Tag: landmark | ArchDaily

Art Paris 2026 Returns to the Grand Palais, Framing Language and Reparation Within an Architectural Landmark

Reyyan Dogan — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Art Paris will return to the Grand Palais from 9-12 April 2026, marking the 28th edition of the fair at the recently renovated landmark. Reopened following its most extensive restoration in over a century, the 77,000-square-meter building, transformed under the direction of Chatillon Architectes, now accommodates large-scale cultural events across its nave and balcony spaces. Bringing together approximately 165 galleries from around twenty countries, the fair is structured around two curatorial themes, language and reparation, presented within an updated spatial framework defined by improved circulation and expanded exhibition areas.

Orms Appointed to Lead Redevelopment of London’s BT Tower into Hotel

Reyyan Dogan — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

BT Tower, one of London's most recognizable postwar landmarks, is set to be converted into a hotel. London-based architecture practice Orms has been appointed to lead the redevelopment following the acquisition of the Grade II–listed tower by the American hospitality company MCR Hotels in early 2024. The project was initially expected to be led by Heatherwick Studio, though the practice is no longer involved; Orms will now advance the scheme and is expected to present its initial proposals during a first round of public consultations scheduled for May. Construction cannot begin until the decommissioning and removal of telecommunications equipment by BT Group, a process currently expected to conclude around 2030.

SOM Designs Landmark Mixed-Use Tower Complex for the New City of Alatau in Kazakhstan

Antonia Piñeiro — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0000

On March 5, 2026, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) revealed images of a new landmark project in Kazakhstan, in Central Asia. The project consists of two towers, the "Iconic Complex," and a master plan for the area, the "Gateway District." The complex is located in Alatau, a new city along the Almaty–Qonaev highway planned to become an international investment hub. A strategic project for the country, the city's master plan extends through 2050, with the first phase of major infrastructure projects scheduled for completion by 2030. Within this context, SOM's design is expected to serve as the city's economic and administrative nucleus, establishing the central business district of Alatau City and setting a benchmark for future investment projects in the area.

Paris’ Tour Montparnasse Observatory to Close in March 2026 as Redevelopment Plans Move Forward

Reyyan Dogan — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:30:00 +0000

The public observation deck at the top of the Tour Montparnasse, long considered one of the most debated additions to the Parisian skyline, is set to close on March 31, 2026, ahead of a major redevelopment of the tower and its surrounding complex. Completed in 1973, the 210-meter structure has remained the only skyscraper within central Paris for decades, frequently criticized for its scale and contrast with the historic cityscape. The closure of the Paris Montparnasse Observatory marks the beginning of a multi-year transformation aimed at modernizing the tower while rethinking its relationship with the surrounding Montparnasse district.

The Final Piece of Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Central Tower Installed in Barcelona

Antonia Piñeiro — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia has been laid in place, bringing the church to its maximum height of 172.5 m. La Sagrada Familia, one of architectural history's most notorious unfinished buildings, became Antoni Gaudí's defining project in 1883, when he transformed a neo-Gothic design into one of the best-known structures of Catalan Modernisme. One hundred and forty-four years after construction began, the upper section of the 17-meter-high, four-sided steel and glass cross was winched into position at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20, completing the tower dedicated to Jesus Christ. This milestone confirms the project's final stage of construction, which, back in March 2024, was announced as one of the most anticipated completions of 2026, commemorating the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death.

Buildner and Dubai’s RTA Award €500K for Climate-Responsive Urban Design

Rene Submissions — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:45:00 +0000

Buildner has announced the results of the Dubai Urban Elements Challenge, a landmark international design competition organized in strategic collaboration with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). With a total prize fund of 2,000,000 AED (approximately €500,000), the initiative represents one of the most significant publicly funded global design competitions focused on urban transformation.

Nobel Foundation Reveals Design for New Nobel Center in Stockholm by David Chipperfield Architects

Reyyan Dogan — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:30:00 +0000

The Nobel Foundation has revealed the first design proposal for the new Nobel Center, a public cultural and educational institution dedicated to science, literature, and peace. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, the project will be constructed along Stadsgårdskajen at Slussen in Stockholm, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion planned for 2031. Conceived as a permanent home for the activities surrounding the Nobel Prize, the building aims to make the work of Nobel Prize laureates accessible to a broad public through exhibitions, public programs, and interdisciplinary exchange, positioning the center as both a civic landmark and an international point of reference.

First Ismaili Center in the U.S., Designed by Farshid Moussavi Architecture, Opens in Houston

Reyyan Dogan — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 06:30:00 +0000

The Ismaili Center in Houston, the first of its kind in the United States, was inaugurated on November 6, 2025, by Mayor John Whitmire. Designed by Farshid Moussavi Architecture and Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, the 11-acre site overlooking Buffalo Bayou Park establishes a new architectural and cultural landmark within Houston's urban and social landscape. Located at the intersection of Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard, the Center builds upon a vision first outlined by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in 2006 and later developed under the direction of his successor. Joining six existing Ismaili Centers worldwide, in London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe, and Toronto, the Houston Center aims to continue a global tradition of fostering intercultural dialogue and civic engagement.

RIBA Announces the Shortlist for the 2025 Stirling Prize

Reyyan Dogan — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed the six shortlisted projects for the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize. Since its establishment in 1996, the prize has recognized works that respond to contemporary challenges while shaping more inclusive futures. This year's shortlist spans a diverse range of scales and programs, including the restoration of one of the nation's most iconic landmarks, a pioneering medical research facility, a contemporary almshouse designed to reduce isolation among older residents, a university's "factory for fashion," a fully accessible home, and a creative house extension. The winner of the award will be announced live at the Stirling Prize ceremony on 16 October in the Roundhouse, London.

Tadao Ando’s National Museum of Uzbekistan Breaks Ground in Tashkent

Reyyan Dogan — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:30:00 +0000

The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) has announced the groundbreaking of the National Museum of Uzbekistan, designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Marking Ando's first major project in Central Asia, the museum is envisioned as both an architectural and cultural landmark in Tashkent. Planned to open in March 2028, the building reflects Ando's minimalist architectural language, integrating references to Uzbekistan's heritage with his characteristic use of geometry, natural light, and spatial clarity.

Foster + Partners Reveals Central Crossing Mixed-Use Development in Hong Kong

Reyyan Dogan — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Foster + Partners has unveiled designs for Central Crossing, a new mixed-use development in the heart of Hong Kong's Central district. Located at 118 Wellington Street and bordered by Graham, Gage, and Cochrane Streets, the project is a joint venture between Wing Tai Properties Limited and CSI Properties Limited. Positioned within a triangle formed by the historic landmarks Tai Kwun, PMQ, and Central Market, the site offers a rare opportunity to build within one of the city's most vibrant and historically layered neighborhoods. Central Crossing continues Foster + Partners' ongoing engagement with historical contexts, following earlier interventions such as the Carré d'Art in Nîmes and the extension to the Royal Academy in London. The project seeks to balance sensitivity to its urban fabric with an architectural presence, contributing to the evolving identity of Central.

From Milan to Chicago: Architecture Now and the Leading Practices of Herzog & de Meuron, Gensler, and Heatherwick

Nour Fakharany — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

From Milan's Scalo Farini to downtown Chicago, and from the Tuscan countryside to the UK's retrofit initiatives, recent announcements demonstrate how architecture is evolving in response to climate goals, cultural identity, and urban transformation. Herzog & de Meuron's new headquarters for UniCredit will anchor one of Europe's largest redevelopment sites with a focus on sustainability and workplace innovation, while Gensler's stadium design for Chicago Fire FC aims to redefine the U.S. matchday experience as part of a major waterfront development. In Tuscany, Alvisi Kirimoto's Sapaio Pavilion merges agricultural production with architectural sensitivity, and in the UK, RIBA and The King's Foundation are advancing retrofit as a national agenda. Meanwhile, finalists including MVRDV, Heatherwick Studio, and Mecanoo are advancing in an international competition to create a climate landmark intended to inspire large-scale behavioral change. This edition of Architecture Now brings together diverse yet interconnected efforts to shape how architecture can support long-term ecological, cultural, and civic impact.

Architecture Above: 25 Observation Towers Around the World

Camilla Ghisleni — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:30:00 +0000

The desire to see the world from above transcends cultures and time — an almost instinctive impulse to seek new horizons, gain perspective, and momentarily step outside everyday life. Observation towers embody that desire: built in forests, mountains, urban parks, or coastal landscapes, they invite us to pause, look closely, and discover the surroundings in a quiet or playful way. These structures offer more than just views; they offer experiences. As we climb their steps or ramps, our bodies take part in a ritual of transition — from ground to sky.

Gensler Unveils Plans for Al-Ahly Football Club’s First Home in Egypt

Nour Fakharany — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:30:00 +0000

Gensler, in collaboration with El Qalaa El Hamraa and Buro Happold, has revealed plans for a new stadium dedicated to Al-Ahly Football Club, a team widely recognized for its prominence in African and Middle Eastern football. The project, more than three decades in the making, envisions a state-of-the-art venue designed not only for football matches but also as a national landmark capable of hosting large-scale events, setting a new standard for sports architecture in the region.

Conserving Black Modernism: An Initiative to Preserve African American Architectural Heritage in the United States

Nour Fakharany — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:30:00 +0000

The Getty Foundation's Conserving Black Modernism initiative, launched in 2022, represents a pivotal effort to preserve and celebrate the architectural contributions of African American architects in the Modernist movement. This initiative, a partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, aims to address historical oversight and ensure the legacy of these trailblazing architects is protected for future generations. Over three funding cycles from 2023 to 2025, the program supports conservation planning, professional training, and storytelling to highlight the cultural and architectural significance of these sites.

Mario Cucinella Reimagines Palazzo Citterio in Milan, Italy

Nour Fakharany — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA) has reimagined the architectural design of Palazzo Citterio in Milan, Italy, integrating historical and contemporary elements to create a dynamic cultural space. As part of the Grande Brera initiative, which seeks to unify key cultural institutions such as the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Braidense National Library, the palazzo now stands as a hub for modern and contemporary art. Ultimately, the project aims to reestablish Palazzo Citterio as a significant cultural and social landmark, fostering community engagement and interaction.

The Vessel Reopens at Hudson Yards, New York, with New Safety Measures After Three-Year Closure

Nour Fakharany — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:30:00 +0000

In October 2024, "The Vessel" at Hudson Yards in New York City reopened to the public after being closed for nearly three years due to multiple suicides. Originally designed by Heatherwick Studio and opened in 2019, the 150-foot monumental staircase was closed in January 2021 after four individuals, all under the age of 25, tragically took their own lives within an 18-month span. This photo series by Paul Clemence captures "The Vessel" as it reopens, offering a fresh look at its design and renewed role in the city.

Singapore Architecture City Guide: 18 Projects to Explore in the "Garden City"

Nour Fakharany — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore stands as a beacon of sustainable urbanization. According to the 2016 Green City Index, the city-state of Singapore was the greenest city in Asia at one point. Renowned as the "City in a Garden," Singapore has intertwined lush greenery, verdant parks, and new environmental policies into its urban fabric/ After gaining independence in 1965, the city-state stands as a testament to how urban life can integrate with nature.