Tag: structural-engineering | ArchDaily

One Day, Four Earthquakes: What Seismic Resilience Reveals About the Built Environment

Reyyan Dogan — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Within a 36-hour window between June 24 and June 25, four significant earthquakes struck three different regions of the world. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake shook Japan's northeastern coast, a magnitude 5.6 event was recorded in Northern California, and two major earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 occurred just 39 seconds apart along Venezuela's northern coast. Although their close timing prompted speculation online, seismologists confirmed that the events were unrelated, occurring independently along different tectonic plate boundaries.

The Illusion of Lightness: Designing Civic Voids for Public Life

Moises Carrasco — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:30:00 +0000

In our current cities, urban density and rising land values often force a choice between large-scale civic buildings and open public space. Traditionally, plazas have been treated as areas surrounding a building's footprint, but this strategy was modified when pilotis were introduced by the early 20th-century modernist movement. While the original intent was to create a sense of lightness that would allow circulation and light to flow beneath a structure, contemporary requirements for seismic loads, fire egress, and heavy occupancies render thin columns insufficient for the needs of current large-scale civic projects.

The Two Cathedrals of Managua: Architectural Memory After Nicaragua’s 1972 Earthquake

Moises Carrasco — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

On December 23, 1972, Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, was struck by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake. In a matter of minutes, its urban core, which for decades had functioned as a compact political and economic center, abruptly collapsed. In the reconstruction process that followed, the authorities sought not simply to rebuild but to reorganize. Their objective was to decentralize the city and prevent future paralysis by dispersing functions across multiple zones. Among the most significant architectural outcomes of this shift was the new Metropolitan Cathedral. Its modernist language symbolized both institutional continuity and urban transformation. In doing so, it embodied Managua's transition from a Spanish-style, centralized urban grid to a contemporary, decentralized metropolis.

How Technology Is Quietly Reinventing the Safety of Heritage Buildings

Ananya Nayak — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0000

India's palaces and former colonial warehouses are witnessing a new kind of restoration, one that happens beneath the surface. From discreet steel supports tucked behind centuries-old masonry to digital sensors embedded in frescoed ceilings, technology is quietly reshaping how heritage buildings are protected for the future. These upgrades are more about subtle precision and less about spectacle; invisible engineering wonders.

Adjaye Associates Unveil First Phase of Barbados National Performing Arts Centre

Reyyan Dogan — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000

The first phase of the Barbados National Performing Arts Centre, designed by Adjaye Associates, has officially opened in Bridgetown, marking the commencement of a significant cultural initiative. Originally conceived as a temporary pavilion for Carifesta XV, the timber structure serves as both a functional venue for performances and the foundation for the forthcoming 85,000-square-foot permanent complex, slated for completion in 2026. Developed in collaboration with structural engineer StructureCraft, the project features mass timber construction, low-carbon design strategies, and adaptive reuse of components. This approach provides Barbadians with a "meanwhile use" venue while laying the groundwork for a future national hub within the Barbados Heritage District.

Navigating Boundaries: The Architectural Legacy of Lighthouses

Diogo Borges Ferreira — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Lighthouses have stood along the margins of continents and islands for centuries as points of light in vast maritime territories. Rising in solitude from rocky cliffs, reefs, and headlands, these towers were tools for navigation and instruments of spatial clarity, shaping coastlines and marking the boundary between land and sea. Built to guide, warn, and locate, they constituted a global network of visibility long before the advent of digital mapping. Yet as maritime technologies evolved, many of these structures lost their original purpose. The typology, once essential, now stands at the edge of obsolescence. What remains is not merely an architectural relic, but a powerful spatial form — resilient, symbolic, and increasingly open to reinterpretation.

Notre Dame Rebuilt: A Journey of Restoration for France's Iconic Cathedral

Maria-Cristina Florian — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 07:30:00 +0000

Notre Dame Cathedral reopened on December 7th, 2024, welcoming visitors for the first time since the 2019 fire. The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral was a massive undertaking, led by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve, assisted by Rémi Fromont and Pascal Prunet. The project involved approximately 2,000 craftspeople, 250 companies, and about $900 million, demonstrating the immense scale and complexity of the work on a tight deadline. Despite the major milestone of opening before the end of the year, the restoration works are not yet complete, as they are scheduled to continue through 2026.

Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens in Paris, France

Maria-Cristina Florian — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has officially reopened, five years after a devastating fire destroyed its roof and spire and threatened the integrity of the entire structure. The reopening ceremony took place on Saturday evening with a two-hour sermon, attended by global leaders and dignitaries. The ceremony also represented the first opportunity to witness the result of the estimated €700 million ($739 million) restoration, a process that included the thorough cleaning of the stone interiors, revealing a glistening white gothic interior.

"The Building as a Dance Between Design and Habitation": In Conversation with Níall McLaughlin

Maria-Cristina Florian — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:30:00 +0000

In an era marked by rapid urbanization, climate emergencies, and evolving societal needs, architecture has a complex role to play and a responsibility to engage actively yet sensibly with cultural, political, and economic considerations. In this context, Níall McLaughlin stands out for his balanced approach rooted in historical contexts, yet aware and responsive to contemporary challenges. His studio, Niall McLaughlin Architects, embraces a dialogue-centric approach, fostering a collaborative environment. ArchDaily's senior editor Maria-Cristina Florian had the chance to sit down with Níall McLaughlin and discuss his perspective on the role of architecture in today's society and the emerging challenges of architectural education.

Nová Scéna: The Story Behind the Iconic Brutalist Extension of the National Theatre in Prague

Camilla Ghisleni — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:30:00 +0000

From 1977 to 1983, the National Theatre in Prague underwent a major transformation with the opening of Nová Scéna, a modern counterpart to the traditional Neo-Renaissance theatre. For many years, Nová Scéna hosted the renowned Laterna Magika, the world’s first multimedia theatre. This groundbreaking performance style combined classical theatre with computer-generated visual effects, creating a unique dramatic experience. The striking glass building, a symbol of the communist era, became an iconic representation of the political power of the time. In recognition of its significance, this building was part of the Open House Prague festival in 2024—an annual event that invites the public to explore and appreciate the value of architecture.

Hanif Kara of AKT II Receives 2024 Soane Medal for Pioneering Engineering and Architectural Innovation

Nour Fakharany — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Sir John Soane's Museum has announced Hanif Kara, a celebrated structural engineer and co-founder of AKT II, as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Soane Medal. This marks a historic moment as Kara becomes the first engineer to receive the accolade, traditionally awarded to architects and theorists. The recognition highlights his profound impact on the built environment, particularly through his pioneering approach to interdisciplinary collaboration. Kara will deliver the Soane Medal Lecture at the Royal Academy on November 26.

Pedestrian Infrastructure: 15 Bridges Connecting Public Spaces and Transforming Cities

Paula Pintos — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 07:30:00 +0000

There is growing awareness of the importance of developing pedestrian infrastructure. Bridges and elevated structures enhance the quality of cities by connecting spaces and reducing distances. Their use benefits pedestrians and the thousands of cyclists seeking a more sustainable mode of transportation.

A Look into His Interdisciplinary Creative Universe: Get to Know the Works of Iván Bravo

Paula Pintos — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 07:30:00 +0000

It is fascinating to delve into the practice of Iván Bravo, firstly because the path taken towards his architectural work immerses us in a vast creative universe through the architect's interest and curiosity in various tangential disciplines directly reflected in his built work. A constant reflection on the methodology of the making, the processes, the pieces, the design, and the materiality converges into a noble and honest architecture.

The Role of Biomimicry in Disaster-Resilient Architecture

Ankitha Gattupalli — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:30:00 +0000

The terms resiliency and sustainability, although similar in meaning, refer to different design approaches in the context of architecture and cities. Sustainability involves the preservation of natural resources to uphold ecological equilibrium, while resiliency entails the ability to rebound, adapt, and persist in moments of adversity. These concepts greatly influence and complement each other, especially in cases of designing disaster-resilient buildings. Conventional design processes relating to resilient infrastructure have been based on principles of structural robustness and integrity as a measure against anticipated natural disasters. However, sustainable resiliency points at the opportunity of reinforcing buildings by embedding them in biological and ecological systems.

The Digital Divide: Can Technology Support Vernacular Architecture?

Ankitha Gattupalli — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:30:00 +0000

The architecture and construction industry has undergone a transformation with the integration of various digital tools, now indispensable to the design process. The welcoming of technologies has effectively streamlined operations, enhanced efficiency, and elevated design quality. This digital shift, however, has resulted in a digital divide that goes beyond accessibility to tools and software. It also encompasses the crucial aspect of integrating traditional and indigenous communities into the urban development landscape. Can advancing technology support the growth of vernacular architecture? Can indigenous building practices find a place in the vision for a digitalized future?

Hanif Kara: As Engineers We Are Still Judged by What We Finished, Not What We Wrote About

David Basulto — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In the complex trade of architecture and construction, you are never alone. And behind every great building there is a strong team of professionals combining their expertise.

Hybrid City Challenge

Rene Submissions — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:26:00 +0000

Metsä Wood’s Hybrid City initiative is searching for ways to make construction more sustainable while maintaining efficiency using current building methods. Improving sustainability is imperative: construction alone uses 50% of the world’s resources. However, the transition will only happen if construction companies can maintain efficiency. The world needs a Plan B.

Conventionally used materials such as concrete and steel dominate the construction industry, and construction alone uses half the world’s resources and causes 30% of all CO2 emissions. Responsible construction companies are feeling the pressure to meet the growing demand for more sustainable building. The answer to this need, without compromising

The Concept App, a Free Structural Engineering Tool, is Now Available on iPhone and Desktop

Lindsay Duddy — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 04:00:00 +0000

Vancouver-based engineering firm Fast + Epp has created a free tool, called Concept, for architects and designers to explore a variety of building materials. The interface allows the designer to explore the aesthetics of wood, concrete, and steel while also providing additional information about the composition and feasibility of these materials.