
How to visualize architectural concepts in SketchUp using D5 Lite for faster design exploration.

How to visualize architectural concepts in SketchUp using D5 Lite for faster design exploration.






As we move past Thanksgiving and step into December, the festive season is fast approaching. This time of year brings celebrations, holidays, and travel plans into full swing. Particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, there is a strong association between end-of-year festivities and cold, snowy weather.
Among the many traditions that celebrate the season, one of the most logistically and architecturally challenging is arranging for the giant Christmas tree for Rockefeller Center in New York City. This spectacle of moving a 70+ foot, 10+ ton tree into one of the busiest city centers in the world continues to capture the holiday spirit annually.





Amid the dynamism and speed that characterize our life in the contemporary world, especially concerning our cities and built environments, it is inevitable to recognize the importance of preserving spaces for pause and reflection, essential for addressing and discussing the key issues of architecture and urbanism that our society urgently needs today. The latest edition of the 13th Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism, held from December 2 to 6 in Lima, Peru, provided a unique gathering for such reflections and dialogues. Under the theme 'CLIMATES: Actions for the Good Living,' the event brought together architects and key figures from the field, who, during a week of roundtable discussions and conferences, focused on the challenges of global contemporary habitation, especially those shared between Spain and Latin America, thus serving as a bridge of knowledge between both contexts.


Unbuilt projects hold untapped potential. They tell stories of creativity, vision, and exploration. The Unbuilt Award 2025 shines a spotlight on these extraordinary designs, creating a platform for ideas that redefine boundaries.
With categories for small, medium, and large-scale projects, this competition ensures every vision receives the attention it deserves. No qualifications are required—this open call is for everyone, everywhere.

Construction has commenced on the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology tower, a 46-story building designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Its design, situated on a narrow site in Shenzhen's Futian district, aims to respond to its urban context. The building's form, measuring 199 meters in height, incorporates setbacks placed to maximize sunlight penetration to surrounding streets and public areas. This design decision is further reflected in the façade's varying transparency and color, created by vertical and angled glazing mullions in black and bronze. Recent construction photographs reveal the topped-out tower, waiting to receive its envelope while temporarily showcasing openly its structure and interior organization.