Author: Pooja Khanna Tyagi

Less than 15 years after its completion, Studio Fuksas’ iconic Rike Concert Hall in Tbilisi is set to be demolished without ever opening its doors to the public. Once envisioned as a landmark cultural venue, the futuristic structure has remained vacant for more than a decade, marking one of the most striking examples of unrealized public architecture. A Landmark Project That Never Came to Life Designed by Italian architecture practice Studio Fuksas, the tubular Rike Concert Hall was largely completed in 2012 within Tbilisi’s Rike Park. However, following a change in Georgia’s government that same year, the project was abandoned…

HMD is bringing back the charm of Nokia’s iconic brick phones with a modern upgrade: a dedicated AI assistant button. The new range of 4G feature phones combines the simplicity, affordability, and nostalgia of classic Nokias with limited smart features designed for everyday convenience. Rather than becoming full-fledged smartphones, these devices focus on essential connectivity while adding a touch of AI-powered functionality. The latest lineup includes the Nokia 200 4G, Nokia 210 4G, Nokia 215 4G 2nd Edition, and Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition, each featuring a central AI button built into the keypad. Running on a basic browser instead…

Dutch textile designer Luna Haverkorn explores the intersection of material innovation, craft, and human interaction, using knitting to create responsive spatial objects that challenge conventional textile design. Her experimental practice focuses on how textiles can influence movement, comfort, and behaviour, transforming soft materials into sculptural forms that invite participation. With a background in Product Design, Haverkorn investigates how traditional textile techniques can evolve into future-facing design solutions. Her work challenges the idea of objects as fixed creations, instead presenting them as adaptable environments that change through human engagement. Knitted Structures Respond to the Human Body Haverkorn’s textile sculptures exist between…

In Gujarat, India, Logic Design + Build has transformed a fragmented commercial office into The Mortar House, a warm and collaborative workspace shared by the architecture studio and an e-commerce start-up. Rather than dividing the 280-square-metre floor into separate offices, the design embraces openness, natural light, and flexible planning. Characterised by handcrafted brick arches, colourful stained-glass partitions, and custom-made furniture, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can foster creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of community while working within a modest budget and a four-month construction timeline. Redesigns a Fragmented Office into a Collaborative Workspace Originally, the low-rise commercial building…

The FIFA World Cup 2026 was the largest tournament in football history, spanning three countries, 16 host cities, and 48 national teams. While the event showcased world-class stadiums and attracted millions of fans, it also became a real-world stress test for urban infrastructure. Extreme weather, transportation demands, cross-border logistics, and digital operations demonstrated that hosting a mega sporting event is no longer just about building iconic stadiums. It requires resilient cities capable of adapting to climate change, managing unprecedented mobility, and delivering seamless experiences for both residents and visitors. Rather than focusing on isolated shortcomings, the tournament revealed broader infrastructure…

Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen has once again pushed the boundaries of haute couture with the unveiling of Helix Nebula, a groundbreaking dress featuring glowing plasma encased within hand-shaped glass horns. Presented during Paris Couture Week, the futuristic creation is believed to be the world’s first garment to integrate plasma, where the electrically charged fourth state of matter transforms fashion into an immersive display of light, science, and craftsmanship. A Couture Dress Illuminated by Plasma Created in collaboration with American artist Mundy Hepburn, the Helix Nebula dress incorporates plasma sealed inside sculptural glass horns that extend across the garment.…

In an era where airports often integrate anonymous glass-and-steel aesthetics, the Jodhpur airport’s newly expanded terminal takes a distinctly regional approach. Designed by Sthapati, the 23,400-square-metre airport extension transforms the arrival experience into an architectural journey inspired by Rajasthan’s royal past. Drawing from the grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the city’s historic gateways, the terminal blends contemporary infrastructure with local craftsmanship, creating a gateway that reflects the identity of the Blue City long before visitors step into its streets. Architecture Rooted in Rajasthan’s Historic Identity Instead of adopting a universal airport language, Sthapati looked to Jodhpur’s centuries-old…

Located on the campus of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Kinderoase an der TUM by Kéré Architecture is a new daycare centre that rethinks the traditional kindergarten model through a vertical, timber-based design. Created to support young professionals, especially women pursuing academic careers, the building provides a nurturing environment where children can learn, explore, and play while parents continue their professional journeys. Designed as a five-storey wooden structure, the 1,540-square-meter daycare by Kéré Architecture accommodates 60 children and combines functionality, sustainability and a child-focused approach. Operated by the Studierendenwerk München, the centre represents a commitment to creating more…

Set within the medieval village of Fonolleres in Spain’s Empordà region, Fonolleres House by Anna and Eugeni Bach is a thoughtful renovation that enhances an existing home without erasing its history. Instead of replacing the early 21st-century structure, the architects preserved much of the original building and introduced a series of carefully designed additions that strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor living. Rooted in local materials, Mediterranean traditions, and distinctive geometric forms, the 350-square-meter project blends seamlessly into its centuries-old surroundings while creating flexible spaces tailored to contemporary life. Preserving the Existing Home Through Sensitive Renovation Instead of demolishing…

Nestled beside Putney Heath in Roehampton Village, Green Lodge, designed by Stylus Architects, is a contemporary home that embraces its surroundings without competing with them. Partially embedded into the landscape, the residence minimizes its visual impact while maximizing natural light, openness, and privacy. Every design decision balances planning constraints, environmental sensitivity, and refined architectural craftsmanship. A Home Designed for Its Setting Planning restrictions and neighboring buildings called for a low-profile solution. Much of the accommodation is positioned below ground level, reducing the home’s apparent scale while creating generous interiors connected to gardens and lightwells. Surrounded by mature trees and diverse…