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On April 10^th, 2025, Saint-Gobain revealed the winners of the 14th edition of its International Gypsum Trophy during a ceremony held in Paris, France. 85 projects from 29 countries participated in this unique international competition organized by Saint-Gobain.

From the Americas to Asia, from Europe to Africa, the most talented and skilled gypsum installers competed in six categories: Ceilings; Innovation; Residential; Culture, Education and Leisure; Business and Institutional; and Façades, for the chance to win one of the 14 prizes. The 1st and the 2nd prize were awarded in each category, as well as the President's Prize (the "coup de coeur" of the jury) and the Grand Prix (rewarding the most outstanding project across all categories).

Through the creative manipulation of common construction materials and the exploration of elements such as form, light, texture, and space, architecture transcends mere functionality to become an artistic expression. Whether through the boldness of an innovative design, the harmony of balanced proportions, or the evocative use of materials, a building can transform into a work of art that inspires, intrigues, and evokes emotion. The design of the Ginza 41 sushi restaurant, conceived by architect Àfrica Sabé, exemplifies this approach. Its facade stands out in its surroundings thanks to solutions provided by Kriskadecor, a company specializing in customized metallic cladding. By utilizing a tensioned chain facade system that showcases a unique design, the project redefines the integration between architecture and visual branding.

Pools have always symbolized luxury, leisure, and social interaction. Beyond their aesthetic appeal—where water dances across textures, movements, and reflections—they also serve functional purposes, providing relaxation, exercise, and entertainment. Their history dates back over 5,000 years to the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan), possibly used for rituals and communal practices. Later, the Greeks and Romans refined the concept, creating elaborate pools for bathing, sports, and social gatherings. The famous Roman baths, often heated and adorned with intricate mosaics, laid the foundation for modern spa and wellness culture, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, water, and quality of life.

During the Renaissance, pools were primarily associated with elite properties, but by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, public pools became more common, driven by urbanization and the promotion of hygiene. The rise of Olympic swimming competitions in the early 1900s further popularized the concept, leading to increased construction of both private and competitive pools worldwide. Today, pools continue to evolve, incorporating advanced materials and designs that enhance safety and sustainability. Whether for recreation, aesthetics, or well-being, pools remain a central element of modern architecture and lifestyle.

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.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, guided by Vision 2030, with investments in tourism, culture, technology, and sustainability reshaping the Kingdom's identity. As part of this cultural evolution, the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge, organized by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative (an initiative by Al Fozan Social Foundation), invites architects and artists to shape Saudi Arabia's evolving public spaces through contemporary sculptural design.

Buildner has released the results of the Morocco Oasis Retreat Competition, an international design challenge inviting architects, designers, and urbanists to envision a self-sustaining oasis in the Moroccan desert. Participants were tasked with designing an architectural intervention that responds to the region's extreme climate, integrating shelter, water conservation strategies, and energy-efficient design.

The competition encouraged exploration of how architecture can support resilience in remote environments while drawing from both traditional building techniques and modern sustainability principles. Entrants had the flexibility to determine the scale and purpose of their projects. Key considerations included passive cooling strategies, resource management, and integration with the desert landscape. The competition highlights the role of architecture in creating functional and sustainable spaces in challenging environments. Full details on the winning projects are available on the Morocco Oasis Retreat Competition website.

In the Port of Hamburg, the "FiftyNine" rises as a 16-story residential tower that combines elegance and technical sophistication to withstand the demanding weather conditions of the harbor. Here, 60 floor-to-ceiling air-lux sliding windows have been installed – with impressive dimensions of up to 5400 x 3085 mm. Thanks to the innovative, air-assisted sealing system, they withstand heavy driving rain, intense wind loads, and high noise pollution.

In the world of urbanization, space is becoming a scarce commodity. Cities are bursting at the seams, with limited space for both private and public development. This creates a need for a shift towards more efficient urban planning that would combine aesthetic design with high functionality. MPSystem robotic parking offers the perfect solution by combining function and architectural design freedom.

As time progresses, our understanding of the spaces we inhabit evolves in response to changing circumstances. This transformation is natural and essential, as architecture must adapt to the unique demands of each era. Recent global trends, particularly remote work, have highlighted the need for adaptability in design. Coupled with a generational shift that brings fresh perspectives on the built environment, these factors have driven notable changes in interior design, reshaping our understanding of comfort—not just at home but also in gyms, where people now spend more time. This evolution invites a reconsideration of how we engage with our surroundings based on our experiences. As a result, fitness spaces are undergoing an interesting transformation in light of these changing perceptions.

Buildner has released the results of its Pape Info Point Competition, organized in partnership with The Latvia Programme of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Latvia) which focuses on environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management in Latvia.

This international competition invited architects and designers to propose a new visitor information point for Pape Nature Park, a protected area on Latvia's Baltic coast. Participants were challenged to design a structure that enhances the park's role in conservation and ecotourism while blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The goal was to create an engaging and educational space that informs visitors about the park's rich biodiversity, migratory bird populations, and unique ecosystems while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Buildner in collaboration with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), invites architects, designers, and visionaries worldwide to participate in the Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge. This international competition seeks innovative designs for small-scale architectural elements that enhance public spaces and contribute to Dubai's evolving urban identity.

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.

For the 5th Anniversary Edition of the "Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous", M3 Monaco unveils the new theme of its annual international architecture competition. Students, young architects, and professionals are challenged to imagine a new vision or rethink the development of Certosa Island's infrastructure in Venice, creating a unique dialogue that incorporates regenerative tourism, the maritime journey, the UNESCO World Heritage listing, and the context of "La Serenissima."