Materials & ProductsExclusive Articles, from ArchDaily

A surface does more than simply cover a space—it transforms it, infusing personality, rhythm, and soul. It evolves from being a mere backdrop to becoming an active element that shapes the atmosphere through the interplay of material, form, and light. The balance of the touch, the thickness, incisions, tones, and luminous reflections can transform surfaces into sensory experiences. Textures can evoke stability or lightness, grooves introduce dynamism, colors define moods, and light sculpts depth and movement. Ceramic, with its aesthetic and functional versatility, is particularly well-suited to this role, offering architects a broad palette of creative possibilities.

For some, the perfection of nature reveals the signature of a divine force, something that defies rational explanations. The result of millions of years of adaptation and evolution, natural structures and organisms operate with an efficiency that is hard not to admire. Every form seems to have a precise purpose, showcasing ingenuity where functionality and beauty harmoniously coexist. From leaves to the smallest organisms, nature follows an impeccable logic of economy and precision, eliminating waste. It demonstrates that simplicity is often the purest expression of sophistication. Trees, for instance, grow to maximize strength and stability while minimizing resource use. This structural efficiency is achieved by aligning fibers along paths of maximum tension and shaping trunks and branches to optimally distribute loads. It's a testament to the fact that nature, above all, is a masterful engineer.

Fundamentally, facade design must blend protection, performance, and visual impact, turning it into a defining architectural feature. The evolution of facades reflects advancements in materials, technology, and design flexibility. In earlier times, facades used simple materials like brick, stone, and wood, offering structural support while showcasing regional styles. Over time, new materials like iron and steel were introduced, allowing for taller buildings with expansive glass facades that marked the beginning of modernism in urban centers. The 20th century brought reinforced concrete and aluminum to building perimeters, enabling lighter and more varied designs. Recent advances in high-performance materials, like composite panels and bio-based claddings, offer architects new aesthetic and energy-efficient options. STACBOND exemplifies this innovation, enabling creative, sustainable design solutions.

Art has long been perceived as elitist, an image solidified by its deep ties to power and wealth. In ancient times, works of art were status symbols reserved for rulers and religious figures, while the Renaissance marked a period in which wealthy patrons like the Medici family promoted art as a tool of social and political prestige. In the 17th century, with the rise of art academies, strict standards were established for what was considered "high culture," further distancing art from the masses.

John Pawson is a renowned British architect and designer, widely recognized for his minimalist approach, which values simplicity, proportion, and material authenticity. In his work, he explores space and light with depth, refining each element to its essence to create environments that promote tranquility and focus. His portfolio spans private homes, galleries, churches, and monasteries, each exemplifying his dedication to material purity and spatial harmony. By balancing clean lines, natural textures, and understated details, Pawson establishes a modern elegance and timeless quality that make him a pioneer of architectural minimalism.

Traditionally, architecture's role has been to create a barrier between inhabitants and the elements, providing protection and security. Even with material and technological advances over time, this function remains fundamental. We still rely on our building envelopes to keep us dry, safe, and comfortable, allowing us to live our daily lives with ease. Nowadays, high-performance building envelopes expand this protective function by using advanced materials and technology, transforming into essential elements of sustainable and resilient design. They not only protect interiors from external factors—such as heat, humidity, and pollutants—but also contribute directly to the building's energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics. Consisting of facades, solar shading systems, and windows, these envelopes define the building's character and play an essential role in its overall performance.

The evolution of bathrooms into their modern configuration traces back to ancient civilizations like the Ottoman and Roman, where sanitation held significant cultural importance. During the Middle Ages, however, personal hygiene practices declined, setting back developments in sanitation until the Renaissance revived interest in cleanliness. This shift paved the way for key innovations in the 18th century, including modern plumbing systems that enabled the widespread adoption of modern sanitation spaces. Today, it's unimaginable to design an architectural project without incorporating these facilities, highlighting the essential role of hygiene and well-being, now closely tied to technological advancements.

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The creation of images through artificial intelligence (AI) surprised us a few years ago. Utilizing algorithms such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), these systems are trained to identify visual patterns in images from the huge database of the internet, interpret them, and generate new compositions. Initially, the results tended to be rudimentary, often distorted and strange, but with the evolution of systems and training methods, AI has started to produce highly detailed and visually impressive images, challenging the limits of digital creativity. In architecture, this has been no different. As architectural design evolves, technologies that allow architects to bring their visions to life are progressing alongside it. AI renderings are transforming the way we visualize and conceptualize spaces, with the potential to significantly reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve accuracy, especially in terms of scale fidelity and spatial representation.

Factory 52, named after the production of 52-card decks that once took place there, is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, transforming an old factory into a vibrant mixed-use community. Located in Norwood, Ohio, within the former U.S. Playing Card Company building, the renovation project reimagines industrial heritage by integrating modern design without losing sight of its historical roots, incorporating residential, commercial, and recreational areas. The use of brick cladding plays a crucial role in connecting the past with the future, offering a rustic texture that honors the industrial history while highlighting the new structures with its unique tones in a contemporary setting.

People frequently claim that finding smart solutions to problems requires a creative approach that involves thinking outside the box. This premise has become a widely accepted idea in the field of technology, where numerous historical breakthroughs have emerged from innovative methods. Prominent examples in power generation include the discovery of the photovoltaic effect by Edmund Becquerel in 1839 and the development of the first commercial solar panel by Charles Fritts later that century. These milestones have enabled the integration of solar panels as essential components of clean energy generation within architecture, driving a significant shift toward renewable energy.

Travertine —known as lapis tiburtinus by the ancient Romans— has endured for centuries as one of the most iconic materials in Italian design heritage. This limestone has left a lasting mark on architectural history, from the monuments of the Roman Empire to contemporary works like the Church of 2000 and the Ara Pacis Museum. Over time, its aesthetic has evolved alongside art and design, adapting to technical advancements while preserving its essence and relevance in modern architecture.