When examining photos of Japanese houses, one frequently notices a recurring space with tatami mats, often slightly elevated and integrated into the public areas of the home. This is the washitsu, or Japanese-style room: a traditional, multipurpose space still commonly found in modern residential architecture. Used for activities ranging from reading and sleeping to hosting a family altar, its versatility is central to its continued relevance. This article explores the Washitsu's layout and meaning, beginning with its historical origins to better understand its role and interpretation in contemporary Japanese homes.
When creating exhibition spaces, the design of the experience, the proposed route, and the transmission of certain perceptions and senses contribute to establishing different bonds and connections between the displayed objects and their visitors. Understanding a showroom as a space designed to creatively and experientially showcase products and services, what design strategies could enhance users’ interior experiences? How does interior design engage in dialogue with exhibition architecture?
The internal environment is the focus of this second article about designing for noise to improve well-being. According to several recent studies, noise in cities has become an increasing hazard to health. Environmental noise, that is, noise from traffic, industrial activities, or amplified music, which reaches internal spaces, is not merely an annoyance. It has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and mental health issues. As the world urbanizes, more people are exposed to excessive levels of noise. In medium- and high-density housing, in office buildings, and in schools, noise pollution can emanate from internal as well as external sources.
The 2025 edition of Milan Design Week took place from April 8 to April 13, 2025. During these five days, the city of Milan hosted special events, exhibitions, installations, and discussions centered on the creative disciplines, including the 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile at Fiera Milano fairgrounds. Among the numerous activities, the event serves as an ideal opportunity to introduce the latest trends and showcase upcoming pieces from brands and designers worldwide. Among the new releases and product launches, the ArchDaily team identified a selection of products designed by architects, ranging from lighting and furniture systems to materials and small objects.
The term "biophilia" understandably conjures images of buildings engulfed by vegetation and integrated into natural landscapes. In modern architectural discourse, the concept has come to be associated with the incorporation of greenery into built environments, yet such applications represent only a sliver of biophilic design's true scope. Inarguably, nature plays a central role in biophilic design. However, its influence stretches to often-overlooked strategies that involve spatial configuration and environmental patterning. "Invisible" biophilia frequently leads to positive health outcomes for occupants, working impactfully beneath the surface.
As cities continue to grow and daily realities shift rapidly, people are turning to new and evolving ways to maintain their well-being. While promoting active lifestyles has long been a focus for many planners and architects, through pedestrian- and bike-friendly cities, parks, and fitness or sports centers, recent times have shown that these publicly valued facilities are not always accessible. A clear solution has emerged in recent years, accelerated by the global pandemic in 2020. Both homes and workplaces have begun to adapt their interior spaces, incorporating designated areas and equipment to support physical activity and provide opportunities for movement during the day.
Riga Bosques, a build-to-rent project in Mexico City’s Santa Fe district, features 110 rental apartments designed by architect Enrique Macotela
When the seeds that would bloom into BoConcept were planted by cabinet makers Tage Mølholm and Jens Ærthøj, in the small Danish town of Herning in 1947, its founders could hardly have foreseen that their nascent furniture company would eventually become a global leader in contemporary Scandinavian design.
Every detail in the construction of an environment has a significant impact. The layout, composition, furniture, color range, and materials work together to create a cohesive and immersive experience in the perception of space. In bathroom design, this integration extends beyond aesthetics, aiming to ensure that every choice— from materiality to the form of furniture— contributes to economically viable, functional spaces with an aesthetic that doesn't rely on exclusivity. Architects and designers can shape diverse settings without sacrificing quality or visual coherence by focusing on cost-effectiveness and well-resolved solutions. In this sense, a democratic approach to design becomes a tool for creating environments where quality, functionality, and affordability are core principles.
https://www.archdaily.com/1028204/next-gen-living-customizable-high-quality-bathroom-design-within-reachEnrique Tovar
Between silence and chaos, we shape our world. Every space we inhabit tells a story, evokes emotions, and influences our thoughts. Minimalism, with its lightness and purpose, invites serenity. Maximalism, exuberant and vibrant, celebrates personality in every detail. But how do these philosophies affect our minds? Understanding their psychological impact can be key to creating environments that enhance well-being and bring harmony to life.
Milan Design Week 2025 is one of the most significant events in the design world, taking place from April 8 to April 13. Following in the previous years' tradition, the city of Milano will host a variety of exhibitions, installations, and discussions throughout its diverse districts, each offering a unique atmosphere and thematic focus. Alongside the renowned Salone del Mobile 2025 at the expansive Rho Fiera exhibition grounds, numerous activities and initiatives will be featured, all coordinated under the Fuorisalone agenda. This article will help navigate the many events by highlighting key venues and installations, ranging from the major fair to vibrant design districts and distinctive locations, such as historic courtyards and revitalized industrial spaces.
"Feeling at home" is more than just an expression—it is the sense of warmth and comfort that transforms a space into a true refuge. To achieve this, elements like color, texture, lighting, and materials play a crucial role in shaping an environment that fosters relaxation and well-being. Backed by research in environmental psychology and neuroscience, the connection between physical spaces and human behavior highlights how architecture can directly influence the atmosphere, turning chaos into tranquility.
In a world facing resource scarcity, rapid digital transformation, and evolving societal demands, the need for dynamic dialogue between architects, designers, product developers, and manufacturers has never been more crucial. In 2025, the ICONIC AWARDS will take things further with an expanded and refreshed platform that unites architecture, interior design, and product innovation—spanning from buildings to furniture—all under one roof. The German Design Council is merging the former "Innovative Architecture" and "Interior Products" awards to create a powerful new stage for visionary ideas and groundbreaking solutions.
Despite its small size, the island of Taiwan is densely populated, with more than 80% of its people living in urban areas. Available space is often limited, particularly in major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Therefore, designers face the ongoing challenge of creating interiors that feel spacious, functional, and visually appealing despite their sometimes compact footprints. Rather than seeing these limitations as constraints, architects embrace them as opportunities to experiment with smart layouts and multi-functional furniture that enhances livability.
Doors are part of our daily routine, opening and closing so naturally that we rarely consider how they work. That is why, when discussing innovations in their design, many might think, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." However, just because something functions well doesn't mean it can't be improved. Doors are no exception—their components can be optimized for better performance without changing their fundamental nature. Instead of sticking to the familiar, why not open the door for enhancement? Pivot doors are a clear example. In addition to offering aesthetic versatility and nearly endless design possibilities, their opening system on a central axis allows for fluid and controlled movement, especially indoors. However, a challenge remains in their design: making them hold steady at different angles.
https://www.archdaily.com/1026629/and-yet-it-holds-a-pivot-hinge-system-that-keeps-doors-at-every-90-degrees-angleEnrique Tovar
In recent years, pink has evolved beyond its traditional associations to become a sophisticated and versatile element in architecture and interior design. Defined by a broad spectrum of shades, pink encompasses both warm and cool tones, ranging from pure red tints (R) to blends with yellow (Y80R, Y90R) or blue (R10B, R20B, R30B), as classified by the Natural Color System (NCS). While difficult to define by a single shade, this color balances vibrancy and softness, making it adaptable across different materials and contexts. As pink continues to gain prominence in contemporary interiors, its role extends beyond being a mere color choice—it is a design strategy. The recent transition from the bold, playful pinks of the "Barbiecore" trend to softer, powdery hues seen in fashion and design in 2025 fashion collections, highlights the color's adaptability. Its presence in Pantone's 2025 color palettes, also reinforces its appeal across disciplines. When applied thoughtfully, pink can transform spaces, making them feel inviting, expansive, or timeless.
From January 24 to May 11, 2025, the Danish Architecture Center (DAC) will host an exhibition dedicated to the work of designer Nanna Ditzel. Crowned "The Grand Dame of Danish Design," Ditzel remains a significant figure in the field, known for her iconic creations such as the Hanging Egg Chair, Hallingdal Fabric, and the Trinidad Chair. Born in 1923, she established herself as a pioneer in furniture design, experimenting with unconventional materials, including the then-untested foam rubber, polyester, and fiberglass. She also transformed traditional materials such as wicker, laminated wood, and silver into innovative furniture and jewelry pieces that became icons of modern design, many of which will be showcased in this retrospective exhibition.
On a slope, along the banks of a river, among trees, or on an expansive hillside, each territory serves as a living testament to its local traditions. Through its architecture, the experimentation, appreciation, and use of certain materials, construction techniques, local crafts, and site-specific tools aim to preserve stories and pass on the discoveries and learnings that have shaped many of the practices still used in construction today. In Chile, the language of wooden shingles evokes a reflection rooted in history and an understanding of relationships, timelines, and life networks.
Bathrooms play a significant role in our daily lives, serving multiple functions beyond basic hygiene. Research highlights their importance as relaxation, introspection, and personal wellness spaces. A bathroom's design and comfort can profoundly influence how we begin and end our day, framing our routines with a sense of ease or disruption. When traveling, hotel bathrooms often leave a lasting impression, as a well-designed and thoughtfully executed bathroom can significantly elevate the overall experience of a stay.
_Yohei_Sasakura.jpg?1584733407&format=webp&width=640&height=580)
_Toshiyuki_Yano.jpg?1584733248 "© Toshiyuki Yano")
_Fernando_Guerra___FG_SG.jpg?1584733499 "© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG")
_Toshiyuki_Yano.jpg?1584733288 "© Toshiyuki Yano")
_Adrien_Williams.jpg?1584733422 "© Adrien Williams")
_Yohei_Sasakura.jpg?1584733407)
