© JAG Studio
CategoriesArchitecture

20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador

Ecuador’s architecture is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and rhythms. Home to incredible ethnic diversity, its architecture reflects the same hybridity of its population. Traversing the nation, the most commonly encountered architectural style is the Spanish colonial. And the capital city, Quito, is a prime example. As a former administrative center for the Spanish Empire, Quito is flooded with Baroque churches and neoclassical buildings. Conversely, in Guayaquil, a massive fire left very few traces of the Spanish, and today has given way to a modern architectural expression.

And the spirit of today’s Ecuadorian architects can be characterized by their welcoming of international trends and deep respect for the land – producing a sensitive yet exploratory architectural language.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Ecuador based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

  • The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2023)
  • The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2023)
  • The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2023)
  • The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2023)
  • The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2023)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Ecuador architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 20 best architecture firms in Ecuador:

20. Edwin Hurtado + Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura

© JAG Studio

© JAG Studio

Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura, is an architecture and landscape studio-workshop, which focuses its activities from the practice of the project and from the academy, understood as two necessary dimensions for the construction of knowledge.

Some of Edwin Hurtado + Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Edwin Hurtado + Holger Cuadrado Arquitectura achieve 20th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

19. Juan Tohme

© Juan Tohme

© Juan Tohme

An architectural study that aims to respond and act on the needs of a city and architecture without reflection through new design methodologies based on the architectural discipline itself

Some of Juan Tohme’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Juan Tohme achieve 19th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

18. Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura

Leppanen +Anker Arquitectura is an Architecture office founded by Aaron Leppanen and Gabriela Anker in Quito Ecuador. Leppanen+Anker Arquitectura has worked across multiple scales, programs and cultures. Leppanen+Anker Arquitectura has a strong interest in developing spatial experiences through a merger of contextual, cultural, sustainable and formal influences. Leppanen+Anker Arquitectura has a diverse background with experience in Residential, Commercial, Cultural, Educational and Health Care projects both in the public and private sectors. The office is located in Quito, Ecuador.

Some of Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Leppanen + Anker Arquitectura achieve 18th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 2

17. Siente Espacios

© Siente Espacios

© Siente Espacios

Siente Espacios is an architecture studio based in Guayaquil that seeks to generate experiences beyond traditional spaces, always offering practicality and connections with nature.

Some of Siente Espacios’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Siente Espacios achieve 17th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 2

16. ADAPTA

ADAPTA is an office/workshop dedicated to non-conventional methods of construction and design. The firm specializes in architecture and industrial design.

Some of ADAPTA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped ADAPTA achieve 16th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

15. Jannina Cabal Arquitectos

© SEBASTIAN CRESPO

© SEBASTIAN CRESPO

The Jannina Cabal & Arquitectos studio was founded in 2003, after 4 years of work and various experiences as an architect in construction companies and architectural consulting studios. The members of our office are young architects with a lot of creativity and energy. Currently, the study has a work team of 10 architects, specialized in different areas, as well as a group of consultants in support engineering. In large numbers today, very varied residential projects, urban and commercial projects are developed throughout the country.

Some of Jannina Cabal Arquitectos’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Jannina Cabal Arquitectos achieve 15th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

14. Roberto Burneo – arquitectos

© Roberto Burneo - arquitectos

© Roberto Burneo – arquitectos

Roberto Burneo is the principle at Roberto Burneo – arquitectos, an Ecuador-based design firm. Roberto Burneo specializes in residential architecture.

Some of Roberto Burneo – arquitectos’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Roberto Burneo – arquitectos achieve 14th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 4

13. arquitectura x

© arquitectura x

© arquitectura x

arquitectura x is a Quito-based design firm ran by award-winning architects Adrian Moreno and María Samaniego. The firm designs for the private, public and civic sector.

Some of arquitectura x’s most prominent projects include:

  • Las Naves Courthouse, Las Naves, Ecuador
  • RI HOUSE, Diffuse Borders, Tumbaco, Metropolitan District of Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
  • Icono Building, Permeable Living, Quito, Ecuador

The following statistics helped arquitectura x achieve 13th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Total Projects 3

12. Emilio López Arquitecto

© JAG Studio

© JAG Studio

‘I live in Ecuador, a territory with one of the greatest biodiversity in the world, so its geography, plants, climates and cultures are great stimuli for me, and with architecture this possibility of immersion and mixture with the environment appears: the letting oneself be transformed by the other, from that envelope where the limit is suspended. Therein lies the strength of architecture, the product of the immersive affectation that comes with rethinking our relationship with resources and with the world in which we live.

I think of architecture as an open process, and always changing based on new demands, which are updated by experience like that of the Cocoon: a transitory envelope, in which the transition of the worm is expressed, its state between , of suspended existence or even shared. Therein lies its strength for change and creativity.

Some of Emilio López Arquitecto’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Emilio López Arquitecto achieve 12th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 1

11. Estudio Felipe Escudero

© Estudio Felipe Escudero

© Estudio Felipe Escudero

Founded by Ecuadorian architect Felipe Escudero in 2012, studio FE is an innovative firm focused on design, business tactics, and experiential innovation. We design urban strategies and architectural solutions by redefining challenging conditions as design opportunities. Collaborating with experts from all fields, we develop custom-made experiences for each one of our clients and end users.

Felipe escudero’s work is driven by his interest in becoming aware through the senses and by his drive to make the concerns of art relevant to society at large. Rather than identifying with any particular style or aesthetic, his work is best characterized by its working methodology as crucial means for turning thinking into doing.

Some of Estudio Felipe Escudero’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Estudio Felipe Escudero achieve 11th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 4

10. Sebastian Calero

© Daniel Moreno Flores, Sebastian Calero

© Daniel Moreno Flores, Sebastian Calero

Sebastian Calero Larrea is an architect based in Quito, Ecuador. The designer’s portfolio showcases several residential projects.

Some of Sebastian Calero’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Sebastian Calero achieve 10th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 2

9. Studio Alfa

© Studio Alfa

© Studio Alfa

Some of Studio Alfa’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Studio Alfa achieve 9th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 2

8. URLO Studio

© URLO Studio

© URLO Studio

URLO Studio is a family of nonconformist, pragmatic, visionary, and innovative professionals who seek to set a turning point in the development of the city, always through coherent and rigorous ideas and designs that range from the architectural detail, to the broader urban scale.

Some of URLO Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped URLO Studio achieve 8th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 3

7. Al Borde arquitectos

© Raed Gindeya Muñoz

© Raed Gindeya Muñoz

Al Borde (2007), architecture firm based in Quito, Ecuador. Formed by David Barragán, Pascual Gangotena, Maríaluisa Borja and Esteban Benavides. It inhabits the territory of questioning, where certainties about what architecture should or should not be are under constant construction. Its ideas are developed in the making, and with greater precision and detail on site.

It pursues an architecture whose aesthetics is conscious of the energy expended in construction, seemingly effortless, where the way materials joined together is clear and logical. An architecture opens to the active participation of users in the design and construction process, where everyone can see the problem solved, with no more pretensions to address the project demands. The design faces the sustainability of life as the center of the discussion (resources, co-responsibility, consumption, gender, and social inequality).

It builds with the resources and techniques of the place, where the territory is always a particular and unique variable, the projects become an x-ray of the site, which speak of the customs of the people, their history, their problems, and needs. The diversity of the projects represents the people’s willingness to engage with ideas, taking risks, and participation in decision-making.

Some of Al Borde arquitectos’s most prominent projects include:

  • Nueva Esperanza School, Manabi, Ecuador
  • Bricks, Blocks & Other Abandoned Elements / Patches, Mocha, Ecuador
  • Casa Culunco, Tumbaco, Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
  • Última Esperanza, Cabuyal, Ecuador
  • Esperanza Dos, Cabuyal, Ecuador

The following statistics helped Al Borde arquitectos achieve 7th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 7

6. Diez + Muller Arquitectos

© Diez + Muller Arquitectos

© Diez + Muller Arquitectos

Diez + Muller Arquitectos is led by Gonzalo Diez and Felipe Muller. They understand architecture as an intellectual response to a requirement that can vary in scale and function. Any architectural intervention is the answer to a problem, regardless of whether it is a house in the country or a building in the city. This intellectual response is given depending on the environment, the peculiarity of the place where it is implanted, the use, the economy, etc. Therefore, his attitude is based on giving a balanced response between these factors, it being essential that in each project there is a sensitive component, generator of emotions, since this is what will give a further meaning to architecture.

Some of Diez + Muller Arquitectos’s most prominent projects include:

  • 2V House, Quito, Ecuador
  • Tumbaco Cabins, Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
  • Los Chillos House, Via A Los Chillos, Quito, Ecuador
  • Puente Bridge House, Quito, Ecuador
  • URBAN -A, Quito, Ecuador

The following statistics helped Diez + Muller Arquitectos achieve 6th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 12

5. Diego Guayasamin

© SEBASTIAN CRESPO

© SEBASTIAN CRESPO

Diego Guayasamin Arquitectos is an Ecuador-based architecture firm led by Diego Guayasamin. The firm specializes in commercial and residential architecture.

Some of Diego Guayasamin’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Diego Guayasamin achieve 5th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 4

4. NAJAS ARQUITECTOS

© NAJAS ARQUITECTOS

© NAJAS ARQUITECTOS

NAJAS ARQUITECTOS is an architecture design firm located in Quito-Ecuador that provides streamlined consulting, architectural, engineering and construction services for all typologies and scale.

Since 2006 we have had a very strong commitment with architecture design thru a very deep relationship with our clients and the environment. On each stage of design and during the construction process we search for a profound spatial and built quality that allow us to develop a coherent and creative architectural vocabulary in search for the high values of our profession.

Some of NAJAS ARQUITECTOS’s most prominent projects include:

  • Casa Pillagua, Quito, Ecuador
  • Mezze 2 House, Quito, Ecuador
  • Alambique House, Quito, Ecuador
  • Residencia Mezze, Quito, Ecuador
  • House Towards The River, Quito, Ecuador

The following statistics helped NAJAS ARQUITECTOS achieve 4th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 11

3. Daniel Moreno Flores

© Daniel Moreno Flores, Sebastian Calero

© Daniel Moreno Flores, Sebastian Calero

Artist, innovator, designer and craftsman, Daniel Moreno Flores has been working in architecture for over a decade. Practicing the profession independently, the architect has formed a network in both Ecuador and Argentina. Daniel Moreno Flores is interested in the processes of experimental design, inquiry into structural forms, collective work for social cohesion through the appropriation of public space and the construction of infrastructure after the 2016 Ecuador earthquake.

Some of Daniel Moreno Flores’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Daniel Moreno Flores achieve 3rd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 4
Total Projects 4

2. odd+ architects

We are a group of highly skilled architects, planners, and creatives. we are innate problem solvers, dedicated to making the physical world a more habitable place. ​ We work at every scale– from design to execution.​ We are inspired by nature, incorporating its systems and processes into our work– aiming for a healthier coexistence.​ We learn through history, science, and precedents– developing new design techniques for the improvement of humankind. ​We confront and question the norm– creating state-of-the-art design solutions. Together we help our clients solve their most complex challenges; together we harness our diverse ingenuity to make projects that are fantastical, affordable, buildable, and beautiful.

Some of odd+ architects’s most prominent projects include:

  • A House in the Andes, Ecuador
  • the ANTI-KIOSK, Quito, Ecuador
  • MIG 1.0, Quito, Ecuador
  • odD House 1.0, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador
  • Hampton, Catalina de Aldaz & Avenida Portugal, Bellavista, Quito, Ecuador

The following statistics helped odd+ architects achieve 2nd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

A+Awards Winner 4
A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 6

1. Natura Futura Arquitectura

© Natura Futura Arquitectura

© Natura Futura Arquitectura

Base in Babahoyo, Ecuador, Natura Futura Arquitectura explores issues and themes in architecture within a Latin American context. The firm’s portfolio consists of various community-based and public projects.

Some of Natura Futura Arquitectura’s most prominent projects include:

  • The Little Atelier, Ecuador
  • El Triangulo de las Verduras; Productive Community Greenhouse, Quito, Ecuador
  • The House that Habitate, Babahoyo, Ecuador
  • The Tea Room, Baba Canton, Los Rios, Ecuador
  • Asadero Popular ¨Rico Pollo¨, Babahoyo, Ecuador

The following statistics helped Natura Futura Arquitectura achieve 1st place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Ecuador:

Featured Projects 18
Total Projects 18

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “”+”” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

  • Project completed within the last 3 years
  • A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
  • Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
  • High quality, in focus photographs
  • At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
  • Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
  • Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

 


 

We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.

Reference

ukraine's vernacular architecture highlighted in documentary series filmed during the war
CategoriesArchitecture

ukraine’s vernacular architecture filmed during the war

‘strikha’: a five-part film on ukraine’s architectural heritage 

 

Multimedia platform Ukraïner and film studio Craft Story have teamed up on a special five-part documentary entitled ‘STRIKHA’ (the roof in Ukrainian). Based on a long-term expedition throughout all regions of war-torn Ukraine (except those occupied by Russia), the film series portrays the country’s authentic and vernacular architectural ‘treasures’, particularly those hidden in distant villages, away from the main road. The project also seeks to trigger public discussions around the traditional Ukrainian ‘architectural code’ — specifically on how to preserve it and extend its presence to contemporary life. ‘STRIKHA series is also about the sense of home, shelter, and ‘a roof over one’s head’ that many people in Ukraine have lost due to the war, adds the team. 

ukraine's vernacular architecture highlighted in documentary series filmed during the war
all images courtesy Ukraïner

 

 

ukraïner and craft story’s expedition across the country

 

The expedition throughout Ukraine kickstarted in November 2022, when Ukraïner (see more here) and Craft Story (and here) began hunting for over 30 real-life examples of vernacular home designs. These included the ‘mazanaka’ and ‘gradja’, Cossack’s wooden churches, windmills, a country house in the Carpathians, the ‘wooden lace’ technique of Sivershchyna, the original huts of Bessarabia, Slobozhanshchyna, Podniprovia, and Zaporizhzhia — and much more. The duo captured and recorded all of these unique archetypes, piecing them into a heartwarming documentary available on Ukraïner’s YouTube Channel (with ENG subtitles).

ukraine's vernacular architecture highlighted in documentary series filmed during the war
‘STRIKHA’ is a five-part film on Ukraine’s folk heritage

 

 

The storytellers of the ‘STRIKHA’ documentary series include owners of those unique folk houses scattered in different parts of the country, activists involved in the preservation and restoration of architectural heritage, as well as a group of local experts — architects Oleg Drozdov, Slava Balbek, and Yulian Chaplinskyi, on the one hand, and scientists and art historians on the other. ‘Each building has a fascinating history, documented and preserved for reinterpretation by future generations,’ continues the team. 

ukraine's vernacular architecture highlighted in documentary series filmed during the war
about 30 architectural ‘treasures’ were unearthed

 

 

‘Although today it is impossible to go on an expedition to the temporarily occupied territories, the unique architecture of these regions is also covered in the project. Furthermore, after the full-scale invasion of Russia on February 24, 2022, there were also issues of post-war reconstruction, housing for forcibly displaced people, as well as the trend of moving from the city to the countryside, which gained particular popularity – all these topics also revealed within five episodes of film STRIKHA.’ Make sure to catch the complete series on YouTube. 

ukraine's vernacular architecture highlighted in documentary series filmed during the war
storytellers included homeowners of those unique vernacular structures

Reference

Exterior of the Bronx Children's Museum on O'Neill McVoy on a city waterfront
CategoriesArchitecture

O’Neill McVoy inserts Bronx Children’s Museum into a 1920s powerhouse

Brooklyn studio O’Neill McVoy Architects has adapted a historic powerhouse into a museum for children in the Bronx that highlights the historical building while adding playful details.

O’Neill McVoy Architects inserted the Bronx Children’s Museum into the second floor of the rectilinear building “with old and new in a symbiotic relation heightening the qualities of the other,” the studio said.

Exterior of the Bronx Children's Museum on O'Neill McVoy on a city waterfront
The Bronx Children’s Museum is located on the Harlem River

Located on the Harlem River and Mill Pond Park, the 1925 Historic Bronx Terminal Market Powerhouse was decommissioned in 2004 and the building’s exterior was restored in 2009, leaving the interior concrete and steel loft space open for a new program.

Owned by the New York City Department of Parks, it broke ground in 2017 but wasn’t completed until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and bureaucratic delays.

Interior of the Bronx Children's Museum with wood flooring and overhead wooden walkways
Curving shapes inside the building were designed for children

The 15,160-square foot (1,400-square metre) museum is accessed through a double-height, river-side lobby space that opens to curving forms designed specifically for a child’s perspective.

As the first facility in the burrow dedicated to young children, “the design’s flow creates a new kind of space, unlike the city’s cellular rooms and street grids, that connects Bronx kids to the experience of natural landscape and the waterfront”, the studio said.

Museum interior with wooden storage and overhead wood walkway
Ramps separate exhibition spaces

Drawing from Jean Piaget’s book Child’s Conception of Space, the studio used a series of unspooling spaces catered to children under 10 years old.

Museum visitors move through the space via ramps, and focused exhibits are separated by partial-height, curved wooden and translucent acrylic partition walls that spiral, diverge and reconnect.

Museum interior with wood floors and children looking into a window display
The curving forms were made from cross-laminated timber

The spaces step up, moving from the Waterways exhibition that directs views to the neighbouring river, across a bridge, to the Cloud performance mezzanine that features an interactive installation by local artist Jerome LaMarr called Bronxtopia.

The LEED Gold-certified project is the “first use of curved cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the U.S.,” according to the studio.

The  CLT was reportedly sustainably harvested and selected for its light weight and strength.

It was “fabricated with advanced digital technology allowing for varying radii arcs to form organic space”.

“Large wall and guardrail interlocking panels, many with pebble-shaped windows, were molded and CNC-milled to exact size allowing quick assembly on site,” the team continued, referencing the custom molds of Charles and Ray Eames’ laminated plywood splints.

Museum interior with wood floors and overhead curving walkways
The project is located on the second floor of a powerhouse

The CLT panels also interlock with etched, recycled-acrylic panels that are softer to the touch than glass.

Overhead, the exposed structural beams and mechanical services were painted blue, as was the acoustical plaster, to form a sky where fabric ducts hang as clouds.

Playroom in a museum with green carpet, square glass windows and a wood sliding door
O’Neill McVoy used recycled acrylic panels instead of glass

The museum also uses translucent film on the east-facing windows to mitigate the daylight that sweeps through the open plan, and dimmable LED fixtures and daylighting sensors optimize light.

Operable windows allow for ventilation and sensors help reduce HVAC energy consumption.

Museum interior with wood flooring and a ramped curving wood walkway
Playful spaces were designed for children

The exterior of the brick building was relatively untouched but the “distinctive turrets are given new life with prismatic film and spectral LED lighting to serve as beacons for the children’s museum in the community.”

Similarly, Olson Kundig inserted a curved timber ark into a concrete market hall to create the ANOHA children’s museum in Berlin.

The photography is by Paul Warchol.


Project credits:
Architect: O’Neill McVoy Architects
Beth O’Neill, AIA, Principal
Chris McVoy, Principal
Ruso Margishvili, Associate-in-Charge
Richard Stora, Project Architect
Penelope Phylactopoulos, Meghan O’Shea, Trevor Hollyn Taub, Irmak Ciftci, Project Team
Structural engineer: Silman
Mechanical engineer: Plus Group Consulting Engineering, PLCC
Electrical engineer: Plus Group Consulting Engineering, PLCC
General contractor: A Quest Corporation
Lighting designer: Tillotson Design Associates
Code consultant: CODE LLC
LEED consultant: ADS Engineers
AV/IT/Security consultant: TM Technology Partners
Exhibits: Bronx-connected artists through the museum’s ‘Arts Builds Community’ program



Reference

Aggressively Passive: Why Fierce Brand Competition Is a Huge Win for Green Architecture
CategoriesArchitecture

Aggressively Passive: Why Fierce Brand Competition Is a Huge Win for Green Architecture

Michael Ingui is a partner at Baxt Ingui Architects and the founder of Passive House Accelerator. The Accelerator is a catalyst for zero-carbon building and a collaborative media platform for practitioners, developers, and manufacturers working to create better buildings through Passive House design and construction.

We are in an incredibly exciting time as architects, designers and builders. Every day a new high-performance product enters the market, existing products are modified to perform better, and new solutions are identified. This is true whether the project is new construction or a retrofit, single-family or commercial. As the marketplace has expanded, more developers and owners have realized that they can build buildings that are healthier and more energy efficient with lower embodied carbon than in the past. Thanks to the growing competition and innovation within the market, these products also cost far less than they once did, and the kinds of sourcing difficulties that high-performance buildings experienced even five years ago are becoming a thing of the past, which has further contributed to the robust growth in the sector.

One of the most telling signs about the health of the emerging green building industry is the accelerated growth of Passive House construction across North America. Since 2014, the number of projects annually certified by Phius, one of two organizations through which one can obtain Passive House certification, has more than tripled. Meanwhile, the square footage of Phius-certified projects doubled from 2021 to 2022 — from 600,000 to 1.2 million square feet. This is in addition to the 37.5 million square feet of usable area certified by the Passive House Institute as of January 2023.

Left: Before, Right: After, Photography: John Muggenborg 

This would have been unthinkable less than a decade ago when Baxt Ingui Architects designed our first Passive House in Manhattan. Many of the challenges we faced were a lack of available materials and difficulty sourcing products. Passive House-quality windows on a brownstone receiving a full façade restoration was a first, and it required a public hearing. The window company, Zola Windows and Doors, collaborated with the Landmarks Preservation Commission and us to create a window they could approve. This helped pave the way for many successful Passive House projects to come. We are spoiled with the current options for readily available stock and custom skylights that meet Passive House standards, along with multiple interior and exterior shading options. For our first several Passive House townhouses, we were saved by a New Jersey-based custom skylight company, Fiore Skylights, who was able to help us work through many of the details we were doing for the first time on this project.

These kinds of growing pains stifled the growth of the high-performance building industry in North America. Design teams and manufacturers were hesitant to fully embrace what was often seen as an immature market. The lack of early adopters only compounded problems with access to materials and limited product options. Within the last few years, this hesitancy has eroded as sourcing networks have expanded and knowledge about the benefits of Passive House and high-performance construction has become more widespread. Consequently, the flood gates are now opening, and we are seeing loads of new high-performance products enter the market.

One of the most critical components to any high-performance construction project is the air barrier. When we began doing Passive House construction more than a decade ago, it was extremely difficult to source fluid-applied membrane air barriers in the U.S. Oftentimes, the only product that was readily available was manufactured by Sto Corp. Sto continues to be one of the air sealing products of choice for many, but now they have been joined by several others, including Intelligent Membranes, Partel, Rothoblaas, Prosoco and Pro Clima.

Finish Photography: Peter Peirce

Creating more airtight envelopes is certainly integral to improving building performance and pursuing Passive House certification, but it plays a more important role in buildings than you might think at first glance. Airtightness is a crucial part of the building’s wall system because it keeps the conditioned air inside separate from the unconditioned air outside. This translates into the lower heating and cooling costs associated with Passive House design.

Air sealing is also important from the perspective of occupant health. Rather than haphazardly finding pinholes and other seams or cracks through which to travel, all air that enters the building is directed through mechanical ventilation systems — another feature of Passive House construction. When outfitted with a filtration system, these ventilation systems can provide a constant supply of fresh air for occupants that is free of pollutants and allergens. For people with allergies in high pollen areas, this can be life-changing. For those who live in areas where wildfires are common, a more robust system outfitted with charcoal filters can keep their homes virtually smoke-free.

All-in-one mechanical systems (known as energy recovery ventilators [ERVs] or heat recovery ventilators [HRVs]) are currently available that provide not only mechanical ventilation, but also heating and cooling. What is truly impressive about these systems is their size. Products that have been developed by manufacturers like Minotair and Ephoca can fit in a closet. While this may seem undersized at first glance, when a building has been properly insulated and air sealed, the amount of energy it needs for heating and cooling drops precipitously. Therefore, the need for enormous mechanical systems disappears. Sometimes you don’t even need the heat at all. This winter, I only had to turn on the heat in my own Passive House certified home in Brooklyn for a few nights.

Finish Photography: Peter Peirce

Relatedly, the growth of heat pumps has been truly remarkable. Though they’ve been built by enormous manufacturers like Mistubishi, Daikan, and Fujitsu for years, they are becoming increasingly commonplace in new construction and retrofits. Rather than using natural gas or oil, heat pumps use electricity to efficiently heat and cool spaces, which helps reduce operational carbon emissions, particularly when paired with onsite and renewable energy generation. The same is true for electric and tankless water heaters, which will probably soon become industry standard.

The market for high-performance windows has also become exceptional, particularly in New York. In 2014, high-performance windows had to be ordered from Europe and there were only a few companies in the business of doing so. Moreover, most builders had never installed high-performance windows systems. Consequently, design options were limited, prices were outrageous, and months-long delays were inevitable.

Today, there are nearly two dozen high-performance window companies that include Zola Windows, Ikon Windows, Innotech Windows + Doors, EuroLine Windows, and Wythe Windows. Competition between these manufacturers is leading to innovations that are not only making high-performance more affordable, but also more varied. For designers, this means more options with respect to materials (wood, aluminum, or uPVC), dimensions, and configurations — including double hung. Builders are also far more accustomed to installing these systems and the process has gone from complicated (and sometimes contentious) to routine.

Another major change is that Landmarks Commissions have become more accustomed to high-performance retrofits. As I noted above, including a Passive House window on a townhouse just a few years ago almost always resulted in a months-long public hearing process. New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission was clear about what window companies had to achieve in order to be approved at staff level, and thankfully, window companies were able to successfully meet those requirements. This has been a significant game-changer, because window selection often drives the decision to pursue Passive House.

Finally, as the components that are necessary to make buildings more efficient become increasingly commonplace, a new generation of manufacturers is beginning to move beyond the problem of operational carbon and looking to how materials choices affect embodied carbon and human health. With respect to the former, this means using natural or recycled materials and manufacturing them without the use of fossil fuels. With respect to the latter, this means manufacturing products that do not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful other chemicals during the beginning phase of their lifecycle (a process known as off-gassing).

Given the exponential growth in the high-performance marketplace that we’ve seen in just the last ten years, I believe the next decade is going to be defined by product innovation, improvements in sourcing, and new materials that ultimately make buildings healthier and more sustainable.

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, learn more about Architizer’s Vision Awards. The Early Entry Deadline on May 5th is fast approaching. Start your entry today >

Reference

© ELENA GALLI GIALLINI Ltd - Architecture and Design
CategoriesArchitecture

20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong

Named the World City of Asia, Hong Kong is home to a diverse population that resides within a densely populated land mass. Covering a little over 1,000 k㎡, this Special Administrative Region maintains one of the most impressive skylines that is backdropped by a beautiful mountain range.

The region’s position as a global financial megahub has brought forth an influx of sophisticated skyscrapers, many of which have been built in the last two decades. The region has greatly evolved since it was relinquished by the British Crown, although some traces of its colonial and pre-colonial past remain visible today. Pre-colonial structures, such as stilt houses and walled villages, are extant (although a substantial amount of its Cantonese architecture was lost during the Second World War). Meanwhile, traces of Hong Kong’s British colonial period are still significant in today’s urban fabric.

As the region expands with world-class infrastructure, questions surrounding heritage conservation continue to play out. With a complicated colonial history, a strong economic agenda and a small landmass to work with, heritage conservation remains a hot topic of debate. What should remain and what can go? Nevertheless, architects in Hong Kong remain in accord on one objective: designing for the future.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Hong Kong based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

  • The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2023)
  • The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2023)
  • The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2023)
  • The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2023)
  • The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2023)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Hong Kong architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 21 best architecture firms in Hong Kong:


20. Spawton Architecture

© ELENA GALLI GIALLINI Ltd - Architecture and Design

© ELENA GALLI GIALLINI Ltd – Architecture and Design

Hong Kong-based Spawton Architecture was established in 2013 by British architect, Alex Jones, to provide exceptional design services in both the architecture and interior realms.
Whether looking at new buildings or re-purposing and reusing existing structures, Spawton Architecture strives to provide high quality, contemporary design meeting both the clients’ brief and the end users’ needs.

Spawton Architecture focuses on all aspects of a project from the initial space planning to the minutest detail to maximise the final finish and add value to the scheme.
The studio is always open to collaboration with other architects and designers and as such, can undertake a wide variety of project typologies and scales.

Some of Spawton Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Spawton Architecture achieve 20th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

19. Avoid Obvious Architects

© Avoid Obvious Architects

© Avoid Obvious Architects

With over 20 years of experience in architecture and urban planning, our award winning team deliver green buildings and sustainable cities to everyone. Avoid Obvious Architects have 15 awards with projects in 36 cities and 22 countries. They believe design excellence can improve the way we live, work and play. Holistic architecture that combines art and science will make good design for the people and the environment. Their design process will add value to your cities and investment. Their services include urban planning, architecture and interior design.

Some of Avoid Obvious Architects’s most prominent projects include:

  • The Artist House, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Street Basket for Walk DVRC, Hong Kong
  • Mahna Mahna, New York, NY, United States
  • FlashFly, New York, NY, United States
  • Organic Living, Guangdong, China

The following statistics helped Avoid Obvious Architects achieve 19th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 11

18. Theo Texture

© Theo Texture

© Theo Texture

T X T is primarily an architectural, interior design + contracting firm, established in 2002, and is managed by experienced architects, designers and project managers with international experiences. Our design philosophy is based on a theo-centric worldview to create innovative, inspiring and outstanding spaces and forms of the 21st century. T X T believes that a design should be carried through from micro to macro scale. The “total design” concept has been applied to many of our projects as we provide design services that range from names, logos, graphics, signage, furniture, interiors, architecture to urban planning.

Some of Theo Texture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Theo Texture achieve 18th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 5

17. via.

© via.

© via.

Launched in 2009, via. is counted among Hong Kong’s most in-demand design studios. Within a ten-year span, via. has developed an impressive portfolio of retail, hospitality, commercial and residential projects. Led by founder Frank Leung, the client list includes leading developers, restaurant operators and hoteliers. The studio’s award-winning projects are defined by a logical, proportioned use of space, coupled with an appreciation for craftsmanship, creativity and comfort. Regardless of the project brief, each design reflects a refined sensibility, underscoring the relationship between simplicity and sophistication.

Some of via.’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped via. achieve 17th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 2
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 14

16. Millimeter Interior Design

© Millimeter Interior Design Limited

© Millimeter Interior Design Limited

Millimeter Interior Design was established in 2007, specializing in professional residential and commercial interior design. Their primary focus lies in the quality of design, customer satisfaction and overall project management. After spatial planning, a functional analysis approach is adopted to achieve the very best results for our clients, well within time and budget.

Some of Millimeter Interior Design Limited’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Millimeter Interior Design Limited achieve 16th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Winner 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 10

15. Lim + Lu

© Nirut Benjabanpot

© Nirut Benjabanpot

Lim and Lu is an award-winning inter-disciplinary interior design practice based in Hong Kong, initiated in New York City. Lim + Lu works internationally providing interior, branding, furniture and product design services. Lim + Lu’s designs, inspired by familiar images from everyday life, push the trend of individualization by presenting flexibility, practicality and a breath of fresh air in every project.

Some of Lim + Lu’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Lim + Lu achieve 15th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 2

14. AFFECT-T

© AFFECT-T

© AFFECT-T

AFFECT-T is an abbreviation in closing: Affectionately. Often used by the artist Marcel Duchamp in his correspondence with friends and fellow artists. The studio uses the term as a guide to the relationship with the client and a central aim of built space and objects- to design and construct something which is viewed and experienced affectionately.

Some of AFFECT-T’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped AFFECT-T achieve 14th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 2
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 4

13. OPENUU

© OPENUU

© OPENUU

OPENUU is an award­-winning design research lab that focuses on Space Conversions and Design Collaborations. They design and create with an approach of playful pragmatism and are interested in creating supernormal moments by re-­searching and re­-arranging super normal, everyday notions. The studio creates to engage with people, and engages with people to create. openUU’s wide­-ranged clientele includes: Swire Properties Management Limited, Osage Gallery & Art Foundation, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Hong Kong Arts Centre.

Some of OPENUU’s most prominent projects include:

  • platform(1×2), Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Osage Open: Phase 1, Kowloon, Hong Kong
  • modelScape, Zhuhai, China
  • urbanUPLIFT, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • AL-wch, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

The following statistics helped OPENUU achieve 13th place in the 21 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

Featured Projects 4
Total Projects 9

12. TheeAe Architects

© TheeAe Architects LTD.

© TheeAe Architects LTD.

‘TheeAe’ is abbreviation of ‘The Evolved Architectural Eclectic’. The name means effort and dedication toward contextual beauties through place, history and culture of surroundings. TheeAe Architects pursue re-searching and re-defining elements that have been embedded or unseen so as to define the beauty of the architecture through design driven by context, evolved from rational notions and led toward unexpected discovery of nature.

To pursue this passion, they began their practice since 2011 in Hong Kong. The studio’s service has been extensively covered in various areas of architecture and interior design and master planning.

Some of TheeAe Architects LTD.’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped TheeAe Architects LTD. achieve 12th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 27

11. Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Architecture

© Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Architecture

© Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Architecture

The School of Architecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong is a leading architecture school and group of creatives who have won several prestigious architecture awards.

Some of Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Architecture achieve 11th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Winner 2
A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

10. Rocco Design Architects

© Rocco Design Architects Limited

© Rocco Design Architects Limited

Rocco Design Architects is a Hong Kong-based architectural firm dedicated to the uncompromising fundamentals of architecture and practice. Their works are guided by a persistent attention to the quality of the total environment, sensitivity to local culture and contexts, fulfilling users’ needs and clients’ expectations, as well as adherence to construction budget and programmatic controls. There are 170 staffs in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. They have demonstrated a prowess for design creativity over the years, with an impressive body of work across a wide range of sectors. Many of these projects have been honored with prestigious local and international design awards.

Some of Rocco Design Architects Limited’s most prominent projects include:

  • Yunnan Museum , Kunming, China
  • Guangdong Museum, Zhu Jiang Lu, Yueqing Shi, Wenzhou Shi, China
  • Jiu Jian Tang, Shanghai, China
  • LHT Tower, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
  • Hotel ICON, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

The following statistics helped Rocco Design Architects Limited achieve 10th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

Featured Projects 5
Total Projects 9

9. LAAB Architects

© LAAB Architects

© LAAB Architects

LAAB is a laboratory for Art and Architecture dedicated to spatial innovations that firmly rooted in environmental and cultural contexts. From public space and public art to architecture and interior, their collective of architects, designers, engineers, makers and sociologists work together with forward-thinking clients and collaborators to bring visionary ideas to life.
Based in Hong Kong, our work has reached various global design communities, with recognition from Japan Good Design Award Best 100, German Red Dot and iF Awards, as well as American Institute of Architects International Region Awards.

Some of LAAB Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped LAAB Architects achieve 9th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Winner 1
A+Awards Finalist 2
Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 8

8. One Plus Partnership Limited

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud Architectural Photography

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud Architectural Photography

Ajax Law and Virginia Lung established the Hong Kong-based interior design firm One Plus Partnership Limited in 2004. The design covers different interior scenarios such as cinemas, restaurants, retail stores, clubs, sales centers and commercial offices.

One Plus is good at spatial design driven by thematic concepts, and it makes a breakthrough and innovate each time during the design creation. Designers usually find a theme that fits with the project, then refine the expression of this theme, and finally make the visual experience appealing through artistic techniques.

In the past 19 years, One Plus has been totally awarded over 800 international awards: In 2012, One Plus was the sole winner of Andrew Martin the International Interior Design Awards – the International Interior Designer of the Year Award, the first ever Asia design company who has won this honor.

Some of One Plus Partnership Limited’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped One Plus Partnership Limited achieve 8th place in the 21 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 3
Featured Projects 4
Total Projects 34

7. 10 Design

© 10 Design

© 10 Design

10 Design, part of Egis Group, is an international architecture and master planning practice with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Edinburgh, Dubai, Miami, London, Shenzhen, and Singapore. Founded in 2010, the practice has designed and delivered work in 60 cities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Americas. 10 Design has won over 80 international awards and major design competitions.

10 Design works at diverse scales, from the design of individual buildings to the planning of cities. The practice focuses on bringing innovative design solutions for multicultural projects, with economic and social integrity. Its works include large-scale mixed use development, retail, office, residential, hospitality, transport, education, cultural and civic projects.

Some of 10 Design’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped 10 Design achieve 7th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 7
Total Projects 81

6. PANORAMA Design Group

© PANORAMA Design Group

© PANORAMA Design Group

Established in 2003, PANORAMA Design Group has been famous for creating unique story-telling spatial experiences of large-scale composite interior spaces. With headquarter in Hong Kong and local offices in China, the company’s project categories cover Hotel, Property Development, F&B, Retail, Kids, Health & Wellness and received over 150 international design awards including 2016 IDA Design Award “Interior Design of the Year”, 2021 Red Dot Award “Best of the Best”, 2022 HKDA Global Design Awards “Hong Kong Best” & 2022 Architizer A+Awards “Best Interior Design Firm”. Projects have been featured in numerous international design magazines & journals. Inspired by the unique spatial characters of Hong Kong, PANORAMA’s design team adopts boundary-crossing strategy to produce new propositions and unique experience for different typologies of “multi-purpose/composite spaces” to respond to Asia’s rapid-changing lifestyles.

Some of PANORAMA Design Group’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped PANORAMA Design Group achieve 6th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Winner 1
Featured Projects 6
Total Projects 14

5. LWK + PARTNERS

© LWK + PARTNERS

© LWK + PARTNERS

LWK + PARTNERS is a leading architecture and design practice rooted in Hong Kong, with 1,100+ creative minds collaborating across a strong global network of 12 offices to deliver world-class solutions to the built environment. With over 35 years of growth, the diverse design team at LWK + PARTNERS shares expertise to provide a wide range of services including architecture, planning & urban design, interiors, landscape, heritage conservation, building information modelling (BIM), brand experience and lighting design. LWK + PARTNERS believes that great design has infinite possibilities and directs positive impact to people’s lives. The practice is a member of C Cheng Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 1486).

Some of LWK + PARTNERS’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped LWK + PARTNERS achieve 5th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 10
Total Projects 30

4. Orient Occident Atelier OOA

© Orient Occident Atelier OOA

© Orient Occident Atelier OOA

Orient Occident Atelier | OOA | 東西建築 is an interdisciplinary architectural, interior and urban design studio. We focus on discovering, researching and utilizing the interdependence of “objects” and connections with surrounding space as design inspirations. Design themes of OOA encompass modern interpretations of Eastern and Western aesthetics while integrating nature and function. We believe the intrinsic local culture and technology found at the project site should be respected. Through natural and synthetic materials, we research and develop new methods of architectural detail assembly.

OOA is committed to leveraging architectural design for the development of urban and rural villages with other professions on programs such as disaster prevention and relief. We design and build solutions to environmental and social problems with collaboration from government bodies and social enterprises.

Some of Orient Occident Atelier OOA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Orient Occident Atelier OOA achieve 4th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Winner 2
A+Awards Finalist 2
Featured Projects 6
Total Projects 4

3. Architectural Services Department

© Architectural Services Department

© Architectural Services Department

The Architectural Services Department is a department of the Government of Hong Kong and is responsible for the design and construction of facilities throughout Hong Kong. The department’s three core functions are facility development, facility upkeep and monitoring and advisory services.

Some of Architectural Services Department’s most prominent projects include:

  • Hoi Ha Visitor Centre, New Territories, Hong Kong
  • Lung Mei Beach Bathhouse, Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong
  • Beijing International Horticultural Exposition- Hong Kong Garden, Beijing, China
  • Crematorium in Wo Hop Shek, Hong Kong
  • Community Green Station, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

The following statistics helped Architectural Services Department achieve 3rd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Winner 4
A+Awards Finalist 3
Featured Projects 12
Total Projects 23

2. Bean Buro

© Bean Buro

© Bean Buro

Bean Buro is an inter-disciplinary architectural design practice led by Lorène Faure and Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, with a network of British and international collaborators to providing architecture, interior, installation, furniture and product design services. The diversity of the practice with its collaborators reinforces a core vision for the practice: to respond to the exchanges of global cultural narratives, incorporating overlapping design disciplines specializing in the social, economical and political production of urban spaces. We believe architecture is an emotional, spatial experience constructed by both the user and the author. Their design methodologies stem from the observation, speculation and analysis of contextual narratives.

Some of Bean Buro’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Bean Buro achieve 2nd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 14
Total Projects 48

1. Ronald Lu & Partners

© Ronald Lu & Partners

© Ronald Lu & Partners

Ronald Lu & Partners (RLP), established in Hong Kong in 1976, is an award-winning practice specializing in architectural and interior design and master planning. The firm has completed and is engaged in wide variety of projects, including large-scale integrated urban developments, integrated transportation hubs, commercial buildings, residential developments, and cultural and public developments. RLP has received over 300 local and international accolades for its exceptional projects, in particular the SK Yee Healthy Life Centre, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing, KGV School, and China Resources Building. The firm was ranked 58th on bd’s list of top 100 architects in 2021. RLP has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Taipei, housing its strong team of over 550 professionals.

Some of Ronald Lu & Partners’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Ronald Lu & Partners achieve 1st place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in Hong Kong:

A+Awards Winner 1
A+Awards Finalist 5
Featured Projects 15
Total Projects 28

Top image: Tsimshatsui Waterfront Revitalization by Ronald Lu & Partners, Hong Kong


Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “”+”” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

  • Project completed within the last 3 years
  • A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
  • Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
  • High quality, in focus photographs
  • At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
  • Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
  • Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

 


 

We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.

Reference

byró restores historic authenticity and infuses light into old barn in czech republic
CategoriesArchitecture

byró restores authenticity & infuses light into barn in czech republic

BYRÓ restores blacksmith barn

 

A reconstruction of a reconstruction, Blacksmith Barn by BYRÓ revives a deteriorating cottage in the quiet valley in Pošumaví, Czech Republic, back to its original value. With a sustainable approach and respect for the site’s natural surroundings, the architectural office utilized local resources to uplift and connect the former blacksmith’s workshop and home. Further, the interior of the adjoining, relatively well-preserved wood and brick barn has been opened up and illuminated using only subtle interventions to maintain yet enhance the historical authenticity of the structure.

byró restores historic authenticity and infuses light into old barn in czech republic
view from the sawmill | all images courtesy of the author

 

 

minimal interventions using local resources

 

Located in an unspoilt area in a valley by the Blanice River, the building’s only neighbors are the ruins of a former mill, an active sawmill, and the silence of the surrounding pastures. As per the client’s requests, the architects at BYRÓ predominantly used materials that were available at the plot where possible to carry on the renovation, eliminating the inconsistent elements due to previous insensitive interventions.

 

The barn next to the cottage, which was found in an unaffected state though with an interior stacked all the way to the ridge, was opened up and infused with light. The architects removed the unfinished belt dormer installed in the 1990s and replaced it with lighting roof tiles that bring in a dynamic interplay of light and shade throughout the day. 

byró restores historic authenticity and infuses light into old barn in czech republic
BYRÓ restores Blacksmith Barn in Pošumaví, Czech Republic

blacksmith barn at the end of the world 5
the architects removed the unfinished belt dormer installed in the 1990s and replaced it with lighting roof tiles

byró restores historic authenticity and infuses light into old barn in czech republic
using local materials the structure is an interplay of wood, brick, and stone

Reference

Casa Dosmurs' flat roof in Alella, Spain by Mesura
CategoriesArchitecture

Casa Dosmurs by Mesura “disappears entirely from the street’s view”

Spanish studio Mesura has created a brick and concrete house that steps down a steep hill and features giant windows that frame the surrounding Mediterranean landscape.

Named Casa Dosmurs, the home is designed to blend in with its site in the residential area of Alella in Catalonia, Spain, with its flat roof the only part visible from the adjacent street.

Casa Dosmurs' flat roof in Alella, Spain by Mesura
Mesura has completed Casa Dosmurs in Spain

“The house is set apart from the street and adjacent constructions by hiding between two bare walls that follow the site’s abrupt slope,” said architecture studio Mesura.

“Thus, the house disappears entirely from the street’s view.”

Interior of brick and concrete living room by Mesura
At the core of the house is a double-height living space

Casa Dosmurs comprises a spacious open-plan living and dining area, alongside two bedrooms. It is designed by Mesura to have an “​​honest” aesthetic, achieved using common structural materials such as brick and prefabricated concrete panels that are left exposed inside.

“Following the idea of ​​’honest architecture’, where we show how the house has been built, all the concrete structure is left visible,” the studio told Dezeen.

Upper level of Casa Dosmurs by Mesura
Giant windows frame the Mediterranean landscape

While it is concealed from view on one side, the home opens up to the sea on the other through its wide windows. The glazing extends up from the double-height living area to the mezzanine level above where the two bedrooms are found.

Connected to a private garden, the two bedrooms can be totally or partially closed off with folding wooden partitions that Mesura designed to cater for different levels of privacy, light and ventilation.

Bedroom with floor mattress and brick walls
The bedrooms connect to a garden

Inside, Casa Dosmurs’ internal walls are covered by bricks with vertical cuts on their surface and with varying rotations in some places for a playful finish.

Minimalist furniture is dotted throughout, with pieces by local companies including rug brand Nanimarquina and lighting brand Santa&Cole, and Barcelona-based furniture and product designer Max Enrich.

Living room featuring minimalist furniture inside Casa Dosmurs
Bricks and concrete are left exposed throughout

According to the studio, the home was assembled on-site in just three days thanks to the prefabricated concrete panels, which also helped minimise material waste.

“Working with a structural system made in the workshop was for three reasons,” explained Mesura.

“For the precision of its execution in the workshop, the efficiency in assembling the house on a very difficult terrain due to its slope and quality of the land, and for the reduction of material,” added the studio.

Casa Dosmurs is complete with a flat roof that acts as an open terrace overlooking the landscape.

Metallic chair next to a window in Spanish house by Mesura
Minimalist furniture features throughout

Mesura is an architecture studio based in Barcelona that was founded in 2010 by Benjamin Iborra Wicksteed and Carlos Dimas Carmona.

Previous projects by the studio include a house extension with a scalloped roofline and a concrete and stone home bisected by an outdoor terrace.

The photography is by Maxime Delvaux.

Reference

© Architectural Engineering Consultants
CategoriesArchitecture

Let the Light In: Maximizing Natural Light in the Design of Oudong Residence

Oudong Residence – aims to combine functionality with artistic flair, creating living spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. Drawing inspiration from a unified composition of textures inspired by nature itself, and cultural influences, the creative vision for this particular residence emphasizes sustainability, innovative use of materials, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The project brief outlines the key requirements and objectives for the residence, with a strong focus on maximizing natural light, ensuring energy efficiency, and fostering a sense of community among the occupants. Furthermore, the design aims to be adaptable to the evolving needs of the residents, reflecting a dynamic and modern approach to residential architecture.

Architizer chatted with Alessandro Mangano, Partner at Architectural Engineering Consultants, to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Alessandro Mangano: The initial concept for the residential design was inspired by the desire to create a harmonious balance between modern living and nature. Drawing upon elements from various architectural styles, the design seeks to establish a seamless connection with the surrounding environment, while ensuring functionality and comfort for its inhabitants. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies further reflects our commitment to preserving the ecosystem and promoting a greener future. Ultimately, this architectural concept aims to provide a haven where residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – contemporary living in tune with nature’s grace.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

This project won in the 10th Annual A+Awards! What do you believe are the standout components that made your project win?

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of our project was the exceptional collaboration and communication among team members. This enabled us to leverage individual expertise and skills to move the project forward effectively. Another standout component was our dedication to continuous improvement and adaptability. By constantly assessing our progress and adapting our strategy, we were able to overcome challenges and ensure the timely delivery of a high-quality project.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

What was the greatest design challenge you faced during the project, and how did you navigate it?

The greatest design challenge we faced during the project was effectively balancing aesthetics with functionality. Understanding the importance of incorporating visually appealing elements while maintaining the project’s core purpose was crucial to its success. To navigate this challenge, we fostered open communication among team members to ensure we understood their expectations and goals. Additionally, we incorporated iterative design processes, allowing for continuous adjustments and improvements while keeping both aspects in harmony.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

How did the context of your project — environmental, social or cultural — influence your design?

The Cambodian context of the project had a significant impact on the design process, particularly in regards to the environmental, and cultural factors. The diverse ecosystems near the outskirts of Phnon Penh city, required us to carefully consider the environmental impact of our design, ensuring that it would support sustainable development in the region. Moreover, we incorporated elements into our design, to feel a deeper connection to the space while also respecting the traditions of the community. Lastly, we accounted for the social dynamics within the Khmer societies, emphasizing elements that encourage communal interactions and emphasizing harmony with the natural environment.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

For more on the Oudong Residence, please visit the in-depth project page on Architizer.

Oudong Residence Gallery

Reference

The Culture of Architecture Needs an Overhaul, Part II: Historical Background, Today’s Context and Future Steps
CategoriesArchitecture

The Culture of Architecture Needs an Overhaul, Part II: Historical Background, Today’s Context and Future Steps

Evelyn Lee is the Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, founder of Practice of Architecture, and co-host of the podcast, Practice Disrupted. She takes inspiration from her experience in tech and outside of the profession to reimagine practice operations for firms.

The great resignation, the shesession, labor shortages, burnout and a reprioritization of life priorities have made culture conversations much more topical, but they aren’t new. This article explores some new(er) and old(er) organizations that have been making strides to address culture change at all points within the profession, starting in school.

The following is Part II of the three-part series looking at the need to redesign the culture of architecture.

  • Part I defined culture and explored recent events that bring to light the increasing need for cultural change at the industry level.
  • Part II looks deeper at the history of organizations working to change the profession’s culture for over a decade.
  • Part III looks at how to intentionally create a values-based teaching and learning culture.

Studio Culture in Architecture Schools

In their design for the Abedian School of Architecture in QLD, Australia, Crab Studio sought to rethink the traditional bounds of architecture’s pedagogical spaces. 

Cultural change became a focus of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) in the late 1990s. It was made official by forming the first AIAS Studio Culture Task Force in 2000. The task force was created in response to unhealthy culture within architecture schools and a particular event where a student lost their life in a vehicular accident after leaving the studio with little sleep. Findings from the first task force were published in the 2002 report, The Redesign of Studio Culture.

That report opened conversations between the AIAS and the National Architecture Accreditation Board (NAAB) to add a Studio Culture Policy as one of their conditions for accreditation in 2004. However, a subsequent report in 2008 found that many things have stayed the same within studio culture with their publication, Toward an Evolution of Studio Culture.

I had the opportunity to sit down with 2007-2008, AIAS President and Vice Presidents on Season One of my podcast, Practice Disrupted, to talk with Andrew Caruso and Anthony Vankey, respectively, on their perspective of how Studio Culture translates into practice. Unsurprisingly some of the areas of concern that they address remain unchanged.

The subsequent report by the AIAS Advocacy Advisory Group, Studio Culture: Stories and Interpretations, published in 2016, raised questions about the lack of enforcement of school culture policies. Most students were unaware that a Studio Culture document/policy existed at their school, and the same individuals surveyed expressed a desire to have greater collaboration between students and faculty on conversations around studio culture.

In 2020 the AIAS redefined Studio Culture as a Learning & Teaching Culture to expand the conversation of culture to that of the students, teachers, and administrators. The subsequent AIAS Model Learning & Teaching Culture Policy is top of mind of the current 22-23 AIAS President, Cooper Moore, who notes that “The future of Learning and Teaching Culture needs to be student-led since students are the ones living it, although no culture can be truly healthy without input from all parties involved. The AIAS is committed to leading an inclusive and collaborative effort among allied organizations in the coming year to address the current environment and build a healthier and more positive culture for future architects and faculty alike.”

Separately, in a grassroots initiative. Alvin Zhu, a current M Arch student at UNSW Sydney, launched a docu-series called “Critiquing Architecture School” to bring to light the student perspective in University and bring about positive change on a broader scale.


Studio Culture in Practice

Alexander House (AH) is the home of Alexander &CO., (where their 24-person team actually works!). The purpose-built live/work set up aiming to challenge preconceptions of home, land, family and work. Conceived as a design laboratory, the space rethinks studio culture by supporting a diversity of uses including working environments for both collaboration, meeting and solo time. 

The architectural labor movement, particularly unionization, is relatively new. However, there have been two previously successful union attempts in the US. The first was in 1933 with the Federation of Architects, Engineers, Chemists and Technicians (FAECT), and the second was in 1934 with the formation of the Architectural Guild of America. By the 1950s, FAECT was defunct, and the Architectural Guild of America evolved to support engineers and construction workers, though, despite the name, architects were not included. Later, In the 1970s there was a failed bid by SOM’s San Francisco office to unionize.

Then, in 2013 the Architecture Lobby was launched to demystify architecture’s labor conditions, especially illegal and humane practices, and value its workers as much more than starving artists. Most recently, coming out of the SHOP Architects’ bid for a union, Architectural Workers United (AWU) was launched.

AWU is today affiliated with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) union. It is “a collaborative project with the goal of building on the tremendous inherent value the profession offers the industry, but is not recognized nor rewarded for.” The AWU has a full-time employee working on their behalf and coordinating several efforts.

I had the opportunity to sit down with AWU’s Andrew Daley and assistant professor at Rhode Island School of Design, Jess Meyers, to have an open conversation about the Architecture Labor Movement last year, including questions about misconceptions and benefits from unionization within the profession.

Late last year, efforts from AWU resulted in Bernheimer Architecture creating the Industry’s only Private-Sector Union, hoping “to prompt changes to industry-wide problems like long hours and low pay.”

Outside of the Union conversations, there’s been an uptick in the industry’s interest in mental health and burnout. In 2021 Monograph launched its State of Burnout in Architecture survey, stating that the Coronavirus pandemic didn’t cause burnout for architects but made it worse for 90% of its 225 respondents. In 2022, following their article “We Need a Safe Place to Address Our Mental Health,” the authors are working together to coordinate an effort similar to LAP, or the Lawyer’s Assistance Program, in an attempt to help those within the industry who struggle with anything from anxiety, burnout, depression, to substance abuse.


Redesigning Culture Going Forward

Steven Holl Architects‘ Nanjing Museum of Art and Architecture explores shifting viewpoints, an apt metaphor for the multi-perspectival type of rethinking the industry requires. 

Firms are currently operating in an employee marketplace. 86% of respondents in the February 2023 AIA Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reported that recruiting architecture staff continues to be an issue at their firm, with 62% saying it is a significant issue.

This has led many individuals to discuss the need to fill the architecture pipeline, but ACSA’s most recent survey on Budget and Enrollment Survey Results shows a continuous growth in applications and corresponding faculty load. The greater question we need to ask is, are we truly experiencing a labor shortage, or do we find ourselves in a position where we are struggling to keep those who we already have in the pipeline?

The best way forward is to chart a new path and understand that organizational culture within a business is a strategic advantage to attracting and retaining talent. In Part III of the series on evolving culture, we look at the importance and history behind Petter Drucker’s famous saying, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” As well as some tactics that architecture firms can implement to have meaningful conversations with their employees on creating a culture that supports their individual needs and creates high-performing teams.

Browse the Architizer Jobs Board and apply for architecture and design positions at some of the world’s best firms. Click here to sign up for our Jobs Newsletter.

Reference

arches, curves and rounded edges contour parconido bakery cafe in south korea
CategoriesArchitecture

arches, curves and rounded edges contour cafe in south korea

red bricks shape out a modern bakery cafe by sukchulmok

 

Design practice sukchulmok constructs ‘parconido’ bakery cafe in northern Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, utilizing subtle contemporary materials and shaping simple rounded forms. The cafe presents a consistent space in which forms, furniture, and lighting are designed to create a unified atmosphere. The project draws from ‘European’ architectural elements applying red brick in combination with stainless steel.

 

The structure develops in layers ‘stuck one by one’ with columns that surge everywhere and rounded walls wrapping the open layout. Although the walls and columns compose different shapes, they all present a radius of 600 mm. Following this design rule that acts as a reference point throughout the construction, the project generates a sense of unity while still avoiding monotony. The contemporary café is built out of stacked clay bricks with no holes, that are cut off by two-thirds of the thickness and form a coating skin on an iron frame to relieve the load.

arches, curves and rounded edges contour parconido bakery cafe in south korea
all images by hong seokgyu

 

 

smooth edges and round shapes generate a sense of expansion

 

The furniture, manufactured in perfect circles, is appropriately blended into the space in various forms, such as concrete castings, combined wooden textures, and overlapping circular pipes. The fittings highlight the round spaces while travertine limestone, usually suitable for the fountains in squares of Europe, is designed to cover the floor, walls, and ceiling of the rooms. The angles in the indoor space are smoothed out in round shapes blurring the boundaries of each zone and generating an illusion of expansion and weightlessness.

 

The mixture of the three main materials, red brick, travertine, and wood, adorns the interior space in warm tones. All fittings and fixtures are custom-made and produced to fit the unique rounded design of the café.

arches, curves and rounded edges contour parconido bakery cafe in south korea
stacked clay bricks are cut off by two-thirds of the thickness forming a coating skin on the iron frame

arches, curves and rounded edges contour parconido bakery cafe in south korea
an elongated form of stainless steel shapes up an outdoor table

arches, curves and rounded edges contour parconido bakery cafe in south korea
on the third floor, a terrace can be seen following the extended passageway

arches, curves and rounded edges contour parconido bakery cafe in south korea
a sense of expansion and uniformity is adjusted both vertically and horizontally through curved forms

Reference