With expanding urban populations and evolving consumption patterns, cities are faced with challenges pertaining to waste management. Traditional approaches centered on collection and disposal currently seem inadequate in the face of serious environmental concerns and resource scarcity. Waste management has become a focused topic to address, being introduced as a key strategy towards circular economies. The Zero Waste concept hopes to transform the way cities manage urban waste and build supportive cultures around it.
Rendering of the proposed La Rambla redevelopment project. Image Courtesy of Barcelona City Council, under policy of fair use
La Rambla, a 1.2-kilometer-long promenade in Barcelona, was established in 1766 along the old city walls. Embraced by locals, it became the only spacious area for strolling in a city of narrow streets and grew into a central meeting place for all social classes. Over time, leisure and cultural sites, like the Gran Teatre del Liceu and Boqueria Market, emerged, making it a vibrant, cultural hub. In 2017, Barcelona's local government launched a competition for the revitalization of this beloved urban space. Km_ZERO, a 15-member interdisciplinary team that also relied on the input of community groups was declared the winner. Now the first phase of the urbanization process has been almost completed, led by Lola Domènech and Olga Tarrasó. A hundred trees still remain to be planted in this phase, postponed due to drought conditions. The entire project is expected to be finished in 2027.
Foster + Partners has just announced its upcoming appointment by Manchester United to lead the development of a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District, focusing on club-owned land surrounding the current stadium. The goal is to create a world-class football destination for Manchester United fans, integrated with a broader vision for a mixed-use development that benefits the local community. This transformation aims to attract new residents, increase job opportunities, and establish the area as a vibrant hub for visitors from Manchester, across the UK, and beyond.
There is growing awareness of the importance of developing pedestrian infrastructure. Bridges and elevated structures enhance the quality of cities by connecting spaces and reducing distances. Their use benefits pedestrians and the thousands of cyclists seeking a more sustainable mode of transportation.
Pedestrian infrastructures, such as bridges, walkways, and widened sidewalks, not only promote sustainable mobility but also contribute to the revitalization of urban areas. Their design can transform underused spaces into active, safe, and accessible places for everyone, enhancing social cohesion and fostering community. By incorporating elements such as greenery, smart lighting, and urban furniture, these structures become more than just thoroughfares: they transform into meeting points and spaces for social interaction.
Natatorium of Southeast University / SEU-ARCH Zhou Qi Studio. Image Courtesy of SEU-ARCH Zhou Qi Studio
Sports infrastructure has become an important aspect of contemporary life, addressing the growing need for physical activity and leisure spaces to offset the stresses of urban living. In this context, architecture, particularly in the realm of sports facilities, plays a pivotal role in shaping these environments. Sports architecture, in particular, has evolved into a highly specialized discipline that not only addresses the functional and technical aspects—such as structural integrity, safety standards, and the specific requirements of different sports—but also emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design. A well-designed sports facility not only enhances the user experience but also integrates seamlessly into its urban or natural surroundings, contributing to the overall aesthetic and social value of the space. By blending functionality with innovation and creativity, sports architecture has the potential to positively impact both individual well-being and community cohesion.
Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain announced plans to move into a historic building in Place du Palais-Royal in Paris. Originally built in 1855, the Haussmannian building will be reimagined by architect Jean Nouvel and is scheduled to open in 2025. The collaboration between Fondation Cartier and Jean Nouvel dates back to 1994 when the architect designed the "Parisian Monument," a glass and steel building on Boulevard Raspail that serves as the institution's current headquarters.
CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, in partnership with real estate group IPI, has revealed plans to transform the iconic modernist Palazzo Micca in Turin, Italy. Originally the headquarters of RAI, Italy's national broadcaster, the 19-story building will undergo a comprehensive adaptive reuse project. A significant feature of the redesign is the creation of an elevated public plaza at 26.5 meters, offering views of Turin's Baroque rooftops, the surrounding hills, and the Alps. The project also integrates sustainable design principles by converting parts of the office spaces into residential units and reusing existing materials.
The relationship between architecture and naval design has been a fascinating interplay of form and function that has evolved significantly. Both disciplines have a shared history of innovation, aesthetics, and functionality that have informed and inspired each other. This "love affair" has seen architects drawing inspiration from boats, particularly in the modernist era when ships' streamlined, efficient designs influenced the aesthetic of buildings. Conversely, architectural principles have also been adapted to enhance the functionality and form of boats, demonstrating a reciprocal exchange that continues to shape both disciplines.
MVRDV, in collaboration with Huayi Design, has been awarded the design contract for the Shenzhen Pingshan Sports Park in eastern Shenzhen, China. The sports park will feature a wide range of facilities, including an arena for badminton and other competitive sports, the new Chinese National Badminton Training Centre, and a National Fitness Centre, alongside various amenities for public use. Central to the project is the inclusion of 100 badminton courts, which also inspired the architectural design, particularly exemplified by the 240-meter-long roof shaped like a badminton racket head.
The India Autism Center (IAC), situated in Sirakole, West Bengal, represents a new perspective in accessible design and inclusivity. Designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions, the center embodies a comprehensive approach to neurodiverse living. Developed by Practice Design, an architectural firm based in Mumbai and Kolkata, the 52-acre project is expected to be completed by 2030. It aims to create a supportive community where individuals with autism can realize their full potential through a variety of tailored services.
Gyumri, the capital of Armenia's Shirak region and the country's second-largest city, was historically known for its culture and architectural heritage. While it was part of the Soviet Union, the city hosted many factories that turned it into a primary industrial center in the region, reaching a population of approximately 225,000 people. However, during the past decades, Gyumri has seen a considerable population decline as a consequence of a devastating earthquake that destroyed the city in 1988 and killed thousands of people. More than 30 years later, Gyumri's regeneration process is still unfolding. The city's ongoing efforts to restore its built environment and boost economic development offer valuable insights into how urban regeneration can be navigated in the aftermath of disaster.
Carpa Itinerante / Fabrizio Pugliese + Gabriel Huarte. Image Cortesía de Fabrizio Pugliese + Gabriel Huarte
Spanning over 20 million square kilometers and featuring nearly all the climates of the world, the Latin American region is home to endemic biological wealth and geographical diversity that ranges from some of the most significant rivers in the world to the mountain range of the Andes, the Amazon rainforests, the plains of Patagonia, the coasts of the Caribbean Sea, and more. In light of a collective effort involving local communities and new generations, the construction of installations and structures in these natural environments is aimed not only at meeting functional needs but also at educational, research, and environmental conservation purposes.
British architect and planner Colin Fournier, co-founder of conceptual architecture studio Archigram and Professor of Architecture and Urbanism at the Bartlett School of Architecture, has passed away at the age of 79. Fournier was best known for his co-design of the Kunsthaus Graz in Austria, also known as the "Friendly Alien." This project, completed together with Sir Peter Cook, is celebrated as one of the most distinctive cultural landmarks of its time. For his contributions to this work, Fournier was awarded Austria's Goldener Ehrenzeichen medal in 2005, a recognition of his impact on the architectural landscape.
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.
Contemporary architecture in UNESCO World Heritage contexts presents a unique challenge: revitalizing historically significant sites while adhering to strict preservation guidelines. From urban centers to natural landscapes and intangible cultural traditions, these projects demonstrate the delicate balance between innovation and heritage conservation. Whether working in a mega city, a protected landscape, or a culturally rich rural area, architects are tasked with reimagining these spaces without compromising their historical value. Each project offers a fresh perspective on how heritage sites can evolve and remain relevant in modern times.
Robert Wilson embodies the roles of director, set designer, scenographer, lighting designer, and architect in a single figure. Internationally celebrated as a pioneer of stage lighting and honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale and the Praemium Imperiale, Wilson, now in his eighties, continues to travel the world, staging remarkable productions. His use of light and color is marked by precision and minimalism, creating scenes that skillfully oscillate between stillness and drama. During rehearsals at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus, he elaborates on the interplay between stage and architecture, his creative process, and the profound impact of light on darkness.
Vernacular construction technologies are based on centuries of practical wisdom, refined through countless trials and errors. This process eliminates all irrelevant aspects, creating highly efficient and simple systems that are intrinsically adapted to the local climate and resources. These methods demonstrate how to conserve heat with minimal energy, offering valuable insights for modern buildings, promoting energy efficiency, and environmental harmony. In this article, we have already covered traditional passive cooling techniques, such as Persian wind towers and Arab mashrabiya. Now, we turn our focus to strategies applicable to cold climates, exploring effective solutions for heat retention and space heating.
Following the devastating earthquake that hit central Turkiye and northwest Syria in February 2023, the province of Hatay, Türkiye, was left with large sections of its urban fabric destroyed and thousands of residents displaced. Türkiye Design Council has commissioned design studio SOUR to contribute to the regeneration initiative as part of a wider design-led revitalization process.
