The Getty Foundation's Conserving Black Modernism initiative, launched in 2022, represents a pivotal effort to preserve and celebrate the architectural contributions of African American architects in the Modernist movement. This initiative, a partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, aims to address historical oversight and ensure the legacy of these trailblazing architects is protected for future generations. Over three funding cycles from 2023 to 2025, the program supports conservation planning, professional training, and storytelling to highlight the cultural and architectural significance of these sites.
The pursuit of an ideal city has long been a topic of debate among architects and urban planners. In addition to aesthetic identity and cultural heritage, the quality of life in every city represents perhaps the most important marker in this pursuit. This year, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a sister company of The Economist, has released its Global Liveability Index 2024, highlighting the cities that excel in this ongoing quest. For the third consecutive year, Vienna ranked as the most liveable city in the world. European cities Copenhagen, Zurich, and Geneva also rank high, attributed to their smaller populations, which contribute to lower crime rates and less congestion. In comparison with the 2023 ranking, the numbers for North American and Australian cities have been dragged down by the ongoing housing crisis.
The assessment ranks 173 cities from around the world. Each city is scored based on 30 qualitative and quantitative factors evaluating 5 categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. The scores are based on external data points, in-house analysts, and in-city contributors. The category of stability has registered the biggest decline, as protests and armed conflicts increased in incidence. At the bottom of the cist, the city of Damascus, Syria, continues to be ranked as the least liveable city in the survey, followed by Tripoli, Libya, reflecting severe instability.
Architects Lehrer Architects LA and Arquitectura y Diseño have just unveiled the first phase of the Gower Mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles,United States. This innovative vertical structure, rising 100 feet, is set to provide eternal resting spaces for over 50,000 individuals, while also serving as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the heart of Hollywood.
Zaha Hadid Architects has been selected to design the Zhejiang Shaoxing Shangyu District Cao'e River Culture and Art Center, located within a newly planned cultural district in Shaoxing's Shangyu area in Zhejiang province, China. The project is situated along the Cao'e River, a location with historical significance, and is envisioned to serve as a key cultural and artistic space for both the local community and visitors. Its design seeks to integrate contemporary functionality with the architectural and cultural traditions of the region.
The Paul Klee Center, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, is a tribute to the renowned German-Swiss artist Paul Klee. Blending architecture with the natural landscape of Bern, Switzerland, the museum echoes the rolling hills and fields of the region. Situated on the city's easter outskirts, the structure aims to harmonize with its surroundings. Renowned as an iconic structure, Bern-based photographer Katerina Skarka has recently captured it through her lens, showcasing the architectural landmark.
Museo Nacional de Arte Contemporáneo (MNAC) / Luis Manuel Pereira + del medio atelier + Baile Menduiña. Image Cortesía de del medio atelier
The concept by Baile Menduiña and del medio atelier, coordinated by Luis Manuel Pereira, ranked first in the public design competition for the renovation and expansion project of the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC), located in the historic Chiado neighborhood in Lisbon. Among the 29 projects submitted for the competition, the jury, composed of Carlos Bessa, Elisabete Moura, and André Caiado distinguished a total of five projects and awarded a series of honorable mentions.
This month, architecture has addressed a wide array of themes, from preserving cultural heritage to designing for adaptability. Around the world, architects are responding to changing needs with solutions that aim to prioritize both functionality and the environment. Notable examples include Gehl, SOM, and Bionic's ambitious redevelopment of San Francisco's India Basin waterfront, which reimagines urban living in harmony with nature, and VOID Studios' collaboration on Kenya's Masai Mara Conservation Centre, a project deeply rooted in ecological and cultural sensitivity. Elsewhere, Nokken and BIG unveiled their "Softshell structure," offering a flexible option for hospitality and residential markets. Meanwhile, the transformation of The Raleigh in Miami Beach by Peter Marino aims to preserve the site's heritage while introducing new standards. These projects, among others, reflect the ever-evolving priorities of the field. Read on to discover the latest news shaping the architectural world.
The British Museum has revealed Studio Weave as the lead team selected to design its new visitor welcome pavilions and forecourt as part of a larger redevelopment initiative. The project is one of the Museum's key steps in its extensive Masterplan, which aims to modernize the iconic central London site while preserving its historical significance. The winning proposal was chosen through a competition organized under the Greater London Authority's Architecture + Urbanism framework, which prioritizes diversity and sustainability in design.
486 Moby. Image Courtesy of Finland’s New Museum of Architecture and Design
The Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design Foundation, in partnership with the Real Estate Company ADM, has unveiled the five designs shortlisted for the international competition aimed at offering Helsinki a new venue highlighting architecture history and design. This new museum, to be located in the historic South Harbour, has received global interest, with 624 anonymized submissions reviewed since September 2024. This announcement marks the completion of the competition's first phase, as all successful entries will advance to a second stage, receiving a financial award to refine their concepts.
Dubai has just unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing pedestrian mobility in the city and promoting sustainable urban development. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the "Dubai Walk Master Plan" envisions transforming the city into a pedestrian-friendly hub by 2040.
The City of London Corporation has approved a £191 million funding package for the first phase of the Barbican Centre's five-year renewal program. The initiative is aimed at addressing critical repairs and upgrades to this Grade II-listed venue, including improvements to accessibility, energy efficiency, and overall functionality of its aging infrastructure. The Barbican Renewal began in 2021 with an international competition for the multi-disciplinary design team to lead the efforts. In 2022, Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, and Buro Happold were selected, in collaboration with specialists in sustainability, heritage, landscaping, lighting design, acoustics, and more.
The Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) has just been selected to design the Jawaher Boston Medical District in Sharjah, a significant new healthcare initiative spearheaded by BEEAH, a private organization working in sustainability in the MENA region. Following a competitive selection process, RPBW's appointment marks the beginning of a project aimed at redefining the integration of healthcare excellence with environmental and cultural sensitivity.
Influential figure Deborah Berke, FAIA, LEED AP, has been announced as the recipient of the 2025 AIA Gold Medal, in recognition of her four-decade career integrating design prowess, and academic leadership demonstrating social and environmental responsibility. Her work, encompassing residential, institutional, and adaptive reuse projects, demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Founding Deborah Berke Partners (now TenBerke) in 1982 and serving as the first female dean of the Yale School of Architecture, she has held various leadership positions within the architectural profession and contributed to discussions on design ethics, sustainability, and education.
Entrance to Salone del Mobile 2024. Image Courtesy of Salone del Mobile.Milano
For the first time, the Salone del Mobile.Milano offers a comprehensive look at its impact with the release of "Milan Design (Eco) System," a research project developed in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano. This inaugural annual report provides a detailed analysis of Milano Design Week's influence and impact, showcasing Salone's role as an international catalyst within the extensive program of design events. The report aims to establish a robust, long-term monitoring system that addresses key sustainability challenges – environmental, economic, and social – as well as inclusion and cultural developments. This data-driven approach is set to inform the future strategies for Salone and the wider design community.
In his latest photographic journey, Paul Clemence explores the architectural essence of SwissMuseums at Le Salon Suisse, Miami Art Week. Delving into the architectural artistry of the region and the museum's significance in today's urban landscape, the photographer showcases a comprehensive exhibition. Titled "Shapes, Rhythm, Abstraction: Swiss Museums," the photo series includes Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Zurich, and St. Gallen.
Construction has commenced on the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology tower, a 46-story building designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Its design, situated on a narrow site in Shenzhen's Futian district, aims to respond to its urban context. The building's form, measuring 199 meters in height, incorporates setbacks placed to maximize sunlight penetration to surrounding streets and public areas. This design decision is further reflected in the façade's varying transparency and color, created by vertical and angled glazing mullions in black and bronze. Recent construction photographs reveal the topped-out tower, waiting to receive its envelope while temporarily showcasing openly its structure and interior organization.
Construction has just begun on a new mixed-use project within the Sanlin Riverside development in Shanghai, designed by Foster + Partners. A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of work on the site, which is envisioned to serve as a significant addition to the larger area. The development is designed to include modern office spaces in the northern section, with retail facilities and additional workspaces situated in the south. These components are connected by landscaped plazas, gardens, courtyards, and a park designed to host community markets, festivals, and waterfront activities. The site will also feature a colonnade along the river, aiming to appeal as a community gathering space.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has unveiled the design for a new wing dedicated to its 20th- and 21st-century art collection. Architect Frida Escobedo, the first woman to design a Met wing, is leading the project. The Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing will increase gallery space by almost 50 percent, adding over 70,000 square feet. This expansion will address accessibility issues, improve infrastructure, and enhance the sustainability of the building. The opening of the new wing is anticipated in 2030.
Aramco Stadium / Populous (Al Khobar). Image Courtesy of FIFA / Saudi Arabia 2024 Bid
Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the 2034 FIFA World Cup host. The country plans to build 11 new stadiums and refurbish four of its existing venues. The proposed host cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the yet-unbuilt Neom, a 170-kilometer-long linear city proposed to be built on the Red Sea coast. Additionally, the plan involves 134 training sites across the country, with 73 newly built facilities.
Released on December 11, 2024, the announcement came as no surprise, given that only one bid was submitted for each of the 2030 and 2034 World Cup tournaments. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco have been confirmed as joint hosts for the 2030 event, while Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the 2034 edition.
Temporal Shift by Sahar Coston Hardy. Image Courtesy of Grace Farms
Design for Freedom, an initiative launched by Grace Farms Foundation, has released an updated International Guidance & Toolkit designed to help architects and construction professionals source building materials ethically and avoid products linked to forced labor. The comprehensive online resource addresses the critical issue of forced labor within global supply chains, offering practical tools and strategies for implementation. The toolkit provides detailed information on twelve high-risk materials commonly used in construction, including glass, concrete, steel, timber, and bricks, highlighting the often inhumane conditions under which they are extracted and produced. The release of the guide coincides with Human Rights Day, further highlighting the urgency and global importance of addressing forced labor in the construction industry.
Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled the design for Forest Green Rovers' Eco Park Stadium, located in Stroud, UK. As the first all-timber football stadium, the design uses sustainably sourced timber for key structural elements, including the framework, roof cantilevers, and cladding. The project combines innovative construction techniques with advanced material research to create a functional and environmentally considerate venue. Part of a larger development, the stadium is designed to integrate with its surroundings while offering facilities that benefit both the football club and the wider community.
Rothko Chapel / Philip Johnson, Howard Barnstone, Eugene Aubry. Image via Huston Museum District, under policy of fair use
The Rothko Chapel, a celebrated structure appreciated for its profound meditative space, has announced its reopening to the public on December 17th. Following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl last July, the custodians of the structure announced its indefinite closure, as a team of art conservators, engineers, and volunteers began the extensive work to restore both the architecture and the invaluable artworks stored within. The Chapel's reopening marks a significant milestone in the recovery process, making this sanctuary of contemplation accessible once again to the community.
