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Design Vanguard at 25 is an article from Architectural Record that reflects on the origins and accomplishments of the Design Vanguard designation. The Design Vanguard designation has been awarded to up-and-coming architectural practices for the past 25 years. The winners have come from over 100 cities in 36 countries, with countries like Japan, China, Spain, Mexico, the United Kingdom, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Chile consistently producing top talent. The article also highlights the success and contributions of past Design Vanguard winners, including some who have become prominent figures in academia and architecture schools. The article concludes by emphasizing the diversity and breadth of the current Design Vanguard cohort and the continued potential for innovation in the field of architecture. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the restoration of the Michigan Central Station in Detroit by Quinn Evans. The station, which opened in 1914, was once a symbol of Detroit's industrial prowess but fell into disrepair due to economic decline and neglect. Ford purchased the station in 2018 and hired Quinn Evans to lead the restoration project. The team faced significant challenges, including water damage, decayed materials, and missing architectural elements. Through extensive research and careful surveying, the team was able to restore and replace various components of the building, including the terrazzo flooring, Guastavino tiles, and exterior masonry. The restoration also included updates to meet contemporary performance standards. The renovated station will be open to the public and will house retail spaces, event venues, and potentially passenger tracks for Amtrak. The project is part of the larger Michigan Central Innovation District, which aims to revitalize the area with new technologies and amenities. The article acknowledges the scars of the station's past, such as graffiti and deteriorated stairwells, as reminders of Detroit's history. Overall, the restoration of the Michigan Central Station represents a significant step in the revitalization of Detroit and its architectural heritage. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the controversial "Line" project proposed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which is a 106-mile-long linear city. The project has faced criticism in architectural circles and has been compared to historical linear projects such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Broadacre City and Le Corbusier's Plan Voisin. The article explores the architectural metaphor behind the project and questions its purpose and impact on the environment and society. It also highlights the historical context of linear urban planning and the challenges and limitations associated with such projects. The article concludes by suggesting that the concept of linearity may not be suitable in a world facing environmental crises and social inequality. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a combined townhouse and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Toronto that reinterprets the Victorian architectural style. The house, designed by JA Architecture Studio, features a narrow design with polygonal bay windows and steep gables. The interior of the house utilizes a simple palette of white drywall and white oak flooring. The design includes a twisted staircase and diagonal sight lines that create unique spatial experiences. The project also incorporates a courtyard and follows the recently legalized "laneway suite" typology in Toronto. [Extracted from the article]

Riken Yamamoto, a Tokyo architect, has been awarded the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Yamamoto's work focuses on the importance of community and communal living, which he developed through his travels and experiences in various countries. His designs aim to make community visible in modern cities, and he prioritizes long-lasting architecture with durable materials. Yamamoto's projects include private residences, public-housing projects, museums, fire stations, schools, and university campuses. He is currently working on the Taoyuan Museum of Art in Taiwan and has plans to design small communities and townships in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the completion of the Toranomon Hills Station Tower in Tokyo, designed by the New York office of OMA. The tower is part of a larger development project by Mori Building to transform the Toranomon Hills neighborhood into a business district. The tower's unique design features a twisting form and a 50-foot-wide elevated pedestrian bridge that creates a rupture in the building's structure. The tower accommodates various programs, including a subway station, retail spaces, a hotel, an art space, and office spaces. The article highlights the attention to detail and refinement in both the exterior and interior design of the tower. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the controversial "Line" project in Saudi Arabia, a 106-mile-long linear city proposed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The project has faced criticism in architectural circles and has been compared to past linear city proposals. The article questions the architectural metaphor behind the project and raises concerns about its size, formal conceit, and the ethical implications of its construction. It argues that the project reflects some of the worst impulses in contemporary architectural practice and may be seen as a dystopia. The article also explores the history of linear urban planning and the limitations of linearity in architecture. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a recently completed house in Toronto, Canada, designed by JA Architecture Studio. The house, called 44 Foxley, combines a main house with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and is part of the city's tradition of "bay-and-gable" architecture. The design incorporates parametrically inspired formal explorations with Victorian elements, such as bay windows and steep gables. The house features a unique twist in its design, with a twisted staircase that creates a diagonal axis through the plan. The project also reflects Toronto's exploration of intensifying low-rise residential neighborhoods through the legalization of laneway suites. The article highlights the use of curvilinear geometries, vaulted ceilings, and a courtyard to create new urban relationships. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the construction of a pelota frontón, or walled court, in Aguilar de Codés, a small town in northern Spain. The project was designed by Verne Arquitectura with Alejandro Maortua and aimed to respect local building traditions and the physical context. The architects incorporated elements of the old stone mansion that previously occupied the site, such as the footprint and the hipped roof. The building is constructed of precast-concrete panels and clad with sandstone from Catalonia, blending modern and historic elements. The frontón also includes a low annex for changing rooms and community functions, as well as an outdoor plaza. The design integrates the building with its surroundings and pays homage to the town's cultural connection to the sport of pelota. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the potential benefits of allowing single-stair apartment buildings in the United States. Currently, American building codes mandate multiple egress routes, which limit design options for large multifamily buildings. The argument is that re-legalizing single-stair apartment buildings, a typology common in other parts of the world, would enable the construction of attractive and cost-effective multifamily housing on urban sites that would otherwise be developed as single-family homes. Single-stair designs offer advantages such as more light, air, and acoustic privacy, as well as the facilitation of community building. Building-code reform would complement zoning-code reform and could lead to more neighborly and family-friendly buildings. The article also discusses the historical divergence in fire-safety approaches between the United States and Europe, with European codes emphasizing fire-resistant materials and compartmentation. The evidence suggests that fire-death rates are consistently lower in Europe than in the United States and Canada. The article concludes by highlighting recent progress in building-code reform in states like California, Oregon, and Washington, and advocates for the nationwide adoption of single-stair construction. [Extracted from the article]

In the book "Concrete City: Material Flows and Urbanization in West Africa" by Armelle Choplin, the author explores the use of concrete as a key element in the urbanization process of cities in West Africa. Concrete is seen as a symbol of stability and achievement, providing affordable housing for many residents. The book examines the complex interplay between materials, labor, policies, and everyday practices in the construction industry. It also highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by inhabitants in navigating the rapidly expanding urban landscape. Overall, the book offers a nuanced perspective on the material aspirations and urban politics in West Africa. [Extracted from the article]

This text discusses the work of Dutch landscape architect Mien Ruys and architect Bonnema in various projects. Ruys was a pioneer in garden design and landscape architecture, emphasizing the social power of gardens and their benefits for well-being. She played a significant role in post-World War II reconstruction, designing public spaces and contributing to Amsterdam's expansion plan. Ruys's work continues to be influential, and her books and magazine are widely respected. The text also mentions the controversial Lynetteholm project in Copenhagen, which has faced criticism for its cost and lack of localized interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A series of stepped terraces, with conversation benches at each level, connect the building to the street, and a prominently located social stair also connects to the rooftop terrace. With that very much front of mind for the design team on the Heron, the LEED Platinum- targeted building is designed as a resilience hub where residents can shelter in place during a crisis. An innovative hybrid typology, the Northtown Library and Apartments, collocates 44 units of affordable senior housing and a new branch library in a 65,000-squarefoot complex located in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Muelle de San Blas, a sheltered hall and public park located on a quay in the Mexican town of San Blas. The town, known for its fishing industry, has historically been an important trade route and a sacred place for the Indigenous Wixárika people. The Muelle de San Blas was designed by Colectivo C733 and serves as a multifunctional space for ferry passengers, athletic activities, meetings, and dining. While the commercial spaces within the complex remain unoccupied, the project has been embraced by the community and provides a shaded respite from the hot climate. The article highlights the challenges faced in activating the commercial spaces and the ongoing efforts to maintain and engage with the project. Overall, the Muelle de San Blas has been successful in providing public space and improving the quality of life for the local population. [Extracted from the article]

La Pyramide, an abandoned modernist landmark in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, is in need of rehabilitation. Built during the country's post-independence building spree, La Pyramide was once admired but fell into disuse in the 1990s. It was part of a series of show-stopping projects in Abidjan, reflecting the country's bid for international recognition and modernity. Efforts are now being made to renovate La Pyramide, with the possibility of turning it into a museum of modern art. However, there are concerns that a museum may only cater to wealthy residents and tourists, rather than benefiting the majority of Ivorians. [Extracted from the article]

Benjakitti Park in Bangkok was once a sprawling industrial complex that produced cigarettes. In 1991, the site was transformed into a park, but a new redevelopment project aimed to create an "urban forest" was not successful. In 2019, a design competition was held and the winning design by Arsomsilp and Turenscape focused on the concept of a "sponge city" to address urban flooding. The park now features woodlands, gardens, wetlands, and preserved tobacco warehouses that have been repurposed as sports facilities. The design integrates nature and architecture, providing a unique and adaptable space for sports and outdoor activities. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the work of NP2F, a French architectural practice, in reimagining urban spaces by integrating sports and their facilities into the city. The practice's interest in sports and architecture began with an exhibition in 2014 that examined how Paris is used for different sports activities. The article highlights the challenges of incorporating sports in a densely populated city like Paris, which has limited open spaces. NP2F's projects aim to democratize public space, create spaces for interaction, and consider both aesthetics and functionality. The text discusses the relationship between sports and the city, emphasizing how sports can inspire people to behave differently in urban spaces. It also mentions the historical context of sports being limited to elite or military settings in the past, but now sports can take place in various urban spaces. NP2F's architects stress the importance of integrating sports facilities into the city, establishing a new relationship with the urban environment. The article also mentions specific projects by NP2F, such as the Adidas Arena in Paris and the UCPA Sport Station in Bordeaux, which aim to provide accessible and dynamic sports facilities in the city. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the impact of hosting the Olympic Games on host cities, focusing on the examples of Tokyo 1964, Sochi 2014, and Paris 2024. It discusses both the positive and negative effects of hosting, such as infrastructure development and economic growth, as well as issues like displacement of residents, environmental damage, and corruption. The article argues that true sustainability in hosting the Olympics can only be achieved by prioritizing the long-term needs of the host city over profit. It concludes that the Olympics are inherently political and that the pursuit of profit often undermines positive social and environmental outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the transformation of a private swimming pool in Istanbul into a public hall, which represents a shift in urban governance in the city. The pool was originally part of a forest area that had been encroached upon by development. After the election of a new mayor, the pool was converted into a public event space as part of a broader effort to make the area more accessible to the public. The architects involved in the project used adaptive reuse techniques to repurpose the pool, and the space is now open to the public for various activities. This project is seen as a symbol of a new approach to urban governance in Istanbul. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a series of interventions in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico by RZERO estudio that have improved public spaces and infrastructure. These interventions include the construction of a new market, a sports complex, and the renovation of public plazas and parks. However, there have been challenges in terms of local engagement and limited impact. The article emphasizes the need for more holistic interventions and continuity between administrations to address infrastructural problems and promote resilient social infrastructure. The text also describes the architectural interventions in the park of El Aguaje, which have revitalized the park and made it more accessible to the community. [Extracted from the article]

The New Administrative Capital (NAC) in Egypt, located 60 kilometers east of Tahrir Square, is a planned city designed to serve as the central government and financial hub. The NAC mimics Washington, DC, in its layout and features a neo-pharaonic architectural style. However, the city is inaccessible to the majority of the Egyptian population, as it is only reachable by private car or government shuttle. The construction of the NAC has resulted in the displacement of many Egyptians and the destruction of historic sites in Cairo. The city's focus on monumentality and its car-dependent design raise questions about who the NAC is truly built for. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the need to rethink and revitalize aging civic centers and complexes in the United States. Many of these centers, including Beaux-Arts and Midcentury Modern buildings, have become outdated and no longer serve the needs of their communities. Various cities, such as Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Boston, have undertaken projects to transform these spaces into accessible and community-oriented areas. The article highlights the importance of thoughtful community engagement, open-space design, and the activation of streets and buildings in creating successful civic center projects. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of indoor public spaces in contemporary cities, drawing inspiration from the visionary projects of Bruno Taut. It highlights the limitations of consumerism and the commercialization of public spaces, emphasizing the need for civic architecture that promotes liberation from these constraints. The Barbican Centre in London is presented as a successful example of an enclosed civic space that accommodates various activities and fosters informal gatherings. The article suggests that such public interiors should be considered a right rather than a luxury, and that they have the potential to bring people from different backgrounds together and break down social divisions. It concludes by emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between policymakers, architects, and users to create more meaningful and enjoyable spaces. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Architectural Record discusses the challenges and opportunities architects face when designing a variety of building types. It highlights the importance of considering factors such as social and economic necessity, carbon footprint, accessibility, and equitable service to users and the public. The article also emphasizes the appreciation of architecture itself and celebrates the achievements of architects while acknowledging areas for improvement. The article features projects such as the expansion of Portland's international airport and a house in Toronto, showcasing innovative design and the potential for transformative urban planning. The article concludes by encouraging greater engagement with architecture and its discourse to foster a deeper appreciation for the built environment. [Extracted from the article]

Thirty years ago, the management of the Podduklianska Library in Svidník decided to implement the Dutch-Slovak model project entitled Bibliobusy (Bibliobuses) which subsequently attracted considerable attention throughout Slovakia. The goal of the project was to provide a new additional library service for residents of rural areas of the Svidník region through two bibliobuses. The region met all the requirements in this regard, since it has many sparsely populated towns whose libraries are in poor condition. The Bibliobusy project, the only one in Slovakia, was officially launched on October 20, 1993, and in 2023 we commemorated the 30th anniversary of its creation. The aim of the article is to inform readers about the history of the introduction of the bibliobus service into the library network in the Svidník region, as well as its current operations in the rural locations of the Dukla region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the growing popularity of graphic adaptations of middle grade books. These adaptations have helped bring new readers to older stories and expand the audience for newer ones. Graphic adaptations have also helped gain acceptance for graphic novels among educators, parents, and librarians. Publishers are now using graphic adaptations to attract the growing middle grade graphic novel audience to their books. The article highlights the success of series adaptations and how they attract new readers to older series. Additionally, graphic adaptations provide a new way for readers to approach longer series and can even boost sales of older graphic novels when new prose books are released. Overall, graphic adaptations have become an important and successful category within middle grade literature. [Extracted from the article]

Noelia Monteiro, an architect from Argentina, co-founded Estúdio Flume in São Paulo, Brazil, with a focus on working in remote locations across Brazil. Monteiro spends extended periods on-site, living with the communities she works with and making monthly visits during construction. Estúdio Flume seeks out initiatives beyond urban areas, working with funding from Brazilian charities and private foundations. Their projects include a babassu nut processing center in Sumaúma, a boathouse in Jaguanum, and a cashew nut processing facility in Nova Vida. Monteiro's approach emphasizes respect for the local biome and the production logic of local workers, aiming to reduce human impact on the environment. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing trend of building electrification in American cities and states as a means to reduce carbon emissions. Building operations account for a significant portion of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Many cities and states have implemented policies to prohibit or discourage the installation of gas lines in new buildings. However, there have been legal challenges to these bans, with courts ruling that they infringe on the federal government's power to regulate gas appliances. Despite these challenges, the momentum towards building electrification is already strong, driven by government incentives and market forces. Electrification is seen as cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly than using gas. The article also highlights the potential roadblocks to electrification, such as stranded assets and the need for regulation of new gas appliances. Overall, while court decisions may pose some obstacles, the move towards building electrification is expected to continue. [Extracted from the article]

Mario Cucinella, founder of Mario Cucinella Architects and the SOS School of Sustainability, has written a book titled "Sustainability in Practice: The Future is a Journey to the Past." In this book, Cucinella shares 10 travel stories from places like Iran, China, Ireland, and the Maghreb, highlighting how architecture can learn from the natural world. He emphasizes the importance of the relationship between cities and the countryside, and the need for architecture to adapt and use available resources. Cucinella also explores the intelligence of plants and how humans can learn from their ability to adapt and construct. The book aims to rediscover the lost relationship between humans and the planet and inspire a more empathetic approach to architecture. [Extracted from the article]

Lake | Flato Architects, founded by David Lake and Ted Flato in 1984, has been awarded the 2024 Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The firm is known for its sustainable and environmentally sensitive buildings, with a focus on craft and a respect for nature. Lake | Flato has received numerous awards for its ultra-high-performing buildings and was the first firm in Texas to achieve Living Building certification. The architects discuss their design philosophy, approach to practice, and their commitment to creating buildings that are connected to their surroundings and socially restorative. They also emphasize the importance of collaboration and aspire to inspire other architects to embrace sustainable design. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the practice of designating local historic districts and its consequences. The author argues that historic districting concentrates power in the hands of elite subgroups who use history to serve their own interests. The origins of preservation lie in protecting the wealth and authority of the elite, and historic districting has been used as a tool for racial and class segregation. The article also highlights how historic districts can limit social, cultural, economic, and political diversity, as well as hinder opportunities for change and progress. Additionally, the article raises concerns about the impact of preservation on residents' futures and the perpetuation of social injustice. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the affordable housing crisis in the United States and proposes potential solutions. It highlights the fact that over 40 percent of the population is considered rent burdened, and homelessness has become more prevalent in many cities. The book, "Housing the Nation," takes a holistic view of the crisis, analyzing its root causes and exploring various perspectives. It also discusses the history of mobile homes as a solution to the affordability gap and addresses the cultural contempt that hampers the industry. The article concludes by mentioning a specific affordable housing project designed by Alexander Gorlin Architects. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Architectural Record highlights the diverse range of building types and the challenges architects face in designing them. It acknowledges the skepticism that often surrounds completed buildings and the questions that arise about their necessity, environmental impact, accessibility, and equitable service. Despite these concerns, the article emphasizes the importance of appreciating architecture and celebrates the achievements of architects who successfully navigate the complexities of construction. The article features projects such as the expansion of Portland's international airport and a unique house in Toronto, while also discussing the need for continued architectural discourse in the media. [Extracted from the article]

This ambition is apparent in the treatment of the former warehouses, which front Main Street and, on their upper levels, now hold the offices for the admissions staff, the sustainability groups, and the MIT Innovation HQ. Elsewhere within the old printing plant, the designers worked with the building's existing assets, revealing distinctive mushroom-shaped column capitals, formerly hidden by drywall, and uncovering a roofed-over top-floor skylight. BUILDING TYPE STUDY 1,035 COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES THE NEW MIT high-rise is easily picked out from the other buildings in Cambridge's burgeoning tech and life-sciences hub of Kendall Square. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on MOCT Studio's Small House in London, emphasizing the architects' exploration of compact living in a dense urban environment. Topics include the historical context of architects congregating in specific areas for property development, the influences shaping Small House's design, and the innovative features such as a three-sided box on piles, translucent sliding screens for privacy, and the architects' emphasis on space negotiation within a limited footprint.

The article provides information about Studio Heech, a design practice founded by Heechan Park in 2018, with a focus on material expression and creative composition. Based in Seoul, South Korea, the studio has worked on various projects, including Four Three House on the South Korean island of Jeju, which serves as an office, archive, shop, and toilet block while commemorating the Jeju Uprising and Massacre.

The article reflects on the concept of beginnings and the significance of starting something new. It explores the idea that beginning requires both a desire and a pre-formed notion of the end, delving into the author's journey of approaching architecture in their creative process and the challenges and uncertainties that come with it.

The article discusses the history and expansion of the Paris Metro. It highlights that Paris was a bit late in adopting underground mass transit compared to other cities, but now has a 124-mile-long underground and elevated Métropolitain network. The article mentions an exhibition called "Métro! Le Grand Paris en mouvement" that traces the history of the network and showcases the plans for its expansion. The exhibition features scale models, historic artifacts, and details of the new stations and public artworks. The article also mentions the involvement of architect Dominique Perrault in the project. [Extracted from the article]

In the book "Portal: San Francisco's Ferry Building and the Reinvention of American Cities" by John King, the history of American urbanism is explored through the story of San Francisco's Ferry Building. Built in 1898, the grandiose ferry terminal was not initially seen as a necessity, but rather served as a commuter hub for workers traveling from bayside cities. The area surrounding the Ferry Building was a bustling port, filled with commerce and produce. Over time, the modest structures of the original Ferry House were deemed inadequate, leading to the desire for a more architecturally significant building that would reflect the city's growth and aspirations. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the top music venues in the U.S. and overseas for 2024 including SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Hyde Park in London, England and Edgefield amphitheater in Portland, Oregon.

This article discusses the current state of tall buildings in cities across the U.S., highlighting the issue of empty office space and luxury residences that remain unoccupied. However, the article also acknowledges the importance of cities in the future, with 90% of the global population projected to be living in cities by 2050. The article features the work of architect Norman Foster, who has been commissioned to design a 47-story office tower in Manhattan. It also explores other new skyscrapers in London, Tokyo, and Dubai, as well as the competition to build the tallest buildings in the world. The article concludes by suggesting that the nature of tall buildings needs to change in order to provide real housing for the majority of people in future cities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the development of desert cities like Telosa and Neom, highlighting how they are marketed as sustainable solutions but actually contribute to land speculation and environmental degradation. It draws parallels with historical frontier narratives and examines the impact of such urban projects on fragile desert ecosystems and marginalized communities.

The article discusses the historical evolution of communal housing as a response to the Industrial Revolution and poor living conditions for urban working classes. It highlights examples of communal living structures such as the phalanstère proposed by Charles Fourier and the familistère by Jean-Baptiste André Godin. The article explores various forms of communal housing, from top-down paternalistic models to revolutionary experiments like kommunalka in Russia.

The article focuses on Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis's lack of confidence in Eskom's ability to address South Africa's energy crisis, emphasizing the need for municipalities to take independent action to ensure a reliable power supply, with the City of Cape Town already investing in renewable energy projects and encouraging other municipalities to follow suit.

Sir Michael Lyons, the chair of the new towns taskforce, emphasized the importance of prioritizing infrastructure before housebuilding. He stated that well-designed and sustainable towns should have integral infrastructure such as roads, water, power, transport, health, and schools. While the formation of new local authorities is not an immediate plan, strong local government representation is crucial for the creation of these new developments. The taskforce, which includes members such as Eamonn Boylan and Nick Raynsford, aims to design large-scale communities with at least 10,000 new homes each and develop a new towns code for developers to follow. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the issue of embodied carbon emissions in the construction industry and criticizes the current definitions of "net zero" and "zero emissions" buildings. The US Department of Energy's definition of a "zero emissions building" focuses solely on operational energy use and does not account for the carbon emissions produced during the construction process. The article argues that embodied carbon is a critical issue because it contributes to climate change immediately, rather than in the future. The construction industry's resistance to change and the influence of lobbying organizations are identified as major obstacles to adopting more sustainable building practices. The article suggests that regulatory limits and fiscal measures could incentivize the use of low-carbon materials. However, it concludes that without significant changes in the industry and government policies, the construction sector is unlikely to address the climate crisis adequately. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights Two Cities Church's investment in a high-end audio and visual (AV) infrastructure for their new 1,300-seat facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, featuring d&b's XSL loudspeakers and Ayrton's extensive lighting. Topics include the church's growth and new facility setup, the detailed audio and lighting equipment choices, and the impact of these upgrades on their worship services and livestreams.