BIG

Well-made low-cost housing is a tough nut to crack, but high-profile Danish firm BIG recently took on the challenge for a new project in its home country. Commissioned by a non-profit affordable housing association, Dortheavej Residence offers architect-designed homes to people on a low income.

Bjarke Ingels Group recently completed a new premises for the award-winning noma restaurant. It incorporates a former military warehouse previously used to store mines for the Royal Danish Navy and has an interesting design described as a "restaurant village" by the firm.

BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) recently unveiled an interesting-looking new mixed-use development for Miami, Florida. While details are still rather thin on the ground at this early stage, if it does go ahead, Miami Produce will be elevated on stilts and topped by garden spaces.

Though some firms are content to design a typical rectangular skyscraper, that's really not BIG's style. Its latest project, named the Shenzhen Energy Mansion, consists of two towers that reduce solar glare and energy requirements with their undulating form and stunning pleated facades.

Burning Man isn't lacking in interesting art and architecture, but the next annual desert gathering may feature a large inflatable mirrored globe among all the other unusual structures. Named the Orb, the art piece is being produced by BIG's Bjarke Ingels, along with collaborator Jakob Lange.​

High-profile architecture firms rarely show any interest in the small living movement. However, if this project by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is anything to go by, that's a shame. The firm has created a very appealing prefab tiny house/cabin that will eventually be made available for purchase.

Construction is currently underway on a pair of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)-designed towers in New York City named the XI (aka the Eleventh). The twin buildings will feature an unusual twisted form that's intended to maximize the view​ for residents.

The Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) always puts an interesting spin on its projects. Such is the case with the firm's recently-unveiled Audemars Piguet Hôtel des Horlogers, which will enable guests to ski down its sloping zigzagging roof.

People often dress up to go to the theater but with this project, the theater itself is looking rather dapper. Designed by high-profile firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the new National Theatre of Albania will resemble an oversized bow tie and offer a view of backstage with glazed facades.

Italy's Carlo Ratti Associates (CRA) and Danish firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have collaborated on an interesting new skyscraper currently under construction in Singapore. Rising to 280 m (918 ft) the building will be jam-packed with greenery, and feature trees jutting out of its facade.

Google must be pleased with BIG's work on its Charleston East and London HQ's as the tech giant has commissioned the architecture firm to design yet another new campus. This one will be located in Sunnyvale, California, and comprises two green-roofed buildings with long, sloping terraces.

Throughout the year, we've chased down the most interesting, innovative and sustainable buildings around the globe. Whether a Lego-shaped visitor's center, a bamboo sports hall, or a pair of "dancing" skyscrapers, each represents architectural excellence. Read on for our best buildings of 2017.