Architecture

Whether you think "architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness," like Frank Gehry, or that "architecture is not an inspirational business, it's a rational procedure to do sensible and hopefully beautiful things; that's all," like Harry Seidler, advances in materials and design continue to expand the architect's play book with buildings that reach for the skies and connect us to the earth.

Architecture

Inside World Festival of Interiors highlights sublime interior design

Adam Williams July 12, 2019

Following the recent unveiling of the World Architecture Festival (WAF) shortlist, its sister event, the Inside World Festival of Interiors, has revealed its own 2019 shortlist. The awards celebrates the best, boldest, and most innovative interior designs from around the world.

Australia's B/Hive, Smales Farm, by BVN, in association with Jasmax, is one of the 534 projects ...

Architecture

Planned concert hall hits a sustainable note

Adam Williams July 11, 2019

Steven Holl Architects and Architecture Acts, in association with Nagata Acoustics, have been selected to design a new concert hall in Czech Republic. The building's unusual form is described as an "instrument in its case" and will sport an eye-catching zinc roof that has solar panels installed.

Assuming all goes to plan, the Ostrava Concert Hall is expected to be completed by 2023

Architecture

Zaha Hadid-designed tower offers sky-high luxury for a sky-high price

Adam Williams July 9, 2019

Having begun construction back in 2015, Zaha Hadid Architects' much-anticipated One Thousand Museum is now finally ready to begin welcoming residents. Located in Miami, the 62-story skyscraper contains 84 luxury homes overlooking the famous Biscayne Bay.

One Thousand Museum rises to a maximum height of 708 ft (215 m)

Architecture

Hurricane-resistant home built from more than 600,000 plastic bottles

Bridget Borgobello July 9, 2019

Canadian construction firm JD Composites has completed its first concept home, made from about 612,000 recycled plastic bottles. Beach House is located in Nova Scotia, Canada, and is not only a great example of how recycled plastic can be put to good use, but it's also hurricane resistant.

JD Composites has completed its first concept home, built using over 600,000 recycled plastic bottles

Architecture

BIG's new cultural center features "periscope" for people-watching

Adam Williams July 8, 2019

BIG and Freaks Architecture has completed a new cultural center in Bordeaux. There are several interesting aspects of the design, including a sheltered outdoor space called the "urban living room" and a "periscope" that allows diners in a restaurant to gaze upon the people outside, and vice-versa.

MÉCA's facade is made up of 4,800 prefabricated concrete panels that weigh up to 1.6 tons ...

Architecture

WAF highlights best new architecture from around the globe

Adam Williams July 5, 2019

The World Architecture Festival has announced its annual shortlist of the best new architecture from around the world. Featuring a whopping 534 buildings hailing from 70 countries, it's a truly global event that includes projects from some of the best firms in the business.

Helsinki's Amos Rex contemporary art museum, by JKMM, is one of the 534 projects shortlisted in ...

Architecture Audio available

World's tallest shipping container building planned for London

Adam Williams July 4, 2019

Planning permission was recently granted for a new shipping container-based office building in London. It'll rise to a height of 26 m (85 ft), making it the world's tallest shipping container-based building once complete and will also boast some sustainable additions, including solar power.

118 VR will be taller than the current world's tallest shipping container building, the Freitag Store ...

Architecture

Apple and Foster + Partners collaborate on new Taipei store

Adam Williams July 2, 2019

Foster + Partners recently completed yet another new store for the US firm. Apple's own design team, headed by Jony Ive, is named as a close collaborator on the project and the sleek glazed building draws design cues from Apple's headquarters, Apple Park.

Apple Xinyi A13 features glass facades and is topped by a thin carbon fiber-reinforced roof that ...

Architecture

RIBA picks 20 stunning builds for 2019 House of the Year award

Adam Williams July 1, 2019

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced its selection of the best new homes in the UK. Featuring a total of 20 projects, the 2019 House of the Year longlist includes luxury pads, compact inner-city houses, and impressively sustainable homes.

The visually striking Ghost House, by BPN, is one of the 20 homes featured in the ...

Architecture Audio available

Riverbank theater inspired by traditional Chinese boats

Adam Williams June 28, 2019

MAD Architects has been commissioned to produce a new theater in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, China. The building will be located on the banks of a river and its design is inspired by traditional local boats, complete with glass "sails" that serve as a canopy.

Construction of the Yiwu Grand Theater is due to begin in 2020