SubscribeSign In
Library and Learning Centre at the University of Economics Vienna (Zaha Hadid Architects: 2013) From the daring cantilevered main library, which leans forward over the Vienna campus, to the striking black and white color contrast of the main structures, Hadid’s newly realized campus design would be as fitting for Starfleet academy as it is for the European school.
Library and Learning Centre at the University of Economics Vienna (Zaha Hadid Architects: 2013) From the daring cantilevered main library, which leans forward over the Vienna campus, to the striking black and white color contrast of the main structures, Hadid’s newly realized campus design would be as fitting for Starfleet academy as it is for the European school.
Deakin University Regional Community Health Hub (designinc: 2013) An angular expansion of a rural campus in Waurn Ponds, Australia, this new academic space reflects the local environment with its use of native materials. The glass exterior, which recalls the hull of a ship, presents a forward-thinking profile.
Deakin University Regional Community Health Hub (designinc: 2013) An angular expansion of a rural campus in Waurn Ponds, Australia, this new academic space reflects the local environment with its use of native materials. The glass exterior, which recalls the hull of a ship, presents a forward-thinking profile.
Library for University of Guyana in Cayenne, French Guinea (rh+ architecture: 2013) As if working off the metaphor of libraries as places of illumination, this new structure plays with sunlight and shade with a double facade. An outer lattice of timber slats creates horizontal lines of light which then pass through a wall filled with irregular windows, a feature recalling Corbusier’s chapel of Notre Dame du Haut.
Library for University of Guyana in Cayenne, French Guinea (rh+ architecture: 2013) As if working off the metaphor of libraries as places of illumination, this new structure plays with sunlight and shade with a double facade. An outer lattice of timber slats creates horizontal lines of light which then pass through a wall filled with irregular windows, a feature recalling Corbusier’s chapel of Notre Dame du Haut.
Turin University Faculty Building (Foster + Partners: 2013) Amid the sparkling new facades of these curved structures on the River Dora, the concept of a quad has been radically updated. While the steel-and-glass exterior calls to mind the forward-thinking seriousness of a tech company campus, the spacious green quad, rooftop canopies, and a “philosopher’s walk” make sure the renovation leaves space for old-fashioned contemplation.
Turin University Faculty Building (Foster + Partners: 2013) Amid the sparkling new facades of these curved structures on the River Dora, the concept of a quad has been radically updated. While the steel-and-glass exterior calls to mind the forward-thinking seriousness of a tech company campus, the spacious green quad, rooftop canopies, and a “philosopher’s walk” make sure the renovation leaves space for old-fashioned contemplation.
University of Oregon Hatfield-Dowlin Complex (ZGF Architects: 2013) Architect Gene Sandoval and the rest of the design team created this futuristic athletic complex to create a structure centered around the players, not the fans. This new home for the Oregon Ducks football team incorporated the firm’s various disciplines to create a space scaled to football-player dimensions (note the larger entryways and hallways). The textured glass facade, detached from the building envelope, reduces glare inside, where players often spend hours studying film.
University of Oregon Hatfield-Dowlin Complex (ZGF Architects: 2013) Architect Gene Sandoval and the rest of the design team created this futuristic athletic complex to create a structure centered around the players, not the fans. This new home for the Oregon Ducks football team incorporated the firm’s various disciplines to create a space scaled to football-player dimensions (note the larger entryways and hallways). The textured glass facade, detached from the building envelope, reduces glare inside, where players often spend hours studying film.
SCAD Museum of Art (Sottile & Sottile: 2014) Inspired by the masonry ruins of an antebellum freight warehouse, the architectural and design team synthesized the 19th-century structure with their vision for a contemporary museum, creating a sleek hybrid in downtown Savannah. It’s “an academic building that combines a museum of contemporary art with university studios and classrooms, an incredible asset to students of art and design,” according to architect Christian Sottile.
SCAD Museum of Art (Sottile & Sottile: 2014) Inspired by the masonry ruins of an antebellum freight warehouse, the architectural and design team synthesized the 19th-century structure with their vision for a contemporary museum, creating a sleek hybrid in downtown Savannah. It’s “an academic building that combines a museum of contemporary art with university studios and classrooms, an incredible asset to students of art and design,” according to architect Christian Sottile.
Gammel Hellerup Gymnasium in Gentofte, Denmark (Bjarke Ingels Group: 2013) While towering new campus additions often get all the attention, this subterranean, space-saving solution from a Danish architectural firm was just as creative. A secondary school looking to expand saw the playground as the only viable space to place a new multi-purpose gym. To preserve vital outdoor space, a multi-purpose meeting space was sunk partway into the ground. The curved roof, meant to recall the curve of a handball, serves as an eye-catching gathering spot.
Gammel Hellerup Gymnasium in Gentofte, Denmark (Bjarke Ingels Group: 2013) While towering new campus additions often get all the attention, this subterranean, space-saving solution from a Danish architectural firm was just as creative. A secondary school looking to expand saw the playground as the only viable space to place a new multi-purpose gym. To preserve vital outdoor space, a multi-purpose meeting space was sunk partway into the ground. The curved roof, meant to recall the curve of a handball, serves as an eye-catching gathering spot.
London School of Economics Saw Swee Hock Student Centre (O’Donnell + Tuomey: 2014) Bricks rarely look as light as they do on the surface of this edgy new student center in London, a series of geometric planes built out of handmade brick that seem to defy the possibilities of standard masonry.
London School of Economics Saw Swee Hock Student Centre (O’Donnell + Tuomey: 2014) Bricks rarely look as light as they do on the surface of this edgy new student center in London, a series of geometric planes built out of handmade brick that seem to defy the possibilities of standard masonry.
Librii (David Dewane: 2014) In a bid to leap-frog past analog ideas of what a learning center should be, the Librii concept, a shipping-container based digital library designed by architect David Dewane and funded on Kickstarter, may serve as an educational franchise for Africa. Currently in development, a test version is being constructed in Washington, D.C.
Librii (David Dewane: 2014) In a bid to leap-frog past analog ideas of what a learning center should be, the Librii concept, a shipping-container based digital library designed by architect David Dewane and funded on Kickstarter, may serve as an educational franchise for Africa. Currently in development, a test version is being constructed in Washington, D.C.
Florida Polytechnic Innovation, Science and Technology Building (Santiago Calatrava: 2014) If you're looking to prove your prowess as a center for scientific exploration, you could do a lot worse than commissioning master architect Santiago Calatrava to create a campus center, a futuristic oval made from gracious white curves.
Florida Polytechnic Innovation, Science and Technology Building (Santiago Calatrava: 2014) If you're looking to prove your prowess as a center for scientific exploration, you could do a lot worse than commissioning master architect Santiago Calatrava to create a campus center, a futuristic oval made from gracious white curves.
A Place Called Home in Trafalgar Square (September 18-22) Anticipating the broaders shifts in definitions of public and private space, Airbnb commissioned four designers, including Jasper Morrison and Ilse Crawford (pictured), to create their idealized visions of home in Trafalgar Square, playing off the site's ability to provide users with a new look at stylish dwellings.
A Place Called Home in Trafalgar Square (September 18-22) Anticipating the broaders shifts in definitions of public and private space, Airbnb commissioned four designers, including Jasper Morrison and Ilse Crawford (pictured), to create their idealized visions of home in Trafalgar Square, playing off the site's ability to provide users with a new look at stylish dwellings.
100% Norway at Tent London (September 18-21) Set up in an exhibtion space designed to replicate Norway's edgy landscape, this showcase of the country's talen at the Old Truman Brewery will focus on the playful and experimental side of emerging product design. Hedda Torgersen's Boo lamp, for example, a flat-pack figure that could be a future Pixar co-star, exudes charm in porcelain and ash wood.
100% Norway at Tent London (September 18-21) Set up in an exhibtion space designed to replicate Norway's edgy landscape, this showcase of the country's talen at the Old Truman Brewery will focus on the playful and experimental side of emerging product design. Hedda Torgersen's Boo lamp, for example, a flat-pack figure that could be a future Pixar co-star, exudes charm in porcelain and ash wood.
lightjunction at designjunction at The Sorting Office (September 18-21) A fest-within-a-fest dedicated to high-end illumination, lightjunction showcases new designs and installations from dozens of brands, such as Blackbody, Anglepoise, and Jake Dyson. The Hero Lamp (above) by Buster & Punch exemplifies the brand's steampunk aesthetic.
lightjunction at designjunction at The Sorting Office (September 18-21) A fest-within-a-fest dedicated to high-end illumination, lightjunction showcases new designs and installations from dozens of brands, such as Blackbody, Anglepoise, and Jake Dyson. The Hero Lamp (above) by Buster & Punch exemplifies the brand's steampunk aesthetic.
Tent London and Super Brands London (September 13-21) These twin trade shows are must-sees simply for the sake of scope, functioning as brand big tops providing aesthetic ovestimulation. The Pleat Mirror Panels by AfroditiKrassa, part of a new catwalk inspired line, is just one of many new pieces.
Tent London and Super Brands London (September 13-21) These twin trade shows are must-sees simply for the sake of scope, functioning as brand big tops providing aesthetic ovestimulation. The Pleat Mirror Panels by AfroditiKrassa, part of a new catwalk inspired line, is just one of many new pieces.
The Wish List at the Victoria and Albert Museum (September 13-21) Consider it a fringe benefit of being part of the design cognoscenti. This quirky group exhibition, sponsored by Benchmark and the American Hardwood Export Council, asked famous designers and architects such as Zaha Hadid and Paul Smith to put in a request for a personal object, which would then be created by an up-and-comer. The spherical pencil sharpener, above, is Norie Matsumoto's attempt to spruce up Norman Foster's workspace.
The Wish List at the Victoria and Albert Museum (September 13-21) Consider it a fringe benefit of being part of the design cognoscenti. This quirky group exhibition, sponsored by Benchmark and the American Hardwood Export Council, asked famous designers and architects such as Zaha Hadid and Paul Smith to put in a request for a personal object, which would then be created by an up-and-comer. The spherical pencil sharpener, above, is Norie Matsumoto's attempt to spruce up Norman Foster's workspace.
Double Space for BMW at the Victoria and Albert Museum (September 13-21) Extending the art-as-mirror metaphor across a storied museum space, designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby built a pair of massive kinetic mirrors that will bend and distort the way viewers encounter the Raphael Gallery.
Double Space for BMW at the Victoria and Albert Museum (September 13-21) Extending the art-as-mirror metaphor across a storied museum space, designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby built a pair of massive kinetic mirrors that will bend and distort the way viewers encounter the Raphael Gallery.
Elements of Craft at Mint Gallery (September 13-21) Amid a gallery show focused on the influence of craft on design, the organic overtones in the work of Andrea Forti and Eleonora Dal Farra, who collaborate as Alcarol, stand out as gorgeous examples of nature's inherent beauty. Their new Undergrowth console, edged with moss frozen in resin, adds an unexpected green touch.
Elements of Craft at Mint Gallery (September 13-21) Amid a gallery show focused on the influence of craft on design, the organic overtones in the work of Andrea Forti and Eleonora Dal Farra, who collaborate as Alcarol, stand out as gorgeous examples of nature's inherent beauty. Their new Undergrowth console, edged with moss frozen in resin, adds an unexpected green touch.
NOISEfest14 at the V&A 2014: Future Design Stars (September 16) The rush of discovering new talent is one of the London Design Festival's main draws. The Noise Festival, a charity set up to support and showcase emerging talent, asked design luminaries to hand-pick a new class of young talent. Curators will discuss their selections at a special event at the V&A on the 16th. The work of the new designers can be found at an outdoor exhibition across the capital on Sumner Street, Better Bankside. Above is the Luna Coffee table, featuring two removeable bowls, by 22-year-old Nottingham Trent graduate Bem Robinson.
NOISEfest14 at the V&A 2014: Future Design Stars (September 16) The rush of discovering new talent is one of the London Design Festival's main draws. The Noise Festival, a charity set up to support and showcase emerging talent, asked design luminaries to hand-pick a new class of young talent. Curators will discuss their selections at a special event at the V&A on the 16th. The work of the new designers can be found at an outdoor exhibition across the capital on Sumner Street, Better Bankside. Above is the Luna Coffee table, featuring two removeable bowls, by 22-year-old Nottingham Trent graduate Bem Robinson.
Fabrica Extra-Ordinary Gallery at the Ace Hotel Shoreditch (September 16-21) The Shoreditch hub during the design festival, the Ace Hotel will be buzzing with exhibitions and installations. The Extra Ordinary Gallery, organized by the Fabrica Design Studio, fuses up-and-coming design talent and Italian craftsmanship for a new view on everyday objects. Federico Florianai's BU! wall organizer recalls the ornate railings found across southern Italy.
Fabrica Extra-Ordinary Gallery at the Ace Hotel Shoreditch (September 16-21) The Shoreditch hub during the design festival, the Ace Hotel will be buzzing with exhibitions and installations. The Extra Ordinary Gallery, organized by the Fabrica Design Studio, fuses up-and-coming design talent and Italian craftsmanship for a new view on everyday objects. Federico Florianai's BU! wall organizer recalls the ornate railings found across southern Italy.
Tooled Up at Art&Graft (September 12-20) Amidst more sophisticated displays of design and craftsmanship, the colorful Tooled Up exhibiton at a Shoreditch studio gives designers free rein to turn toolbox standards into playful pieces more at home on Saturday morning television. "Duchess" transformed a screwdriver into an "eminent female character," according to designer Kustaa Saksi.
Tooled Up at Art&Graft (September 12-20) Amidst more sophisticated displays of design and craftsmanship, the colorful Tooled Up exhibiton at a Shoreditch studio gives designers free rein to turn toolbox standards into playful pieces more at home on Saturday morning television. "Duchess" transformed a screwdriver into an "eminent female character," according to designer Kustaa Saksi.
With limited space, Heierle maximized the living area with a multi-functional kitchen island. The side facing the living room acts like a bar; a sink and countertop extend the kitchen area; and the counter across from the entryway often holds key or packages when the client arrives home. "It's a miniature of the entire apartment," Heierle says of the centerpiece, "one object having multiple uses." The island, along with all the oak furniture and custom casework in the apartment, was all built and designed by a friend of the owner who lives in the same rural Romanian village where he grew up.
With limited space, Heierle maximized the living area with a multi-functional kitchen island. The side facing the living room acts like a bar; a sink and countertop extend the kitchen area; and the counter across from the entryway often holds key or packages when the client arrives home. "It's a miniature of the entire apartment," Heierle says of the centerpiece, "one object having multiple uses." The island, along with all the oak furniture and custom casework in the apartment, was all built and designed by a friend of the owner who lives in the same rural Romanian village where he grew up.
Discreetly wrapped around the center of the unit, the open bath and shower create a continuous flow within the apartment. The manner in which the bath extends out into the living space, uncommon for Romanian homes, "profits from the generosity of the space," says Heierle.
Discreetly wrapped around the center of the unit, the open bath and shower create a continuous flow within the apartment. The manner in which the bath extends out into the living space, uncommon for Romanian homes, "profits from the generosity of the space," says Heierle.
The ladder from the kitchen leads to this "sleeping box," a tucked-away room perfect for visiting relatives, or as Heierle discovered during a trip to work on the project, visiting architects. When light streams through the skylight and down into the hallway below, it adds an "almost mystic element," says Heierle.
The ladder from the kitchen leads to this "sleeping box," a tucked-away room perfect for visiting relatives, or as Heierle discovered during a trip to work on the project, visiting architects. When light streams through the skylight and down into the hallway below, it adds an "almost mystic element," says Heierle.
The calming, minimal bedroom follows the same design direction as the rest of the home; simple color contrasts, with the earthiness of the oak playing against the stark white walls, and custom woodwork. The house benefits from radiant heating in the floor and insulation and soundproofing in every wall.
The calming, minimal bedroom follows the same design direction as the rest of the home; simple color contrasts, with the earthiness of the oak playing against the stark white walls, and custom woodwork. The house benefits from radiant heating in the floor and insulation and soundproofing in every wall.
The view from the open bath, which allows someone to soak in the sunlight without feeling totally exposed, pleased the owner, a civil engineer who deals with water works for a living and wanted something unique for his own home.
The view from the open bath, which allows someone to soak in the sunlight without feeling totally exposed, pleased the owner, a civil engineer who deals with water works for a living and wanted something unique for his own home.
A different perspective of the terrace shows where the wall was knocked down to provide more outdoor space. As the balcony connects with the wall, a small seat was cut from a gap between two planes.
A different perspective of the terrace shows where the wall was knocked down to provide more outdoor space. As the balcony connects with the wall, a small seat was cut from a gap between two planes.
The main issue Lucerne-based architect Andreas Heierle faced during this attic renovation in Bucharest, Romania, was bringing natural light into the cloistered, closed-off rooms. His client, a bachelor in his 30s, wanted a floorplan that was flexible and open, a radical departure from the cramped, dark upper levels normally found in these types of apartment buildings. Heierle installed large windows, which flood the space with sunlight and provide a view of the church across the street.
The main issue Lucerne-based architect Andreas Heierle faced during this attic renovation in Bucharest, Romania, was bringing natural light into the cloistered, closed-off rooms. His client, a bachelor in his 30s, wanted a floorplan that was flexible and open, a radical departure from the cramped, dark upper levels normally found in these types of apartment buildings. Heierle installed large windows, which flood the space with sunlight and provide a view of the church across the street.
Before the renovation, the tiny terrace was more symbolic than practical. Since a modification of the historic building's facade was off limits, Heierle carved out space from the interior to expand the unit's outdoor footprint.
Before the renovation, the tiny terrace was more symbolic than practical. Since a modification of the historic building's facade was off limits, Heierle carved out space from the interior to expand the unit's outdoor footprint.
The reflective marble in the reception area and new Lobby Bar recalls a runway, according to Meyer, injecting life into the entryway while drawing the focus to the bar and the small, circular pods, curtained-off areas where guests can congregate. The reception area also boasts a white spray can mural that plays up a little-known historical fact—the aerosol cans were invented in Chicago in 1883—while referencing the city's spray paint ban.
The reflective marble in the reception area and new Lobby Bar recalls a runway, according to Meyer, injecting life into the entryway while drawing the focus to the bar and the small, circular pods, curtained-off areas where guests can congregate. The reception area also boasts a white spray can mural that plays up a little-known historical fact—the aerosol cans were invented in Chicago in 1883—while referencing the city's spray paint ban.
According to Jacobs, the design philosophy was about having a point of view and not necessarily trying to be a perfect fit for everyone.
According to Jacobs, the design philosophy was about having a point of view and not necessarily trying to be a perfect fit for everyone.
The Marvelous Suite looks out over a serene Lake Michigan. According to W Hotel design director Ted Jacobs, the challenge they faced when redesigning the hotel was making the rooms and public space more open and experiential. "Gen Luxe definies luxury as experiences," he says.
The Marvelous Suite looks out over a serene Lake Michigan. According to W Hotel design director Ted Jacobs, the challenge they faced when redesigning the hotel was making the rooms and public space more open and experiential. "Gen Luxe definies luxury as experiences," he says.
The Fabulous King view room showcases how light and reflection—in the mirror behind the bed and the gray, metallic palette—are used to bring the urban environment inside.
The Fabulous King view room showcases how light and reflection—in the mirror behind the bed and the gray, metallic palette—are used to bring the urban environment inside.
CURRENT, the redesigned restaurant, focuses on straight lines and soft tones to amplify the view of the lake.
CURRENT, the redesigned restaurant, focuses on straight lines and soft tones to amplify the view of the lake.
The interiors reformulated as part of the W Chicago Lakeshore’s redesign used glass and metal elements to reflect the lakefront and reference the city's burly skyline, according to Will Meyer of interior design firm Meyer Davis.
The interiors reformulated as part of the W Chicago Lakeshore’s redesign used glass and metal elements to reflect the lakefront and reference the city's burly skyline, according to Will Meyer of interior design firm Meyer Davis.
Hypetex Halo Chair Utilizing a new carbon fiber process developed over several years by Formula 1 engineers, the Hypetex Halo chair by Michael Sodeau cuts an aerodynamic profile. Premiering at designjunction at the London Design Festival this year, these lounge chairs hint at the potential of such a flexible material.
Hypetex Halo Chair Utilizing a new carbon fiber process developed over several years by Formula 1 engineers, the Hypetex Halo chair by Michael Sodeau cuts an aerodynamic profile. Premiering at designjunction at the London Design Festival this year, these lounge chairs hint at the potential of such a flexible material.
Studio Formafantasma's lava clocks An experiment in geometric, occasionally brutal, forms, the "De Natura Fossilium" show, which appeared at London's Gallery Libby Sellers earlier this year, explored the possiblities of working with lava from the Mount Etna and Stromboli regions of Sicily. One of nature's orignal raw materials, the stone was turned into tables, clocks, and pure black glass.
Studio Formafantasma's lava clocks An experiment in geometric, occasionally brutal, forms, the "De Natura Fossilium" show, which appeared at London's Gallery Libby Sellers earlier this year, explored the possiblities of working with lava from the Mount Etna and Stromboli regions of Sicily. One of nature's orignal raw materials, the stone was turned into tables, clocks, and pure black glass.

331 more saves