Author: Yagmur Baydir
Nestled at the entrance of an agricultural community in Heilongtan, Renshou County, Chengdu, the Heilongtan Dome Music Hall emerges as a serene yet striking landmark. Designed by Studio Dali Architects, this 345-square-meter structure serves as a communal haven, seamlessly blending architecture with the natural landscape. Drawing inspiration from the traditional banyan tree, a symbol of gathering and shelter in Chinese villages, the music hall reinterprets this concept through its semi-open design. The structure’s sweeping dome, constructed from a steel-wood hybrid framework, creates an inviting canopy that encourages community interaction and reflection. The dome’s form is accentuated by over a dozen…
In Oslo’s Normannsløkka district, Snøhetta and LINK Arkitektur have revealed Kringkastern, their competition entry for the new headquarters of NRK, Norway’s national public broadcaster. The structure introduces a rotational architectural language, with soft, curving lines that seem to spiral outward, an intentional metaphor for the act of broadcasting. The building’s volumes are arranged as a composite form with layered terraces, creating a stepped profile that shifts with the terrain. This form not only reduces the visual mass of the building but also establishes a fluid transition from the city to the surrounding green zones. One of the central features of…
In Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a major new cultural destination is taking shape: The Arena in Diriyah. Developed by Diriyah Gate Company Limited and designed by HKS, Inc., the project reflects an architectural approach that intertwines 300 years of heritage with the future of large-scale entertainment and public gathering. Covering 76,000 square meters with a seating capacity of 20,000, the venue is designed as a fully flexible, multipurpose arena capable of hosting a wide range of events, from intimate concerts to international sporting competitions. The structure is engineered to allow rapid transformation, integrating international best…
Olympia London, a historic exhibition center in West London, is approaching the final stages of a significant £1.3 billion redevelopment. Co-designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC, the project aims to transform the 14-acre site into a dynamic cultural and entertainment district. The majority of the new spaces are scheduled to open in the latter half of 2025. The redevelopment plan includes the addition of a 4,400-capacity music venue managed by AEG Presents, a 1,575-seat theatre operated by Trafalgar Entertainment, two hotels (Hyatt Regency and citizenM), over 30 restaurants and bars, and 550,000 square feet of office space. Additionally, the project…
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Indonesia presents a pavilion that encapsulates its rich maritime heritage and forward-looking vision. Designed under the theme “Thriving in Harmony: Nature, Culture, Future,” the Indonesian Pavilion reflects both its cultural heritage and ambitions for a sustainable and inclusive future. The concept is closely aligned with the Expo’s overarching theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and embodies the nation’s long-held motto: “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Diversity in Unity). The structure itself draws inspiration from Indonesia’s deep maritime roots. Shaped like the hull of a traditional boat, the design pays homage to the country’s historic role as a…
In the heart of Brasília’s Setor Comercial Sul, the Morro Vermelho building, originally designed by João Filgueiras Lima (Lelé) in 1974, has undergone a thoughtful transformation to house the new headquarters of Rodrigo Biavati Arquitetos Associados and Esquadra Arquitetos. This collaborative workspace, occupying 128 square meters on the 12th floor, exemplifies a harmonious blend of modern functionality and respect for architectural heritage. Part of the Edifício Morro Vermelho complex, known locally as “Red Hill”, the building is recognized for its distinctive swiveling bright orange fiberglass panels. These vibrant brises-soleil not only add a bold visual identity to the façade but…
Starbucks is breaking new ground, literally and technologically, with the opening of its first-ever 3D-printed store in the United States. The innovative Pick-Up Only location is being built in Brownsville, Texas, at 2491 Boca Chica Boulevard, and will operate exclusively as a drive-thru and walk-up café, making it the perfect stop for coffee lovers on the go. The 1,400-square-foot commercial shell is being constructed using cutting-edge 3D concrete printing technology, a milestone not only for Starbucks but also for the city of Brownsville, which is witnessing its first building made with this method. Constructed using 3D-printed concrete, the building was…
At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Philippine Pavilion, titled “Woven”, presents a compelling fusion of sustainable architecture and immersive storytelling. Designed by Carlo Calma Consultancy in collaboration with the Japanese firm Cat Inc., the pavilion embodies the theme “Nature, Culture & Community: Woven Together for a Better Future.” The pavilion’s architecture mirrors the sturdy structure of warp and weft, the two fundamental elements of weaving, symbolizing the enduring strength of community, unity, and creativity. Constructed with over a thousand pieces of woven rattan, the pavilion exemplifies the scalability of weaving, transcending traditional furniture scales to showcase its potential at a…
At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Luxembourg Pavilion presents a compelling fusion of sustainable architecture and immersive storytelling. Designed by Luxembourg-based STDM architectes urbanistes in collaboration with Japanese firm Mikan, the pavilion embodies the theme “Doki Doki – The Luxembourg Heartbeat,” drawing from the Japanese onomatopoeia for a heartbeat to symbolize excitement and anticipation. The pavilion’s architecture is a testament to circular economy principles. Constructed with modular components, it is designed for disassembly, allowing materials to be reused or recycled post-Expo. The structure comprises four key elements: concrete mega blocks for the foundation, rigid steel frames, a lightweight membrane roof,…
At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Kingdom of Bahrain presents “Connecting Seas,” a pavilion that eloquently intertwines its rich maritime legacy with forward-thinking sustainable design. Conceived by architect Lina Ghotmeh, the structure draws inspiration from traditional Bahraini dhow boats, reflecting the nation’s historical role as a nexus of trade and cultural exchange. Spanning 995 square meters and rising between 13 to 17 meters, the pavilion is constructed from approximately 3,000 pieces of unengineered wood, assembled using intricate joinery techniques. This approach not only pays homage to Bahraini craftsmanship but also incorporates Japanese woodworking traditions, symbolizing a fusion of cultures. The design…