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Marie Combette and Daniel Moreno Flores founded La Cabina de la Curiosidad in 2019, a studio focused on architecture and territory based in Quito, Ecuador. Their architectural approach is based on extensive fieldwork, with an urban and territorial perspective that prioritizes the use of available resources, water management, and recycling. They use drawing and mapping as essential tools to materialize their ideas and transform them into spaces. The name of the studio evokes a "trunk" turned into a cabin full of curiosities that invite exploration of various possibilities. This trunk is nourished by everyday experiences, derived from simple interactions with the city or the environment, which triggers a creative process continually fed by experimentation and daily discovery, unafraid of the unknown.

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The word on the street is that the latest winners of A'Design Award have thrown convention out of the window. True to form, we're here to spill the tea on some of the most daring that made the cut.

Picture this: a stage set for creativity, where the world's sharpest minds in design gather to present their finest work. The A'Design Award is just that–a grand international showcase that celebrates the brilliance of designers, architects, and innovators from every corner of the globe. It's not just another award; it's an opportunity to have your work showcased on a truly global scale. 

Portuguese architecture studio OODA has commenced construction on the Hora Vertikale Towers in Tirana, a city renowned for its urban revitalization and architectural innovation. The project aims to contribute to this dynamic landscape as a multi-functional, 55,000-square-meter "vertical village" rising 140 meters tall. The project is designed to also integrate a large-scale green public space, also designed by OODA. The project was first announced earlier this year.

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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.

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Valencia, one of Spain's most vibrant cities, boasts a rich architectural history that mirrors its cultural and historical evolution. Founded by the Romans in 138 BC, the city has been shaped by successive waves of influence, from the Visigoths and Moors to the Christian reconquest in the 13th century. Each period left a distinct architectural imprint, giving Valencia a unique blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance structures alongside modern interventions. Among the city's most prominent historic landmarks is the La Longa de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which exemplifies late Gothic civic architecture, alongside the majestic Valencia Cathedral, where Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements intertwine, illustrating the city's layered past.

Valencia's architectural evolution did not end with its historical legacy. Today, the city is a dynamic example of how modern and contemporary architecture can coexist with ancient structures. The striking City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, has become an international symbol of innovation, pushing the boundaries of futuristic design. In parallel, urban planning projects like transforming the former Turia riverbed into a lush green park have redefined public space and sustainability in the city. This balance between preservation and cutting-edge design reflects Valencia's commitment to embracing modernity while honoring its historical roots, making it not only a city steeped in history but also one at the forefront of contemporary architectural practice.

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This article was originally published on Common Edge.

In the post-pandemic era, an oversupply of underutilized churches is a growing reality. Besides offering explorations in adaptive reuse, what does this trend say about modern spirituality? Have humans lost interest in the sacred? In a recent article on Common Edge, Duo Dickinson addressed this concern by claiming that "the cultural change that is causing the abandonment of churches does not end the human search for the sacred."

While correctly stating that no formula can turn architecture into "the holy," he seemed to indicate that a new spirituality might still be found in architectural form. As we consider what changing forms of sacred space mean for the modern era, looking for a revitalization of spirituality through architecture alone risks a repeat of an error made in the last century: expecting too much of aesthetics.

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The Pantheon in Rome is a true architectural masterpiece and holds the title of the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Among its most remarkable elements is the central oculus — an 8.2-meter-wide opening at the top of the dome that allows natural light to enter. This creates a dynamic play of light and shadow that shifts throughout the day, enhancing the grandeur of the structure. Beyond its practical function, the oculus establishes a symbolic connection between the earthly and the divine, reflecting the Pantheon's original purpose as a temple dedicated to all gods. In fact, toplighting, which introduces natural light from above through skylights, domes, or other upper openings, contrasts with traditional windows, which capture light horizontally. By capturing direct sunlight, toplighting provides soft, diffuse illumination, creating more welcoming environments with better energy efficiency and a positive impact on mood and productivity.

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