For many years, technology has been shaping the future of various industries, and the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is no different. Initially, architects used to draw sketches on paper, which later progressed to 2D drawings, 3D digital blueprints, and now BIM—these technological advancements have changed how modern architects approach design by making it more sustainable and efficient. According to the 2024 RIBA AI study, 57% of architects believe AI will improve design process efficiency, and 54% expect to integrate it into their practice within the next two years.
Education has long been a driving force in the Middle East, shaping knowledge, encouraging innovation, and strengthening cultural identity. In recent years, educational architecture in the region has expanded beyond its academic function, evolving into public gathering spaces and cultural hubs. These institutions are designed not only for learning but also for dialogue, research, and collaboration, often integrating open courtyards, multi-use public areas, and architectural elements that reflect local heritage. Whether through their physical openness, adaptability, or connection to the urban environment, these spaces reinforce the idea that universities and research centers are essential to civic life.
In late 2024, an important addition was made to the growing literature on Modern architecture in Africa. "Modernism in Africa: The Architecture of Angola, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda" was published by Docomomo International and Birkhäuser, shedding light on multiple previously unpublished buildings. The book has a focus on education, although other building types are included. Amongst these are several university buildings in Nigeria which are explored here. Like other Modern buildings on the continent, they illustrate historical narratives of independence, decoloniality, international relations, and architectural education.
Today, the International Day of Education serves as a reminder of the significant impact that architectural design has on learning environments. From flexible classrooms that adapt to diverse teaching methods to outdoor learning areas that integrate natural elements, the architecture of learning spaces embodies the principles of pedagogy, offering opportunities for exploration, collaboration and creativity, all while maintaining a focus on the safety and comfort of all users. This selection of articles explores the potential of design to enhance learning outcomes through spatial exploration, be it inside the classroom, in outdoor spaces or by encouraging larger communities to part-take in the learning process.
Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, offers a dynamic blend of the country's architectural heritage with mountainous landscapes. Nonetheless, just like many other cities in Latin America, it faces significant urban challenges such as social class disparities and a fragmented urban fabric. In response, several design initiatives have emerged over the years to address those issues. One of the most prominent examples is the "Villa for Girls", designed by the Guatemalan firm Solis Colomer Arquitectos, which has now expanded to include a "Villa for Boys" since 2017. These projects are aimed at children from low-income families who often face the risk of being recruited by gangs. Together they build upon an architectural legacy that offers a safe, supportive environment to grow and learn.
The farm-to-table movement represents a profound shift in how food is grown, distributed, and consumed. Rooted in sustainability and the support of local economies, it prioritizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and fosters direct relationships between producers and consumers. While the concept focuses on food, the spaces where these connections occur are equally important in shaping the experience, highlighting the critical role of architecture.
In architecture, the way we communicate our ideas is just as important as the spaces we design. But how can we convey these thoughts most effectively? While words hold influence, visuals are indispensable. Much like a musical score shapes a melody, drawings transform abstract concepts into tangible forms, acting as a shared language for architects and designers. They facilitate understanding and refinement of design concepts, especially in a digital era where precise graphic communication is essential to translate the experience of space. From this perspective, Architecture Candy explores architectural graphics to streamline and enhance visual communication within the fast-paced realm of architecture, which increasingly depends on advanced digital tools and workflows. The studio aims to be a go-to resource for elevating ideas with clarity, harnessing design and storytelling to narrate complex concepts through a minimalist style.
https://www.archdaily.com/1023896/concept-storytelling-and-visualization-the-power-of-graphic-communication-in-architectureEnrique Tovar
Architect Jørn Utzon, globally recognized for projects like the Sydney Opera House, introduced an innovative design featuring its iconic shell-shaped roofs. Though he achieved great fame in Oceania, Utzon was born in Denmark, and it was in his childhood city that his final project was realized. Inaugurated in 2008, the Utzon Center, which hosted the 2024 Obel Award ceremony, not only honors the culmination of his distinguished career but also marks the beginning of his enduring legacy.
Can you imagine a learning experience where traditional architectural knowledge merges seamlessly with gaming, AI, simulation, and augmented reality (AR)? This is exactly what SCI-Arc's MA2 curriculum offers. This innovative blend not only equips students with essential skills in traditional design, theory, and practice, but also provides them with the tools to delve into cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping the design industry.
Czech-based architectural firm CHYBIK + KRISTOF has revealed its design for a new school in Mulbekh, North India, in collaboration with the Czech NGO Himalayan Patron and Spring Dales Public School. The project aims to provide quality education in the region while preserving local culture. This initiative is particularly significant as many children, especially girls, from remote ethnic minority communities, have faced limited access to education due to the area's harsh climate and challenging terrain.
The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, it features different creative professionals in unscripted conversations that allow for thoughtful takes and personal discussions.
A variety of subjects are covered with honesty and humor: some episodes are interviews, while others are tips for fellow designers, reviews of buildings and other projects, or casual explorations of everyday life and design. The Second Studio is also available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Michael Tyre, President-Elect and Design Director of Amenta Emma Architects to discuss his childhood interests; education and early career; neurodiversity in design; the Smith College Young Classroom project; fixed variation vs segregation design model; the shift from ego-driven design to co-creation; reframing social discourse to create inclusive spaces; and more.
https://www.archdaily.com/1021219/the-second-studio-podcast-an-interview-with-michael-tyre-of-amenta-emma-architectsThe Second Studio Podcast
The vast majority of practitioners I've known over the years seek well-trained graduates who are ready on Day One to be productive employees. But that's not all an architectural education needs to deliver. Michael Monti—who for the past 20 years has served as executive director of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), which represents 5,000 architecture faculty teaching more than 30,000 students—stresses that architectural education needs to rest on strong foundation of shared values and ethics in order for graduates to make meaningful contributions to what he describes as a "civilized life," promoting the dignity, freedom, health, and well-being of the people who interact with architecture every day.
https://www.archdaily.com/1021154/architecture-schools-are-responsible-for-educating-the-whole-studentMichael J. Crosbie
Masterplan Framework, designed by KPF. Image Courtesy of Plomp
Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has just unveiled its 2045 Campus Vision for the University of Birmingham, a plan designed to shape the future of the institution. This framework evaluates the university’s portfolio of over 300 buildings, identifying areas for retention, refurbishment, transformation, or replacement to support its goal of becoming a net-zero, future-ready university. Developed in collaboration with Ayers Saint Gross, the 2045 Campus Vision leverages data on building conditions, operational costs, environmental performance, and space utilization. In fact, this data-driven approach aims to help the university achieve its long-term objectives while maintaining its historical legacy.
How is it possible to open educational spaces to the outdoors, and what are the appropriate conditions for their development? What bioclimatic strategies can be implemented to contribute to environmental comfort and the cultural preservation of communities? By conceiving outdoor learning spaces and blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, the educational infrastructures projected by the Semillas association in the Peruvian jungle invite reflection on the opportunities for gathering, meeting, and community participation among students, families, and local residents. Linked to the site's uses and customs, this conception of space represents a way of living where the implementation of bioclimatic strategies, along with the use of local materials and construction techniques, come together to create an architecture connected to its environment and history.
Community benefit is among the first terms mentioned when announcing a new public project. This is especially true in the case of sports halls, promising improvements in well-being and social cohesion. At a closer look, two typologies of sports halls emerge, with varying degrees of involvement with community life: on the one hand, there are large-scale venues dedicated to hosting international competitions, often boosting the capacities of thousands of people, taking on the role of modern landmarks alongside stadiums. On the other hand, there are small-scale multi-purpose sports halls, commonly annexed to schools, dispersed throughout neighborhoods, or present in rural areas with limited access to other public amenities. Despite the often-understated presence, these venues embrace and expand their multi-purpose role by offering opportunities to play, connect, organize events, and support diverse community activities.
