This guide covers a workflow that moves from project parameters to generated floor plans, 3D perspective views, exterior design exploration, and site context visualization, using AI tools in place of preliminary CAD and rendering work.

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“On the Wind” opens at Galeria Patrícia Costa on April 19

Through a press release, Mexican firm Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos has announced that architect Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas has been named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). He is one of four selected professionals, alongside David Hughes, Tokunbo Ómisorè, and Sumayya Vally, who have significantly influenced the practice of architecture worldwide, exemplifying the tremendous impact that architects have not only on the built environment but also on public life and the world around them.

A nature-based solution to clean up a tributary of the Capibaribe River will be implemented in Recife, Pernambuco. Known as filtering gardens, the system consists of a group of native aquatic plants that will filter the mouth of the Cavouco Stream. Considered a sustainable and low-maintenance technology, the filtering gardens will be installed along the section where the stream flows through Caiara Park in the western zone of the capital, where about 10% of the polluted water flow will be treated.

Joining numerous national and international institutions that already make portions of their collections available in the public domain, the Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS) is now providing free access to a selection of its photographic and iconographic archives. 

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Unoccupied spaces within the city are typically viewed as conditions lying somewhere between problem and potential. It is partly the role of architecture and urbanism to thoughtfully mobilize these spaces within the urban context. With these issues in mind, the firm Vazio S/A proposes the activation of spaces deemed residual in the urban landscape or in specific contexts, drawing on the potential that vacant spaces offer.

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Videos

Jazz bars around the world were the subject of illustrations by architect Jose Ricardo Basiches and provided the theme for the booth designed for the Armstrong brand, conceived and built to foster real sensory experiences within the exhibition hall. Well-known for his freehand drawings on napkins and various unconventional surfaces, Basiches says he never leaves home without a pen in his pocket. "For me, drawing is more than a hobby. It is a way of experiencing the environment I am in," the architect adds. These illustrations permeated many elements of the booth during Expo Revestir 2023, particularly the acoustic wall and ceiling panels, presenting the idea that Design + Acoustics can stem from a fresh perspective shared by architects and acoustic consultants regarding existing market products.

Maria Fernanda Lucena's solo exhibition presents her new series, "Paper Doll." The works were conceived through practices central to the artist's process: cutting and collage. She views these as playful activities that evoke childhood games, while also referencing the customary gestures of the fashion world—a cornerstone of her practice. A regular at the Praça XV antique market in downtown Rio de Janeiro, she sources 3x4 photographs to create layered images, stitching these unknown faces into costumes worn by pop culture icons and her own musical influences.

The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan), a federal agency linked to the Ministry of Culture (MinC), has made a new, modern digital repository of Registered Cultural Assets (BCR) available to the public. The online portal is the result of a partnership with the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology (Ibict) and provides the Brazilian public with access to information on each of the intangible cultural assets registered as Brazilian Cultural Heritage.

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In an effort to highlight the richness and diversity of the architectural heritage of Madrid, Spain, “Fachadas de Madrid” (Facades of Madrid) has emerged—a digital illustration project that combines artistic representation with architectural outreach. Depicting the facades of the city's most iconic and emblematic buildings, as well as those of special architectural, historical, or heritage interest, through elevation drawings, Laura Arribas leads the production of this growing series of illustrations, which showcases an intentionally technical style with an exceptional level of detail.

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Housing is not just the place where we live. It is a reflection of our society, our culture, and our aspirations. It is a space that influences our quality of life, our health, and our well-being. And in a world changing at an unprecedented pace—where technology advances by leaps and bounds, population grows, and resources become scarce—it is crucial to reflect on how we inhabit our homes and how we can make them better.

Throughout the month of April, ArchDaily opened up the debate on the topic of contemporary housing. We extended an invitation to our readers to join the discussion on its current state and future. After reviewing an immense number of comments and opinions from construction professionals, students, and architecture enthusiasts alike, we were surprised to find a strong consensus: above all, contemporary housing speaks as much to adaptability, innovation, and diversity as it does to real estate speculation, a lack of adequate public policies, and economic inequality. Read the main viewpoints in detail below.

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As the result of a seminar-workshop organized by COMUNAL—where participants engaged in critical readings and reflections starting from texts on habitat and autonomy, the Social Production and Management of Habitat, Participatory Design, and critical pedagogy—a collective fanzine has been launched and can be downloaded for free at this link. The document emerges as a proposal to imagine and build new narratives for producing and sharing knowledge.

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The need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector is urgent, and implementing measures to this end represents both a challenge and an opportunity for local governments. This is the case with Zero-Emission Areas (ZEAs), urban sectors where pollutant emissions are neutralized. This measure primarily benefits those who will enjoy healthier urban spaces and more vibrant commercial activities. However, ensuring its success—or at least mitigating public backlash—requires deep social engagement and effective communication with the population.