1. ArchDaily
  2. Landscape

Landscape: The Latest Architecture and News

The Second Studio Podcast: Local Architecture and Natural Landscapes of the Southwest

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 discuss the local architecture, adobe buildings, and natural landscapes of the southwest region of the United States. The two cover the role nature has in cities, designing experiences, how architecture can co-exist with the natural landscape, craftsmanship, and more. Destinations included the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, and Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti.

The Second Studio Podcast: Local Architecture and Natural Landscapes of the Southwest - Image 1 of 4The Second Studio Podcast: Local Architecture and Natural Landscapes of the Southwest - Image 2 of 4The Second Studio Podcast: Local Architecture and Natural Landscapes of the Southwest - Image 3 of 4The Second Studio Podcast: Local Architecture and Natural Landscapes of the Southwest - Image 4 of 4The Second Studio Podcast: Local Architecture and Natural Landscapes of the Southwest - More Images+ 8

Neuroarchitecture and Landscaping: Healing Spaces and the Potential of Sensory Gardens

The convergence of neuroscience, architecture, and landscaping has ignited a creative revolution in the design of our built environments. Neuroarchitecture, an emerging discipline that blends principles of neuroscience with architectural design, sheds light on the significant impact of physical spaces on our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. Amidst this, sensory gardens emerge as intriguing therapeutic spaces, investigating the distinct interplay between the human brain and nature.

Neuroarchitecture and Landscaping: Healing Spaces and the Potential of Sensory Gardens - Image 1 of 4Neuroarchitecture and Landscaping: Healing Spaces and the Potential of Sensory Gardens - Image 2 of 4Neuroarchitecture and Landscaping: Healing Spaces and the Potential of Sensory Gardens - Image 3 of 4Neuroarchitecture and Landscaping: Healing Spaces and the Potential of Sensory Gardens - Image 4 of 4Neuroarchitecture and Landscaping: Healing Spaces and the Potential of Sensory Gardens - More Images

What is Peatland: A Powerful Carbon Store and Ecosystem

A type of wetland that provides an incredible carbon-storing capacity. This could be an excellent way to describe a peatland. Found in practically every climate zone in the world, this type of ecosystem is much more than this short description, as it plays an important role in mitigating the climate crisis. But what is it, and how can we use it responsibly?

Archi-Tectonics' Asian Games Park Rethinks Hangzhou's Ecological Future in China

In 2018, Archi-Tectonics NYC and !Melk were announced as the winners of a competition to develop a masterplan transformation for the Hangzhou Asian Games Park 2022. Spanning 116 Acres, the now-completed project includes an expansive Eco Park and seven buildings. Although its initial purpose was to serve as a venue for the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, the team extended its vision far beyond this event, charting a new path for the city’s environmental future.

Archi-Tectonics' Asian Games Park Rethinks Hangzhou's Ecological Future in China  - Image 1 of 4Archi-Tectonics' Asian Games Park Rethinks Hangzhou's Ecological Future in China  - Image 2 of 4Archi-Tectonics' Asian Games Park Rethinks Hangzhou's Ecological Future in China  - Image 3 of 4Archi-Tectonics' Asian Games Park Rethinks Hangzhou's Ecological Future in China  - Image 4 of 4Archi-Tectonics' Asian Games Park Rethinks Hangzhou's Ecological Future in China  - More Images+ 19

Alan Ward's Photographic Interpretation of American Designed Landscapes

The photographic archive of landscape photographer and architect Alan Ward has been recently gifted to the Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF). The collection features 110 Portfolios composed of approximately 2,500 images of parks, estates, memorials, gardens, university campuses, cemeteries, museums, and botanical gardens, taken in 12 different countries, and captured by Alan Ward, a principal at the Boson-based firm Sasaki and a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Alan Ward's Photographic Interpretation of American Designed Landscapes - Image 1 of 4Alan Ward's Photographic Interpretation of American Designed Landscapes - Image 2 of 4Alan Ward's Photographic Interpretation of American Designed Landscapes - Image 3 of 4Alan Ward's Photographic Interpretation of American Designed Landscapes - Image 4 of 4Alan Ward's Photographic Interpretation of American Designed Landscapes - More Images+ 17

Urban Rewilding in Europe: The Fight Is on to Retake Green Space

Ever since the birth of our cities, we’ve made sure to protect the green spaces within them. Civilizations as far back as the Romans built expansive parks in the heart of the city with ‘Rus in Urbe’ – translating as ‘Country in the City’ – still referenced today. In order to control the urbanization boom of the mid-20th century, meanwhile, greenbelt policies across many European cities literally ring-fenced the natural environments surrounding them, making air quality and easier access to nature a part of city life.

The post-pandemic city, however, is a new breed of conurbation, and these city parks and greenbelts are no longer enough. As we migrate away in search of greener, healthier climes, the cities we’re leaving are evolving, proving they can be green too by exchanging lesser-used black surfaces of roads and structures for natural grass- and parkland. These four projects from across Europe transform unused city spaces back into the natural and regenerative green environments they once were.

Exploring Rounded Shapes: An Examination of Interior Design Trends

After years of dominance, orthogonal lines and right angles are giving way to organic designs and rounded shapes within interior design projects. This profound shift in formal language has led to the infiltration of gentle curves and amorphous volumes into design pieces, furniture, and decorative elements, a transformation that's becoming increasingly evident. Some argue that this change may be indirectly linked to the growing interest in sustainability and the pursuit of strategies that reconnect people with nature, as seen in the consistent presence of biophilia across projects of various scales. The period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic further heightened this inclination, prompting individuals to devise ways to incorporate nature into their living spaces, thereby enhancing well-being in day-to-day life.

Exploring Rounded Shapes: An Examination of Interior Design Trends - Image 1 of 4Exploring Rounded Shapes: An Examination of Interior Design Trends - Image 2 of 4Exploring Rounded Shapes: An Examination of Interior Design Trends - Image 3 of 4Exploring Rounded Shapes: An Examination of Interior Design Trends - Image 4 of 4Exploring Rounded Shapes: An Examination of Interior Design Trends - More Images+ 21

Ghisellini Architects Creates a Forest-Encircled Public Square for Livraga, Italy

Ghisellini Architects, in collaboration with Lucrezia Alemanno and Paolo Beniamino De Vizzi has unveiled the redevelopment and complete redesign project for the new Piazza Francesca Cabrini in Livraga, Italy. Located about 45 kilometers southeast of Milan, the municipality of Livraga set out to transform the currently degraded public space and transform it into an attractive gathering place with site-specific environmental and landscaping features. Construction is expected to begin in August 2023 and is scheduled for competition in 2024.

Ghisellini Architects Creates a Forest-Encircled Public Square for Livraga, Italy - Image 1 of 4Ghisellini Architects Creates a Forest-Encircled Public Square for Livraga, Italy - Image 2 of 4Ghisellini Architects Creates a Forest-Encircled Public Square for Livraga, Italy - Image 3 of 4Ghisellini Architects Creates a Forest-Encircled Public Square for Livraga, Italy - Image 4 of 4Ghisellini Architects Creates a Forest-Encircled Public Square for Livraga, Italy - More Images+ 8

Biophilia in Brazilian Contemporary Architecture in 7 Projects

Biophilia, or love for life and nature, inspires architects around the world to create spaces that deeply connect with natural elements. These architectural projects seek to reintroduce nature into built environments, resulting in spaces that promote well-being, health, inspiration, and even productivity. In Brazil, the possibilities are even broader, given the country's exuberant climate and the vegetation found in various biomes. In this article, we will explore seven projects from different programs that embrace this concept and allow for a symbiosis between architecture, humans, and nature.

Biophilia in Brazilian Contemporary Architecture in 7 Projects - Image 1 of 4Biophilia in Brazilian Contemporary Architecture in 7 Projects - Image 2 of 4Biophilia in Brazilian Contemporary Architecture in 7 Projects - Image 3 of 4Biophilia in Brazilian Contemporary Architecture in 7 Projects - Image 4 of 4Biophilia in Brazilian Contemporary Architecture in 7 Projects - More Images+ 10

Open Call: Urban design Trnava - QUARTER

Trnava, the regional vision-having city of 62,000 inhabitants, launches an international two-stage urban design competition of an unprecedented scale across Slovakia. From the point of the history of the city ̓s development, this is a game-changer to be setting a new standard with respect to the preparation of The Land-use plan.

Henning Larsen Reveals Design for Smyril Line's New Headquarters and Ferry Terminal in Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Henning Larsen has just revealed the design for Smyril Line's new headquarters and ferry terminal in Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. The building pays homage to traditional Faroese fishing boats and the historic Eastern harbor while embracing the picturesque backdrop of abundant landscapes and open seas. The new headquarters serves three functions: a ferry terminal, an office building, and a logistics center.

Henning Larsen Reveals Design for Smyril Line's New Headquarters and Ferry Terminal in Torshavn, Faroe Islands - Image 1 of 4Henning Larsen Reveals Design for Smyril Line's New Headquarters and Ferry Terminal in Torshavn, Faroe Islands - Image 2 of 4Henning Larsen Reveals Design for Smyril Line's New Headquarters and Ferry Terminal in Torshavn, Faroe Islands - Image 3 of 4Henning Larsen Reveals Design for Smyril Line's New Headquarters and Ferry Terminal in Torshavn, Faroe Islands - Image 4 of 4Henning Larsen Reveals Design for Smyril Line's New Headquarters and Ferry Terminal in Torshavn, Faroe Islands - More Images

The Complex Culture of Nightrise in Jabal ‘Amil, Lebanon

As farmers water crops by moonlight, undocumented children head to school and villagers scan the sky for surveillance airplanes—these are glimpses of a complex culture that emerges in south Lebanon after dark. In collecting some of these nightly practices, Mohamad Nahleh—lecturer in architecture and urbanism at MIT—journeyed across the landscapes of Jabal ‘Amil hoping to build a new alliance between architecture and the night. His "Path of Nightrise" research has turned into a construction to revive a forgotten river path and was published by Places Journal. The interview with Nahleh argues for a new nocturnal imagination in design and reveals, not only how the night has changed in Lebanon over time, but also how he has changed alongside it.

Courtyards in Peruvian Houses: 10 Projects and their Floor Plans

With the exception of some areas, within the three principal regions of Peru--coastal, mountain, and rainforest--the climate is characterized as tropical or subtropical and the differences in summer and winter temperatures is minimal, rarely reaching beyond 15 °C and 27 °C. This mild climate has thinned the line between exterior and interior spaces, a fact evident in the region's architecture. 

Courtyards in Peruvian Houses: 10 Projects and their Floor Plans - Image 1 of 4Courtyards in Peruvian Houses: 10 Projects and their Floor Plans - Image 2 of 4Courtyards in Peruvian Houses: 10 Projects and their Floor Plans - Image 3 of 4Courtyards in Peruvian Houses: 10 Projects and their Floor Plans - Image 4 of 4Courtyards in Peruvian Houses: 10 Projects and their Floor Plans - More Images+ 16

The Shape of the Land Topography & Landscape Architecture

The Shape of the Land: Topography & Landscape Architecture—the first book to center on this subject—presents the contributions of thirteen well-known practitioners and academics who discuss the forms and ramifications of reconfiguring terrain.

Changing the Commons Stories about Placemaking

The intense social and environmental fervor that arose in the 1960s and 1970s in response to assaults on the planet’s life support systems, degradation of communities, and socio-economic inequality unleashed revolutionary change at all levels of society. Out of the turmoil of that era, community-based ecological design emerged as a powerful creative force for reshaping the commons, bringing people together, and forming ecologically sustainable relationships with the environment.