Tag: sou-fujimoto | ArchDaily

SANAA, David Chipperfield Architects, and Snøhetta Among Five Finalists for Barcelona’s New Waterfront Cultural Venue, Liceu Mar

Reyyan Dogan — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

The city of Barcelona has announced the five finalist teams selected to advance in the international competition for Liceu Mar, a new cultural venue planned for the Port Vell waterfront. Promoted by the Gran Teatre del Liceu in collaboration with the Port of Barcelona, the project is conceived as a second venue for the historic institution, expanding its artistic and civic role while strengthening its international presence. Bringing together a group of internationally recognized and locally rooted practices, the shortlist underscores the project's global relevance, with the winning proposal expected to be announced in autumn 2026.

ArchDaily’s Readers Select Who Should Win the 2026 Pritzker Prize

Reyyan Dogan — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:30:00 +0000

As the architecture community looks ahead to the announcement of the 2026 laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, anticipation once again gathers around what is widely regarded as the profession's highest honor. Founded in 1979 by Jay Pritzker and administered by the Hyatt Foundation, the prize recognizes a living architect whose body of work demonstrates a consistent and significant contribution to humanity and the built environment.

The Afterlife of Expo Osaka’s Grand Ring: How the Timber Structure Is Being Reused Across Japan

Antonia Piñeiro — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Exhibitions can be an opportunity to extend architectural discourse beyond professional circles, opening conversations with broader publics and serving as an interface between architecture and society. Within this concept, major international events such as the Osaka International Expo 2025 and the Venice Architecture Biennale have adopted the idea of the circular economy as one of their organizational objectives. The idea of circularity in events can be reflected in, for example, their energy consumption, the impact of the displacement they generate, their waste, or the useful life of their infrastructure. The site destined for the last World Expo, held in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October 2025, was surrounded by a massive timber structure designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, one of the world's largest wooden constructions. The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition committed to reusing building materials "as much as possible," with concrete plans for their reuse to be finalized by March. In the meantime, some relocation alternatives are already emerging for the pieces of the World Expo structure.

Miami Architecture City Guide: 22 Projects Shaping Tropical Density on the Atlantic Coast

Diogo Borges Ferreira — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Stretching along the Atlantic coast at the southern tip of Florida, Miami is often introduced through postcard views of beaches, palm trees, and glass towers facing the water. Yet, behind this familiar image lies a city shaped by migration, tourism, and real estate cycles, where architecture has repeatedly been used to project new identities and reinvent the urban landscape. From early resort hotels and the Art Deco façades of South Beach to experimental high-rises and cultural institutions on the bay, the built environment offers a way to read how Miami negotiates climate, economy, and everyday life.

Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction Reveals 20 Winning Projects of the 2025 Holcim Awards

Reyyan Dogan — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:30:00 +0000

The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction has announced the 20 winning projects of the 2025 Holcim Foundation Awards, recognizing contributions to sustainable design and construction across five regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. This year's selection spans a broad range of scales, from a 200-square-meter semi-permanent school in a Kenyan forest to major urban regeneration initiatives in Madrid, Dhaka, and Shenzhen, reflecting the diversity and reach of sustainable architecture today. This year introduces a new Grand Prize format, replacing the traditional Gold, Silver, and Bronze rankings. Each region will now honor one Grand Prize winner, emphasizing excellence without comparison and acknowledging the diverse approaches to sustainability.

12 Pavilions at EXPO 2025 Osaka Highlight Immersive Spatial Experiences

Enrique Tovar — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:45:00 +0000

Since its inauguration this spring, Expo 2025 Osaka has captured global attention from multiple perspectives, demonstrating how architecture can function as a laboratory for exploring solutions to pressing challenges. After 55 years, Osaka is once again hosting the World Expo, with each installation organized around the sub-themes Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. These pavilions take forms that express the identity and values of their region through distinctive architectural languages, forming the central axis of their design. Building on this foundation, some installations serve as laboratories for the future society, utilizing technology to enhance experiences both inside and outside the spaces, transforming the visit through light, sound, visuals, and movement as part of the technological innovation showcased at the event.

Halfway Through Expo 2025 Osaka: 10 Must-Visit Pavilions

Reyyan Dogan — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:30:00 +0000

As Expo 2025 Osaka passes the midpoint of its six-month duration on July 13, the international exposition continues to serve as a global platform for architectural experimentation, cultural exchange, and technological innovation. Officially opened on April 13 on the reclaimed island of Yumeshima, the event is organized under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," and has already welcomed more than 13 million visitors as of late July. Conceived as a space for collaboration across disciplines and borders, the Expo brings together more than 150 national, thematic, and corporate pavilions.

The World’s Largest Wooden Architectural Structure: Explore Sou Fujimoto’s Grand Ring at Expo 2025 Osaka Through the Lens of Stephane Aboudaram

Reyyan Dogan — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Expo 2025 officially opened its doors on April 13, 2025, on Yumeshima, a reclaimed island in Osaka Bay. Held under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," the event brings together over 150 countries and international organizations to address pressing global challenges through architecture, technology, and design. At the center of the Expo grounds stands the Grand Ring, a monumental circular structure designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Spanning approximately 2 kilometers in circumference and rising to 20 meters in height, the timber structure encircles the main exhibition area and was recognised by Guinness World Records as "The largest wooden architectural structure".

Expo Osaka 2025 Opens in Japan as a Laboratory for Future Society

Maria-Cristina Florian — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Expo 2025 Osaka has officially opened on April 13, 2025, at Yumeshima, Osaka. Under the overarching theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," the Expo set out to explore three pivotal subthemes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. These themes aim to unite architectural and design enthusiasts by demonstrating how cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions can address global challenges, foster dialogue inspire collective action.

Expo 2025 Osaka: 8 Must-See National Pavilions

Nour Fakharany — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Opening on April 13th, 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka gathers countries and organizations from around the world under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Located on the manmade island of Yumeshima, the event is expected to attract millions of visitors with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cross-cultural exchange. The overall masterplan is led by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, who envisions a circular structure known as the Grand Roof, or the "Grand Ring." Measuring 1.5 kilometers in diameter, the floating canopy will connect the national and thematic pavilions below, functioning as a symbol of unity and collaboration while offering shaded walkways and event spaces.

One Week Until Salone del Mobile 2025: A Guide to Key Talks, Roundtables, and Special Installations

Antonia Piñeiro — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:30:00 +0000

The 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile will take place in Milan from April 8 to 13, 2025. Dating back to 1961, Salone del Mobile is a trade fair that covers a wide range of interior design products. The theme of this edition focuses on exploring the deep connections between humanity and design, aiming to establish the event as a creative platform beyond its commercial functions. The fair also serves as a laboratory for experimentation and the exchange of ideas, where new prototypes for furniture and domestic spaces are presented in settings that bring different narratives about ways of living to life. In addition to the furniture exhibition, the event will feature installations, conferences, and workshops, all taking place over the five days at Milan's Rho Fiera fairgrounds.

From Design Movements to Materials: Reflecting on Architectural Exhibitions in 2024

Jonathan Yeung — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 08:30:00 +0000

Reflecting on 2024, numerous architectural exhibitions have opened worldwide, addressing various themes, exhibition formats, and featured architects. Architectural design and architecture practice influence our daily lives in subtle and often unnoticed ways, where the end-users embrace built environments as they are. This reaction may arise from a combination of factors, such as a sense of powerlessness to enact significant change after a building is constructed or the experience of growing up in environments over which individuals had little or no agency in shaping. For these reasons, architectural exhibitions serve an essential purpose, offering society a chance to pause, reflect, and critically examine the myriad issues that surface during designing and building. These issues are often overlooked or need to be acknowledged, as practitioners may prioritize delivering projects within strict timelines over exploring more profound reflections.

The 25 Most Anticipated Projects of 2025

Nour Fakharany — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

As 2024 comes to an end, the architectural world looks ahead to 2025, a year set to unveil transformative projects across the globe. From cultural landmarks in Asia, such as Sou Fujimoto's "Grand Ring" for Expo 2025 Osaka and MAD Architects' Hainan Science Museum in China, to dynamic urban developments like OMA's Harajuku Quest in Tokyo and David Chipperfield's Elbtower in Hamburg, these projects reflect a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage.

Belgian Pavilion Showcases Water's Essential Role in Shaping Humanity at Expo 2025 Osaka

Nour Fakharany — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:30:00 +0000

The Belgian Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by the winning consortium of Carré 7, Beyond Limits, One Designs, Pirnay, and Poly-Tech, embraces the Expo's overarching theme, "Designing the Society of the Future, Imagining Our Life of Tomorrow." With a focus on "Saving Lives," the pavilion' explores the universal significance of water and its vital role in creating and sustaining life. By highlighting water's interconnectedness with all living beings through the metaphor of cells, the pavilion aims to reflect humanity's relationship with the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Sou Fujimoto's Imaginative Structures: A 3D Drawing Exhibition at the Utzon Center, Denmark

Maria-Cristina Florian — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:30:00 +0000

The Utzon Center in Denmark has announced the opening of “Primitive Future: Everything Is Circulating,” a solo exhibition dedicated to exploring the work of renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Marking the first time his work is presented in Denmark, this exhibition offers a glimpse into Fujimoto’s vision, waving together the themes of nature and architecture. The exhibition's centerpiece is an expansive 500-meter-long steel wire installation that serves as a three-dimensional sketch, framing 12 of Fujimoto’s architectural projects.

First Photos Revealed of 'Grand Ring' by Sou Fujimoto for Expo 2025 Osaka

Nour Fakharany — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:30:00 +0000

In preparation for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, The "Grand Ring," designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, has reached a significant milestone. As of August 2024, the wooden construction of this structure is now complete, fully connecting the 2-kilometer ring into a continuous loop. This achievement is a crucial step in the development of the Expo site on Yumeshima, an artificial island on Osaka's waterfront, where the Expo will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025.

Perfect Days: An Ode to Tokyo's Public Toilets

Camilla Ghisleni — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 07:30:00 +0000

"A bathroom is a place where everyone is equal—there is no rich or poor, no old or young; everyone is part of humanity." This reflection was shared by Wim Wenders, exponent of New German Cinema and director of the film Perfect Days (2023) when asked about the striking sets of his most recent work. Wenders selected Tokyo's public restrooms to craft a narrative that deeply explores themes of solitude, simplicity, and the beauty of everyday life.

The 21 Most Anticipated Projects of 2024

Maria-Cristina Florian — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 07:30:00 +0000

As the year 2023 comes to a close, we review the evolution of the field of architecture, but we also look forward to the most anticipated projects planned to open in 2024. As Paris is preparing to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, several projects and infrastructure updates have been planned to support the global event. Another milestone for Paris will be the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, as reconstruction works near completion for the fire-damaged 12th-century monument.