In a context where sustainability and material identity are becoming priorities in architecture, some ancient materials are finding new life. Terrazzo, with origins dating back to the 15th century, stands out as an example of how tradition can fuel innovation. The modern form, as we know it today, emerged in 15th-century Venice, Italy, when Venetian mosaic workers, seeking to make use of marble scraps, began incorporating these irregular fragments into mortar to create durable and visually appealing surfaces for terraces around their homes. This approach not only minimized raw material waste but also led to the development of new surface-finishing techniques, evolving from manual stone rubbing to the use of a heavy, long-handled grinding stone known as a galera.
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.
Architecture goes beyond its fundamental function of defining spaces and providing protection; it shapes the user experience, influencing sensations of comfort, spaciousness, and well-being. Among the many elements that make up a building, openings play a crucial role in connecting the interior and exterior, balancing privacy with transparency, and allowing the entry of natural light and ventilation. In particular, natural light transforms environments, defines atmospheres, and enhances architectural details, making spaces more dynamic and inviting.
Windows, once simple openings in walls, have evolved through advancements in materials and technology, maximizing efficiency and expanding their role in architectural design. If Gothic architecture showcased marvelous glazing through towering stained glass windows, modern architecture shifted toward horizontal forms and fully glazed facades, transforming how daylight is integrated into spaces. However, relying solely on facade glazing presents a limitation—natural light is often confined to the building's perimeter, leaving central areas in shadow. Overhead openings, such as skylights and flat roof windows, overcome this challenge by channeling daylight deep into interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
In the construction sector, the pursuit of immediate cost savings during the design or building phase—whether through hiring less qualified professionals, using low-quality materials, or modifying construction systems without technical backing—can lead to financial losses and future rework, compromising a building's performance and durability. The Franklin Township Library in Somerset, New Jersey, is a clear example of the consequences of inadequate material choices, particularly regarding energy efficiency and carbon footprint.
During its construction in 2005, the originally specified Kalwall translucent fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels were replaced with polycarbonate panels on the roof to achieve an initial savings of $90,000. This seemingly harmless decision quickly proved problematic, resulting in significant operational challenges.
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most revolutionary and impactful. During Brazil's energy crisis in 2002, mechanic Alfredo Moser developed an accessible and effective way to illuminate indoor spaces during the day. Using only a PET bottle installed on the roof, filled with water and bleach, he harnessed the refraction of sunlight to bring brightness to spaces previously immersed in darkness. In self-built homes, where successive extensions often compromise natural light and ventilation, this solution makes a significant difference. Named the "Moser lamp," the invention produces illumination equivalent to a 60W bulb and gained worldwide recognition through various reports. Since then, the project has continued to evolve and adapt to the needs of modern communities, transforming lives through a solution that is as simple as it is highly intelligent.
Architecture and design today are not just about constructing an urban sprawl or focusing solely on spatial design, rather they involve the integration of diverse elements and ideologies that enrich one's work and environment. This is where 'FOAID- Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing' comes in, celebrating a legacy of 11 years. This event has it all, be it architects, designers, brands, artists, or innovators from across the nation and around the globe, all united in one single platform. With over 10,000 visitors, the event aimed to exhilarate the connected yet fragmented design world, showcasing Avant-garde design techniques and celebrating the legacy of established patrons and emerging talents in the design fraternity. Additionally, they promoted interdisciplinary networking opportunities strengthening the architectural community's impact on society. In collaboration with CNBC TV18, the event marked its marvelous presence in New Delhi on November 22nd -23rd at NSIC Ground and December 20th -21st at the Jio Conventional Center in Mumbai.
Metal roofs have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations, with early examples found in Roman and Byzantine architecture, where copper and lead sheets were used for durability and weather resistance. During the 19th century, advances in industrial manufacturing led to the widespread adoption of corrugated iron and steel roofing, which became popular for their strength, affordability, and ease of installation. Today, modern metal roofing systems use materials such as aluminum, galvanized steel, and zinc, offering superior performance against extreme weather conditions, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. These surfaces can be designed in various profiles, including standing seam, corrugated, and metal shingles, allowing for aesthetic flexibility and structural integrity. Additionally, reflective coatings and insulation options contribute to energy savings, making metal roofs a preferred choice for sustainable and long-lasting building solutions.
Rebirth Brick. Image Courtesy of Jiakun Architects
The world watches China's development with a mix of admiration, curiosity, and apprehension. From massive infrastructure projects—such as hydroelectric plants and a modern high-speed rail network—to the emergence of entire cities built from scratch, the country showcases an ambitious growth strategy and an impressive capacity for execution. However, this rapid progress also brings significant challenges and stark contrasts. On one hand, modernity asserts itself in futuristic skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology; on the other, there remains a pressing need to preserve the country's rich cultural and historical heritage, reflected in ancient temples, imperial palaces, and historic cities.
Rapid urban growth has also introduced issues such as overcrowding, environmental pollution, increasing social inequality, and the loss of agricultural land. Large-scale urbanization has led to the disappearance of traditional villages, environmental degradation, and the homogenization of architecture and lifestyles in many Chinese cities. It is within this context that Liu Jiakun, awarded the 2025 Pritzker Prize, stands out for his subtle yet profoundly transformative architectural approach. His work responds to these and other challenges of Chinese society while valuing traditional materials and techniques, as well as the creation of communal spaces.
Transforming urban buildings into clean energy plants is a bold and powerful strategy to combat the climate crisis, reduce dependence on centralized grids, and promote more resilient, sustainable cities. Since 2010, cities have been responsible for over 75% of global electricity use, a demand historically met by fossil fuels as urbanization has increased since the Industrial Revolution. By the late 19th century, hydroelectric power began gaining relevance as a renewable alternative. However, with rapid advancements in solar technology, urban buildings now have the unprecedented potential to become self-sufficient power hubs.
The Jewish Museum in Berlin, designed by Daniel Libeskind, employs synesthesia to evoke feelings of disorientation, loss, and memory through fragmented geometry, contrasting lighting, and material choices. Inspired by a shattered Star of David, the building guides visitors through slanted and narrow corridors, creating instability and discomfort. Light, either filtered through slits or almost entirely absent in certain areas, reinforces the oppressive atmosphere. The raw concrete, with its cold and rigid texture, intensifies this experience, while the void resonates with echoes and silence. In the Shalekhet (Fallen Leaves) space, metal plates shaped like faces emit unsettling sounds when stepped on, creating a disturbing auditory experience. The museum transcends its function as an exhibition space and becomes an immersive architectural experience, where light, sound, texture, and form combine to convey the pain and memory of the Holocaust.
Humanity's fascination with the unknown is a timeless impulse, rooted in curiosity and the desire to push boundaries, uncover mysteries, and open doors to new frontiers. What were once represented by voyages and the discovery of new islands and continents are now pursued in the vastness of the Universe. As we seek answers, provoke new questions, and open doors to endless possibilities, this drive continues to inspire. It has shaped countless literary and cinematic works, transforming interstellar exploration from a science fiction concept into a vision increasingly grounded in reality.
One such visionary project is Project Hyperion, spearheaded by the Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is), which challenges humanity to develop practical solutions for interstellar travel through a design competition. By envisioning generation ships—vast, self-sustaining habitats capable of supporting multigenerational societies on journeys spanning centuries—the project not only pushes the boundaries of technology but also sparks social innovation, stretching the limits of our collective imagination. There is still time to submit your design by March 9th, with Phase 2 starting on May 4th.
Guardrails and windscreens play an essential role in contemporary architecture, combining safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. These systems are crucial for protecting elevated spaces like balconies, terraces, and staircases, incorporating materials such as tempered laminated glass, stainless steel, aluminum and innovative fastening systems. This allows for transparency and unobstructed views without compromising safety. They also feature customizable options, including top caps, handrails and integrated lighting, enabling architects to create unique, visually striking spaces that meet both practical and aesthetic goals.
Essentially, a guardrail system is a carefully designed assembly of components, each playing a vital role in ensuring safety and aesthetics. Beyond the desired visual impact, these systems must be highly reliable and safe to fulfill their primary function. At the core of the system is the guardrail components, providing support and guidance, with infill options, including, glass panels, bar/tube or cables balancing safety and style. Base shoes, a type of guardrail system, anchors glass infill panels to the structure, ensuring durability and precision. Optional handrails, can either be post mounted or mounted directly to the glass, while top rails provide an aesthetic touch while protecting the top edge of the glass and helping with glass alignment.
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.
Caleb Whiting dogbear869, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dubai has evolved from a humble trading port into a global metropolis renowned for its futuristic skyline and pioneering architectural feats. In the early 20th century, its landscape was shaped by traditional Arab homes featuring internal courtyards and wind towers, designed to endure the harsh arid climate. The discovery of oil in the 1960s marked a turning point, triggering rapid urbanization. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, a surge in construction, fueled by oil revenues, led to the rise of concrete tower blocks and low-rise apartment complexes, accommodating an influx of expatriates drawn to UAE's booming economy. By the 21st century, the UAE witnessed unparalleled architectural advancements. Landmark projects like the Burj Khalifa—the world's tallest building—and the Palm Jumeirah—an artificial archipelago—transformed the country's skyline, solidifying the UAE's reputation as a global hub of architectural ambition and innovation.
This rapid growth has also brought diverse challenges across the UAE, particularly in housing and the difficulty of ensuring dignified living conditions for the working class. Dubai serves as a striking example of how urban expansion has transformed the country, but different geographies and regions within the UAE have distinct needs, shaped by their local environments and communities. The House of the Future competition—organized by Buildner in partnership with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme—calls on visionaries to rethink residential architecture across the UAE. With submissions open until April 30, the competition offers a platform for bold ideas that could shape the homes of tomorrow, addressing the varied demands of different locations.
Cladding is an essential element in architecture, combining functionality, technology, and aesthetics to protect and enhance buildings. Among the various materials available, such as stone, wood, and composites, metal cladding stands out for its durability, low maintenance, and design flexibility. In addition to offering weather resistance and fire safety, its recyclability makes it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for projects of all sizes. To meet these demands with efficiency and sophistication, Parallel Architectural Products offers a range of metal claddings and other innovative products designed to optimize installation, reduce labor costs, and ensure high-quality finishes.
Disciplines such as architecture, interior design, product design, and fashion rely on awards to celebrate innovation, set industry benchmarks, and inspire excellence. Beyond mere recognition, these accolades validate creative achievements, strengthen reputations, and expand the visibility of ideas that challenge conventions. They also foster interdisciplinary collaboration, encourage professional growth, and highlight the transformative impact of design on everyday life.
Among the world's most prestigious design competitions, the A' Design Awards & Competition is now open for submissions—an opportunity for designers, architects, and creative professionals to showcase their work on a global stage. Winning this award brings unparalleled benefits, including international exhibitions, media exposure, and a coveted place in the World Design Rankings. Past winners have had their work showcased in global exhibitions, featured in renowned publications, and presented at industry events, connecting them with influential leaders and expanding their reach in the competitive design market.
Park Hill, a large social housing complex in Sheffield, stands out as one of the most ambitious examples of modernist architecture in post-war Britain. Designed in 1961 by Jack Lynn and Ivor Smith, its innovative concept of "streets in the sky" aimed to combine high-density housing with the community spirit of traditional neighborhoods. By the late 20th century, the complex had fallen into severe neglect, marked by social problems and structural degradation that undermined both its functionality and reputation. Gradually, Park Hill became synonymous with the failure of modernism, carrying a heavy social stigma and marginalizing its residents. Starting in the 2000s, significant efforts began to reverse this narrative through a two-phase revitalization process. The first phase, led by Urban Splash in collaboration with the architectural firms Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West, focused on preserving and enhancing the building's historical elements while introducing modern interventions to create a livable, functional, and attractive space. This stage demonstrated the potential of adaptive reuse in revitalizing communities and reclaiming architectural icons. The second phase of the renovation, carried out by the firm Mikhail Riches, sought to build on this initial work by introducing new elements that deepened the connection between the existing spaces and contemporary living. With an approach that combined historical sensitivity and architectural innovation, Mikhail Riches continued the process of transforming Park Hill into a landmark example of how modernist architecture can be adapted to meet current needs without losing its original identity.
