The international architecture and city festival Open House will take place in Madrid from September 21 to 24, 2023, inviting residents to visit and explore some of the capital's most iconic buildings. Extending beyond Madrid to open several spaces in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, this ninth edition will open the doors of over 120 buildings and studios, while also offering 13 outdoor routes and itineraries to discover Madrid's architecture.
Out of a total of 576 submissions, the 2023 FAD Awards have announced the list of finalist and selected projects, which will be on display from October 5, 2023, to January 7, 2024, during the exhibition "The Best Design of the Year" at the Disseny Hub Barcelona.
Doors and windows have undergone few changes since their original conception. They are elements designed to meet the basic human need for sunlight, air circulation in enclosed spaces, and ease of movement, all to ensure comfortable living. Consequently, their role in daily life is both constant and crucial. Although their primary function remains unchanged, doors and windows as architectural components continue to serve the role of separating spaces while allowing the entry of light, objects, and landscapes—largely maintaining their original structure. However, significant progress has been made in their manufacturing materials and the technical performance they offer.
In today's context, minimalism has emerged as a trend focused on simplifying down to the essentials, leaving its mark on contemporary architecture, including modern windows and doors. This streamlined approach, characterized by the elimination of elements unnecessary for proper functioning, has become prominent across various countries. In line with this trend, Strugal window and door systems have made significant strides in the construction of architectural elements through technological development in manufacturing processes and new product design. These advancements are reflected in various applications across facades and interior courtyards using sliding windows and doors.
Stabilized Aluminum Foam is a unique looking material that combines the aesthetics of aluminum (its texture, shades and brightness) with a spongy, porous appearance. It is produced by injecting air into a cast aluminum alloy with stabilizing agents, which after curing, creates a porous and lightweight, yet highly resistant and rigid cellular structure. Because of its mechanical and thermal properties, it is particularly useful in applications in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace and marine, especially for energy absorption, thermal insulation, and sound dampening.
From November 18 to 20, 2022, Open House Málaga, one of the world's most important architecture and city festivals, will take place. Now in its second year in the city, the festival features over 40 free activities, including building visits, urban tours, and experiences. The event aims to connect the city with its residents and visitors, offering a unique architectural perspective alongside architects and industry professionals.
The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design have announced the winners of the "Europe 40 under 40" program for 2021-2022. The selection gathers emerging architectural and design talents spread across Europe from Albania, Austria, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, The Netherlands, and Turkey.
“During these challenging times, it is crucial to keep insightful visions alive. Presenting Europe’s most hopeful personalities in the fields of architecture and design is what gives us hope for a better tomorrow”, explains the official brief. Providing an insight into the architectural scene in Europe, the program initiated by The European Centre highlights the next generation of young architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and industrial designers currently under the age of 40, who will impact future living and working environments, cities, and rural areas.
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Choice of building materials and the inherent continuous reflection about the reach and capabilities of architecture are an interesting alternative way to approach this issue. The materials used in social housing should address local and economic possibilities and the real needs for access to housing in the contemporary context.
In this article, we analyze different projects published on our site to identify some of the predominant materials used in social housing, both for the formation of structures or enclosures. The intentions of this are two-fold: firstly, to create a worldwide panorama of different case studies with different construction styles from a range of geographical locations, and secondly, to provide inspiration and tools to architects to make better social housing.
Below we present 15 social housing projects and their diverse materials and construction styles.
