Büro Ole Scheeren has won the international competition for the design of Tencent’s new global headquarters in Shenzhen, China. The new structure, occupying a 14-hectare site, will become part of a new urban development along Qianhai Bay. Envisioned as a centerpiece within the future technology and financial district, Büro Ole Scheeren’s Tencent Helix will become the center of the multinational company’s expanding ecosystem.
The Royal Institute of British Architects has announced the winners of the 2023 President’s Medals, highlighting the best student architecture projects worldwide. In its 187th edition, RIBA’s President's Medals have stood as the hallmark of architectural excellence, remaining the oldest within the institution realm. Overall, the winning projects demonstrate a strong focus on "how architecture can address the needs of people and their communities."
For the 2023 Cycle, the highly acclaimed RIBA Silver Medal for the best design project produced at RIBA Part 2 was awarded to Ellie Harging at the London School of Architecture. Titled “Nobody Wants to Live in a Care Home,” the project designs supportive housing for people living with young-onset Alzheimer's. The RIBA Bronze Medal was awarded to Kacper Sehenke, while the Dissertation Medal was awarded to Chloe Shang.
Combining technical and aesthetic qualities, porcelain tile stands out as a versatile ceramic option for various architectural and design applications, both indoors and outdoors. Composed primarily of ground clays, feldspars, silica, and other natural materials, porcelain is distinguished by its strength, compactness, and low porosity. In addition to its wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, this material comes in various formats and dimensions. Among these options, large-format porcelain tiles stand out, ideal for enhancing the design of seamless, contemporary spaces.
As part of its solutions for flooring and ceramic wall coverings, Cesantoni has developed large-format porcelain tiles that merge classic style with contemporary innovation. By analyzing these new rectified porcelain options, we demonstrate the versatility of this material across diverse applications, ranging from outdoor areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and common spaces to public space design.
Some materials change the course of architecture from the moment they begin to be employed. The initial materials used in construction certainly did so: clay, stone, and wood. The ability to build is the origin of the discipline. With technological development, techniques were also refined, and in the 19th century, industrialization spread the use of other materials, transforming and expanding the realm of construction: iron and glass.
Choosing, installing, and maintaining coverings are essential aspects of home design, as they directly influence both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Along with the variety of colors, textures, and materials, they help define the style and atmosphere of each room. Among the various types available, ceramic tiles stand out for their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Following the instructions in step-by-step guides is crucial for proper ceramic installation, ensuring their properties are preserved.
Tailored to each area of the home—including bedrooms, common areas, bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, and balconies—Bekron and Bemezcla have developed a series of technical guides specifying the step-by-step installation process for coverings. Among the recommended materials and solutions is the newly launched Bekron DA Superflex 20 kg. This organic resin-based adhesive mortar is designed for installing a wide range of tile formats, both indoors and outdoors.
Since March 2018, when a 2.5-magnitude tremor on the Richter scale startled the residents of Maceió, the population of the Alagoas state capital has become aware of—and gradually had to grapple with—the consequences of a tragedy that would soon fully unfold. Following the appearance of a series of cracks and sinkholes across various neighborhoods, geological analyses identified the primary cause of the ground subsidence: the extraction of rock salt—a mineral used in the manufacturing of caustic soda and PVC—which had been carried out in Maceió for over 40 years by the petrochemical company Braskem.
With new tremors in November 2023 and the imminent risk of the mines collapsing, Maceió's crisis returned to the Brazilian headlines, shedding light on a range of complex urban issues tied to the tragedy. From physical damage to city infrastructure and forced displacement to inflation and real estate speculation, the unfolding disaster reveals painful scenes of what is already being called one of the worst urban tragedies in the world. Immersed in this crisis, the city's population suffers from incalculable damage: "The cracks weren't just in the buildings; they were in us, in our souls."
The global housing crisis generates a wide range of challenges, from those who are in situations of homelessness, to the realities of millions who face unaffordable housing conditions, overcrowding, and excessively high rents. Tackling this involves political will, the union of the state and private companies, and innovative solutions that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and government mechanisms that enable a functioning system. Amongst all of these factors though, one thing is certain: we need to build massively in the future to improve the housing situation. The implementation of efficient construction methods, such as prefabrication and modular construction, can speed up the creation of affordable housing units, reducing construction costs and timeframes. Adopting green building practices, such as using recycled materials and designing energy-efficient structures, not only contributes to sustainability but minimizes long-term operating expenses for residents.
The interaction between architecture and human well-being is a field drawing increasing interest in the contemporary world. The role of architecture in daily life extends far beyond its aesthetic or practical functions; it directly shapes the experience and well-being of those who interact with built spaces. This fundamental link between architectural space and human well-being is being increasingly explored by researchers and practitioners seeking to understand and optimize the impact of the built environment on people's health and quality of life.
Snøhetta has revealed the design of a new opera house to be added to the historic area of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia. The proposal strives to blend the local cultural heritage and Najdi building traditions with the contemporary requirements of an international music and performing arts venue. Scheduled to open in 2028, the Royal Diriyah Opera House anchors a wider master plan to redevelop the Diriyah area on the outskirts of Riyadh, aiming to transform it into a cultural destination.
Kengo Kuma and Associates has just unveiled the designs of a new mixed-use project in Miami, Florida. Standing as the first mixed-use initiative by the architect in the United States, the scheme is set to become a popular attraction in the city. “MIRAI Design District” is comprised of retail spaces, office spaces, and commercial units.
In the context of global initiatives to promote energy efficiency and the decarbonization of buildings, Latin America is at the center of the debate. The International Seminar on Sustainable and NetZero Buildings 2023, held in Bogotá and organized by CCCS, IEA, UNIANDES, CAF, and CEELA, aimed primarily to create a space for the exchange of experiences, such as Oliver Schütte's No Footprint House, while simultaneously conducting a review of government policies and the implementation of norms and standards in the region.
Among panels and conferences featuring Clara Camarasa, Nicola Borregaard, Laura Chapa, Paola Valencia, Iván Osuna, Juan Carlos Vega, Angélica Ospina, and Diego Velandia, five main learnings emerged as lessons: from creating more relevance and energy calculations to the development of the timber industry - and certifications.
As one of the four essential elements that sustain life on this planet, water is key to the survival of all species. And just as wild animals like to stay close to the watering hole, we humans enjoy life by the water.
While our ports, lakes, and waterways are no longer the international transport hubs and feeding grounds they once were, the improved air quality, more temperate climate, and improved relaxation and mindfulness that’s brought by the presence of fresh or flowing water, means specialist spaces such as riverside pubs, beachfront hotels and lakeside homes are some of the most popular of their type.
The following homes show how prized nearby waterbodies can be better utilized with great architecture and design.
Through the incorporation of various elements, interior design creates comprehensive spaces that blend functionality and aesthetics. Among these components, suspended ceilings are a solution that integrates finishes suspended from the main structure. While adapting to a wide range of styles through a diversity of materials, colors, and textures, suspended ceilings also address acoustic needs, contribute to thermal insulation, and integrate lighting systems.
Among its solutions for interior applications, Hunter Douglas combines aesthetics, comfort, and sustainability to develop the WoodLines suspended ceiling line. Integrating innovation with natural materials, the manufacturing process continuously bonds a natural wood veneer to a roll-formed metal profile. As a result, linear ceilings composed of continuous slats are obtained, combining the functionality of a metal ceiling with the warmth and aesthetic appeal of natural wood.
Mexico City- and Guadalajara-based firm Estudio AMA debuts with its "Riviera Ka’an Residencias" project, located in Xpu Ha, a town in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, situated south of Playa del Carmen and north of Tulum on the Caribbean coast. Estudio AMA presents itself as a creative space encompassing all fields of design: architecture, interiors, graphic design, and art.
As we head towards the end of 2023, an eventful year that could be defined as the year of "shifts", we take a look at how global events and trends impacted the design of interior spaces. Looking back, people questioned everything, and the architectural practice was no exception. A new voice was given to nations often forgotten as architects searched for alternative ways of designing and building. We questioned colonialism, consumer culture, waste, tradition, and authenticity, bringing about new perspectives within the discipline. Interior design in 2023, however, was reserved; explorative, but a lot more modest and subtle compared to previous years. Following years of constant changes, it seems as though people felt the need to pause, slow down, and embrace simplicity, while expressing their individuality through acupuncture interventions.
The American Institute of Architects has announced David Lake and Ted Flato, the founders of Texas-based firm Lake|Flato Architects, as the winners of the 2024 AIA Gold Medal. The pair was selected by the jury for their ability to make "sustainability exciting in a way few other architects have accomplished." Founded in San Antonia in 1984, their office set out to make environmentally conscientious design both accessible and exciting, by finding ways to strengthen he bond between humans and nature.
Stefano Boeri Architetti has revealed the designs for the Ramagrama Stupa in Nepal, a master plan intended to enrich this sacred Buddhist location. The proposal features a Biodiversity “Ring Garden” and a Peace Meadow, which encircles the revered Bodhi tree. Situated in Nepal’s Parasi district, the Ramagrama municipality holds immense cultural and religious significance, sheltering a preserved portion of Buddha’s relics.
The heritage of Mexico City is extremely rich and diverse due to a long history that overlays like layers above the urban fabric since pre-Hispanic times. Currently, it is one of the largest cities in the world, and its heritage is reflected in its architecture, museums, historical sites, cultural traditions, protected sites, gastronomy, and much more. This chronology has been evidenced through various historical records. However, contemporary recording is essential in moments where we are writing history immediately with different digital tools.
Architecture Classics showcased on ArchDaily serve as essential archives of architectural marvels, offering a window into the past. These classics showcase our collective design wisdom and innovation globally, enriching our design knowledge. In fact, through the acknowledgment and appreciation of different styles, functions, and narratives embedded within these structures, our view of architecture and its impact worldwide can become more comprehensive.
Within ArchDaily’s extensive list of Architectural Classics, 2023 saw the exploration of 16 diverse typologies. From public landmarks like Mies Van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion to the Julio Mario Sant Domingo Cultural Center and the Biblioteca El Tintal by Bermùdez Arquitectos, showcasing the power of public infrastructure. Structures such as Mariano Moreno’s National Library and Oscar Niemeyer’s Aeronautics Center highlight the eclectic nature of these classics.
There are and have always been inspiring women architects, urban planners, and policymakers. However, worldwide, the built environment professions—and their upper echelons in particular—remain heavily male-dominated, more so than other fields like education or healthcare.
Today, 64% of architecture graduates in Brazil are women. In engineering, there has been a 42% increase in women registered with CREA since 2016. Yet, how is this reflected in Brazilian society? Globally, progress is even slower: only 40% of architects are women, with very few in leadership roles.
When heavy rains are forecast for their areas, 64% of Brazilians feel afraid. For 76% of those surveyed, cities are unprepared to face heavy rains, storms, or flooding. The data comes from a first-of-its-kind survey conducted by the Boticário Group Foundation for Nature Protection, in cooperation with UNESCO in Brazil, and with support from the National Association of Municipalities and the Environment (ANAMMA) and the Urban Bioconnection Alliance. The full results of the study will be presented on December 2 during the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Music Festivals can provide artists, designers, and architects a platform to present their work to large crowds. The sheer scale of these installations, the space for artistic exploration, and the vast audience they reach can give designers the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase their ideas. Through scale, color, imagery, and lighting, these installations create lasting impressions on the people who attend these events and those who see them through news coverage or social media. Some themes explored this year included reframing familiar things in unfamiliar ways, large-scale abstract geometries at the intersection of technology and art, and the use of innovative new materials.
In this episode of Arquicast, a conversation with architects Liz Valente and Larissa Fioravante revisits the topic of work environments in architecture, bringing a new perspective to some of the discussions addressed in episode 214. The momentum for this "part 2" came from provocative comments from the audience, which prompted a deeper and more diverse reflection on the daily life of the profession. The participants shared their personal career paths, shaped by internships, experience in offices, the classroom, and even personal ventures.
When it comes to climate change, the headlines can sometimes seem contradictory. One day, we read about catastrophic wildfires wreaking havoc across the globe; the next, we see an optimistic article about the rapid rise of solar and wind energy. Taken together, these narratives can make it difficult to grasp the big picture of climate action. Are countries actually implementing effective solutions if greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue to rise? In which areas has the world made enough progress to overcome the climate crisis, and where are the gaps? What specific measures are needed to get us on the right track?
