miami (OHMIA) returns for its third year, February 27–March 1, 2026, offering special access to the architecture, culture, and design of Greater Miami & Miami Beach through free experiences and events—tours, workshops, and more.
Attention art and design lovers! The 16th annual DesignTO Festival returns January 23 - February 1, 2026. Join us at multiple venues across Toronto for 10 days of inspiring exhibitions, installations, and events.
IAB RJ hosts its Annual Party on Thursday, December 11th
The Rio de Janeiro Department of the Institute of Architects of Brazil (IAB RJ) will host its Annual Party on Thursday, December 11, starting at 6:00 PM. The event, which celebrates Architect and Urban Planner Day, will bring together professionals, architecture and urban planning students, and guests at the Department's headquarters in Flamengo.
The Secretariat of Culture, Economy and Creative Industries of the State of São Paulo (SCEIC-SP), in partnership with the Institute of Development and Management (IDG)—manager of CULTSP PRO, a professional qualification, innovation, and sustainability program—and the Pinacoteca Art and Culture Association (APAC), is hosting an in-person, free lecture on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM, featuring designers Levi Girardi and Mario Fioretti on the topic "Behind the Scenes of Iconic Industrial Design Projects in Brazil." The event will take place at the Questtonó / QNCO office in the Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo.
All architecture is grounded in the earth. This pliant, resilient raw material is the origin of extruded ceramic tiles—clay transformed from its natural state into an architectural solution without relinquishing any of its authenticity. Exagres' work is rooted in this natural material, carefully transforming the clay with skillful precision and guiding it on this journey rather than forcing it.
Videos
AI powered architectural concept generation. Image Courtesy of AIRI Lab
As artificial intelligence tools sweep through creative industries, architecture stands at a pivotal moment: how to adopt systems that amplify design thinking without eroding authorship or craft. To understand how the profession is responding, AIRI Lab surveyed designers and leaders from practices including LWK+P, MVRDV, Gensler, Büro Ole Scheeren, CUBE, HUAYI, and others. Their responses reveal a nuanced, pragmatic view: AI is a collaborator rather than a substitute.
Join us in Berlin to explore how water shapes urban life. Over two weeks, students and experts in design, ecology, and urban studies will investigate Berlin's water systems and their role in shaping cities. Through site visits and collaborative work, we will study water as a connector, resource, and driver of change. Discover new ways to rethink urban resilience through the lens of water.
The Tree That Floated Away | MEXTRÓPOLI 2025 Pavilion Authors: Kai Huang and Xueyuan Wang Construction: Factor Eficiencia Photo: by Jasso
Since 1998, Arquine has hosted an architecture competition that allows ideas and proposals to be compared on equal terms. As in previous editions, the Arquine Competition No. 28 invites participants to design, build, and activate a pavilion in the Historic Center of Mexico City as part of the MEXTRÓPOLI Architecture and City Festival. Entrants must design a piece that meets the conditions specified in the competition guidelines regarding timelines, costs, and specifications, while considering its ability to engage and attract the public—a fundamental aspect of the proposal's evaluation.
Collage of digitally manipulated images. Full image credits for the collage are available on the congress website.
The UIA 2026 Barcelona World Congress of Architects (UIA2026BCN) is launching the International Emerging Workshop, a special congress format designed for students and young professionals to participate in a laboratory led by twelve renowned emerging architecture firms.
The quintessential symbol of Manhattan, Waldorf Astoria New York officially reopened for the public this year after an extensive renovation. Over its long history, the property has undergone numerous transformations, from its 19th-century beginnings to the modern landmark that stands between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue.
Reimagining a building that pioneered modern hospitality—a jewel in New York's skyline—posed a challenge that required close collaboration between preservationists, 3D visualizers, architects, and designers. Together, they worked to preserve its protected architectural heritage while meeting contemporary expectations for craftsmanship and comfort.
