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World's Tallest Skyscraper Resumes Construction After a 5-Year Hiatus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

After a five-year pause, construction on the Jeddah Tower has resumed. Set to become the world’s tallest skyscraper and beat the UAE’s Burj Khalifa, the tower was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and initially began construction in 2013. Interestingly, the Burj Khalifa was also designed by Adrian Smith while at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The scheme faced many delays, including a pause in 2018 and further setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the initial contractor was replaced during the 2017-2019 Saudi Arabian purge.

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BASE Studio Reveals the Constructive, Structural, and Aesthetic Capabilities of Colihue Cane

Innovation in materials and construction systems has been a significant theme in 2023, and BASE Studio has decided to surprise us with a new material configuration that showcases the mechanical and aesthetic capabilities of Colihue. Alongside this proposal, innovative ideas for habitable projects have been generated, setting them apart from others through a distinctive spatial morphology created within a rigid perimeter of arches that inscribe a paraboloidal surface.

How to Use Alternative Products and Materials to Reduce a Project’s Carbon Footprint

Working within the restrictions of a limited carbon footprint can be one of the hardest – but also most rewarding – parts of a modern architect’s role. Whether to suit a large multinational corporation’s sustainability report, to achieve LEED status or similar for a commercial developer, or to build an eco-home for a climate-conscious private client – or even one who just wants to spend less on energy, it’s imperative to keep up-to-date with the latest carbon-neutral and low-carbon building practices and materials.

Whether looking at a project’s structural beginnings, its high-grade finishes, or thinking more holistically about its entire lifetime, there are huge gains to be made with sustainable substitutes and alternatives to traditional materials and techniques.

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Good Architecture is Considerate

This text was originally published in The ArchDaily Guide to Good Architecture, our first-ever book currently available for purchase.

Besides denoting a show of careful thought, in architectural terms, the word ‘considerate' also suggests an emotional and perhaps even empathetic approach. And why shouldn't it? 

Good architecture can and should be considerate—in all the varied ways the word embodies. While it could start off with the motivation to do good and require an initial moral approach, this sensibility, combined with a meticulous knowledge of individual/communal needs and transparent communication, generates a well-adapted, and accessible built environment that can promote growth. 

Geometric Shapes and Metallic Accents: A Timeless Approach to Bathroom Design

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Timeless design possesses qualities that resonate with people on a fundamental level, whether through its simplicity, functionality, emotional impact, or adaptability. It continues to captivate and inspire indefinitely, remaining relevant and cherished across generations. This is the primary ambition of any designer, to endure through their creations over time. Philippe Starck, the renowned French designer, has long been at the forefront of the design world. He emphasizes that "The keywords for the future and ecology are longevity, transmission and heritage." His designs aim to go beyond mere aesthetics, incorporating a commitment to timelessness and a dedication to environmentally conscious practices.

Architect and Women’s Advocate Beverly Willis Passes Away at 95

American architect and tireless advocate for gender equality Beverly Willis passed away on October 1, 2023, at the age of 95, as reported by The New York Times. Throughout her career, she was dedicated to breaking down barriers for women in a traditionally male-dominated profession. She ran an accomplished studio in San Francisco, having completed over 800 projects across the US, and established a Foundation for recognizing and promoting women in architecture. Across various programs and scales, her designs have gained national recognition for their humanistic concern for the occupant and for adapting historic buildings to modern purposes, a practice now known as adaptive reuse.

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OPEN Unveils Two Seafront Cultural Buildings in Yantai, China

OPEN Architects has just revealed the architectural designs for two separate cultural projects situated along the coastline of Yantai, China. One of them is “The Space Crystals,” a futuristic digital museum and experiential hub resembling an otherworldly entity that has mysteriously descended upon a seaside mark. Meanwhile, “Sea Square” is square-shaped, providing a library and community service facility, levitating above a restored sea dock. The two structures engage in a spatial and temporal conversation, one reaching towards the sky and the other facing the sea, bridging the present, the past, and the future.

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15 Brazilian Residences With Wooden Decks

Living in a tropical country means cherishing outdoor experiences, whether feeling the gentle breeze, connecting with nature, or basking in the sunlight. We have grown up with a cultural tradition of playing in our yards, gathering with family and friends on balconies, enjoying barbecues, or simply admiring the beautiful landscape. Numerous Brazilian residences integrate wooden decks for these purposes. They are versatile spaces that fulfill various functions.

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The Return of the Office Cafeteria Means More Social Workplaces

The atmospheric sadness of a typical office ‘kitchen’ – and by kitchen I mean an old kettle, two rusty spoons (both missing) and three flimsy chairs around a one-person table – can be the root of much employee unrest. But when the alternatives mean either walking through the city smog or hunching over a desk with a Tupperware sandwich, dropping crumbs on the keyboard, there isn’t much choice.

In the post-pandemic workplace, however, where employee wellness demands respect and employers themselves are searching for ways to make their offices more appealing in a hybrid schedule, the age-old canteen format might just find its way back onto the menu. Here is a selection of projects that prove it can work, and how.

Women Light Artists Explore the Intersection of Space, Technology and Community

In the world of interior design, light serves as an essential medium, but light can also create immersive public spaces. While James Turrell, Olafur Eliasson, and Dan Flavin are celebrated for their transformative mastery of color, reflections, and luminous contrasts, it's crucial to note that the realm of light art isn't exclusively male-dominated. In response to the underrepresentation of female light artists, a refreshing and enlightening perspective emerges from the British lighting designers Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton of Light Collective.

After founding the platform "Women in Lighting" their book "Women Light Artists," takes a bold step in introducing us to 40 creative women whose work radiates with responsive ingenuity and brilliance. The book offers a captivating spectrum of projects from interactive pools to the play of colorful daylight shadows dancing across a bridge in London, from the peaceful projection onto an iconic Berlin landmark to the vivid rainbow arching above Manhattan's skyline, each work embodies a unique dialogue between light and space. The luminous journey offers a valuable tribute to the power of female artists who, for far too long, have remained in the shadows.

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Nostalgic Comfort: The Charm of the Duffle Coat on a Sofa

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There’s something old-fashioned, or indeed anti-fashion about a duffle coat. It’s charmingly naïf, the stuff of school uniforms and Paddington Bear, with a history that goes way back to the mid-19th century. It had a life in the military, as part of the uniform for the Royal Navy, and like much service attire, was then reimagined by the world of high fashion. Jean Cocteau used to stroll with close friend Coco Chanel, wearing his white version. Decades later, Rei Kawakubo made an oversized statement with versions at Comme des Garçons, and it remains a favorite of arch Modernist Margaret Howell. When Jean Louis Iratzoki was working on plans for a new sofa to join his ever-growing range of designs at BOSC, he took inspiration from the toggles and nostalgia of all things duffle. It was a subtle way to infuse what is a contemporary and highly sophisticated piece of furniture with a touch of something softer, from the past.

Introducing ArchDaily Gallery: The Online Shop for Architectural Photography and Illustration

ArchDaily is thrilled to unveil its brand-new online shop: ArchDaily gallery, a platform designed to celebrate the captivating work of architectural photographers and illustrators while connecting them with our vibrant community. In this inaugural stage, we proudly feature 11 renowned artists, including Roland Halbe, Nico Saieh, and Sander Patelski.



Regional Modernism in Bangladesh: The Architecture of Muzharul Islam

For the Indian subcontinent, the mid-1900s marked a transformative period, brimming with turmoil and hope. Leaving a century of British rule, India and the newly formed countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh held onto an optimistic vision of a transformed society. The newfound independence invited the international Modernist movement to envision a fresh identity for the nations. Spearheading the movement in Bangladesh was the architect Muzharul Islam whose work continues to influence contemporary Bangladeshi architecture.

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Re-Purposing Materials: From Post-Industrial Recyclate to Accessible Furniture

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The role and relationship of furniture in architecture and space design are of great relevance. Designers such as Eileen Gray, Alvar Aalto, Mies Van der Rohe, and Verner Panton conceived furniture —primarily stools and chairs— that endure over time as powerful and timeless elements, with a determining impact on the interior atmosphere. Thus, the relationship between furniture and space becomes a constant dialogue in which design, aesthetics, and materials contribute their dimension.

Today, furniture should not be limited solely to fulfilling an aesthetic and functional role, but should also have a purpose in the context of contemporary design and sustainable development. It is essential to reflect on and question the processes and choice of materials in the manufacturing of these elements, in addition to the value they bring to interior spaces. In this context, HEWI has taken a step forward by creating the Re-seat family, consisting of stools and chairs made from post-industrial recycled materials (PIR), sourced in part from the processes of the company itself and a regional supplier, both based in Bad Arolsen, Germany. It also features integrated solutions with universal design in mind, making a statement in favor of innovation and eco-design.

OMA’s First Project in Bangladesh, the Dhaka Tower, Breaks Ground

Construction on OMA’s first project in Bangladesh, the Dhaka Tower, has just started. Reaching a height of 150 meters and spanning 180,000 sqm in office space, the project is set to stand as one of the tallest buildings in the country. This scheme marks a significant milestone in the urban landscape of Bangladesh, designed by OMA in collaboration with local real-estate developer Shanta Holdings.

Uses of Wood in Contemporary Mexican Architecture

Wood has played an important role in contemporary Mexican architecture due to its versatility, sustainability, and cultural connection to the architectural history of the country. Currently, architecture in Mexico has gained worldwide recognition for its sensitivity and mastery in designing everyday spaces using various techniques that prioritize sustainability, aesthetics, and bioclimatic design.

"Concrete Landscape": Álvaro Siza's Documentary Is Available for Streaming Now

In Porto Alegre, the building of the Iberê Camargo Foundation; in the city of Porto, the office of Álvaro Siza, the architect and author of the celebrated project for the institution's headquarters, inaugurated in 2008. Throughout 70 minutes, the documentary "Paisagem Concreta" or Concrete Landscape navigates between these two ports.

Is Wood the Sustainable Solution for the Middle East?

As we understand it today, the sustainable architecture movement began to take shape at the end of the 20th century. Essentially, it responds to growing concerns about environmental degradation, energy consumption, and resource scarcity. In this global discourse on sustainable architecture, wood has long been celebrated as a symbol of environmental consciousness and decarbonization. As one of the most widespread building materials, it has gained popularity with the rise of this movement. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, which stays in the wood during its construction use, keeping it out of the atmosphere.

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Innovations in Cement and Concrete That Are Making Construction More Sustainable

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The need to reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint and its reliance on virgin natural resources is the most pressing issue facing the sector. It is therefore extremely important to foster innovation that can improve existing building materials and make them environmentally friendly, in order to successfully tackle its sizable carbon footprint and close the material loop.

Concrete, for example, has been used since the times of the ancient Romans and has proven to be a durable, strong, affordable and versatile building material. Today, it is the most widely used man-made resource in the world. However, its production methods raise environmental concerns: firstly, due to the high consumption of natural resources such as sand and gravel; and secondly —and more importantly— because of the CO₂ emissions associated with the production of its key ingredient: cement.

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