Founded in Shanghai in 2001, Lacime Architects has always adhered to the architectural philosophy of "simplifying complexity and returning to the origin," aiming to root its practice locally while creating world-class architecture. Drawing on the design excellence of international practices, the firm prioritizes design innovation and independence. It is committed to utilizing new materials and technologies that reflect contemporary trends, integrating cultural concepts into its architectural works to honor cultural heritage while celebrating the spirit of the times.

This article curates Lacime Architects' portfolio of 2018, showcasing public buildings, demonstration zones, and residential developments through four thematic lenses: civic engagement, Neo-Chinese research, urban renewal, and contemporary living. (The following projects are listed in no particular order.)

Located on the west bank of Xiang Lake in Nanchang, the project sits in a new district whose large-scale block morphology contrasts sharply with the organic, "natural" fabric of the old town. The Fuhe River, flowing south from the Tengwang Pavilion Delta, preserves the city's natural landscape character, turning bridges into a key element of the urban landscape. The project seeks to capture the morphological memory of this contemporary city, anchoring itself to the edge of its cultural context.

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Videos

By integrating AR technology with physical space, Fologram has been exploring ways to fully utilize digital technology during construction to simplify the realization of complex designs—such as the measurements, verification, and precise maintenance required in parametric design—while guiding bricklayers through every step of the process.

Fologram envisions a future where AR technology will gradually eliminate the need for construction drawings on-site, thereby preventing errors and misunderstandings while increasing both the speed and precision of construction.

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Competition Theme: Rural Residential Architectural Design
Competition Objective: To contribute to rural revitalization, inherit regional culture, reclaim the beauty of rural nostalgia, and reshape ecological living environments.

I. Project Background
The prosperity of the countryside is the foundation of national prosperity. In just a few years, China’s rural development has progressed rapidly—from the "New Rural Construction" and "Beautiful Countryside" initiatives to the current "Rural Revitalization" strategy. The central government has placed unprecedented importance on rural development. Because rural landscapes best reflect regional cultural characteristics and the level of local civilization, China has long been committed to developing the rural economy and improving the lives of farmers, leading to profound changes in the rural landscape. However, given the diverse backgrounds of rural areas across the country and the accelerating pace of urbanization, higher demands have been placed on rural construction. Avoiding the "cookie-cutter" phenomenon—where cities look the same—and preventing it from extending to the countryside is a complex and urgent task. It is essential to tailor development to local conditions and create unique rural landscapes.

Zhuhai’s countryside boasts both picturesque natural scenery and enduring, widely celebrated stories. With its wealth of natural and human resources, the area possesses immense potential. Yet, due to rapid development and a lack of experience, the rural landscape of Zhuhai is being tested, and some resources have already suffered varying degrees of damage. To elevate Zhuhai’s rural development, fully express its rural character, and ensure the successful inheritance of its regional cultural context, we are launching this "Zhuhai Rural Residential Architectural Design Competition" nationwide. Through this competition, we hope to mobilize forces from all sectors of society to conduct targeted research on Zhuhai’s rural housing and collect outstanding design proposals. This will contribute a remarkable chapter to the rural revitalization strategy and further enhance the beauty of Zhuhai’s countryside.

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• Architects

  Semisótano arquitectos ( RGRM arquitectos)

• Address

  Kaunas, Lithuania，立陶宛

• Architect in Charge

  陈东华合伙人事务所

• Architectural Design Development Collaboration

  深圳天华，Unitectus（立陶宛）

• Structural Schematic Design Collaboration

  Adams Kara TaylorⅡ（英国）

• MEP Schematic Design Collaboration

  Atelier Ten（英国）

• Project Year

  2018

• Photographs

  Courtesy of 陈东华合伙人事务所

• Area

  11000.0 m2

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Ever since the classic example of the Piazza di Spagna stairway in Rome – where local citizens gather, fashion shows happen, and tourists make an (almost) mandatory stop – we understand that the possibility of being on different levels contemplating space has great appeal to human sociability. In contemporary architecture, there is no shortage of examples in the use of bleachers to create these meeting places marked by its versatility.

Next, we present 17 projects that have adopted the bleachers as one of its main elements.

Based on themes suggested by the exhibition "Infinito Vão – 90 Anos de Arquitetura Brasileira" (Infinite Span – 90 Years of Brazilian Architecture), the "Architecture in Dialogue: Portugal and Brazil" seminar invites 13 architects from both countries to debate the distinctive features of new architectural production in both nations, and the extent to which they converge or diverge, on February 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Using approaches such as program, technique, infrastructure, and cultural heritage as a starting point, the seminar will assess the current state of architecture in these two sister countries, separated by the Atlantic and by their own unique cultural dynamics.

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EJI-PATER II | Meeting of Young Researchers in Heritage and Territory Studies

This workshop is not only a great opportunity for professionals and students from various fields interested in Technical Assistance for Social Interest Housing (ATHIS), but it is also the first in a series of workshops across several states aimed at expanding the ATHIS Network, which began in São Paulo with the "Vivência em ATHIS para Melhorias Habitacionais" course. This network seeks to promote this practice, facilitate information exchange, and provide support to those involved through the "Arquiteto de Família" (Family Architect) methodology.

Text by Henry Heng Lu

By Henry Heng Lu