Snøhetta has announced a project to rebuild the Refuge de Barroude, a mountain refuge located in a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Pyrenees Mountain range of France. The old building, destroyed in an accidental fire ten years ago, is set to be revived as a stop-off point for hikers on the Haute Route des Pyrénées and as a support center for the staff of the National Park. The next phase of the project is due to begin in 2025.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and GAD have been chosen to design the Hangzhou Science and Technology Innovation Central Business District (CBD) in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, China. Their proposal outlines a versatile regional hub that merges advanced transit systems with the traditional Jiangnan landscape, establishing a framework that promotes creativity and the growth of the tech sector.
In architectural design, materials play a crucial role not only in shaping a building's aesthetics but also in its performance and in reflecting the ideologies of its creators. Today's architectural megatrends are driven by the need for sustainability, resilience, and material innovation, particularly in response to climate change and resource conservation. Wellness-focused design is also gaining importance, prioritizing environments that support physical and mental health. In this context, natural materials, biophilic principles, and improved indoor environmental quality are increasingly used to enhance comfort and foster a deeper connection with nature. Among these materials, titanium zinc stands out as a versatile and sustainable option, offering durability, aesthetic appeal, and potential health benefits in architectural applications.
Created by a series of angled parallel lines that form a mesmerizing zigzag, the herringbone pattern has withstood the test of time and remains present in diverse design styles. Named after the resemblance to a fish's bones –a herring, for instance–, this classic V-shaped pattern arranges rectangular blocks in different proportions. With varying block edge length ratios, such as 2:1 or sometimes 3:1, the versatile design adapts to a wide range of uses, dimensions and materials.
The arrangement of the blocks, even when used in single colors, creates a subtle texture and adds visual interest. While the herringbone arrangement may seem simple at first glance, the strong directional quality of the typically 45-degree angle lines requires a careful design process for a seamless and consistent look. The pattern can be found in walls and floors, from fabrics to wood and tiles. By playing with geometric shapes, it continues to be a trend that infuses style and structure into interior design while complementing a space's overall aesthetic. Below we dive into Architonic’s catalog to present different ways to apply it, exploring ceramic, wood, and synthetic herringbone patterns.
Oppenheim Architecture has unveiled the design for the College of Europe's new campus in Tirana, Albania. This project introduces the first "purpose-built" campus for the College, following its established campuses in Bruges, Belgium, and Natolin, Poland. The College of Europe, created under the initiative of the Hague Congress, is dedicated to promoting European ideals of unity, cooperation, and integration. This expansion to Tirana aims to reflect both a continuation of this mission and an opportunity for the College to establish a presence in a historically significant city.
The 2024 Obel Award has been granted to Colectivo C733 for their unique achievement in completing 36 public projects across Mexico over a span of just 36 months. These projects have begun as part of a nationwide initiative led by Mexico's Secretariat for Agrarian, Land, and Urban Development (SEDATU). Collectively named the 36x36 projects, the varied interventions have successfully revitalized a wide range of vulnerable urban and rural areas through a collaborative and community-focused approach. This aligns with the Obel Award's 6th cycle overarching theme, "Architectures with," highlighting initiatives that positively impact both people and the planet.
