Harvesting the Skies: 6 Modern Architectural Designs that Revitalize Rainwater Management
CategoriesSustainable News

Harvesting the Skies: 6 Modern Architectural Designs that Revitalize Rainwater Management

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

The history of rainwater harvesting stretches back millennia, with evidence of its practice in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome. A testament to human ingenuity, these early societies recognized the importance of capturing and storing rainwater to ensure a stable water supply, especially in arid regions. As cities grew and centralized water systems developed, rainwater harvesting took a back seat, only to be revived in the face of modern challenges.

Today, as the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and increasing water scarcity, architects and engineers are revisiting the potential of rainwater harvesting in contemporary design. This sustainable water management solution serves to conserve resources and alleviate the burden on overtaxed municipal systems, reduce energy consumption and mitigate flood risks.

Advancements in technology and materials have paved the way for innovative rainwater harvesting systems, ranging from simple rooftop catchment setups to complex, large-scale integrated systems. Green rooftops, permeable pavements and landscape design elements such as bioswales and rain gardens are increasingly employed in urban environments to maximize rainwater capture and infiltration. While the rise of green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM, architects are incentivized to incorporate rainwater harvesting into their designs, further propelling its adoption.


The Independent

By Rhode Partners, Austin, TX, United States

The Independent by Rhode Partners, Austin, TX, United States Photograph by Nick Simonite

The Independent by Rhode Partners, Austin, TX, United States. Photograph by Patrick Wong

The Independent is an architectural marvel by Rhode Partners. The eco-conscious building reigns supreme in Austin’s Seaholm District as the city’s tallest LEED Gold Certified tower. This 688-foot skyscraper playfully teases gravity with its cantilevered blocks and a levitating infinity pool, while its floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer stunning city panoramas. A vertical neighborhood of 363 units, The Independent boasts 12 competitive, luxury condo amenity spaces across two floors spanning 20,000 square feet that cater to the high expectations of the tower’s residents.

At the same time, the architects endeavored to meet high levels of sustainability. Tucked within its stainless-steel mesh crown, a colossal liquid damper tank ensures stability against high-altitude winds while the pièce de résistance, a cutting-edge rainwater harvesting system and a 75-kilowatt solar power system, make this eco-friendly titan an iconic fixture in Austin’s skyline.


Fort 137

By Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd., Las Vegas, NV, United States

Popular Choice Winner, 10th Annual A+Awards, Residential > Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft)

Fort 137 by Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd., Las Vegas, NV, United States. Photographs by Stetson Ybarra

Nestled in the pristine Las Vegas Valley, this eco-conscious residence serves as a base camp for a family of nature-loving scientists. Drawing inspiration from historic fort structures, the house boasts a compact, clustered design, with each volume meticulously placed to optimize views and combat desert climate challenges.

Embracing the landscape, panoramic glass doors extend living spaces, enabling cross-ventilation and daylighting. Louvered roof overhangs provide summer shade and allow winter light penetration. A curated palette of native materials, such as weathered steel, hot rolled steel, reconstituted oak and limestone, ensures the residence ages gracefully alongside its environment.

Crucially, a state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting system elevates the home’s sustainability, conserving precious resources in the parched region. This architectural gem reduces its carbon footprint and exemplifies harmonious coexistence with nature by employing sustainable strategies like passive cooling, daylighting, thermal mass, and photovoltaic panels.


Rain Harvest Home

By Robert Hutchison Architecture, JSa Arquitectura, Temascaltepec de González, Mexico

Rain Harvest Home by Robert Hutchison Architecture, JSa Arquitectura, Temascaltepec de González, Mexico. Photo Credit Robert Hutchison

Rain Harvest Home by Robert Hutchison Architecture, JSa Arquitectura, Temascaltepec de González, Mexico. Photograph by Jaime Navarro

Rain Harvest Home, a collaborative creation by Robert Hutchison Architecture and JSa Arquitectura, is an experiential abode in the mountains west of Mexico City. Comprising three porous wooden structures, the residence embraces the landscape and embodies a regenerative design that addresses water scarcity in the region. Each building collects rainwater, supplying the home with 100% of its water needs year-round through an on-site reservoir and treatment system.

As part of the visionary 450-acre La Reserva el Peñón development, Rain Harvest Home exceeds the requirement to harvest rainwater for 60% of its water needs. Walking trails between the buildings double as bioswales, while the site also boasts a bio-agriculture garden, emphasizing the family’s commitment to living in harmony with nature.


House in the Countryside

By Herreros Arquitectos, Artà, Spain

House in the Countryside by Herreros Arquitectos, Artà, Spain. Photographs by José Hevia

House in the Countryside, a project by Herreros Arquitectos in Artà, Spain, brilliantly transforms a former shepherd’s refuge into a charming occasional-use residence. The design replicates the original structure symmetrically, preserving its intelligent orientation, ventilation and water collection facilities. The dry-constructed outer wall fosters a dialogue with the local climate through independent systems of openings and shutters.

The interior retains the original compartments, each housing a single primary object defining its function. The inverted roof facilitates natural cross-ventilation that is adjustable to create an ideal climate. Notably, the rainwater harvesting system is preserved and optimized, with the dual-slope roof directing water to the original gutter and cistern, upholding the spirit of the initial construction.


U House, Ericeira

By Jorge Graca Costa, Ericeira, Portugal

U House, Ericeira by Jorge Graca Costa, Ericeira, Portugal. Photographs by Fernando Guerra, FG + SG

U-House, perched atop a hill in Ericeira, Portugal, is a sustainable residence designed by architect Jorge Graca Costa for a professional surfer and his family. Inspired by traditional Mediterranean courtyard houses, the structure protects against the region’s windy climate while offering captivating views of San Lorenzo Bay.

A dense mesh of trees surrounds the 300-square-meter home, and its layout frames the bay view and moderates the courtyard’s climate. A grassy area, decked patio, and non-chlorinated pool heated by solar and biomass energy create a harmonious outdoor space.

Sustainability is integrated seamlessly into the design, combining eco-friendly features without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. The house is constructed with cork insulation and benefits from passive design for natural heating and cooling. Solar panels are used for floor and water heating, with additional support from biomass heating. The microclimate environment created by the patio and chemical-free pool further contributes to the eco-friendly design.

Rainwater harvesting plays a crucial role in the home’s sustainability; a pre-existing well is used for collecting rainwater for irrigation purposes. With numerous green features, the U-House boasts an A+ energy rating from the National Energy Agency, showcasing the success of blending architecture with prescriptive performance design in a comfortable, livable space.


Tucson Mountain Retreat

By D U S T, Tucson, AZ, United States

Tucson Mountain Retreat by DUST, Tucson AZ, United States. Photographs by Jeff Goldberg

The Tucson Mountain Retreat in the Sonoran Desert is a thoughtfully designed home that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing connections to the mystical landscape. The house is constructed primarily of Rammed Earth, an eco-friendly material with excellent thermal mass properties. The design comprises three distinct zones for living, sleeping, and music recording/home entertainment, which can only be accessed by stepping outside and traversing the desert landscape. This separation ensures acoustic isolation and continuous interaction with the natural surroundings.

A 30,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system supplies water for all household uses, while solar heat gain is reduced by orienting the house along an east-west axis and minimizing openings on the east and west facades. South-facing patios and deep overhangs provide unobstructed views, passive heating, and cross-ventilation. When the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors are opened, the house and desert merge into one seamless, boundless space.

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

Reference

Dear Architects: If You Really Want to Be More Sustainable, Start Prioritizing Reuse Projects
CategoriesArchitecture

Dear Architects: If You Really Want to Be More Sustainable, Start Prioritizing Reuse Projects

Architecture 2030’s mission is to rapidly transform the built environment from a major emitter of greenhouse gases to a central source of solutions to the climate crisis. For 20 years, the nonprofit has provided leadership and designed actions toward this shift and a healthy future for all. This article was written by Erin McDade and Lori Ferriss. 

The latest reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are in, and the findings are clear: reusing and retrofitting our existing building stock is critical climate action. The Sixth Assessment Report names building reuse as one of the top strategies to mitigate climate change, stating that places with developed existing built environments will achieve “the largest GHG emissions savings by replacing, repurposing, or retrofitting the building stock.”

According to the IPCC, to have the best possible chance of meeting global climate targets, we must limit our remaining carbon budget to 340-400 gigatons of CO2 emissions. At a current average global emissions rate of approximately 40 gigatons per year, staying within this budget would require rapid decarbonization of every carbon-emitting sector, including the built environment, by 2040. This means achieving net zero across both operational emissions from using buildings and embodied emissions from constructing and maintaining them. Given such a short timeline, when assessing the best way to cut emissions in the building sector, we are compelled to think not just about how much carbon we reduce but when those reductions happen.

Pingtung Public Library by MAYU architects, Pingtung County, Taiwan Popular Choice, 10th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Adaptive Reuse

While substantial new construction will be required to support a growing global population, and efforts are underway to deploy net zero operations and adopt low/zero embodied carbon materials and construction practices, most new buildings today come with a significant embodied carbon penalty as well as added operational emissions.

On the other hand, renovating an existing building typically saves 50% to 75% of the embodied carbon that would be emitted by constructing a similar new building, especially when the most carbon-intensive parts of the building, the structure and envelope, are reused. When coupled with critical operational decarbonization strategies such as improved energy efficiency, electrification, and on-/off-site renewable energy, building reuse represents the biggest bang for our carbon buck, especially in parts of the world with significant and/or underutilized existing building stocks.

Unfortunately, renovation rates lag behind IPCC-estimated requirements. Current global building stock renovation rates hover around 1% annually, but the IPCC estimates that decarbonizing the built environment in time to meet climate deadlines will require retrofit rates to increase to 2.5 to 5%, and perhaps as much as 10%, annually.

Pingtung Public Library by MAYU architects, Pingtung County, Taiwan Popular Choice, 10th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Adaptive Reuse

The good news is that there are positive trends to accelerate building reuse on many fronts. To name a few: For the first time in the United States, AIA reported that architectural billings from reuse outpaced those from ground up construction. Funding opportunities are expanding from many sources, including the White House’s Inflation Reduction Act. The Pritzker Prize has recognized architects for exemplary stewardship of existing buildings in two of the past three years. David Chipperfield, this year’s laureate, states “Retrofit is not only the right thing to do, it’s the more interesting thing to do.”

Contributing to this trend is the expansion of tools and resources to support the planning, design and policymaking communities in assigning a value to the carbon-savings potential of building reuse. It has long been a truism in the building industry that “the greenest building is one that’s already built”, but despite this intuitive knowledge, the industry has lacked the ability to easily compare the variables of embodied and operating emissions over specific time frames for reuse and new-construction. This means that the potential avoided emissions associated with reuse are typically unaccounted for in design processes, owner requirements, and climate policies and regulations.

Pingtung Public Library by MAYU architects, Pingtung County, Taiwan Popular Choice, 10th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Adaptive Reuse

Resources like the CARE Tool are paving the way for a significant uptake in building reuse as a climate solution. The tool, recently released by Architecture 2030, provides a user-friendly platform and easily accessible data to support key decision makers in understanding and quantifying the potential of building reuse to achieve dramatic carbon savings compared to demolition and reconstruction.

The benefits of reusing and improving existing buildings extend well beyond carbon reductions. For example, a strategic investment could leverage the millions of square feet of unoccupied or underutilized buildings to ease the record housing crises in the US and Europe. Investing in communities that have been subjected to historic discrimination in particular has the potential to bring equitable climate solutions that also have meaningful social and economic outcomes.

Carbon smart approaches to reuse will reduce habitat loss, deforestation and pollution, while strengthening neighborhood memory and identity, creating local jobs, building financial equity, increasing neighborhood resilience and empowering communities. The benefits are clear, and the time to act is now! Existing buildings are a key to a climate smart built environment. Let’s untap their potential to transform the existing built environment for a net zero future.

Pingtung Public Library by MAYU architects, Pingtung County, Taiwan Popular Choice, 10th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Adaptive Reuse Photo by Yu-Chen Chao


Erin McDade, Associate AIA, is Architecture 2030’s Senior Program Director. She leads the organization’s public policy and building reuse initiatives, focusing on developing data-driven solutions for building sector decarbonization. 

Lori Ferriss, AIA, PE, is Goody Clancy’s Regenerative Renewal Practice Leader and Director of Sustainability and Climate Action, leading architecture projects and research investigations for premier educational institutions that are renewing heritage campuses while advancing climate action goals. 

Reference

Creative Collaboration: When Architecture Meets High Fashion
CategoriesArchitecture

Creative Collaboration: When Architecture Meets High Fashion

The winners of this year’s A+Product Awards have been announced. Stay tuned for the year’s edition of the A+Product Awards ebook in the coming months.

Boundaries are intended to be pushed in the realm of design, and the incomparable creative synergy between fashion and architecture has proven to be an irresistible force. Over the years, this fusion of disciplines has given rise to many breathtaking collaborations that challenge the status quo as designers and architects join forces to create spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional.

Delving into the art of this creative alchemy, this article explores some of the most iconic partnerships in the world of design, each of which has birthed a masterpiece that is both an ode to their respective fields and a testament to the power of collaboration.


REM Koolhaus, OMA x Prada

Prada Los Angeles Epicenter by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren, Los Angeles, CA Photograph provided by OMA

While some collaborations are one-offs, undoubtedly adding to their allure, others become long-term relationships. Many deeper partnerships between fashion designers and architects are born of a mutually explored aesthetic or shared understanding of values and goals. In the case of Prada and OMA, their ongoing saga is indeed one for the ages.

Rem Koolhaas, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect and founder of the multi-disciplinary firm the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), has long been known for his innovation and daring vision. When he joined forces with Miuccia Prada, the matriarch of the eponymous Italian fashion house, the result was a series of architectural marvels, such as Seoul’s Transformer project and the Prada Epicenter in New York.

Prada Los Angeles Epicenter, by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren, Los Angeles, CA Photograph by OMA

This collaboration extended beyond bricks and mortar, as OMA and the AMO think tank began to redefine the very nature of the catwalk at Prada’s shows. The convergence of Koolhaas’s avant-garde design sensibilities and Prada’s penchant for bold self-expression has given rise to spaces and experiences that are as breathtaking as they are groundbreaking.


Lina Ghotmeh x Hermès

Like the early days of Prada and Koolhaas, the collaboration between French luxury goods manufacturer Hermès and Franco-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh appears to be the beginning of a harmonious and hopefully long-established relationship. Having worked together previously to create stunning window displays for the brand, Ghotmeh has now been appointed for Hermès’ latest and largest architectural project to date.

Precise Acts – Hermès Workshops, France by Lina Ghotmeh Architecture. Render courtesy of Lina Ghotmeh Architecture.

Exemplifying the poetic marriage of craftsmanship and design that exists between the two design companies, Ghotmeh’s studio, Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, was chosen to design the new Hermès Leather Workshops, resulting in what looks to be a stunning space that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape while respecting the surrounding environment.

The all-brick construction, punctuated by large bay windows, bathes the space in natural light and evokes the precision and craftsmanship that have become synonymous with the Hermès brand. This poetic merging of form, function and broader ecological impact demonstrates the overlapping priorities across both industries.


Samuel Ross, SR_A x Acqua di Parma

Many collaborations between fashion designers and architects are grounded in retail design. Samuel Ross, founder of the streetwear label A-Cold-Wall* and design studio SR_A, has harnessed alternative skills to create new designs for the instantly recognizable Acqua di Parma bottles. While not technically an architect, Samuel is a creative polymath whose portfolio of work is deeply rooted in the semiotics and aesthetics of architecture.

His collaboration with the century-old Italian perfume house resulted in a reimagining of their iconic Colonia bottle. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of Milan and London, Ross’s designs featured a scaffolding-like window frame, a nod to the two cities’ post-WWII architectural dialogue. The result is a captivating reinterpretation that has bridged history and modernity in a way that celebrates both equally.


Marco Costanzi Architects x Fendi

Fendi HQ by Marco Costanzi Architects, Rome, Italy Photograph by Andrea Jemolo

While retail design is often the catalyst for cross-discipline collaboration in recent years, there has been a marked increase in fashion brands entering the realm of hospitality design — notably Fendi. The Italian luxury fashion house found an architectural soulmate in Marco Costanzi Architects when they embarked on a journey to reimagine their flagship store in Rome.

Fendi HQ by Marco Costanzi Architects, Rome, Italy Photograph by Andrea Jemolo

Located in the historic Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the store’s interior design is an ode to Fendi’s rich heritage while showcasing the forward-thinking ethos of Marco Costanzi Architects. The result is a sumptuous blend of materials, textures, and colors that pay tribute to both the brand’s history and the building’s architectural significance.

Above the store sits the Fendi Private Suites. Each suite is a celebration of the classic Fendi aesthetic – rich, neutral colors, crisp lines and hardwood floors. Walls are paneled in grey, polished wood and inset with Karl Lagerfeld’s black and white photos of Rome’s fountains, an ideal backdrop that brings out the subtle playfulness of custom Fendi Casa furniture. The building, store and suites are a haven for design and architecture enthusiasts.


Issey Miyake x David Chipperfield x Toshiko Mori x Frank Gehry and more

Reality Lab. Issey Miyake by TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA DESIGN, Tokyo, Japan Photograph by Masaya Yoshimura

Of the many fashion designers who have impacted architecture and interior design, the late Issey Miyake was the pinnacle. He was often referred to as a center of contemporary design culture and found a way to combine space and showcase into one unified experience by using his showrooms to further present his design thinking to the world. The iconic mastermind worked with a broad cross-section of architects to create unique, captivating environments. Over the years, their showrooms became a textbook example of retail design becoming an extension of a fashion brand’s vision and identity.

Issey Miyake Marunouchi by TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA DESIGN, Tokyo, Japan Photograph by Masaya Yoshimura

From as early as 1976 and his collaboration with a young Shiro Kuramata on the From First building in Aoyama, Japan, Miyake worked with many notable architects, providing younger or less experienced architects a global platform on which to showcase their talents.

David Chipperfield and Kenneth Armstrong designed his London showroom in 1985 with the architects using natural materials to evoke the spirit of Japanese architecture. Miyake then worked with Toshiko Mori on his first freestanding showroom at 77th Street and Madison Avenue in New York. Mori also designed a New York location for Pleats Please in 1998; another New York showroom for Miyake on 79th Street was finished in 2005.

Issey Miyake London by TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA DESIGN, London, UK Photograph by Masaya Yoshimura

Later, Miyake would enlist the skills of people like Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Ito Masaru Design Project and, of course, long-time friends Frank Gehry and Gordon Kipping. Together, they brought the iconic Issey Miyake Tribeca store to life. The store’s interior is a harmonious blend of Kipping’s urban sensibilities and Miyake’s signature folds, creating a space that is both a tribute to New York City’s architectural heritage and a glimpse into the future of design. With its dynamic, origami-inspired aesthetic, the store serves as a reminder of the potential unleashed when fashion and architecture intertwine.

With each collaboration, the importance of creative exploration and pushing boundaries is evident. By merging their respective disciplines, designers and architects can break new ground, challenge conventions, and redefine our understanding of design and style. The results of these partnerships are spaces that are not only functional but equally inspiring and transformative, demonstrating the limitless possibilities that arise from interdisciplinary collaboration.

The winners of this year’s A+Product Awards have been announced. Stay tuned for the year’s edition of the A+Product Awards ebook in the coming months.



Reference

Pushing the Envelope: 6 Innovative Façade Designs in Higher Education Buildings
CategoriesSustainable News

Pushing the Envelope: 6 Innovative Façade Designs in Higher Education Buildings

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

A building’s façade is like the skin that does not only allow the building to breathe but also allows it to see and converse with its context and users, responding to many social, environmental and historical factors, such as climate, building identity, program, interior-exterior relationships and user experience, among other considerations. Through this collection, the innovative façade designs of a number of higher education buildings are shown, with more responsibility falling on the façades of this building typology for the way they are expected to show and not only teach students about architectural design and the values of the educational organizations they represent.


Architecture Faculty in Tournai

By Aires Mateus, Tournai, Belgium

Photo by Tim Van de Velde Photography

Photo by Tim Van de Velde Photography

The new Architecture Faculty in Tournai building has its form shaped by the surrounding historical city block, both used and getting used by the adjoining buildings that manage to coexist, despite the difference in their identities and time periods. Designed to connect the existing structures together through a set of vertical and horizontal circulation elements while housing different interior spaces for architectural education, the building evokes the architectural heritage of the city through its use of iconography.

The completely solid main elevation, constructed out of concrete and steel and covered with sanded plaster and grey paint, diverts the attention to the neighboring buildings and allows the new building to comfortably fit into the context, boldly subtracted with a distinctively house shaped three dimensional volume that accentuates the entrance and welcomes users.

Photo by Roberto Ortiz Giacoman and Jorge Taboada

Photo by Roberto Ortiz Giacoman and Jorge Taboada

The façade of this majestic concrete building is three-dimensional, changing directions between the vertical and horizontal planes and artfully mastering the relationship between the building’s interior and exterior while blurring the lines between both, framing the ‘Sierra Madre’ mountain range and opening up the building to the sky and the surrounding landscapes.

The three-dimensional volume that is called “The Shell” almost looks like a solid shape from a distance, especially for the way it spans a distance as long as 80 meters and the way its concrete panels seamlessly align across the building’s several sides and faces. The design of “The Shell” would have not been possible without its innovate structural design, utilizing a principle called composite action where concrete works alongside the structural steel to carry the weight of the building and its materials.


Masdar Institute

By Foster + Partners, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The façade design of the residential buildings at the Masdar Institute offers a modern interpretation of Al Mashrabiya, which is a traditional Islamic architecture element where turned wood is used to produce latticed patterns adorning oriel windows facing that face the streets, for shading and privacy. For materials, the façades are constructed out of sustainably developed glass-reinforced concrete and colored with local desert sand to integrate the building with the context, with the buildings being completely powered by solar energy. Through an alternation of the façade elements between recession and protrusion and proper building orientation, the building is not only self-shading but is also sheltering of the neighboring buildings and the pedestrians at street level.


Scottsdale Community College Business School And Indigenous Cultural Center

By Architekton,Scottsdale, AZ, United States

Built on the land of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community (SRP-MIC) in Arizona, the building rose from the ground holding traces of the native saguaro cactus, in a notion that celebrates the indigenous community’s connection to their land. Technically speaking, the façade design utilized imbedding saguaro ribs into concrete tilt panels, organized into the formwork during construction and protected against concrete by pouring sand into the ribs.

After the panels were cast, the architectural team and the contractor determined the final appearance of the building by deciding which saguaro to burn, remove or conceal. The design of the façade allowed the building, which also houses the Business School, to visually converse and connect with the context and the adjacent east Red Mountain, while also teaching visitors about the native history of the community who views the saguaro as a symbol of life.


Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Design

By Patrick Schweitzer et Associés Architectes, Kigali, Rwanda

For design of the new Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Design in Kigali, the architectural team drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape and topography, reflected on the thirteen distinctively shaped prism volumes that house the classrooms and design studios. The façade design further emphasized the distinctiveness of the prism shapes, alternating in materials between the local lava rocks and rammed earth on the exterior side of the prisms and a striking orange color on the interior sides.

The use of the former represents Earth and the later represents Fire, as part of the four natural elements that guided the design conception, alongside Water represented in the inner gardens and Air in the building’s circulation. The design of the openings on the building’s exterior aimed to maximize the use of natural sunlight to reduce running costs and create more pleasant interiors, with the project serving as a pedagogic tool that shows and not only tells students how to design.


Coil School for the Arts, Riverside Community College

By LPA, Riverside, CA, United States

The music that plays inside the new Coil School for the Arts could be seen reflected on the façade design of the main elevation, constructed out of phenolic wood panels that evoke the craftsmanship of wooden music instruments, with a pattern that is inspired by the sheet music notations. In response to the desert climate of the area and the building program’s acoustical requirements, heavy concrete grouted masonry was used as the main construction material of the LEED Silver certified building, with openings kept minimum on the building’s exterior and the building mass pushed back at street level to create a sheltered outdoor lobby where visitors can gather. On the southeast façade, an intimate courtyard is designed for students for gatherings and informal concerts, shaded with a trellised structure that filters out the noise from the street and the harshness of the sun.

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

Reference

Elon Musk Shocks the World With Plans for New Twitter HQ on Alcatraz Island
CategoriesArchitecture

Elon Musk Shocks the World With Plans for New Twitter HQ on Alcatraz Island

Architizer’s Vision Awards is a global awards program for architectural media and representation, recognizing the world’s best architectural photographs, videos, visualizations, drawings and models, and the creators behind them. The inaugural edition opens for entries this spring: Register now.

Elon Musk, everybody’s favorite eccentric billionaire, has done it again. This time, he’s set his sights on the infamous Alcatraz island, which he plans to transform into a futuristic new Twitter headquarters. Yes, you read that right. The prison, once home to some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, will soon be home to some of the country’s most passionate Twitter employees.

A mock up rendering of Musk’s proposal; image courtesy of MJ.

According to Musk, the move is all about efficiency. “We need our most dedicated employees working around the clock to monetize Twitter,” he declared in a recent press conference. “And what better place to do that than a former prison? The isolation, the lack of distractions, it’s perfect.”

But certain details of Musk’s plan aren’t as dystopian as you might fear, given the project’s controversial context. He’s promised to outfit the entire island with the latest and greatest technology, including self-driving golf carts and robot chefs. “All employees who are willing to sign their life over to me deserve the best,” he said. “And that’s what we’re going to give them.”

A sketched sectional drawing for the dramatic structure overlooking San Francisco Bay; image courtesy of MJ.

Not everyone is on board with Musk’s plan. Critics have raised concerns about the historic preservation of the island, and have questioned whether or not it’s appropriate to turn a former prison into a corporate headquarters. But Musk isn’t worried. “Look, Alcatraz has been closed for years. It’s just sitting there, unused. Why not put it to good use?” he argued.

As for the prisoners who once called Alcatraz home? Musk has promised to honor their legacy by turning their old cells into luxury offices. “We’re going to keep the bars on the windows, of course,” he joked. “But we’ll add some beanbag chairs and free snacks to make it more comfortable.”

Mock up renderings of the proposed interiors for the new Twitter HQ; images courtesy of MJ.

Perhaps the most interesting part of Musk’s proposal is his plan for employee incentives. Every time an employee comes up with a new monetization strategy that proves successful, they will be given a “get out of jail free” card that will allow them to leave work early that day. And if an employee comes up with a particularly brilliant idea, they may even be able to earn a day off from work altogether.

In the end, the success of Musk’s proposal will depend on whether or not he can strike the right balance between innovation and preservation. Alcatraz is a place with a complex history, and it will take a careful touch to turn it into something that everyone can be proud of.

Elon Musk toured the interior of Alcatraz last week to size up the changes that will be needed to transform the historic building into Twitter’s new HQ; images courtesy of MJ.

What will Musk come up with next? Maybe he’ll buy the moon and turn it into a giant amusement park. Or maybe he’ll finally unveil his plans for a flying car. Whatever it is, you can bet it’ll be out of this world.

Architizer’s Vision Awards is a global awards program for architectural media and representation, recognizing the world’s best architectural photographs, videos, visualizations, drawings and models, and the creators behind them. The inaugural edition opens for entries this spring: Register now.

Reference

Psychedelia's Architectural Reverberations: The Mind-Bending Legacy of 1960s Countercultural Design
CategoriesArchitecture

Psychedelia’s Architectural Reverberations: The Mind-Bending Legacy of 1960s Countercultural Design

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

Architecture and design have many faces, and the kaleidoscopic world of psychedelia is a fascinating one. Entrancing sinuous curves, vibrant hues, and boundless imagination alongside a connection between mind, body and the natural world are the key elements in this energetic aesthetic. Born initially from revolutionary 1960s counterculture, this surreal realm of artistic expression profoundly influenced architecture and interior design during its short reign, with daring architects pushing beyond conventional boundaries to create new, unprecedented environments.

As the reemergence of this enigmatic movement in today’s design landscape unfolds, it’s exciting and informative to delve into the past to understand its enduring allure.

A journey into the psychedelic movement’s history reveals that at its origin, the trend was heavily influenced by the widespread consumption of mind-altering substances and as the 1960s counterculture redefined the boundaries of art, politics, and social norms, a renaissance in artistic expression took hold, with architecture swept up in the beguiling influence.

One early example of psychedelic architecture is in Hamburg, Germany, at the Spiegel Publishing House. In 1969, Danish designer Verner Panton, a pioneer of psychedelic design, unveiled his magnificent office space. His avant-garde vision featured undulating contours, amorphous furnishings, and a riot of colors harmonizing into a symphony of visual delight. This space encapsulated the essence of the movement, defying traditional design’s rigidity and embracing a new world of imagination.

Around the same time, the groundbreaking architectural collective Ant Farm designed the House of the Century, an exemplary psychedelic edifice. This residential project is situated in Texas and boasts a distinctive, futuristic design with a curvilinear exterior and a luminous, open-plan interior. The structure’s seamless integration with its natural surroundings demonstrated the psychedelic movement’s affinity for the organic, a feature that would become a hallmark of the style.

In London, the 1967 opening of the UFO Club, designed by Michael English and Nigel Waymouth, heralded a new era for countercultural gatherings and developed a space that would not only reflect their way of thinking but encourage others to think and experience in new ways. The club’s interior, resplendent with otherworldly patterns and shimmering lights, provided an immersive experience, transporting visitors to a realm of hallucinatory euphoria. As a haven for artists, musicians and intellectuals, the UFO Club became and remains synonymous with the 1960s counterculture and the psychedelic aesthetic.

There are many examples of psychedelic design and our list would be incomplete without mentioning the influence of Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment building in Vienna, was completed in 1985 and showcased his penchant for fluid forms, vibrant colors, and ecological awareness. With uneven floors, meandering corridors, and lush rooftop gardens, the Hundertwasserhaus defied conventional architectural norms, embodying the psychedelic spirit of freedom and individuality.

Conemoting Market by Yebin Design, Shenzhen, China Photograph by Xiaoyun

Ordinance of the Subconscious Treatment by Atelier Duyi Han, China Photograph by Atelier Duyi Han

Fast forward to the present, and the reemergence of psychedelic design is evident across various contemporary projects. This resurgence can be attributed to several factors, including a renewed interest in alternative spirituality, eco-conscious design, and a desire to break free from the monotony of minimalist aesthetics. While historically, psychedelia meant the use of vibrant colors and contrasting materiality, today’s refined and developed architectural style has led to architects and designers primarily adopting the movement’s core principles into their own explorations, emphasizing fluidity, form, and connectivity with nature over simply vivid color.

Hafary Gallery by Park + Associates, Singapore Photograph by Khoo Guo Jie

Some critics have suggested that the reemergence of psychedelic architecture directly correlates with the resurgence of interest in psychedelics for mental health and well-being, a field that has undoubtedly risen to the forefront of both healthcare and design as a key focus point. As research into the therapeutic potential of various substances gains momentum and research space, so does the notion that the psychedelic architecture of the past may have had unlocked an essential insight when considering and developing spaces that support our emotional and physical health.

A recognizable cultural shift towards introspection, creativity, and self-expression is widely observed in todays society and this shift dovetails with the core principles of psychedelic design, encouraging architects and designers to revisit and reinterpret the movement’s legacy. Even if today’s architects aren’t necessarily taking the psychedelics themselves, the aesthetics of 1960s have impressed themselves on cultural memory, and it seems that firms dabbling in formal experimentation on this legacy — whether it is consciously or unconsciously.

Serpentine Pavilion by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, London, United Kingdom Photograph by Iwan Baan

Notable examples of modern psychedelic-inspired architecture include the Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG) Serpentine Pavilion that stood in London in 2016 or the Blur Building by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in Switzerland. The Serpentine Pavilion, completed in 2016, featured an undulating, translucent structure that invites visitors to explore its labyrinthine pathways.

A masterful use of form and light transform the pavilion into an immersive experience, echoing the psychedelic principles of the past. Meanwhile, the Blur Building is an ethereal cloud-like structure on Lake Neuchâtel. A fine mist generated by water jets envelops the structure, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that harkens back to the mystique of psychedelic design and the importance of experience within the movement.

Without question, the 1960s counterculture’s psychedelic movement left an indelible mark on the architectural and design world, pushing the boundaries of conventional architecture. Today it becomes evident that the psychedelic spirit continues reverberating through the world of design. As architects and designers find inspiration in the past and chart new territory, the allure of psychedelic design endures. As humans continue to explore alternative forms of spirituality, eco-conscious design, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, the vibrant and innovative legacy of psychedelic architecture remains a powerful source of inspiration.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

Reference

Is This the Most Beautiful Architecture School Project Ever Designed?
CategoriesArchitecture

Is This the Most Beautiful Architecture School Project Ever Designed?

“Artisanal” is a word one hears a lot these days, especially in Brooklyn. Consumers are getting tired of the same old same old and long for one-of-a-kind products, preferably those made by hand. Artisans themselves are looking to escape a mainstream workforce where workers rarely get to take ownership over their own projects.

When she was an architecture student, Joanne Chen seized on this trend in an imaginative manner, designing a factory where master craftsmen could work alongside one another. Her drawings are the kind that would be perfect for Architizer’s inaugural Vision Awards, a competition that gives talented creators — including architectural photographers, filmmakers, visualizers, drawers, model-makers and more — a chance to showcase their work. With categories for students and professionals, the awards recognize emerging and established talent.

Pre-launch Registration is open today — sign up for the Vision Awards to be the first to receive updates and begin preparing your entries:

Register for the Vision Awards

In Chen’s vision, artisans would not only ply their trades but would also have access to recreational and educational facilities. It is a unique facility designed for those who wish to find enjoyment in their work.

“The project raises a critique on the contemporary view of work as compensatory toil rather than fulfillment and pleasure,” said Chen. “The building adopts an interwoven spatial language, interspersing production spaces with gardens and waterscapes to create a multi-orientational experience while preserving the building’s sense of transparency.”

The proposal places the factory on the picturesque banks of the river Thames in London and includes workshops for stained-glass-makers, weavers, furniture designers and more. Courtyards featuring pensive lily ponds are laced throughout the scheme. Although this is a workplace, beauty is integrated into the functional spaces. Decorative doorways connect rooms with stunning glazed ceilings, and walls are lined with wallpaper featuring intricate vegetal motifs.

“The ornate design is a reaction against the minimalist Scandinavian design that is ubiquitous in today’s homes thanks to furniture manufacturers like Ikea,” explained Chen.

Readers might be surprised to learn that disenchantment with mass production is nothing new. In Victorian England, members of the Arts and Crafts movement called for an integration of the arts with everyday life.

They privileged the handmade over the factory-made and wrote treatises that romanticized the medieval guilds of centuries past, an age in which the products of daily life were built by master craftsmen who honed their skills over a lifetime.

One of the most interesting figures of the Arts and Crafts movement was the writer, textile designer and socialist thinker William Morris (1834–1896). In essays like “Art and Life,” Morris outlined his proposal to transform society in a way that would eliminate drudgery.

His dream was a world in which work was a sphere of life where people could feel independent, creative and fulfilled. “The true secret of happiness,” he once wrote, “lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”

Morris’s idealism was a major inspiration for Chen, whose factory is modeled on design principles set down in one of Morris’s texts. Like Morris, Chen wishes to reimagine the factory as a space for joy and exploration, rather than mere industrial efficiency. Many of the details of her proposal — including the striking wallpaper designs — are inspired by Morris’s own sketches and textile designs.

In terms of architectural inspirations, the project possesses a resemblance to Carlo Scarpa’s Brion Cemetery, a moving project defined by pristine concrete forms and reflecting pools.

Chen’s project was completed as part of her Masters program at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London. She worked in collaboration with the architect Niall McLaughlin as well as Michiko Sumi and Yeoryia Manolopoulou.

Architizer’s Vision Awards seeks to honor theoretical works that, like Chen’s imaginative drawing, might never result in a built project, but deserve recognition for the inspiration they spark. From fantastical renderings to intricate drawings, conceptual works tell powerful stories about architecture and form a creative catalyst for the profession:

Register For Updates

All images courtesy of Bartlett School of Architecture

Reference

© Commod-Haus GmbH
CategoriesArchitecture

Blending In with Nature: The Inspiration Behind COMMOD-Haus GmbH’s Weekend Home

 

The Little Black One – The ambition of this project was to design a house that blended so perfectly into the breathtaking landscape as if it had always been there. It didn’t need to show off as the scenery speaks for itself but still it should live up to the ambition of providing its owners an elegant weekend spot. A house that is always in style – like a little black dress – that keeps on fascinating you over and over again.

Architizer chatted with Michaela Maresch, CEO & Founder at COMMOD-Haus GmbH, to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Michaela Maresch: COMMOD “The Little Black One” was definitely inspired by nature. The harsh, wide, mountain landscape at Semmering was inspiration and challenge at once.

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

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

The Little Black is an amazing example of how architecture can set the stage for the beauty of nature. I think that people currently desire to live closer to nature than ever before and this house reflects a simple yet stunning way to do so.

The minimalistic form of the house, the colour chosen for the spruce wood façade and the play of light and shadow that reveals different shades of black on the façade.

Well protected from the harsh climate outside by the beautiful wooden façade, the living area inside is flooded with light. The generous window fronts and open spaces create a sense of even being part of nature while still enjoying all amenities of a modern home.

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

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

The main strength of this project was also its biggest challenge: a gentle, subtle embedding of the house into the existing terrain that yet creates a connection to the partents home next door and emphasises the view of the mountains.

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

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

The design of this project is only fully comprehensible if you take into account its entire context. The client-family living in the big city of Vienna wanted to spend their weekends away from it all in pure nature. It was our top priority to give them a space where they could fully breathe in the beauty of nature. However, considering the fact that they did not want to harm this nature in any way by building their weekend house, our construction method was simply ideal for them. The screw foundations can be removed without leaving any residue after their lifecycle is over. Soil sealing is absolutely not an issue here. So they can live in harmony in and with nature.

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

What is your favorite detail in the project and why?

I can’t help but love the walkway that leads onto the terrace. It reveals this unique distant view of the rugged mountains, but at the same time exudes a calming effect on the visitor through the natural materials and the regularity of the slats.

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

How important was sustainability as a design criteria as you worked on this project? 

As already mentioned, it was extremely important to the owners not to interfere too much with nature. Using the system of point foundations, this was not a problem.

Basically, sustainability has been anchored in our DNA since the creation of our company, so for us it is almost not worth mentioning that our material consists of 99% renewable raw materials. We work hard to be and remain pioneers in this field.

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

How have your clients responded to the finished project?

This project illustrates all our strengths: Sustainability, adaptability, modern design, high quality standards and speed on site (this house took only one day to be delivered and assembled).

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

How has being the recipient of an A+Award evoked positive responses from others?

We are always very honoured when our houses receive awards. This not only makes us proud, but also the owners of the houses. But here it was something even more special. There are few awards that are as internationally respected as the Architizer A+Award. We feel grateful and happy to have become part of the Architizer Family and hope to impress with many more innovative projects in the future.

© Commod-Haus GmbH

© Commod-Haus GmbH

Team Members

Michaela Maresch, Gerald Brencic, Volker Ast, Ingmar Zwirn, Uwe Lackner, Gamze Olcay, Oumaima Laassibi, Lisa Gattebrauer, Rita Fruhmann, Jannis Fielers, Nadja Wieland

Products and Materials

Colour Synthesa „Greywood Forest 03“

For more on The Little Black One, please visit the in-depth project page on Architizer.

The Little Black One Gallery

Reference

10 Architects Who Can – and Should – Win the Pritzker Prize
CategoriesArchitecture

10 Architects Who Can – and Should – Win the Pritzker Prize

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

The 2023 Pritzker Prize has been announced and the winner’s reveal was met with mixed reactions. While some lauded the timeless elegance and simplicity of Chipperfield’s designs, others questioned why the institution would choose to elevate the “safe choice” and what values that conveys. For those in the latter camp, who met the announcement with a sigh, part of the constructive commentary was brainstorming architects who they’d like to see win.

While the Pritzker’s culture of naming a single figure rather than the teams of professionals who work to produce contemporary architecture remains questionable (the rules explicitly state that the prize must go to “a living architect or architects, but not to an architectural firm”), there are arguments for celebrating industry visionaries whose creative leadership guide the profession. Indeed, the prize is meant to “encourage and stimulate not only a greater public awareness of buildings but also inspire greater creativity within the architectural profession.” That said, the definition of architecture does not simply encompass buildings (scroll to see some landscape architects who have certainly “produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.”).

Architizer’s A+Awards program was founded with the precise aim of countering the culture of starchitecture, which erases the very foundation of architectural practice: collaboration. However, we also believe in thought leaders, and the following selections exemplify the spirit of what we celebrate: architecture that builds a better future.


Marina Tabassum

Left: Marina Tabassum Kaethe17Marina-tabassum-pimo-2023 (cropped)CC BY-SA 4.0; Right: Bait Ur Rouf Mosque অজ্ঞাত, বায়তুর রউফ মসজিদ, CC BY-SA 4.0

Climate, materials, site, culture, and local history are hallmarks of Marina Tabassum’s output. Her Dhaka-based studio was founded in 2005, and the Bangladeshi architect’s most famous work, the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque epitomizes the approach that she takes across her diverse oeuvre. There, a symphony of light sings in a rhythm of unexpected beams and bursts against the exposed terracotta walls. It’s pure poetry. But then, there are her more practical designs like Khudi Bari, a modular mobile housing unit that is light weight and easy to assemble and specifically designed for climate victims in her native Bangladesh. Hers is an architecture rooted in the past and built for the future. We need celebrate this type of innovative and humanitarian approach to design over and above the monumental and symbolic.


Tatiana Bilbao

We live in a time of crises. While the term “Housing Crisis” is used universally, the plagues most countries in distinct and different iterations. Mexico City-based architect Tatiana Bilbao has a long history of engaging with this crisis as it manifests in her hometown. Since having worked as an adviser for the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing in Mexico City for two years early in her career, Bilbao has acted as a leader of architectural discussions and research into affordable housing  — and not the anonymous cookie-cutter type that might come to mind. Beyond affordability, her designs consider how to build sustainable communities that are rooted in their locale. Tell me this doesn’t “demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision, and commitment,” that the Pritzker awards.


Kongjian Yu

While architectural enthusiasts outside of China may be less familiar with landscape architect Kongjian Yu, it’s time they started reading up. The founder of Turenscape has been on the forefront of adapting cities for a changing climate, and a longtime advocate of reversing assumptions about urban and regional development planning. Having coined the term “Sponge City,” his body of work is driven by an ecological approach to recovering the natural landscape of cities, and working with water rather than against it. While these projects may be rooted in ecology, the designer’s touch for adding a flare of tasteful manmade drama in a natural environment underlines the root belief of his studio; indeed, it is embedded in its name. The “Tu” refers to dirt, earth and land. Meanwhile, “Ren” denotes people, man and human beings. Together, “Turen” means earth man. This is the type of thinking all builders today must take.


Jeanne Gang

The world’s tallest woman-designed building, St. Regis Chicago, was constructed by Jeanne Gang and her studio. When it was completed in 2020, the tower that it overtook gain its title was none other the Aqua Tower, which was designed by the same architect. This simple fact speaks volumes about Jeanne Gang’s ambition, which is paired with seemingly limitless creative energy. Her contribution to 21st century skyscraper is undeniable, so it is fitting that she is based in Chicago, where the typology was first invented. Studio Gang’s portfolio is not limited to highrises, however, (although her team has masterminded plenty more innovative towers). For example, their latest adaptive reuse project makes a hopeful statement about the future while their addition to the American Museom of Natural History is an signifiant contribution to museum typology.


MVRDV (Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries)

Market Hall by MVRDV, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Since it was founded in 1993, this Rotterdam-based studio have been challenging public perceptions about what architecture can be and how it can evolve our definition of what a city is. Mixing typologies, upending formal expectations and urban relationships, and pushing the envelop of construction possibility, MVRDV does work that is anything but safe. Each project in their porfolio is delightfully unique, also challenging the traditional notion of an architect or firm developing an identifiable style. Instead, their projects are deeply rooted in an analysis of how buildings can activate (or re-activate) the urban fabric and the public, resulting in architecture that is place-specific, even if not rooted in tradition (subverting a common preconceived notion about contextual design). They also model how urban density does not need to come at the cost of traditional community bonds.


James Corner

As a path breaking landscape architect who has already been the first of his ilk to receive a handful of awards traditionally reserved for building designers, James Corner is well positioned to be the first landscape designer to win a Pritzker. His New York-based firm, which takes his name, crafts urban environments that are more than just green spaces; in addition to ecological benefits, his designs are undergirded by a deep concern with the social and the economic. Cornfield was at the forefront of thinking about post-industrial landscapes, and designs such as his famous High Line (in collaboration with Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Piet Oudolf) positioned him as a leader in the field, and redefined how the broader public view landscape architects and architecture. Since then, his firm has continued to push the bounds of public and industry understanding about urban public space and ecological remediation, reimagining aging infrastructure as “places to enchant.”


Frida Escobedo

Having skyrocketed to global fame in 2018 when she was named the youngest architect ever invited to design the Serpentine Pavilion (and only the second woman to do so), it should come as no surprise that Frida Escobedo is on this list. However, this is not why she deserves to be given the Pritzker. When she was named to takeover the MET wing design from this year’s laureate, the museum director Max Hollein put it best, saying “In her practice, she wields architecture as a way to create powerful spatial and communal experiences, and she has shown dexterity and sensitivity in her elegant use of material while bringing sincere attention to today’s socioeconomic and ecological issues.” Beyond the museum addition, her portfolio ranges from hospitality and hotel restoration to interior commercial projects to residential design — all commissions that are the bread and butter of most architects, making up the fabric of the everyday, as opposed to the big-ticket cultural projects typical of starchitects.


Sir David Adjaye

For many architects and critics, the question is not whether Sir David Adjaye will win the Pritzker, it when. As the best-known Black “starchitect,” the Ghanaian-British designer’s buildings range from the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway to the A+Awards-winning Winter Park Library and Events Center in Florida. The Pritzker was founded with the aim of celebrating figures who “stimulate a greater public awareness of buildings,” and Adjaye did just that with the design of the ​​National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Yet, if Adjaye received the award it wouldn’t be for just one building. In addition to collaborating with numerous artists and the considerable output of community-oriented work in his portfolio, Adjaye’s designs are also materially distinct, representing a visionary way to think about construction.


Toshiko Mori

Left: Image via Toshiko Mori Architect Right: House in Connecticut II, New Canaan, CT Photo by Paul Warchol Photography

The Japanese-born and New York-based architect Toshiko Mori made a name for herself by her poetic takes on modern architectural style, deely rooted in research that produced material innovation and common-sense sustainability. Through her eponymous firm over the past four decades, she has constructed beloved buildings around the world and built a career as an industry leader through her dedication to pedagoy. While the Pritzker recognizes built output, and not thought leadership, from becoming the first female professor given tenure at Harvard to her investigations into sustainability in design on World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Future of Cities to her advocacy for community engagement through Architecture For Humanity, her positive impact on the profession shouldn’t be taken lightly. These research interests are also visible in her built output, including THREAD: Artists’ Residency and Cultural Center where Mori used parametric design to expand the structural possibilities of the vernacular African home


Mariam Kamara

Left image: Mariam Kamara, Mariam Kamara OTRSCC BY-SA 4.0Right image: HIKMA – A Religious and Secular Complex by atelier masōmī + Yasaman Esmaili, Dandaji, Niger Photo by James Wang 

If Mariam Kamara were to win the Pritzker next year, she wouldn’t be the youngest laureate in the prize’s history (that bar was set by Ryue Nishizawa was aged 44 in 2010), although she’d be damn close. The founder and principal of atelier masōmī, in Niamey Niger and the Seattle-based collective united4design, is known for harnessing low-cost, local materials, including raw earth and recycled metal. One example of this is her Hikma en Dandaji, a building that has been lauded for its sustainability specs and that draws on local construction techniques and evolves them. Bringing three programs—a mosque, a library and a community center—under one roof, the Kamara’s design bringing “secular knowledge and faith” together “without contradiction.” Perhaps she needs time to build out her portfolio before the Pritzker comes her way, it would be thrilling to cast the spotlight on someone “designing culturally, historically and climatically relevant solutions to spatial problems inherent to the developing world.”

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

Reference

© Donaghy & Dimond Architects
CategoriesArchitecture

25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland

Ireland’s architecture is a rich tapestry of vernacular craft, foreign architecture and, most importantly, good ol’ grit. Like any nation, Ireland’s complex history is easily contextualized through its urban makeup. Take Dublin and Cork, for example. Both cities contain a wealth of Georgian and Victorian structures that directly speak to the republic’s past ties to Britain. All it takes is a quick tour of the extant churches, libraries and courthouses to understand how significant British and European influences were on the nation, including its architecture.

Foreign influences continued to inform Ireland’s built environment well after the Partition. In the 20th century, Irish designers turned to modernism and other international trends, this time on their own terms. Art Deco, Brutalism and sleek Modern structures began to appear around the country, generating an architectural expression to mirror the republic’s newfound independence. This modernist sensibility carried through the 20th century alongside a revival of the vernacular. Ireland’s traditional architecture — specifically the thatched cottage — was again made popular by tourists seeking a quintessential ‘Irish experience.’

Today’s designers continuously engage with discourse surrounding nationalism. What is the quintessential ‘Irish experience’, and how does it inform today’s architecture? With a built environment rooted in pluralism, Irish architects have an incredible opportunity to recreate and rectify an architectural language that best represents today’s Irish folk.

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 Ireland 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 Ireland architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 25 best architecture firms in Ireland:


25. Donaghy & Dimond Architects

© Donaghy & Dimond Architects

© Donaghy & Dimond Architects

Based in Dublin, Donaghy + Dimond Architects was established in 2001 by Marcus Donaghy and Will Dimond, two architects with extensive experience of working on urban and rural design projects in Ireland and abroad. The practice has developed a reputation for high-quality, innovative and sustainable design, and has been selected for numerous national and international awards for completed projects. Their work has been published and exhibited in Ireland, Europe and the USA.

Some of Donaghy & Dimond Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Donaghy & Dimond Architects achieve 25th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

24. NOJI

© NOJI

© NOJI

NOJI is an architecture and design studio dedicated to exploring the possibilities of design from our base in the rugged Northwest coast of Ireland. We are based in Sligo. Our projects range from small scale private homes to retail, commercial and innovative large-scale public space projects. Curious about the crossroads of tradition and culture, sustainability and context, NOJI is committed to design architecture that responds to individual context and need.

With a nod to the backdrop of living and working along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, our work is often considered playful and innovative. Environmentally conscious and sustainable design is a key theme through all design work produced by NOJI. Each project presents opportunities for the studio to investigate and explore issues that have an impact on the environment we inhabit everyday.

Some of NOJI’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped NOJI achieve 24th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

23. TAKA architects

© TAKA architects

© TAKA architects

TAKA is an architectural practice based in Dublin, Ireland. Our practice is focused on creating buildings, places and moments which have a distinct character. Our approach involves a careful and economic approach to materials and construction and a first-principles approach to sustainability.

We collaborate closely with clients, professional consultants, and expert makers to ensure the ambitions of projects are met and exceeded. A continuing level of excellence in the built work of the practice is recognized by multiple national and international awards and worldwide publication.

Some of TAKA architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped TAKA architects achieve 23rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

22. Box Architecture

The flush detailing of the glazed screens - © Box Architecture

The flush detailing of the glazed screens – © Box Architecture

Box Architecture was created in 1997. Since conception, the company has been established as a leading design practice in the nation. Quality has remained the focus of Box throughout and this has been employed to a variety of projects including urban schemes, apartment units, award-winning private commissions, corporate offices, crèches and housing developments.

The success of Box Architecture is achieved through a personal approach to understand client needs. With a hands-on approach, technical expertise, creative execution and a commitment to continued education, the company applies a philosophy of the highest principle in order to contribute to a sustainable future and maintain quality architecture.

Some of Box Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Box Architecture achieve 22nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 2

21. Carr Cotter Naessens Architects

© Dennis Gilbert, VIEW

© Dennis Gilbert, VIEW

Cotter & Naessens are an award-winning architecture design studio with a reputation for innovative design, delivered with focus and attention to detail. Our work encompasses diverse briefs, scales and locations. From rural houses to urban masterplans, all our projects are underpinned by a common design philosophy that is enquiring and rigorous.

Some of Carr Cotter Naessens Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Carr Cotter Naessens Architects achieve 21st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 2

20. PLA Architects (formerly Peter Legge Associates)

© Peter Legge Associates

© Peter Legge Associates

PLA Architects is an evolution of the practice Peter Legge Associates, which was founded in 1961 by Peter B Legge, and which for over fifty years of practice, earned an enviable reputation for quality design and service across a wide range of projects, most especially in the hospitality, residential and industrial sectors. Today, the practice extends to architecture, interior, furniture design and landscaping design.

Some of Peter Legge Associates’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Peter Legge Associates achieve 20th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 2

19. Kingston Lafferty Design

© Donal Murphy

© Donal Murphy

Kingston Lafferty Design are an award-winning, international multi-disciplinary design company run by Roisin Lafferty based in Dublin, Ireland. At KLD we think differently about design. Our designs take people on a journey, delivering fun and unexpected experiences. With a holistic approach, we study the way in which people live and work to create tactile and meaningful design, putting human behavior at the centre of every project.

Some of Kingston Lafferty Design’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Kingston Lafferty Design achieve 19th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 3

18. Isabel Barros Architects

© Robert Mullan Photography

© Robert Mullan Photography

isabel barros architects are driven by a passion for creating high quality contemporary architecture. Our goal is to make good design available to the general public while maintaining a strong focus on the energy efficiency and sustainability of our designs.

Some of Isabel Barros Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Isabel Barros Architects achieve 18th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 4

17. ARCHITECTSTM

© Ros Kavanagh

© Ros Kavanagh

ARCHITECTSTM is a design practice founded by Tom Maher. Based in Dublin, Ireland the firm boasts a portfolio of residential, cultural and commercial designs.

Some of ARCHITECTSTM’s most prominent projects include:

  • K HOUSE, Ranelagh, Ireland
  • GARDENER’S WORLD (FUTURE), Callan, Ireland
  • SLATE STOREY EXTENSION, Chapelizod, Dublin, Ireland
  • COTTAGE, County Kilkenny, Ireland
  • 8BY4, Dublin, Ireland

The following statistics helped ARCHITECTSTM achieve 17th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 5

16. Paul Dillon Architects

© Paul Dillon Architects

© Paul Dillon Architects

In 1999, architect Paul Dillon established his full-service practice in Galway, which quickly earned a reputation for combining design sensitivity with professional management and delivery. Each year, paul dillon architects complete a small number of challenging everyday projects, ranging from domestic extensions and garden designs to large commercial, retail, industrial and public projects.

This commitment to the process of building, has been recognized with numerous national and international publications and awards. The completed work, both public and private, is receiving growing understanding and appreciation from those who take responsibility for their built environment.

Some of Paul Dillon Architects’s most prominent projects include:

  • Carnaun Primary School, Athenry, Ireland
  • Extension to Secondary School, County Galway, Ireland
  • Kilrickle Primary School, Ireland, Kilreekill, Ireland
  • Art Room, Secondary School County Galway, Ireland
  • Art Room, Inis Mór, County Galway, Ireland

The following statistics helped Paul Dillon Architects achieve 16th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 5

15. Hussey Architects

© Hussey Architects

© Hussey Architects

​We are an architectural practice based in Dublin. Our specialities are healthcare, hospitality & masterplanning. Current projects include primary care centers, hotels, housing schemes and business parks. Our practice has a lot of experience in healthcare design.

Some of Hussey Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Hussey Architects achieve 15th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 7

14. Solearth Architecture

© Solearth Architecture

© Solearth Architecture

Solearth Architecture specialize in design that is both beautiful and deeply sustainable. For for fifteen years, we have been Ireland’s leading green design firm and now provide architecture, design and consulting services further afield. All projects and client types are of interest to us but our key experience to date lies in hospitality, visitor, environment, wellness and buildings for spirituality as well as housing and private houses. We also have expertise in sustainable masterplanning and urban design. We are Europe’s only Living Building accredited practice.

Some of Solearth Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

  • Airfield Evolution, Dublin, Ireland
  • Castle Espie, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
  • The Daintree Building, Dublin, Ireland
  • Ballybay Wetland Centre, Ballybay, Ireland
  • Dechen Shying, Cork, Ireland

The following statistics helped Solearth Architecture achieve 14th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 7

13. A2 Architects

© A2 Architects

© A2 Architects

A2 Architects was established by Peter Carroll and Caomhán Murphy in 2005 and is based in Great Strand Street in Dublin. The practice is founded on a shared interest in both the continuing development of architectural practice as well as the unchanging, essential nature of architecture. A constant excitement and spirit in architecture is sought out, be it in a modest house or in the realm of spaces found in a school.

Some of A2 Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped A2 Architects achieve 13th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 8

12. ODKM Architects & Designers

© ODKM Architects & Designers

© ODKM Architects & Designers

ODKM are highly experienced award-winning architectural practice, with accolades and publications both in Ireland and abroad. We love design, how it makes us feel, and what it offers us every day, and we are passionate about how important this is in creating new spaces, identities and places that exceed our clients expectations. Ultimately, buildings are about people, and we believe in quality driven design to create environments with a sense of place. Our team each bring unique and diverse skills to the practice, all stemming from a common holistic design philosophy; that design can improve the quality of our lives, and make us happier.

Some of ODKM Architects & Designers’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped ODKM Architects & Designers achieve 12th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

11. Architectural Farm

© Ste Murray | Photography & Design

© Ste Murray | Photography & Design

Architectural Farm is a design focused architectural studio based in Dublin. The studio has been led by Shane Cotter and Kathryn Wilson since 2010. To date the practice has worked on a variety of projects specializing in residential and public commissions in both urban and rural settings but also have collaborated on retail, commercial and landscaping projects.

Some of Architectural Farm’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Architectural Farm achieve 11th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 2

10. GKMP Architect

© GKMP Architect

© GKMP Architect

GKMP Architects is a Dublin-based practice that designs high quality modern architecture. Our recent projects include house design, domestic extensions, public spaces and tourist facilities.

Some of GKMP Architect’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped GKMP Architect achieve 10th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 2

9. Aughey O’Flaherty Architects

© Aughey O'Flaherty Architects

© Aughey O’Flaherty Architects

Since the start, in 1999, we have been blessed with great clients. We work closely with them to understand their needs and create buildings to fit those needs. We are passionate about delivering excellence for our clients. As conservation architects, we have Grade II RIAI Conservation Accreditation.

Some of Aughey O’Flaherty Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Aughey O’Flaherty Architects achieve 9th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 3

8. Coady Architects

© Philip Lauterbach Photographer

© Philip Lauterbach Photographer

Coady Architects is an award winning practice of highly skilled professionals, specializing in healthcare, residential, workplace and education design. We are passionate about understanding our clients’ and end users’ needs. We understand commercial drivers and add value at every opportunity. We enjoy design, we listen and explore, we innovate and challenge to deliver better environments and better buildings.

Some of Coady Architects’s most prominent projects include:

  • Scholen van Morgen. VIIO, Tongeren, Belgium
  • Eolas, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
  • Clinical Education and Research Centre, Limerick, Ireland
  • Scholen van Morgen. Heilig Hart van Mariainstituut, Berlaar, Belgium
  • Scholen van Morgen, Virga Jessecollege, Hasselt, Belgium

The following statistics helped Coady Architects achieve 8th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 5

7. Ambient Architecture

© Ambient Architecture

© Ambient Architecture

ambient architecture are Dublin-based architects with a dedication to contemporary design. We specialize in domestic projects for private clients. As architects, we focus on delivering the best outcome for our clients, in terms of design, costs and buildability. We believe good design is not just form but can be defined by what makes most sense.

Some of Ambient Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

  • New house in Malahide, Malahide, Ireland
  • Rathgar Redbrick, Dublin, Ireland
  • Loreto Abbey Dalkey Sportshall, Dalkey, Ireland
  • Blackrock 1, Blackrock, Ireland
  • Glasnevin, Glasnevin, Ireland

The following statistics helped Ambient Architecture achieve 7th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 8

6. FKL architects

© Enda Cavanagh

© Enda Cavanagh

FKL architects is committed to contemporary design with a focus on the application of abstract ideas to built form. Each project is approached from first principles by responding to the specifics of site and program and formulating a singular concept that informs all aspects of the design. This individual concept is firmly rooted in the pragmatics of the project.

We seek to condense ideas to their essentials, from the building form to the detail of junctions between materials with all decisions re-affirming and complementing the primary concept. The form and language of each project grows out of this approach leading to a diversity in the work, within a framework given by enduring interests; in space, atmosphere, assemblage, pattern, hierarchy, texture and materiality.

Some of FKL architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped FKL architects achieve 6th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 17

5. Heneghan Peng Architects

© Iwan Baan

© Iwan Baan

heneghan peng architects is a design partnership practicing architecture, landscape and urban design. The practice was founded by Shih-Fu Peng and Róisín Heneghan in New York in 1999 and in 2001 opened an office in Dublin, Ireland.

We take a multi-disciplinary approach to design and have collaborated with many leading designers and engineers on a range of projects including large scale urban masterplans, bridges, landscapes and buildings.

Some of Heneghan Peng Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Heneghan Peng Architects achieve 5th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 4
Total Projects 3

4. URBAN AGENCY

Urban Agency is an international office for architecture, urbanism, landscape design and research. With offices in Dublin, Copenhagen and Lyon, Urban Agency’s work embraces the contemporary challenges for architecture, cities and built environment, to which it responds with pragmatic, sensitive, inventive and innovative solutions, creating new possibilities for a better everyday life.

We design robust projects that can absorb complexity and change, while maintaining and building-up on existing qualities. We believe in an architecture that promotes social engagement, creates democratic cities and spaces of social encounter – places which are aesthetically inviting and build a strong identity.

Some of URBAN AGENCY’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped URBAN AGENCY achieve 4th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

A+Awards Finalist 3
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 17

3. Scullion Architects

© Scullion Architects

© Scullion Architects

SCULLION ARCHITECTS are a Dublin-based Architectural Studio established by Declan Scullion MRIAI, providing architectural services for both the public and private sector. The practice’s work is characterized by a particular attention to user experience supported by an interest in things well-made. Our ambition is to provide a dedicated and professional service delivering exceptional buildings.

Some of Scullion Architects’s most prominent projects include:

  • Grand Canal Street, Dublin, Ireland
  • Glass Ribbon, Dublin, Ireland
  • Blackrock House, Dundalk, Ireland
  • Churchtown, Dublin, Ireland
  • The Liberties, Dublin, Ireland

The following statistics helped Scullion Architects achieve 3rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 4
Total Projects 5

2. McCullough Mulvin Architects

McCullough Mulvin Architects is an architecture and urban design practice based in Dublin. Much of our work has been in the design of cultural and civic buildings around Ireland, projects working to define a new public realm in a changing society, dealing with Ireland’s diffuse light and stark materiality. The work is based around an idea of experimentation – from small domestic work through to larger civic projects.

Testing at all scales, the work is original and the response to each brief particular. There is no house style, rather a concern for improving the lives of people by designing public and private spaces where life is played out.

Some of McCullough Mulvin Architects’s most prominent projects include:

  • Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny, Ireland
  • Trinity Long Room Hub, Dublin, Ireland
  • Z Square House, Dublin, Ireland
  • Beaufort Maritime Research Building, Cork, Ireland
  • one up two down , Dublin, Ireland

The following statistics helped McCullough Mulvin Architects achieve 2nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects 6
Total Projects 6

1. ODOS

© ODOS

© ODOS

The constant questioning of how people work, rest and play in today’s society is the fundamental driving force behind the practice. We strongly believe our clients deserve to be challenged and that buildings need to inspire their occupants. As architects we have a duty to expose such possibilities. We hope to instill a sense of curiosity and excitement, stimulating a response, confronting and challenging traditional conceptions of architecture.

Some of ODOS’s most prominent projects include:

  • Flynn Mews House, Dublin, Ireland
  • Dwelling at Maytree, Wicklow, Ireland
  • 3 Mews Houses, Dublin, Ireland
  • Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, Ireland
  • 31 Carysfort Road, Dalkey, Ireland

The following statistics helped ODOS achieve 1st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 7
Total Projects 9

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.

Top image: Medieval Mile Museum by McCullough Mulvin Architects, Kilkenny, Ireland


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