Architecture evolves, particularly in how it reflects the relationships between people, their behavior, and the environment. Even subtle variations in these dynamics can influence how we think and live in our communities. According to the World Bank, 56% of the population currently lives in urban environments, and it is estimated that by 2050 this number will reach 70%. This projection echoes the speed and magnitude of urban growth, posing challenges for architects and design firms, from the viability of buildings to the sustainability of the built environment, encompassing residential architecture and other typologies that influence daily life.
https://www.archdaily.com/1027788/case-studies-in-community-centered-living-innovative-residential-designEnrique Tovar
Architecture is a discipline that evolves through progressive stages, with each phase building upon the previous one. Schematic design, for example, begins with broad concepts and initial explorations, followed by site analysis, sketches, and 3D models, with adjustments made along the way. The true challenge lies not just in following this sequence but in balancing speed, quality, and efficiency to navigate the trade-off between time and quality. In this context, the integration of generative artificial intelligence in the built environment reshapes architectural dynamics by assisting architects and creating space for more experimentation and exploration. Its impact is especially significant in rendering, which was previously a constraint at different project stages—particularly during concept development. Today, however, AI-powered architectural rendering operates smoothly, allowing more focus on creative problem-solving through innovative tools and strategies.
https://www.archdaily.com/1027260/how-ai-powered-rendering-crushes-bottlenecks-in-architecture-and-interior-designEnrique Tovar
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter Herfst
In 1902, physicist Philipp Lenard discovered that the breaking of water droplets in waves, waterfalls, rain, or mist releases negative ions into the air. This occurs because, upon breaking, the droplets separate their electrical charges: electrons, which are smaller and lighter, adhere to suspended particles in the air, while positive charges remain in the water or dissipate quickly. This phenomenon increases the concentration of negative ions in the environment, which can directly influence our body and mind, interacting with neurotransmitters and essential cellular functions. It is no coincidence that many people report feelings of well-being, energy, and mental clarity after spending time at beaches, waterfalls, or forests. In Japan, this connection with nature is explored in the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or "forest bathing," which promotes relaxation and revitalization simply through contact with the natural environment.
Doors are among the most frequently used architectural elements in any occupied building, serving as movable thresholds that negotiate between private and public spaces. They facilitate both connection and separation among co-inhabitants. Yet, despite their fundamental role, doors are often one of the most overlooked design elements, particularly by clients. In discussions with industry professionals on various interior projects, a common consensus emerges—clients typically pay little attention to door types and details as long as the opening direction aligns with their expectations. However, the world of door design is an intricate one, offering a wealth of possibilities in finishes, installation methods, and modes of operation—each of which can significantly shape the spatial experience beyond the simple matter of swing direction.
The choice of door type and detailing can define or redefine a space entirely. Some doors offer superior sound insulation, while others remain open to connect spaces, enhancing spatial fluidity seamlessly. Certain designs require meticulous installation and ongoing maintenance, while others are virtually hassle-free. Moreover, the type of door selected, particularly that of the hinge, influences not only wall construction but also flooring layers and transitions, adding further complexity to the design process.
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
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.
Wagner hits the road in 2025 with the Airstream Roadshow, an immersive experience that inspires new perspectives on office spaces. Under the motto 'It's time for bespoke interior design,' the traveling exhibition highlights the iconic 1962 Airstream Bambi, converted into a mobile working space to showcase Wagner's D2 bespoke interior system, designed by renowned studios Gonzalez Haase AAS and Stefan Diez. As the Airstream travels across Germany, design enthusiasts are invited to explore the lightweight aluminum construction and witness live 3D printing in action.
The post-pandemic world has undergone transformations in various aspects, including urban tourism and new modes of travel. With the rise of remote and freelance work, many people now have the freedom to move between cities without needing to establish a permanent residence. This has turned bars, restaurants, and cafés into more than just spaces for consumption: they are now temporary offices and, in many cases, settings for a variety of activities.
On the other hand, shops and retail spaces have evolved to offer more than just the sale of products or services. They have become part of a holistic consumer experience, fostering an emotional connection with users.
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Images of 'airPure' design concept (3D renders). Image Courtesy of Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning
The first air conditioning systems were created by electrical engineer Willis Carrier in 1902 to solve a problem for a printing press in Brooklyn, New York, where humidity threatened to ruin the paper. Since then, air conditioning has evolved from a revolutionary thermal comfort system into an essential element of homes and workplaces. Initially, the units were large and centralized, hidden away due to their ducted system nature. However, this approach is rapidly changing as more energy-efficient efficient ductless air conditioners become more integrated into contemporary interiors.
In the 21st century, Glass has become a cornerstone material for architecture. Once limited to apertures and openings, Glass now dominates entire facades, especially in high-rise buildings where transparent cladding material is preferred to maximize views. The technological advancements in Glass have been remarkable, transitioning from single-pane panels, such as those used in Bauhaus' iron window frames, to today's triple-pane systems with specialized gas infills, such as argon, designed to address Glass's long-standing thermal limitations.
La Valiente Focaccería + Maíz / OHIO Estudio. Image Cortesía de OHIO Estudio
Creating spaces for social interaction involves design processes aimed at countering the individualization of people by fostering bonds and connections between them. While advancements in information and communication technologies provide new tools that optimize the development of certain activities and functions, their societal impact often tends to increase individual practices, such as remote work, virtual fitness activities through apps, or the digital consumption of goods, services, and events, among others. From architecture and interior design to urban planning, many emerging practices face the challenge of consolidating spaces for social interaction through design strategies, uses, and natural connections that prevent the replacement of physical space with virtual alternatives.
A surface does more than simply cover a space—it transforms it, infusing personality, rhythm, and soul. It evolves from being a mere backdrop to becoming an active element that shapes the atmosphere through the interplay of material, form, and light. The balance of the touch, the thickness, incisions, tones, and luminous reflections can transform surfaces into sensory experiences. Textures can evoke stability or lightness, grooves introduce dynamism, colors define moods, and light sculpts depth and movement. Ceramic, with its aesthetic and functional versatility, is particularly well-suited to this role, offering architects a broad palette of creative possibilities.
Who would think that a freshly painted wall, so smooth and glossy, could hide such a serious problem? Paint is one of the finishing touches that brings beauty and protection to both indoor and outdoor spaces. But beneath this layer of color, there’s an invisible coat that, silently, accumulates in our ecosystems and even in our bodies. Recent research from Switzerland identifies construction paint as one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and other environments. These microplastics, less than 5 mm in size, enter ecosystems through weathering, accumulating in marine and terrestrial animal bodies — and ultimately, in humans. Although the long-term effects on human health are still under study, evidence so far indicates that continuous exposure may contribute to various physical and metabolic health issues. Yet, sustainable alternatives are emerging, offering a way to create healthier spaces while minimizing environmental impact.
The Darlington Public School in Australia by fjcstudio has been declared the World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival 2024. fjcstudio previously won Building of the Year in 2013, making it the first practice in WAF's history to win the award twice.
The ultimate accolades of World Building of the Year, World Interior of the Year, Future Project of the Year and Landscape of the Year were announced today as hundreds of delegates from across the world convened at a final Gala Dinner at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The announcement follows the final day of WAF, in which prize winners across all 42 categories have been competing for the winning titles.
Colors, materials, lighting, and textures are the foundational pillars that shape the mood and atmosphere of an interior space. These elements should work in harmony to create environments that deeply influence how we feel and interact with the space around us. From serene, tranquil homes to dynamic offices or welcoming hospitality spaces, design trends have evolved to meet the specific needs of each setting, while the market offers an abundance of product combinations.
Recent years have seen a transformative shift in these trends, with a growing focus on flexibility, biophilic design, and sustainability. These three approaches are reshaping the way spaces are designed—not just in terms of aesthetics, but also with respect to functionality, well-being, and environmental impact. Mastering the interplay of these elements has become essential to create spaces that resonate with purpose and functionality, offering immersive and meaningful experiences for their intended audience.
When designing and lighting a space, is the goal to fulfill a specific requirement or to be creative? Both perspectives hold merit; however, a unifying principle should always prevail: people must remain at the center of everything we do. Today, it is well understood that our environment significantly influences our well-being, affecting mood and performance, even in challenging contexts such as outer space. While this standpoint has encompassed anthropometric and biological aspects, new approaches are expanding design beyond the tangible. Lighting is now used to shape atmospheres that resonate deeply with our emotions.
https://www.archdaily.com/1022444/shaping-atmospheres-with-lighting-a-human-centered-approach-to-emotional-designEnrique Tovar
Pietra Tiburtina - Campidoglio. Image Courtesy of Casalgrande Padana
Travertine —known as lapis tiburtinus by the ancient Romans— has endured for centuries as one of the most iconic materials in Italian design heritage. This limestone has left a lasting mark on architectural history, from the monuments of the Roman Empire to contemporary works like the Church of 2000 and the Ara Pacis Museum. Over time, its aesthetic has evolved alongside art and design, adapting to technical advancements while preserving its essence and relevance in modern architecture.
https://www.archdaily.com/1022299/carving-pietra-tiburtina-a-contemporary-approach-to-classic-travertineEnrique Tovar
Before the emergence of AI, the internet, and TV— books and manuscripts were the primary vessels of knowledge. These artifacts, now echoing voices from the past, have played a fundamental role in shaping our shared legacy. A pivotal moment in this evolution came in the 15th century with Gutenberg's invention of the printing press, which revolutionized access to information and laid the groundwork for the democratization of knowledge. As a result of their historical and cultural significance, many early manuscripts and incunabula (books printed during the earliest period of typography) have been preserved in libraries and often remained in the shadows.
Worldwide, libraries have started unveiling these collections to the public, driven by a growing openness to showcase their 'treasures'. This allows a broader audience to appreciate the richness of these historical materials. While this effort fosters a deeper understanding of cultural heritage, it also introduces several challenges. One of the most critical is preservation, which must be carefully balanced with functional considerations. Key decisions include selecting and designing display case solutions, such as those from Goppion, that harmonize with the interior design and layout while providing effective protection.
https://www.archdaily.com/1021983/from-vault-to-exhibition-the-role-of-display-cases-in-the-worlds-librariesEnrique Tovar
