Design

Design

Workout gear is almost always clunky and unsightly; gray equipment haphazardly crammed into a basement room that only just checks the box when it comes to an apartment building's list of promoted amenities. Mirrored walls jarringly cut across cheesy cityscape or jungle scene murals and rubber mat flooring. Bad EDM music pulsates at full volume. With function superseding form, aesthetics always seem to be an afterthought.

Residence AV is a courtyard house located in a dense residential neighborhood in Bruges, Belgium. Designed by YAMA architects, the project responds to a paradoxical brief: a strong desire for connection to the surrounding context combined with an equally strong need for privacy. The client, living alone, was attracted to the social presence and perceived safety of the neighborhood, yet sought a dwelling that could withdraw from direct views and support a more introspective way of living.

When we first visited the site, what struck us the most was that after emerging from a narrow alley, an extraordinary view opened up toward one of the slopes of the Tepozteco mountain range. These rock formations are emblematic of the region, and the land ends precisely at the base of this dramatic topography. From the very beginning, one of our main concerns was to ensure that every room-whether for gathering or resting-could enjoy this privileged view.

In the translation of three-dimensional reality onto a two-dimensional plane, axonometry stands as one of the graphic systems of representation that form the foundation of the language used by architecture and design professionals. Alongside plans, sections, and elevations, its exploded views often stand out for their ability to study the multiple layers that compose a project. Although axonometry is also employed in other disciplines such as

The Sculptural Wave Plate, one of the collection's centrepieces, captures that balance perfectly. The piece is hand-formed by artisans who work intuitively with the clay, shaping soft, undulating curves that echo the movement of fabric or the natural topography of land. Each plate is made from regionally sourced, lead-free clay and finished in a matte glaze that settles uniquely across every surface.

Casa da Rocha Quebrada by SO Arquitetos stands on the southern coast of São Miguel in the Azores, occupying the final open plot along a line of older houses facing the Atlantic. Set against lava rock and open water, the house addresses a landscape shaped by salt and wind, where buildings are designed to endure the coastal elements. The project was conceived for the parents of one of the studio's founders, a circumstance that allowed decisions to remain close to daily use and long-term inhabitation.

How did a material conceived for bridges, factories, and large-scale structures make its way to the living room bench, the apartment bookshelf, the café table? For centuries, metal was associated with labor, machinery, and monumentality-from the exposed structures of 19th-century World's Fairs to the productive logic of modern industry. Its presence in domestic interiors is not self-evident but rather a cultural achievement: the transformation of an industrial material into an element of everyday, intimate use, in close proximity to the body.

The Nobel Foundation has revealed the first design proposal for the new Nobel Center, a public cultural and educational institution dedicated to science, literature, and peace. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, the project will be constructed along Stadsgårdskajen at Slussen in Stockholm, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion planned for 2031. Conceived as a permanent home for the activities surrounding the Nobel Prize, the building aims to make the work of Nobel Prize laureates accessible to a broad public

Prospect and refuge: These two themes have long guided the work of Tom Kundig. Siting houses in some of America's most breathtaking but also rugged terrains, the AD100 architect takes care to create a deep sense of shelter-nestling buildings into hillsides, even blasting into rock-and engineer awe through sweeping vistas and intimate connections to nature. "Architecture is not the center of the world," he has often said. "It's the landscape that's the center of the world for me."

Topology: Hanok is an experiment that develops a topological design workflow using AI to reinterpret the sectional logic and spatial continuity of traditional Korean architecture beyond mere formal reconstruction or structural reproduction. Rather than directly restoring the structural joints or framing system of traditional Hanok, the project focuses on its nonlinear spatial organization, the fluidity of curves, and the continuous transitions between interior and exterior.

Leisure spaces are often where different generations cross paths. Without formal programs or assigned roles, they allow people to move, pause, and remain together, each engaging space in their own way. In a built environment increasingly shaped by specialization and separation, these shared spatial grounds have become less common, giving leisure-oriented architecture a renewed relevance. Discussions around public space have repeatedly pointed to the value of openness and flexibility in supporting collective life.

Of the options famously offered by hip-hop group The Sugarhill Gang, motels are often the cheapest. They also poke a soft spot in the heart of nostalgia-lovers. Some might look down upon them, but a road trip wouldn't be complete without these bastions of terrible coffee and neon splendor. Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the first motor hotel in the world - the Milestone Mo-Tel in San Luis Obispo.

The project's design concept originates from the upper-level bedroom, conceived as a personal retreat oriented toward the sky and surrounding rooftops. Located on the third floor, the room is defined by a large glazed opening that frames views outward while allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the interior. The window opening is proportioned to resemble a simple hut-like frame, reinforcing a direct visual relationship with the sky and an existing mango tree preserved on the site.

Kim Donggyu Text description provided by the architects. Defining the spatial identity of an overseas brand that deals with delicate fragrances is a profound challenge. In this project, we turned to the philosophy of 'Daegang ()'. While often used in modern Korean to mean 'roughly' or 'in general,' the Chinese characters tell a deeper story: (Great) and (The Main Stay/Head-rope of a Net).

From trending styles to paint colors and furniture, interior design in 2026 is all about creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and undeniably lived in. As a part of that shift, many once-beloved historic design details are making a dramatic comeback - and alcoves fit right in. In one of their recent design and build projects, the team at Four Brothers Design + Build blended form and function with a stove cove in the kitchen to add interest and sneaky storage with hidden shelving inside.

Fantastic 3D Laser Cut Meditative Visionary Art by Dan Schaub Artist Paints While Under The Influence Of 20 Different Drugs New Stick-On Soles Let You Forget Flip Flops And Go Barefoot This Tattoo Artist Specializes in Secret Tattoos' on the Roof of the Mouth In China, A Giant Panda Statue With Its Own Iron Man Suit Artist Transforms Scrap Metal Into Incredible Sculptures Artists Raid A Polish Scrapyard To Build A Collection Of Recycled Metal

The VARMBLIXT pendant looks so high-end, but it's below $210. The designer-quality look comes from the three intertwined, twisted, and frosted glass light strips shaped like the letter "U." When the pendant is flicked on, it provides a warm glow that isn't too strong on the eyes. The unique shape is a perfect addition to contemporary homes or minimalist spaces.

CIRCULUS Atelier is the working studio of Oka Architecture Design & Co., Ltd. (OAD) and a built application of the practice's CIRCULUS architectural framework, which examines circularity, continuity, and long-term adaptability in design. Conceived as both a in Yokohama, , and a prototype, the project investigates how digital fabrication can inform architecture as a system that integrates exterior enclosure and interior spatial treatment within a unified logic.

Most creative desks have a cup overflowing with pens, markers, and tools, even though you reach for the same few every day. There is the Muji gel pen for sketches, a couple of render markers you trust, and then about 15 other things you keep just in case. The Pareto Principle says 80 percent of your output comes from 20 percent of your stationery, which feels accurate once you notice how often you dig past everything else.

The International Union of Architects (UIA), in partnership with UN-Habitat, has released the Stage 1 results of the third cycle of the UIA 2030 Award, identifying the projects selected as Regional Finalists. The shortlisted entries were drawn from submissions across the UIA's five global regions and will advance to the second stage of evaluation. Established in alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the award framework positions the built environment within broader discussions on sustainable urban development and global policy objectives.

Thornton says that the secret to making a small space feel expansive is to think vertically. As the eye goes up, there's an illusion of higher ceilings and a larger space. "Anything that draws attention upward instantly adds a sense of height and breathing room," he told me. But how do you actually implement these tactics IRL? Ahead, the pro shares tips for how to make the most of every square inch in your own home.

Natasha Mulhall + 27 More SpecsLess Specs Natasha Mulhall Text description provided by the architects. The Youth 2 Independence Campbell Street project (Y2I) reimagines social housing for young adults. At its core, it provides accommodation for youths interwoven with Community Hub support, social activities, and life-long learning opportunities. See allShow less About this office Published on January 16, 2026Cite: "Youth 2 Independence Campbell Street Project / Liminal Architecture" 16 Jan 2026. ArchDaily. Accessed . ISSN 0719-8884

Now, imagine bringing that same thoughtful, modular approach to one of the most notoriously cramped dining experiences: airplane meals. That's exactly what BKID co has done with their System Tray design, and honestly, it's one of those ideas that makes you wonder why we didn't think of this sooner. The project takes the organizational genius behind Korean side dish service and reimagines it for the narrow, tray-table constrained world of in-flight dining.