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Cedrus Studio is a Tehran-based architecture firm that focuses primarily on residential projects. Their work highlights the inextricable link between design and construction, resulting in thoughtful and high-quality architecture. The homes designed by Cedrus are rooted in their context and showcase a sensible attention to local culture and traditions while meeting the needs of contemporary living.

In Iran, where Cedrus operates, mud brick has traditionally been used as a building material. This choice makes sense, considering that the region is mainly earth, sand, and rock. Not only is brick construction a building tradition, but it also offers environmental benefits, including high thermal mass and durability. Structurally, brick performs best in compression, making it an ideal material for vault, dome, arch and load-bearing wall construction without the need for additional reinforcement.

A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

This tradition has stood the test of time, and to this day, brick construction retains its popular appeal. Contemporary brick construction is often combined with other building techniques and materials such as steel and concrete. Rather than diminishing brick’s strengths, these new construction approaches enhance its capabilities while adapting to contemporary structural requirements. Cedrus Studio’s A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree, located in the Iranian village of Vine, epitomizes this modern approach.

The house is the result of a renovation project on a site of around 12,378 square feet (1,150 square meters), featuring a fifty-year-old unfinished building. Cedrus Studio transformed it into the new home for a family with two daughters and their spouses. The natural landscape, including a nearby river and a majestic Cedrus tree on the property, guided the design, creating forms that evoke the vegetation and the movement of water and wind.

While the house is modern, it stays true to traditional Persian architecture, where proportions and geometry are central elements. The north side of the house, facing the mountain, is rigid and rectilinear, while the south side, overlooking the river, is fluid.

A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Conceptual Diagrams for the brick and shutters’ design: A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Handmade brick is the predominant material on both the exterior and the interior, creating a sense of comfort and warmth. Even though there is no trace of traditional Iranian architecture in the area, the use of brick acknowledges the strong connection between material, place and culture in the region.

The powerful presence of the Cedrus tree on the property influenced the house design, both spatially and aesthetically. Spatially, it anchors the house to the site and enlivens the construction in various ways: through shadows cast on a staircase, a silhouette through an archway, and its physical presence in the courtyard. It is also a symbolic element, expressing the passage of time, nature, and resilience. Aesthetically,  the scales of the Cedrus cone inspired the design of the brickwork and metal shutters.

A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Renovation Sequence Diagram: A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

The renovation of the existing unfinished building presented various challenges. It involved reinforcing the bearing-wall structure to ensure stability. The ceiling height on the lower level was insufficient, requiring the lowering of the foundation by 90 centimeters (35 inches) along with the consequent extension of the columns.

Moreover, the overall building height could not be increased per local building regulations. After the removal of unnecessary elements, including the gable roof, the various openings were created at different levels to improve the connection between floors, enhance the sense of spaciousness, and open the interior to the exterior. The upper openings were then covered with steel-reinforced vaulted structures: one located below the existing roof ridge and the other above what would become the living room on the top floor.

A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Exploded axonometric: A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

The vaulted elements integrate existing and new construction, while capitalizing on the aesthetic richness of brick construction. To meet modern structural requirements, the brick vaults are steel-reinforced. This design honors the traditional Persian craftsmanship of brickwork to create a variety of forms, ranging from simple barrel vaults to diaphragm arches and domes.

These forms, which spanned large spaces in homes and mosques, were self-supporting and ornamental at the same time. The patterns, including radial, herringbone, and corbelled, among others, were adapted to the material’s limitations to create, nonetheless, spectacular spaces.

Exploded axonometric: A House Looking to a Cedrus Tree by Cedrus Studio, Vineh, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Brick, 13th Architizer A+Awards

The pool’s shape replicates the geometry of the house’s front elevation, resembling a reflection in water. The distinctive shape is also reiterated throughout the house interiors at different scales, giving form to architectural and interior design features such as the staircase void, the fireplace, and the wall niches. This abstraction of the house’s front can be viewed as a two-dimensional graphic element, similar to a logo, which gives the architecture a unique identity.

The project’s achievement lies not in revival, but in translation. By treating Persian vaulting as a live construction system rather than a historical reference, Cedrus Studio demonstrates how architectural knowledge can be carried forward through making.

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The post Architectural Details: When Persian Brick Learns New Tricks appeared first on Journal.

Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Located in a village in Paredes, with the Tâmega River as a backdrop, Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos blends into the rural landscape. A green roof extends the terrain over the house, making it look like it has always belonged to the site. The green roof not only reinforces the connection between the house and the landscape, but it also improves thermal comfort inside by reducing heat gains in summer and heat loss in winter. It also buffers rainwater and supports biodiversity.

This integration of architecture and landscape should be understood as an evolutionary process. In this context, the house, moulded by the terrain, can be interpreted as an organism that emerges from it as part of the land’s transformation over time, resulting in a construction that looks grounded and enduring.

Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

The design concept draws from the action of water on the soil over long periods of time, carving grooves on the terrain and creating new forms. This process evokes a time dimension where geological transformations give rise to erosion and sedimentation. In an architectural context, and in particular, with the Casa da Levada, this process is translated into volumes, openings, spatial sequences, and materials generated by the forces of nature.

Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Beneath the green roof, the house seems to have been carved out of the terrain. Massive stone walls emerge from the ground, following the topography, while openings add porosity to the solid forms. The walls are dry-laid granite wall constructions that draw on a Portuguese building tradition of agricultural terraces and boundary walls. This technique, so beautifully reinterpreted in contemporary architecture by masters such as Alvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, anchors the project to the site and the local culture.

A deep trench, lined by these walls, evokes the water-eroded terrain that inspired the design concept. It’s the pedestrian access to the house that, in reference to the idea of geological transformation, recalls a tectonic fault. Functionally, the path separates two volumes that form the house: one dedicated to social spaces, the other to private ones. Bisecting the house into two volumes, the path ends at the central courtyard. Yet beyond its function as a spatial organizer, the path carries a poetic charge, unfolding as a processional route reminiscent of an approach to an ancient temple.

Roof plan for Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Floor plan for Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

The house’s design, form, and orientation follow the topography, emphasizing the integration of landscape and architecture. Simple geometric forms, a rectilinear grid, and an orderly arrangement of rooms evoke the rationality and clarity typically associated with modernist architecture, resulting in functional legibility and structural honesty.

All the rooms have direct access to the courtyard. Like a ruined and incomplete Vitruvian patio, the courtyard offers an outdoor space for gathering, mediating between the house and the landscape. It is paved with rectangular granite blocks—one of northern Portugal’s most enduring building materials—laid out to minimize material waste.

The direct access to the courtyard and the generous use of glass enclosures create a sense of openness that contrasts with the heaviness of the building materials and compensates for the compact footprint of the house.

Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

The formal clarity and precise construction make the house look rigorous yet calm, essential yet enduring. Faithful to the modernist principles, spaces — both interior and exterior — are defined by the articulation of independent vertical and horizontal planes rather than by fully enclosed volumes. Overhangs intuitively delimit outdoor rooms and frame the surrounding landscape, while glazed pocket sliding doors enhance the indoor-outdoor continuity.

Alongside this formal clarity and construction rigor, the house has a raw quality that derives from the use of natural materials, further emphasizing the connection between architecture and landscape.

Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

A restrained material and color palette facilitates the integration of the house into the landscape. The exterior walls are clad in cork panels. Cork is a renewable, carbon-negative material with excellent thermal insulation performance. Over time, it weathers naturally without the need for maintenance, gradually acquiring a tone and texture that blends with the region’s yellow granite.

Unlike the irregular stereotomy of the granite walls and pavement, the cork is precisely cut to emphasize the linearity of the house form. The base of the exterior walls is finished in locally sourced granite, offering functional protection against rising damp and mechanical damage.

Casa da Levada by Tsou Arquitectos, Penafiel, Portugal | Jury & Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Sustainability is a guiding principle in all technical and material choices, aligning the building with its natural surroundings and reducing its environmental footprint. Glazing is carefully oriented and protected with external shading devices—such as solar louvers and shutters—to optimize thermal solar gains in winter and mitigate overheating in summer. A strategically positioned skylight with controlled opening enables cross ventilation, allowing warm air to escape naturally and drawing in cooler air through lower shaded openings. This promotes natural airflow, reduces reliance on mechanical cooling, improves indoor air quality, and enhances thermal comfort during milder seasons.

Complementing these passive measures, the interior climate is actively regulated by a water-based radiant floor system powered by a heat pump, providing both heating and cooling. The ceramic floor finish enhances the system’s efficiency by enabling faster and more effective thermal transfer. Additionally, a Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (CMV) system with a heat exchanger ensures continuous air renewal with minimal thermal losses.

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The post Architectural Details: Evolving Portuguese Modernism at Casa da Levada appeared first on Journal.

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You notice the staircase first. Bronze-painted steel, floating in the center of the lobby. Then you look closer and catch the treads: Pietra d’Avola, a rich, chocolatey Sicilian limestone that Salvatori — the Tuscan stone house founded near Carrara in 1946 — has spent decades championing as a warmer alternative to the whites that dominate contemporary interiors. If you know Salvatori’s work, you know the story: Guido Salvatori invented the split-face finish in 1950, the company developed Lithoverde (the first recycled natural stone composite) sixty years later, the staircase isn’t just a staircase.

This is how Hotel AKA NoMad unfolds for anyone with a trained eye. Piero Lissoni’s first New York City hotel, which opened in May 2023 at 131 Madison Avenue, is filled with objects that carry histories, and those histories are legible to anyone who knows where to look.

The sofas, for instance. They’re Living Divani, which means more than fifty years of Brianza upholstery tradition, which means Lissoni’s three-and-a-half-decade tenure as the company’s art director, which means a particular philosophy about proportion and comfort: how seat depth relates to backrest height, how foam densities and frame engineering can produce ease without visual bulk. His Frog chair, designed for Living Divani in 1995, anticipated the low-slung seating that would come to define contemporary interiors. His Extrasoft sofa, launched in 2008, remains a reference point for modular upholstery. To sit on one of these pieces at Hotel AKA NoMad is to sit inside a body of work.

The furniture tells a similar story. Porro, the Brianza manufacturer where Lissoni has served as art director since 1989, built its identity on what the company calls “subtraction” — progressive simplification that strips furniture to essential geometry. That thinking lives throughout the hotel’s guestrooms. It lives, too, in the Fantini bathroom fixtures: a family-owned manufacturer on Lake Orta, founded in 1947, whose collaborations with leading designers have shaped contemporary fixture design. Lissoni’s own Aboutwater collection, co-designed with Naoto Fukasawa for Fantini, brought architectural rigor to the bathroom. These are not anonymous fittings; they are icons of design that have provenance.

Even the art is chosen at this level of specificity. The Poster Club, the Copenhagen platform that curates emerging Scandinavian artists, selected the guestroom works — pieces by Atelier Cph, Estelle Graf, Moe Made It, Nord Projects — for what the hotel describes as “soft, organic, graphic, simple shapes” in dialogue with Lissoni’s interiors. In the lobby, a different register: textile pieces by X+L, the Amsterdam duo Xander Vervoort and Leon van Boxtel, who have worked together since 1996. Their hand-dyed and hand-woven silk compositions, abstract and geometric, carry visible irregularity. They call it “the human touch.”

The through-line is a craft that can be traced. Every element connects to a workshop, a philosophy, a position within the discipline. For visitors who carry that knowledge, the hotel reveals itself. For those who don’t, the coherence still registers with warmth, restraint, the sense that decisions have been made consciously and meticulously.

AKA, the hospitality brand behind the project, built its model on extended stays: weeks and months rather than nights. A division of Korman Communities, a five-generation Philadelphia real estate family, the company operates sixteen properties and positions itself around “livability” and the idea that a hotel should function as a temporary residence rather than a way station. The Lissoni collaboration, which began with Hotel AKA Alexandria, reflects that ambition.

Architizer spoke with Larry Korman, CEO of AKA, about the design philosophy behind the property, the Lissoni partnership, and what it means to create spaces that feel genuinely inhabitable.

You’ve staked your brand identity on creating the “World’s Most Livable Hotels.” What are the non-negotiable design and experiential elements that make a hotel truly livable versus simply luxurious?

The ‘World’s Most Livable Hotel’ means designing spaces that feel genuinely like home, with comfort, functionality and thoughtful design at every turn, intended to welcome guests for weeks or even months at a time. Design sits at the core of AKA’s identity, turning each stay from simply purposeful to truly memorable. Each property reflects its surroundings while maintaining refinement and understated elegance, with intuitive layouts, personalized service and curated business, wellness and lifestyle amenities that bring the ease of residential living into every stay. Art and design have always been central to AKA, and Hotel AKA NoMad is a natural extension of that philosophy. Designed by Piero Lissoni, it showcases cultured, unique artistic flair to match the creativity of downtown Manhattan, offering our discerning travelers the world’s most livable hotel in one of New York City’s premier design destinations.

Hotel AKA NoMad marks Lissoni’s first NYC hotel. What drew you to his work, and how does his Japanese-Scandinavian minimalism align with AKA’s residential philosophy?

AKA has a long-standing creative partnership with Piero Lissoni, whose design philosophy resonates deeply with AKA’s own. Lissoni’s Italian design heritage with Japanese-Scandinavian minimalist influences, where quiet elegance, functionality and calm coexist, mirrors AKA’s residential approach, creating spaces where guests feel truly at home while immersed in thoughtful, sophisticated design. As leaders in long-stay accommodations, we apply our residential philosophies to elevate traditional hotels into more livable, high-quality spaces — a vision strengthened by Lissoni’s work.

Hotel AKA NoMad, Lissoni’s first New York City hotel and his second collaboration with AKA after Hotel AKA Alexandria, brings this philosophy to life. From guestrooms to public spaces, his intentional approach transforms the property into a serene retreat in Manhattan’s Design District, balancing tranquility with the energy of the city. This collaboration highlights the seamless blend of comfort, privacy and style that distinguishes AKA within the hospitality landscape. The property offers a luxury escape that is truly quiet, and people can retreat and feel calm.

You’ve positioned this hotel in Manhattan’s Design District. How does a neighborhood’s creative energy influence this property and indeed the other properties in the portfolio, and how does the hotel contribute back to NoMad’s design culture?

NoMad has become one of Manhattan’s most exciting neighborhoods, and that energy definitely shapes the vibe at Hotel AKA NoMad. Being in the heart of the Design District means we’re surrounded by innovative studios, showrooms and creative projects that are breathing new life into historic buildings and that inspiration shows up throughout the hotel. Our guests get to experience the best of the neighborhood, from the Empire State Building views in our Empire Suite to strolls through Madison Square, and all the furniture and design showrooms nearby.

At the same time, we contribute by creating spaces that celebrate design and craftsmanship. The hotel’s style and programming are all about reflecting the neighborhood’s creative pulse while offering a refined, welcoming place to stay. It’s really a two-way relationship: NoMad inspires us, and we aim to contribute to its reputation as a hub for design and culture.

From that floating origami staircase to custom window seats in the guestrooms — these feel like deliberate investments in moments of pause. How do you think about the role of these human-scaled design gestures in shifting how guests inhabit space?

The signature spiral staircase at Hotel AKA NoMad is more than just a design element; it’s a journey of elegance, form and function. As one of Lissoni’s signature architectural statements, the staircase anchors the lobby and becomes one of the very first elements guests encounter when they walk in, immediately setting the tone for the refined, sculptural design narrative that carries throughout the property.

At AKA, we see every detail as an opportunity to create moments that make guests slow down and engage with their surroundings. These touches help transform a room from simply a place to stay into an experience that feels personal and thoughtful. By designing for comfort, curiosity and discovery, we encourage guests to inhabit the hotel in a more intentional, immersive way. Ultimately, it’s these subtle gestures that make a stay at AKA feel both luxurious and distinctly memorable.

With 16 properties across multiple continents, what is it you do to maintain design integrity while responding to each location’s unique character? What’s the through-line that makes an AKA property recognizable?

Our design process starts by really getting to know each location. Every property reflects its city, from the historic charm of Philadelphia to the relaxed sophistication of West Palm, to the lively energy of New York City, while keeping the warm, residential feel that’s unmistakably AKA. We lean into minimalist design: clean lines, natural materials, uncluttered spaces and understated touches that create a calm, welcoming vibe.

Across all our properties, the goal is the same: spaces that feel like home, where guests can cook in their own kitchen, work from their living room, or just unwind in comfort. Signature details like tailored furniture, a balance of style and functionality, and nods to the local neighborhood make each property feel connected to its city, yet instantly recognizable as AKA. With five generations of the Korman family’s experience in residential real estate shaping everything we do, we aim to offer spaces that are authentic, thoughtful and a little sanctuary-like, no matter where you stay.

How people work and travel has fundamentally changed over the last five years. How has AKA’s residential-forward model stepped up to meet that shifting mindset and reach new guest expectations, and what are you hearing from your visitors about what it is they need from hospitality now?

AKA has been at the forefront of the luxury long-stay market since 2005, offering a unique hotel-home hybrid that anticipates what today’s travelers are seeking. The last few years have accelerated a shift in how people work and travel — hybrid work, leisure trips and longer stays are now the norm. Guests aren’t just looking for a place to sleep; they want a residence where they can truly live. That means spacious accommodations with gourmet kitchens to cook in, living rooms to relax and entertain, and in-residence amenities like laundry to make life easier.

At the same time, they expect a high-level service consistency and thoughtful touches that only a hotel can provide. What we’re hearing from our visitors is clear: flexibility, comfort and authenticity are key. Extended-stay models like AKA have proven resilient and sustainable because they meet these needs, giving guests the freedom to work, live and explore while enjoying the stability and care of a luxury hotel environment.

When AKA entered the hotel space, it did so by reimagining what a stay could feel like, bringing residential warmth and spaciousness into a luxury hospitality framework. Rather than adapting to trends, AKA has consistently shaped them, creating a category where design, comfort and long-term livability coexist.

As you look ahead, what’s the next frontier for livable luxury? Where is AKA — and the industry — heading in terms of how we design for the way people actually want to live?

With Airbnb and other players exploring hotel-focused models, it’s clear the long-stay, hybrid hotel-residence space is gaining renewed attention. Extended-stay and hotel-residence models like AKA have proven resilient because they combine the freedom of a home with high-level service consistency and the flexibility that only a hotel can deliver. Where others have struggled to make longer stays seamless, this model remains sustainable, meeting the evolving needs of travelers who want both independence and reliability.

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Images Courtesy of Hotel AKA NoMad

The post A Hotel That Rewards the Trained Eye: Inside Piero Lissoni’s New York Debut appeared first on Journal.

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Inclusive growth and competitiveness. They seem like oxymorons, until we look at nature itself. The great teacher of how we should develop, walk through any relatively untouched environment, and it quickly becomes clear how these concepts can coexist in harmony.

The forest is a timeless example of inclusive growth. An ecosystem in which all species are given the nutrients they need to flourish, provided they were meant to flourish there. But this doesn’t remove competitive instincts — there’s a reason why trees rise and reach for the sky. Every living thing, from the floor to the canopy, is jostling for a prime spot that offers what they’re looking for.

Humans, or at least modern society, are often less prone to this type of collaboration. Not that the doyens of Big Tech, private equity and venture capital would ever admit their use of ‘collab’ is a misnomer.

True collaboration is open-ended, the journey is the experience, and where we might end up is only clear once we get there. In many ways, it’s a mirror image of the evolutionary process.

How can a building foster this kind of mentality and behavior? In Southern India, the Centre for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for Tapmi is a case study for this kind of design, hence picking up the Jury Award in the Community Centers category in the 13th Architizer A+Awards. (The building also graces the cover of the 2026 edition of the World’s Best Architecture book.)

The new canopies at the Centre for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for Tapmi by Purple Ink Studio, Manipal, India | Jury Winner, Community Centers, 13th Architizer A+Awards

The namesake town has blossomed from a few thousand to a few tens of thousands of residents in a relatively brief amount of time. 50-60% of those people are students. This reflects a relatively high standard of living in the municipality — poverty levels are below the national average — but academia can present as closed to those not enrolled.

Problems in the original 40-acre campus blueprint included a lack of social spaces for informal and unplanned interactions, promoting isolation within the student body. Purple Ink Studio was asked to overcome separation lines and has done so without resorting to obvious solutions.

Top-down view of the campus at the Centre for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for Tapmi by Purple Ink Studio, Manipal, India | Jury Winner, Community Centers, 13th Architizer A+Awards

So, rather than building upwards to facilitate the inclusion of indoor recreation and common rooms, the team opted instead to look at roof terrace options — a challenging approach, given the heavy rainfall this part of India is known for.

As images of the final project show, the answer was found in the forests beyond the campus periphery. Inspired by tree canopies, organic covers have been erected over the new terraces, meaning they can be used in (almost) all conditions.

The fact that these spaces are outside is also highly deliberate, as it opens up opportunities for unexpected interactions and collaborations which would be difficult, if not impossible, if social and community areas were kept behind closed doors. Open in description only, but in reality, closed off.

Centre for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for Tapmi by Purple Ink Studio, Manipal, India | Jury Winner, Community Centers, 13th Architizer A+Awards

Purple Ink’s new canopies act as an aesthetic bridge between two worlds — the built and natural environment. In turn, this helps bring the campus outside of its protected, gated comfort zone and into a living, breathing place of unpredictability and open possibility. An achievement that becomes more pronounced with the innovative Angala.

This open-air amphitheater is defined as a “hub for several activities”, and its position means it very nearly dissipates into the main road that runs by the campus.

Rather than dividing life outside from the people within the institution, both are actively invited to take an interest in one another. It might be pushing it to expect game-changing ideas to develop from this loose point of engagement. But it also might not be.

13th Architizer A+Awards book cover featuring Centre for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for Tapmi by The Purple Ink Studio, Manipal, India | Photo by Saurabh Suryan | Jury Winner, Community Centers, 13th Architizer a+Awards

We’ve seen before how planning that doesn’t specifically define the use of a space is actually a more human and natural approach to development. There’s not a species on the planet that stands still in evolutionary terms, and humans are particularly listless in their ways of thinking, interests, and socioeconomic structures.

Our built environment needs to represent this and have the ability to facilitate whatever comes next in Tapmi. The studio has responded to very specific elements of a brief, which identified specific things that were missing from the Centre. How interesting that what seems to have been missing was the ability to escape the prescribed and find purpose-made pockets purpose-made to be adapted without prior notice.

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After almost fifty years of being open to the public, the Centre Pompidou will temporarily close for a major renovation. The works will address structural aging and bring the facility up to current safety, accessibility and environmental standards, ensuring the Centre Pompidou can continue to operate as a world-class institution. The closure is expected to last approximately five years, with reopening planned for 2030.

As would-be visitors postpone their architectural pilgrimages, it’s an opportune moment to revisit some of its most distinctive architectural features. Since its inauguration in 1977,  it is one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks, an icon of High-Tech architecture and a beacon of cultural innovation. Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the building turned traditional museum design upside down (or, rather, inside-out!), with its boldly exposed infrastructure and brightly color-coded mechanical systems.

French architecture firm Moreau Kusunoki, in collaboration with Frida Escobedo Studio, was selected to lead the ambitious project for their thoughtful approach to contemporary interventions in historic settings and their commitment to sustainability. The upgrade involves no expansion of the original structure; instead, it focuses on improving the building’s long-term resilience and functionality while staying true to the original design’s spirit.

View of Centre Pompidou from Montmartre, Paris, France. | Photo by Zairon via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 4.0.

1. The Centre Pompidou is undoubtedly a bold architectural landmark and a prime example of High-Tech Architecture, also known as Structural Expressionism. This style emerged in the late 1960s, primarily in the United Kingdom, and later spread internationally. Highly influenced by Modernism and Brutalism, High-Tech Architecture proudly displays building components, such as structural and mechanical systems, which are typically concealed. The style also celebrates industrial materials, engineering innovation, and prefabrication.

Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers were part of a wave of architects, including Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava, Nicholas Grimshaw, and Michael Hopkins, among others, who contributed significantly to the style’s development. As one of the style’s earliest and most provocative designs, the Centre Pompidou remains an all-time architectural icon. 

2. The Centre Pompidou opened its doors in 1977, stirring controversy because of its industrial, rough aesthetic. Its boldly displayed structural and mechanical systems made the building look more like an industrial construction — such as factories or power plants — than a conventional civic building. Many critics saw it as out of place in historic Paris, especially compared to institutions like the Louvre, which embody traditional architectural principles. Yet, its provocative aesthetics, once criticized, are now recognized as a strength, pushing the boundaries of what an art institution can look like. Today, the Centre Pompidou is a powerful symbol of contemporary architecture that reflects the spirit of artistic avant-garde.

Views of Paris from Centre Pompidou’s panoramic escalator. Photos by Huân Lê via Unsplash (right) and Florian Peeters via Unsplash (left).

3. Located in the Beaubourg area of Paris’ Marais district, the Centre Pompidou — also referred to as Beaubourg — has played a key role in revitalizing the neighborhood and activating public life with its plaza. It represents far more than a traditional museum, promoting street performances and cultural events. This strategy has transformed the area into a dynamic neighborhood, attracting both locals and visitors.

4. The Centre Pompidou was envisioned as a multidisciplinary cultural institution. In addition to its world-class modern and contemporary art collection, it also houses the Bibliothèque publique d’information (Bpi), the Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music (IRCAM), movie theaters, and performance spaces. The integration of multiple disciplines under one roof promotes a vibrant cultural ecosystem that engages a broad and diverse public.

5. One of the Centre Pompidou’s most striking features is the external glass-enclosed escalator that rises the south façade overlooking the plaza. Nicknamed “la chenille” — French for “the caterpillar” — the escalator is more than just functional; it is a defining part of the visitor experience, offering panoramic views of Paris. This façade, with its distinctive escalator, has become so emblematic that a stylized drawing of it serves as the Centre Pompidou’s logo and branding.

Centre Pompidou’s color-coded infrastructure. | Photo by Adora Goodenough via Unsplash.

6. Another outstanding feature of the building’s design is its color-coded infrastructure systems, which not only serves a functional purpose but also creates a vibrant visual language. Each  system is painted a different color to indicate its function:

• Blue for air ducts
• Green for plumbing
• Yellow for electrical systems
• Red for circulation (staircases, escalators, and elevators)

The upcoming upgrade project will maintain this defining design aspect — so closely tied to the building’s identity and the spirit of the institution it houses — while improving the building’s overall functionality and sustainability with more energy-efficient technologies.

Centre Pompidou 2030 design by Moreau Kusunoki in association with Frida Escobedo Studio. Paris, France | Visualization by Moreau Kusunoki

7. Like the building’s infrastructure systems, the structure is also external, forming a steel exoskeleton composed of prefabricated steel trusses and diagonal bracing. This design approach reflects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers’ intent to create a visually striking architecture that emphasizes clarity and legibility. The renovation will preserve and restore this architectural expression while making significant upgrades to meet today’s standards, including the refurbishment of the steel frame and façades without compromising the original design intent.

8. By placing the building’s structural and mechanical systems on the exterior, the Centre Pompidou offers expansive open spaces that can be easily reconfigured. This design approach optimizes the flexible use of spaces, ideal for exhibitions and performances. The new design will not expand the original structure but will make better use of previously underutilized areas. According to the architect’s project statement, the renovation seeks to “rationalize and simplify the spatial organization in order to establish clear, readable layout principles.”

Centre Pompidou 2030 design by Moreau Kusunoki in association with Frida Escobedo Studio. Paris, France | Visualization by Moreau Kusunoki

9. In their project statement, Moreau Kusunoki also explain the shift in societal values since the Centre Pompidou opened in 1977: “When the Centre Pompidou was conceived, notions of speed, animation and information dissemination symbolized progress. Today, the paradigm is reversed: faced with information overload, fragmented attention and isolation caused by screen time, the Centre Pompidou offers a space where mediation, human interaction and the physical experience are central.”

10. The Atelier Brancusi is integral to the Pompidou’s identity. Situated just beside the main building on Place Georges-Pompidou, it will also close temporarily during the renovation. The renovation measures are aimed to ensure its careful preservation and eventual reopening in 2030.

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Top image: Centre Pompidou 2030 by MOREAU KUSUNOKI,Paris,France

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The Notch House in New Hampshire, designed by Paul Designs Project, reexamines the concept of traditional cabin design by proposing a house that mimics the surrounding landscape whilst framing breathtaking views from all angles. While the residence is highly modern, it features the materiality, strategic site orientation and warm, welcoming feel of a traditional cabin in the woods. Yet, the most prominent feature of the space is glass.

Dramatic Marvin Modern floor-to-ceiling windows were key to realizing a house with contextual harmony that fulfills the demands of the client, all while pushing the boundaries of expansive glass.

The Notch House by Paul Designs Projects; image courtesy of Marvin.

Looking from afar, the profile of the roofline perfectly reflects the ridgeline of Mt. Lafayette, the way it dips down for the Franconia Notch and eventually rises back up for the outline of Cannon Mountain — hence the name “Notch House”. Spatially, “the notch” is a threshold, a glass-bridge hallway that connects the primary suite with the main living space. Constructed solely from glazing, this passageway slows down the movement within the house, forcing an intentional pause to enjoy the outside views.

On the other side, an impressive glass enclosed staircase leads to the upper floor. “I still get a kick out of this tower that the stairway is in,” the homeowner recalls. “It’s basically all glass. That just tickles me to no end, every time I use it.” In parallel, backlit Corten steel panels become the primary feature of the façade. White pine boughs are used as a pattern that evokes the New Hampshire Mountains, creating a welcoming symbol for the owners upon their arrival.

The Notch House featuring glass-bridge hallway; image courtesy of Marvin.

Axonometric and elevation drawings of the Notch House; image courtesy of Paul Designs Projects.

This interplay between solid and transparent volumes constructs a modern line that compliments the organic line of the surrounding terrain. Fittingly, the Marvin Modern collection enables the construction of large windows with very thin profiles — an ideal product for the principal architect Paul Lewandowski to achieve his uninterrupted views-at-every-turn vision.

Façade details; image courtesy of Paul Designs Projects.

Following a discussion with Marvin architectural project manager Matt LeGeyt, Lewandowski set a personal bet: to use the largest window size possible for the project. Consequently, upon entering the living room, three huge windows — measuring 8 by 12 feet each — capture the stunning views, while the meticulous frame construction uses internal covers to disguise the fasteners and concealing rubber gaskets, thus minimizing visual distractions.

Additionally, the Modern collection of windows are complemented with Marvin Ultimate Sliding doors, offering even more natural light and airflow to the space. Upon the project’s completion, the homeowners stated: “Modern windows made all the difference in the world. It allowed us to get the floor-to-ceiling views that we wanted.” And for Lewandowski? Challenge completed: “I guess we used the largest size that could be made.”

Notch House interior; image courtesy of Marvin.

Apart from the visual and spatial properties of glass, it was also important to consider the products’ functional performance. Located in a region known for its inhospitable and unpredictable weather, the Modern collection had to perform efficiently in both the cold winter as well as the hot summer months.

Made out of High-Density Fiberglass construction, the window frame is strong, durable and non-conductive, and does not require any additional material to aid its thermal performance. Furthermore, fiberglass is a relatively lightweight material, allowing for the manufacturing of large-scale windows while consciously keeping material usage to a minimum.

Notch House glass-bridge hallway details; images courtesy of Marvin.

When it came to the project’s implementation, the trusting relationship between the architects and Marvin’s project manager played a crucial role for the design’s precise execution. Acting primarily as a consultant, LeGeyt provided advice on the correct window installation for their effective performance and became an invaluable resource for technical information. He also coordinated the assimilation of the two collections — Marvin Modern and Marvin Ultimate — providing solutions to achieve the same finishes and heights throughout the space.

Plan drawings courtesy of Paul Designs Projects.

The project successfully redefines the principles of the traditional cabin typology through the use of cutting-edge technology, thoughtful collaboration and a highly intensive consideration of context. Additionally, the use of glass as both a structural and experiential element balances solidity and transparency as well as protection and openness. Marvin Modern windows provide a high-functioning solution that enhances both the aesthetic and environmental performance of the home. As a result, the Notch House is ultimately not just a place to live, but a place to truly see.

For architects seeking to elevate their projects and bring the outdoors in, visit Marvin.com to explore the new series.

The post Framing Nature: How the Notch House Redefines Cabin Design with Extraordinary Glass Details appeared first on Journal.

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Net zero. Carbon neutral. Nature-friendly. Future-ready. Green. Pro-planet.

Whatever industry you’re in, there are no end to the buzzwords and top-line phrases we use to imply and infer actions that directly benefit the Earth, slow and mitigate the damage human civilization has been causing for a few centuries now.

Each can be considered a subheading beneath the unwieldy label of ‘sustainability’ — a word that literally means the ability to maintain something at a constant rate or level, indefinitely. But, while many of the myriad tags are essentially pretty meaningless, there’s no escaping from the truth. People need up-skilling in the art of not destroying the environment, upon which their own existence depends.

This is particularly true of architects and designers, the professionals tasked with creating cities and objects, buildings and items, of the future. Currently, the built environment accounts for 40% of all carbon emissions, and this figure remains stubbornly high. Progress is only be guaranteed when we wrap our heads around what it sustainable development really means. Here’s a 101 in green design and architecture to start us off.

Characteristics of Sustainable Architecture

Bundanon Art Museum + Bridge by Kerstin Thompson Architects, Illaroo, Australia | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; JuryWinner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 11th Annual A+Awards

What are the benefits of sustainable architecture?

It’s simple maths really. Without reducing our environmental footprint and making buildings — along with everything else — more nature and climate-friendly, the continued development of society risks destroying bringing about an end to civilization. So the benefit of sustainable architecture is avoiding self-annihilation.

Digging deeper, there are key ‘wins’ with sustainable architecture. Carbon emissions and other airborne pollutants are usually significantly lower with sustainable approaches. Often, fewer resources are used, with waste and — potentially — cost coming down as a result. These projects frequently place a high value on natural assets, too. And given green space, trees, plants and wildlife are proven to improve human health and mental health, it should go without saying this is another major plus point.

What is embodied carbon and why does it matter for architectural sustainability?

Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions produced during the design, construction and completion of a structure, and then any physical parts required to keep it standing. Breaking this down into Upfront (emissions up to the point the building becomes operational, in-use — day-to-day maintenance) — and end-of-life, meaning carbon footprint of demolition and deconstruction, reveals how big a deal it is.

Embodied carbon is hugely important for architecture to be truly sustainable because as we transition to renewable energy sources and operational footprints come down, most emissions associated with buildings are more likely to be a form of embodied at the construction stage. We’re still some way off perfecting truly affordable green concrete, which is a big issue in tackling this. Nevertheless, as regulations tighten, embodied carbon in the materials and creation of new structures will be more important than ever.

Gaia by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, Singapore | Jury Winner, Sustainable Institutional Building, 12th Annual A+Awards

How important are regenerative and eco-friendly materials in sustainable design?

If using lower carbon materials is pivotal to tackling the climate crisis, then using regenerative and ‘eco-friendly’ products takes this one step further. Regenerative materials usually refer to anything that can contribute positively to a ‘right-carbon’ future, actively bringing down emissions and self-maintaining.

Interestingly, materials such as biochar, hemp, bark, cork, straw and bamboo are now considered at the bleeding edge of the regenerative revolution, but actually have more ties to historic, localized and indigenous construction methods than (almost) anything the 20th century gave us.

It is also crucial to consider that just because something is technically regenerative doesn’t mean it is planet-friendly. We need to note where materials are sourced from, how responsibly feedstocks were cultivated, and consider how alternatives measure up. The debate over recycled steel is a good example of this — technically regenerative, yet anything but ecological.

What role do adaptive and modular spaces play in sustainable design?

Adaptive architecture refers to the creation of buildings and structures that can adapt to and exploit traits in their environment. Passive heating and cooling systems could be one example. A living roof, which develops in response to climate conditions and species interactions, is another.

Sometimes, ‘adaptive’ relates more to the connection between inhabitants and users and buildings. Like designs that purposefully address accessibility for people with particular needs.

In contrast, modular means “employing or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction”. This means building something from smaller parts, often pre-fabricated then brought to site as a series of ‘complete’ parts, at which point it’s pieced together.

This isn’t always a sustainable option, but often results in less embodied carbon from production processes as labor times are reduced, fewer trips are needed to transport materials, and completion times are quicker. There’s often less waste, too, as materials can be precision prepared in specialist facilities, rather than cut to fit mid construction.

Manshausen – Two Towers by Snorre Stinessen Architecture, Steigen, Nordland, Norway | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Hospitality Building, 12th Annual A+Awards

How can biophilia, or incorporating plants and nature into buildings, help with sustainability?

Biophilic design has one core purpose — reconnecting people with nature by looking to nature for guidance on how to approach developing, improving or inventing solutions.

If we want to state the obvious, this is a fundamental principle of sustainable architecture because the blueprint is Earth itself, which has evolved systems capable of sustaining life for hundreds of thousands of years at a time without biosphere change.

Natural light and ventilation, engaging with the existing landscape, living walls, planted roofs and the use of eco-friendly, grown materials all fall into this category. By simulating the way plants have evolved to become self-sufficient but also net positive contributors to the planet, we can produce far more environmentally friendly buildings.

History of Sustainable Architecture

What is the history of sustainable architecture?

Sustainable architecture almost predates architecture itself. Traditional, rudimentary, ancient building methods were all sustainable by their very nature due to the materials available. So, despite their 21st century positioning, eco-friendly buildings are really mimicking and mirroring, or at least replicating the impact of what we were doing millennia ago.

The expansion of the Industrial Revolution, and the advent of the age of mass-production really marked the turning of a tide towards far less sustainable building practices. Modernism during the mid-20th Century then ushered in a period of ‘holistic’ architectural theory in some regions and circles, giving rise to today’s combination of au naturel solutions, ecological innovation and high-tech sustainability.

Examples / Case Studies

Life Cycle by Steffen Welsch Architects, Coburg, Australia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 12th Annual A+Awards

What certifications exist to establish standards for sustainable buildings?

LEED – Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design

BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

WELL Building Standard – Certification based on human health and well-being in relation to a building

Green Globes – Green Building Initiative certification and rating system

Living Building Challenge – Certification of sustainable design and construction leading to net positive impact

DGNB – Measurement of a building’s effect on ecology, economy and society

Energy Star – US Environmental Protection Agency certification for operational energy efficiency
National Green Building Standard – rating and certification of homes and apartments for energy, water, maintenance, indoor environmental quality, more

Passivehaus Standard – Certification designating a home as being environmentally ‘passive’, indicating no or positive impact

Fitwel Standard – Focused on the health and wellbeing effects of apartments, retail and commercial buildings

Google Borregas by MGA | MICHAEL GREEN ARCHITECTURE, Sunnyvale, California | Jury and Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Workspace; Jury Winner, Architecture +Wood, 12th Annual A+Awards

Which architects are associated with sustainable architecture?

The list could be longer, but here are a few distinguished names:

Kunlé Adeyami is an architect, designer and development researcher at NLÉ Works in the Netherlands, and the mastermind behind the Makoko Floating System — an adaptive, regenerative, low carbon solution to rapid population growth in coastal areas of developing countries facing the brunt of the climate crisis.

Michael Green is a Canadian architect and founder of Michael Green Architecture. In addition to authoring books on mass timber construction, he is also a vocal advocate of revolutionizing the AEC industry through material specification and design choice, drawing critical attention to the term “sustainability” itself.

Alexandra Hagen is CEO of Swedish sustainable architecture powerhouse White Arkitekter and has led on a number of iconic timber construction projects in northern Europe, a snowball’s throw from the Arctic Circle.

Mariam Kamara, founder of Atelier Masomi, considers local aesthetics, histories, societal attributes and environmental traits in every decision, informing use of materials such as glass and steel in projects across her Niger homeland and beyond — one of innumerable countries now on the frontline of climate change.

Edward Mazria has a hugely impressive portfolio of global projects and 40 years of sustainable practice behind him. In more recent years, he founded Architecture 2030, a pro-bono entity looking to transform the built environment into a net positive carbon contributor.

Pablo Sendra, in the bestselling Designing for Disorder, argues that the built environment’s liveability depends on its evolutionary qualities. Simply put, sustainable places are made to adapt and change roles as our needs evolve.

What are famous examples of sustainable architecture?

We’ve already mentioned headline-grabbing award-winners like the Makoko Floating System and Sara Kulturhus. But the Architizer archives are full of examples — hence a dedicated section of Sustainability Categories in Architizer’s A+Awards Program.

Learn More

Past winners include commercial buildings like Oslotre Arkitekter’s HasleTre, Amazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park by ZGF Architects and Foster + Partners Ombú, cultural institutions like the Bundanon Art Museum + Bridge by Kerstin Thompson Architects and the Echo building at TU Delft by UNStudio.

Not to mention private houses such as Sumu Takushima by tono.inc, and Shore House. This is before we come to major urban interventions and transport developments. One Green Mile in Mumbai, and the Amazon Bus Station, Belém, Brazil.

The Future of Sustainable Architecture

Amazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park by ZGF Architects, Arlington, Virginia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Commercial Building, 12th Annual A+Awards

What technologies are being developed for the future of sustainable architecture?

BIM – Building Information Modeling is a powerful management framework that provides detailed insights into every aspect of a building’s construction and maintenance, boosting efficiency and cutting waste.

AI – Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly big part in streamlining and fine-tuning building processes, ensuring the most efficient and effective solutions are deployed

Bio insulation – Insulation brings down energy use, and in doing so a building’s operational footprint. We need a lot more of it, but the materials involved are often damaging to the environment. Mycelium – the root-like structure of fungal communities – is one of many bio alternatives now available

3D printing – Accuracy counts for plenty in the sustainable age, and 3D printing is as accurate as it gets. Improving the impact again by maximising resources, it’s also possible to use recycled raw materials to produce whatever structure you’re printing, turning construction into a circular process involving pin point precision.

Energy production – In an ideal world, the future of buildings isn’t just carbon positive, it’s also energy positive. While hospitals, airports, and other key infrastructure sites have long had on-site energy production for obvious reasons, new projects are incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal technology. The result means contributing to, rather than extracting from, over-stretched national grids.

Water conservation – Emissions, gases, carbon, and even biodiversity impact all get more air time than water, yet with population growth alone we’re running out of H20, and can’t survive without it. Rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling systems, and low-flow taps are just some examples of how architects are considering this often overlooked issue.

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Top image: Interpretation Center of Biodiversity and Pile Dwellings in the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park by Atelje Ostan Pavlin, Ljubljana, Slovenia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 12th Annual A+Awards

The post Architecture 101: What Is Sustainability in Architecture and Design? appeared first on Journal.

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When we think about minimalist architecture and interiors, many of us visualize uncluttered, monochromatic spaces in white, gray, and earthy tones, complementing unadorned, streamlined forms. While some might find these spaces uninviting and cold, others see them as calming and functional. This duality demonstrates that minimalism goes beyond aesthetics, influencing how we experience architecture and space.

Minimalism emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the ornamentation that characterized earlier 20th-century architectural styles, such as Classical Revival and Art Deco. It reduces architecture to its basic forms, embracing the “less is more” principle that architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe popularized. Minimalism focuses on clean lines, simple forms, and minimal ornamentation, allowing for spatial clarity.

Characteristics of Minimalist Architecture

Helmut Lang Concept Store designed by Standard, West Hollywood, California | Photo by Benny Chan | Fotoworks + Jenny Ly.

What are the typical characteristics of minimalist architecture?

Minimalist architecture is characterized by various key design elements that focus on functionality and simplicity. Open floor plans are a common feature in minimalist spaces. They offer a sense of spaciousness, but they also emphasize flexibility and multi-functionality to adapt to different needs. Natural lighting enhances spatial quality, adding warmth and complementing the simplicity of lines and forms. This approach reinforces minimalist architecture’s serene, quiet, and practical nature, embodying the “less is more” principle.

Materials like exposed concrete, steel, glass, wood, and stone are selected for their inherent beauty, introducing subtle richness through texture. Here, the ornamentation comes with the materials’ own qualities. This design approach that focuses on streamlined forms and clean lines requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that every component contributes to the overall cohesiveness of the design.

Habitat 67, designed by Moshe Safdie in 1967. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. | (Thomas Ledl, Habitat 67, southwest view, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Which architectural styles are minimalism typically associated with?

Minimalism is associated with various architectural styles that share the same principles of simplicity and practicality. They include movements such as modernism, International Style, and Brutalism. Scandinavian design is known for its minimalistic design approach, prioritizing functionality, simplicity and comfort. Additionally, minimalist influence is evident in many examples of contemporary architecture, where clean lines and functional design continue to reflect minimalist ideals.

“Jude’s Cubes” concrete art by minimalist artist Donald Judd | (John Cummings, The Chinati Foundation La Fundación Chinati, Marfa, Texas 13, CC BY-SA 3.0)

What is the relationship between minimalist architecture and other minimalist movements?

Minimalist architecture shares connections with other minimalist movements in the visual arts and product design. They are unified by a focus on essential elements. Minimalist architecture’s emphasis on the use of materials like wood, stone, steel, concrete and glass — often presented in their natural, unaltered state — is mirrored in minimalist sculpture, where artists like Donald Judd utilize similar materials to create works that highlight form, space and the observer’s experience. Both minimalist architecture and art create contemplative experiences: architecture focuses attention on light, shadow and space, while minimalist art evokes serenity and introspection through subdued color palettes and simple compositions.

History of Minimalist Architecture

Bauhaus Desssau, School of Art, Design, and Architecture designed by Walter Gropius and built between 1925 and 1926. Dessau-Roßlau, Germany | Photo by Tegula, via Pixabay.

Can the Bauhaus be considered a precursor to minimalism?

The Bauhaus can be considered a precursor to minimalism. Founded in Germany in 1919 by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus emerged as a reaction against the ornamentation that characterized earlier 20th-century architectural styles, such as Classical Revival and Art Deco. In contrast with these styles, the Bauhaus embraced simple forms, clean lines, and minimal ornamentation, influenced by earlier art movements such as De Stijl. Additionally, the Bauhaus promoted a “form follows function” ethos, highlighting a design approach where every element in a space or structure is intentional and functional.

The Bauhaus also embraced the use of materials like glass, steel and concrete — all key elements of minimalist architecture. The Bauhaus ideals generated a series of movements that extended its legacy. Among them, the International Style, developed in the 1920s and 1930s, carried the principles of simplicity and functionalism to a global architectural scale, emphasizing open floor plans, simple forms, clean lines, and a deliberate lack of ornamentation.

Traditional Japanese house interior | Photo by TANAKA Juuyoh via Flickr.

What role did traditional Japanese design play in the rise of minimalism?

Traditional Japanese design brought a philosophy of mindful simplicity and harmony with nature that resonated with the core principles of minimalism. It introduced a philosophy of restraint and harmony that appealed to minimalist architects. This approach emphasizes the beauty of restraint, where spaces foster a sense of tranquility. Key elements such as open layouts, natural materials and a connection to the outdoors resonate with minimalist architects, who seek to create serene environments that prioritize functionality and well-being.

Alvar Aalto Studio. | Jonathan Platteau, Studio Aalto 2023 02, CC BY-SA 4.0

Why is Scandinavia so closely associated with minimalism?

Characterized by bright, airy interiors and a neutral color palette, Scandinavian design embodies the principles of minimalism by prioritizing simplicity and clean lines. This aesthetic avoids clutter, creating a serene environment that promotes well-being. The use of natural materials like wood and stone adds warmth and fosters a sense of harmony with nature, which is central to minimalist ideals. Notable figures like Alvar Aalto exemplify this integration, as his designs reflect a commitment to simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to the natural environment.
Moreover, Scandinavian design emphasizes quality, enhancing the hygge experience — a Danish lifestyle philosophy centered on comfort, coziness, and well-being. By combining hygge with minimalist principles, this design approach results in visually appealing and comfortable spaces that promote warmth and contentment.

Case Studies

What are famous examples of minimalism in architecture?

• The Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe (Barcelona, Spain, 1929): This construction is a landmark of minimalist architecture with its simple yet elegant form using glass, steel, and marble. Its open plan, clean lines, material quality, and attention to detail embody the core principles of minimalism.
• Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier (Poissy, France, 1931): It is often categorized as a modernist work but embodies many minimalist principles, particularly through Le Corbusier’s “Five Points of Architecture.” The house’s simple form, open floor plan, and deliberate lack of ornamentation showcase a minimal, functional approach, making it a precursor to minimalist design.
• The Glass House by Philip Johnson (New Canaan, Connecticut, 1949): Johnson’s Glass House is a minimalist pavilion with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that blurs indoor-outdoor boundaries. The house’s simplicity and limited material palette allow the landscape to become an integral part of the design.

The Future of Minimalist Architecture

Reiters Reserve Premium Suites designed by BEHF Architects, Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria | Photo by Kurt Hörbst

What are the criticisms of minimalist architecture?

Minimalist architecture is widely admired for its clean aesthetic, but critics argue that its bare appearance can feel cold and create a sense of emptiness. Functionally, minimalist spaces can also be perceived as impractical, with limited storage and furnishings that sometimes prioritize aesthetics over comfort. In recent years, critics have hailed the return of maximalism as a culturally subconscious response to these criticisms.

Despite its simplicity, minimalist spaces can be costly to achieve, as their refined look generally requires high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Ultimately, minimalist architecture strikes a delicate balance: while it aims at creating uncluttered and serene spaces, it can sacrifice warmth and functionality in its quest for perfection. This ongoing debate challenges designers and architects to find new ways to balance minimalism’s purity with the hygge and functionality that make spaces feel both comfortable and practical.

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Top image: Paul R. Burley creator QS:P170,Q57979330, Farnsworth House Plano-9983, CC BY-SA 4.0

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In the rush of modern life, as we scuttle and shuffle our way through the world, it’s easy to overlook the spaces between — the corridors, staircases and passageways that quietly influence our journey through a building. Yet, it is these transitional spaces that subtly guide us. They shape our perceptions and even alter our emotions. Architects, with an almost imperceptible sleight of hand, use these spaces to manage and manipulate our experience of a building. Whether gently nudging us toward moments of intimacy or expanding our sense of grandeur, these pathways can be so much more than simply a route from A to B.

As architecture’s function becomes ever more nuanced, the psychology of design is vital. Moving through space is no longer a passive experience but a considered conversation between the built environment and the human mind — a dialogue that shapes how we experience the world around us.

Spatial Compression and Expansion

Ôpartment by DESIGN ONBOARD STUDIO, Shanghai, China | Photos by WU SPACE -VincentWu

Few things influence our perception of space more than the feelings of compression and expansion. Step into a narrow, confined corridor, and you immediately sense the weight of the space pressing in on you, urging you forward. Then, compare that to stepping into a room with soaring ceilings and abundant light — suddenly, there’s a palpable sense of release. Architects use these spatial tricks, compressing and expanding areas, to bring forth emotions we often don’t even consciously register.

Through careful manipulation of ceiling heights, corridor widths and sight lines, architects can create a rhythm of spatial experiences. Compression fosters intimacy or focus, while expansion invites openness and reflection. In these cases, space isn’t the only malleable aspect of the architectural experience — time can also be warped. Confined spaces push us to move faster, while expansive ones encourage us to slow down, pause, and even linger. By striking a balance between compression and expansion, how we physically and mentally engage with a building can be adjusted. It’s this mixing of experiences that injects dynamic energy into transitional spaces and can make a journey as significant as the destination.

Blurring Boundaries

Ederlezi by Práctica Arquitectura, San Pedro Garza García, Mexico | Photos by Apertura Arquitectonica

Transitional spaces no longer need walls to define them. As we increasingly seek nature wherever we can, architects are integrating biophilic design into the pathways and corridors within and around their buildings. Courtyards, gardens, and even living walls have become a common part of the transitional spaces as a way to dissolve the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

By using materials that reflect nature — stone, timber and evolving living walls — architects can create buildings that feel like they’re breathing with their surroundings. Large panes of glass, open-air corridors and clever sight lines that guide our view toward green landscapes reconnect us with nature. And it isn’t just a design trend. This kind of design taps into something deeply primal. Our need to connect with nature is instinctive, and these blurred boundaries offer users of a space a moment of calm; a way to reduce stress, boost cognitive function and enhance their overall well-being.

Corridors as a Canvas for Expression

ECCO China Headquarters by HONG Designworks, Shanghai, China | Photos by Tan Xiao

Far from being passive zones, corridors are very often used as canvases for creativity and artistic expression. In recent years, corridors had started to become underwhelming spaces. However, it would appear that change is afoot. These spaces are increasingly being used to express a building’s ethos. Through art, lighting, and materiality, more and more corridors are inviting us to pause, reflect and engage as we move through them.

Corridors with rotating art installations or that are designed with tactile materials turn what might have been a forgettable space into one that sparks curiosity or contemplation. They transform the journey, creating an experience that speaks to us in an unexpected way while also giving architects and designers additional opportunities to explore and play. Beyond aesthetics, corridors are also becoming social spaces, particularly in offices, museums, and educational buildings. By incorporating seating and thoughtful design, corridors have the potential to become dynamic communal spaces that are just as impactful as the rooms they connect.

Vertical Transitions

Penthouse B73 by CAST Studio, Sofia, Bulgaria | Photos by Cast Studio

Staircases are often seen as purely functional, but they have the potential to be so much more than that. They can be sculptural statements, bringing vertical continuity to a building while connecting disparate spaces in a thoughtful or exciting way. In high-density urban environments, where horizontal space is limited, and every square meter is precious, staircases can offer opportunities for a type of connectivity that encourages exploration by drawing the eye and being central to the design.

By playing with form—whether through spirals, floating treads, or bold geometries—architects can use staircases to create moments of joy within the everyday flow of urban life. As vertical transitions, they are part of the building’s story and, as such, can shape how we engage with it. Tread heights, staircase width, window position, and even size and regularity of landings can each impact the pace of our journey through as well as provide an opportunity for discovery, be it of views outside or within the building.

The Power of Thresholds

Queen & Collins by Kerstin Thompson Architects, Melbourne, Australia | Photos by Derek Swalwell

Thresholds, those quiet, subtle moments between rooms or zones, carry a significance far beyond their appearance. They are the point at which spaces shift, atmospheres change, and we, as users, are asked to pause and recalibrate. Whether it’s a shift in light, texture, or scale, thresholds create a sense of anticipation. They are the held breath before stepping into something new.

Architects have long understood the psychological power of thresholds. Crossing one isn’t just a change of space. It is a moment to shape our expectations of what’s to come next. A threshold can alter our mood entirely—heightening awareness, slowing our pace, or even instilling a sense of awe. These moments set the tone for the spaces we are about to enter, providing a subconscious narrative that guides us from one room to the next.

In contemporary design, thresholds are used to create contrast and drama without the need for walls. A shift in flooring or a sudden change in ceiling height can mark these transitions, giving a building depth and complexity to even the simplest spaces. These moments, though easily overlooked, are pivotal in shaping how we engage with the architecture around us.

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Parametric design in architecture uses computer tools to define how different design parts are connected. These parts, called “parameters,” can include design and building aspects such as materials, feasibility and energy efficiency. Instead of adjusting each part manually, architects create formulas or algorithms to automatically generate designs. This approach allows for more flexibility and precision and can create stunningly complex and dynamic forms.

Characteristics of Parametric Architecture

Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank O. Gehry, Los Angeles, California | Photo by Miguel Martinez via Pexels.

How is parametric architecture different than nonparametric architecture?

Parametric architecture differs from nonparametric architecture in its use of algorithms and formulas to manipulate the design process, allowing for real-time adjustments that translate into greater flexibility; for instance, changes to one element automatically update the entire design. This ability makes possible the creation of complex forms that would be challenging to achieve manually.

Nonparametric architecture, on the other hand, relies on manual processes where each element must be adjusted individually. This approach generally results in simpler forms and is time-consuming compared to parametric design, which is faster and more efficient, especially for large or intricate projects.

What are the typical characteristics of parametric architecture?

Parametric architecture stands out for its flexibility, making it easy to explore design options without starting from scratch. This flexibility resembles the transition from manual drafting to computer drafting we experienced decades ago. Remember when you could simply hit “undo” on the computer to reverse a mistake and go back several steps? In contrast, with manual drafting, you’d often find yourself erasing hours of work, only to begin all over again.

This flexibility in parametric design allows architects to experiment, knowing that changes can be made seamlessly. Parametric design often features complex geometries such as irregular forms, curvilinear geometry and fluid lines. Relying on algorithms to automatically generate forms allows designers to manipulate models in real time and explore various design scenarios. Additionally, decisions are data-driven, considering factors such as materiality, feasibility and energy efficiency.

What software is most used for parametric design?

• Grasshopper (for Rhino): A visual programming language enabling architects to develop intricate parametric models by establishing relationships among various components. This approach facilitates dynamic design adjustments, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in architectural projects.
• Dynamo (for Revit): A design tool that integrates with Autodesk Revit, enabling parametric modeling and automating repetitive tasks within building information modeling (BIM) workflows.
• Generative Components (GC): A parametric design tool developed by Bentley Systems, tailored specifically for infrastructure and civil engineering projects. Unlike Grasshopper, which is widely used in architecture and industrial design, GC excels in handling large, complex projects like airports, roads and rail systems.
• Houdini: Primarily used in the film industry, Houdini has also found applications in Architecture for the procedural generation of intricate and complex forms.
• Catia: Originally developed for the aerospace industry, Gehry Partners pioneered the use of Catia in architectural design, adapting the software to create some of their most iconic, complex structures such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

History of Parametric Architecture

Duncan Champney, A 3D version of the Mandelbrot set plot “Map 44” from the book “The Beauty of Fractals”, CC BY-SA 4.0

Is Gaudi’s architecture considered parametric?

In Antoni Gaudí’s epoque, the concept of parametric design as we know it with computational input obviously did not exist, so categorizing his work as parametric might be misleading. However, we can say that Antoni Gaudí is considered a precursor to parametric architecture if we look at his innovative approach to design.

His work features exceptionally complex geometries and curves, such as the hyperbolic paraboloids and catenary arches in the Sagrada Familia and the adjacent school building with a sine wave roof. These forms resonate with parametric design principles, emphasizing mathematical relationships and organic shapes to achieve structural and aesthetic creations. The innovative construction methods that he used, allowed designs to evolve throughout the building process; and his mathematical techniques, including tessellation and fractals, reflect concepts embraced by contemporary parametric tools.

So while Gaudí predated the parametric design era, his innovative techniques and visionary approach significantly influenced its development with unique forms and geometries that challenged conventional architecture.

Did Zaha Hadid invent parametric designs?

Zaha Hadid did not invent parametric design, but she was a prominent figure in its application in architecture. Several mathematical and computational concepts laid the groundwork for parametric design in architecture long before Zaha Hadid appeared in the architectural scene amazing the world with her stunning works of fluid forms.

Early concepts go as far back as the 18th century, when descriptive geometry, developed by Gaspard Monge, enabled accurate representation of three-dimensional objects, influencing architecture and engineering. Algorithmic geometry and spline curves, used in shipbuilding and automotive industries, allowed the creation of smooth aerodynamic shapes essential to later parametric models.

Additionally, non-Euclidean geometry introduced organic forms and optimized structures; early computational theories in the 1960s paved the way for CAD systems; and later in the 1970s, fractal geometry introduced recursive patterns used in modern parametric tools. These concepts laid the foundation for parametric design long before Hadid popularized them.

Which architects are associated with parametric architecture?

Zaha Hadid revolutionized architectural design with fluid, dynamic geometries. Her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), has become closely associated with parametricism, where design evolves from complex interactions between spatial elements.

Frank Gehry was instrumental in the use of parametric software, such as Catia, to create groundbreaking architectural forms, setting a precedent for how architects can push the boundaries of design by transforming complex geometries into buildable structures.

Bjarke Ingels and his firm, BIG, use parametric design to balance functionality with aesthetic complexity. Their process is highly data-driven, employing algorithmic tools to address environmental and design challenges, and optimizing their structures for performance and visual impact.

UNStudio integrates parametric tools to design user-oriented, adaptable designs. Their approach emphasizes the creation of fluid and responsive spaces that showcase dynamic forms while maintaining a strong connection with the urban context. This demonstrates how parametric design can go beyond form to influence user experience and functionality.

Tom Wiscombe Architecture is known for exploring parametric architecture’s artistic and structural potential. His designs emphasize aesthetics and materiality through intricate geometries and patterning.

What are famous examples of parametric architecture?

Parametric architecture is leaving a bold imprint on the landscape of contemporary design, with innovative structures that exhibit fluid, complex, and dynamic forms. These standout examples are reshaping our understanding of what architecture can achieve through cutting-edge computational techniques. Here are a some striking examples:

Opus by Zaha Hadid Architects, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo by Laurian Ghinitoiu.

The Opus building, home to the ME Dubai hotel in the Burj Khalifa district, stands as a powerful testament to the interplay between geometric rigor and fluid abstraction. Its bold cubic form captures attention with its clean and orthogonal lines. However, this powerful shape is disrupted by a dramatic carve-out that “erodes” the cube from the inside. This void introduces a striking contrast, softening the cube’s hard edges with its fluid, undulating contours and challenging the static nature of typical highrise structures. Simultaneously, the design creates a striking interplay between solid and void, transparency and reflection, and structured versus amorphous forms.

The Twist / Kistefos Gallery by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, Viken, Norway | Photo by Laurian Ghinitoiu.

The Twist / Kistefos Gallery by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) in Norway exemplifies parametric design in its fluid, twisting form. The gallery spans a river, creating both a bridge and an art space with its dynamic shape. The gallery’s form twists 90 degrees along its length, creating an elegant interplay between geometry and structural performance, a hallmark of parametric architecture.

Beijing National Stadium by Herzog and De Meuron. Beijing, China. | Photo by Bernd Dittrich via Unsplash.

The Beijing National Stadium, commonly known as the “Bird’s Nest” and designed by Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with Ai Weiwei for the 2008 Olympics, is a prime example of parametric design in large-scale architecture. The stadium’s iconic form, resembling a nest of interwoven steel beams, balances aesthetic form with functional requirements. This design approach enabled precise load distribution calculations and material efficiency, making the Bird’s Nest visually striking and structurally innovative.

Al Bahr Towers by AHR. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Photos by Aedas.

The Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, designed by Aedas Architects, showcase a dynamic shading system that automatically adjusts to the sun’s movement, reducing heat gain and enhancing energy efficiency. Inspired by traditional mashrabiya screens, the facade is composed of over 1,000 umbrella-like elements, controlled by parametric algorithms. These elements open and close in response to the sun, optimizing light and temperature inside the building. This parametric approach integrates form, sustainability, and local culture into the towers’ design, making them a hallmark of high-performance architecture.

Education Executive Agency & Tax offices by UNStudio, Groningen, Netherlands | Photo by Ronald Tilleman.

The Education Executive Agency & Tax Offices, designed by UNStudio, exemplifies parametric design in its unique geometry and spatial organization. The building’s double-helix structure, inspired by DNA, allows the design to fluidly combine organic forms with structural efficiency. Another notable project by UNStudio is the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

The Future of Parametric Architecture

What are the criticisms of parametric architecture?

Critics of parametric architecture often raise several concerns regarding its implications and effectiveness. One major criticism is that it prioritizes aesthetics and visual complexity over functionality. This focus on form can result in structures that appear disconnected from their environmental context and local culture, undermining their relevance.

Additionally, while parametric design can optimize certain efficiencies, it sometimes contradicts sustainable practices, as the materials and techniques employed can contribute to a larger environmental footprint.

Critics also point out that the complexity inherent in parametric design is often more motivated by the architect’s desire to showcase technical prowess or aesthetic vision rather than by practical or functional considerations. This emphasis on complexity may lead to higher construction costs and maintenance challenges.

Lastly, the advanced technology required for parametric architecture can create a barrier for smaller firms, widening the gap between technologically driven elite firms and traditional architectural practices.

ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION 2015-16 by the Institute for Computational Design (ICD) University of Stuttgart.

Why is parametric architecture associated with biomimicry?

Both fields draw inspiration from natural systems and share a common emphasis on complexity, adaptability, and efficiency, which facilitates innovative designs that mimic organic forms and structures. This synergy allows for a deeper understanding of how natural processes can influence architectural and design practices.

Adaptability is crucial in both approaches, with parametric architecture enabling structures to respond dynamically to environmental conditions, much like living organisms. This enhances sustainability by optimizing energy usage and minimizing ecological impacts.

Additionally, both disciplines prioritize material efficiency, using resources wisely to reduce waste while maintaining structural integrity.

How is AI changing parametric architecture?

AI is revolutionizing parametric architecture by transforming design processes through generative design tools that produce multiple design iterations based on specific criteria. This approach not only optimizes performance but also promotes innovative solutions. By utilizing formulas and algorithms, architects can analyze vast datasets that can contribute to the creation of visually striking and contextually responsive designs.

As AI technology continues to advance, its influence on parametric architecture expands, enabling greater precision, efficiency, technological innovation, and unlimited creativity. This collaboration between AI and architecture promises to enhance productivity and redefine the scope of architecture, ultimately pushing the boundaries of the imaginable.

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