Architecture

Concrete is a huge contributor to worldwide CO2 emissions, and cinder blocks make up a significant part of this. However, a new project by SOM, in collaboration with Prometheus Materials, showcases an alternative block made from algae.

If you've ever wanted to stay in a hovel that's home to an antisocial green ogre – and, let's face it, who hasn't? – now might finally be your chance. Airbnb has recreated the swampy home from the Shrek movies in the Scottish Highlands.

Vincent Callebaut Architectures has revealed plans for a new "eco district" in Switzerland. As we've come to expect from the visionary Belgian architect, it's defined by an ambitious approach to sustainability, including a large amount of greenery.

Though a lot of 3D-printed architecture we see nowadays involves the creation of high-end housing, this post office in India offers a reminder of the technology's potential to produce low-cost buildings within a short time frame.

The Cliff Café juts out of a precipice to serve up some amazing views to go with its food and beverages. Designed by Trace Architecture Office, it's also joined by the striking Tower House nearby, which similarly puts the focus on the view.

Apple has made another new addition to its futuristic donut-shaped headquarters in Cupertino, California. Named Mirage, it takes the form of a sculpture park featuring hundreds of glass columns made from sand sourced from deserts around the world.

Tan Yamanouchi Architects has created a unique residence that explores space-saving architectural design, combined with cat-friendly features. Dubbed Cat Tree House, the home was specifically built for its owners; a couple in their thirties with two cats.

OPEN Architecture has form for designing extraordinary buildings and this is set to continue with its Space Crystal. Likened to an extraterrestrial object by the firm, the museum and exhibition space will be defined by an unusual crystalline form.

Following a delay of several years, Saudi Arabia has reportedly restarted work on its incredibly ambitious Jeddah Tower. The megatall skyscraper will be the new world's tallest manmade structure once complete and will reach over 1 km in height.

Nescafé's Dolce Gusto Neo store has been constructed using algorithmic 3D printing, and is built using biodegradable materials. Inspired by the coffee flower's five petals, this pop-up concept represents a step towards regenerative architecture.

MAD Architects draws inspiration from the natural world with its latest upcoming project, a sprawling arts and culture center inside that's defined by a white roof meant to resemble scattered bamboo leaves.

The MOT, by Ukraine's Balbek Bureau, offers an interesting take on shipping container-based design. It plays to the strengths of the metal boxes by creating a temporary art gallery that can be packed up and moved to a new location when required.

Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is set to receive an all-new extension courtesy of PAU. It will be defined by an eye-catching triangular building that will boost capacity at the site considerably and be topped by a green roof.

UNStudio plans to transform the center of Düsseldorf with a new mixed-use project focused around two matching towers, which will incorporate significant greenery on their facades and reduce their grid-based energy use with sustainability features.

SHoP Architects has completed the first supertall skyscraper in Brooklyn, NYC. The residential tower rises to a height of 1,066 ft and is defined by a blackened stainless steel, copper and bronze facade that integrates an existing bank on the site.