Feature Series: The Latest Architecture and News

The Lisbon Architecture Triennale announced as the winner of the fifth edition of the Début Award the Indian office ReSa Architects. The office is known for its collective approach to spatial practice, treating architecture as a process of rewriting social and bodily relations. In previous editions, the award recognized the work Vão (Brazil, 2022), Bonell+Dòriga (Spain, 2019), Umwelt (Chile, 2016) and Jimenez Lai, from Bureau Spectacular (USA, 2013).

The announcement was made on October 4, during the opening festivities of the Triennale, which in this edition awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to the architect, Yasmeen Lari from Pakistan, the first person from the global south to receive the honor. Lari joins Marina Tabassum (2022 award winner), Denise Scott-Brown (2019), the duo Lacaton & Vassal (2016), Kenneth Frampton (2013), Álvaro Siza (2010), and Vittorio Gregotti (2007).

Culture is the set of knowledge and practices people use to express themselves and make sense of the world collectively. As Brazilian philosopher Marilena Chauí reminds us, the word derives from the Latin colere, which means "to take care of." In that sense, agriculture means taking care of the soil, while religious cults are the care of the gods. At its core, culture is the creation of symbolic universes, expressed through different languages, including architecture, that weave connections across time. It safeguards the memories of the past while opening new possibilities for the future.

This month, ArchDaily explores The Architecture of Culture Today, asking a central question: How does architecture shape the way culture is produced, consumed, and experienced? This theme examines how architecture both shapes and responds to cultural life — from the permanence of museums, theaters, and libraries to the ephemerality of pavilions, installations, and virtual platforms. It considers the architect's role in curation, scenography, and exhibition design, as well as the portrayal of cultural spaces in film and digital representations.

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ArchDaily is proud to reveal the winners of the 5th edition of Next Practices, recognizing 20 groundbreaking architectural practices from around the globe. These firms embody the creativity, innovation, interdisciplinary approach and social responsibility that are shaping the future of architecture and expanding its horizons.

Jonathan Yeung's architectural journey began through his deep appreciation for the physical and bodily experience of moving through carefully crafted spaces. Having grown up and studied across diverse places—Hong Kong, Kyoto, Cambridge, and Berkeley—he developed a sensitivity to how architecture resonates culturally, often in ways that transcend straightforward explanation. For Jonathan, architecture evolved from an embodied experience to a powerful form of expression, encompassing design, construction, and writing. Editorial work has naturally become an extension of this exploration, offering him a platform to reflect on architectural ideas from multiple perspectives.

He approaches editorial curation with a focus on issues that remain persistently relevant—topics that invite complex, multi-layered conversations grounded in social, cultural, or architectural dilemmas. He looks for projects marked by intentionality and excellence: works that push boundaries, refine the everyday into something exceptional, or reveal subtle spatial and material nuances that shape our experience of the built environment. His interest in architectural detailing stands out as a recurring theme, highlighting the craft and precision that contribute to enduring, timeless spaces often overlooked in broader discourse.

Architects today work across many worlds: from designing furniture, landscapes, and urban blocks to creating film sets, photographs, and videos. They restore and retrofit old buildings rather than build anew, while also writing, researching, and publishing. Some design virtual spaces for video games or speculate on habitats in outer space and underwater. Others engage directly with society through politics, activism, or community projects. Many experiment with biology, test new materials, and step into the role of scientist. Architects are decolonizing old narratives and decarbonizing the construction industry, and by weaving together personal passions with pressing social and environmental challenges, they are pushing the limits of the profession and expanding its scope.

With so many changes in the profession, especially in recent years, one may ask: How is the role of the architect evolving in response to global crises and shifting societal needs? In what ways can interdisciplinarity expand the scope and impact of architectural practice? And what skills beyond traditional design are becoming essential for architects in today's world?

Susanna Moreira's path into architecture was shaped early by her involvement in architectural theory and research during her undergraduate studies. Born in Salvador, Brazil, she has also lived and studied in Milan and São Paulo—experiences that have enriched her understanding of the dynamic intersections between art, architecture, and urban environments. These interdisciplinary interests continue to inform her curatorial approach and editorial work.

As ArchDaily's Project Curator for Portuguese-speaking countries, Susanna seeks out projects that offer meaningful contributions to architectural discourse. She values originality, quality, and relevance, always questioning what lessons a project might offer in terms of innovative materials, construction techniques, or conceptual approaches. In an era of information overload, she believes careful curation is essential to build trust, enhance learning, and highlight work that truly stands out.

Born in Sudan and currently based in London, Mohieldin Gamal brings a unique perspective to architecture shaped by his deep connection to both his homeland and global practice. His early fascination with architecture began in 1995, during the construction of his primary school, where he first encountered the significance of materiality, climatic design, and historical context. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his multifaceted approach to architecture as both a practitioner and a writer.

Mohieldin studied architecture at the University of Nottingham and gained valuable experience working with prominent UK firms. In 2021, he returned to Sudan to teach at the University of Khartoum and helped establish the Sudan Chapter of Docomomo, underscoring his commitment to preserving and promoting Sudanese architectural heritage. His work focuses on exploring underreported architecture and the complex historical, political, and economic forces that shape building practices in Africa and beyond.

Born and based in the Transylvanian region of Romania, Maria-Cristina approaches architecture with a rich, multifaceted perspective shaped by a diverse academic and professional journey. Holding master's degrees from UTCN and KU Leuven, she has combined rigorous architectural training with a broad curiosity that spans both the creative and analytical aspects of the discipline. Early in her career, she worked in small and medium-sized architecture offices, gaining valuable practical experience, before transitioning into editorial work at ArchDaily in 2022. Since then, she has advanced to Managing Editor, all while pursuing a Ph.D. in architectural studies and serving as a teaching assistant, reflecting her deep commitment to both practice and scholarship.

Maria-Cristina's approach to architecture is rooted in an understanding of its complexity and diversity. She sees architecture not as a fixed definition but as an evolving field where structures, physics, materials, aesthetics, philosophy, and human experience intertwine. Her interest in editorial work grew from this worldview, discovering that writing and designing share parallels: both involve constructing ideas that connect and support one another, much like the elements of a building. Through this lens, she finds joy in crafting essays that communicate complex ideas clearly and simply, emphasizing the uniqueness of concepts rather than words.

Dear Readers,

Architecture is going through transformative times, and so are the platforms that shape how we understand it.

Earlier this year, I addressed you directly to share our vision for 2025: a commitment to reaffirm ArchDaily's mission, elevate our editorial voice, and strengthen our role as a trusted, critical resource for architects worldwide. That message marked the beginning of a new chapter, one grounded in relevance, clarity, and purposeful action.

Romullo Baratto's architectural journey began early, influenced by a family environment steeped in engineering and architectural practice. Growing up surrounded by blueprints and models, he developed a foundational appreciation for the technical and creative aspects of the built environment. While his academic path led him to explore film and writing alongside architecture, these multidisciplinary interests naturally converged in editorial work. Starting as a freelance translator for ArchDaily, Romullo's alignment with the platform's mission led him to join as Editor for the Brazilian site, where he guided the publication to become the first media outlet to receive the prestigious FNA Award.

Now Project Manager at ArchDaily Global, Romullo leads flagship initiatives such as the Building of the Year Awards and ArchDaily New Practices. He approaches editorial work with a commitment to elevating projects and narratives that offer fresh perspectives and provoke meaningful discourse—eschewing mere trend-chasing in favor of critical, nuanced storytelling that deepens professional understanding.

Christele Harrouk's path into architecture was shaped by the complex and ever-changing environment of her Lebanese upbringing—a place marked by contradictions, transformation, and resilience. Although her entry into architecture wasn't planned, the discipline quickly became a profound lens through which she understands the world and its complexities. Combining her passion for writing with her architectural and urban design expertise, Christele discovered a unique voice at the intersection of these fields, embracing editorial work as a powerful platform to influence discourse and amplify diverse narratives.

As Editor-in-Chief of ArchDaily, Christele is deeply committed to shaping architectural discourse through thoughtful curation. She looks for projects and stories that engage profoundly with context, culture, and social realities—seeking those that do more than present architecture as mere form or function. For her, the value lies in content that challenges prevailing narratives, amplifies marginalized voices, and fosters critical conversations across global communities. 

Based between Berlin and Vienna, Miwa Negoro brings a transcultural and transdisciplinary perspective to her role at ArchDaily, shaped by her architectural training and professional experiences across East Asia and Europe. Her work explores how built environments both reflect and challenge sociocultural contexts, positioning architecture as a dynamic dialogue between history, society, and future possibilities.

Miwa's curatorial approach emphasizes the interplay between regional context, design processes, and social relevance, alongside material and aesthetic considerations. She seeks projects that resonate beyond their immediate surroundings, offering insights that engage broader architectural discourse. By championing a diverse range of building types, scales, and geographic origins, Miwa actively works to broaden the scope of voices and narratives represented within the field.

Based in Mexico City, Enrique Tovar brings a multidisciplinary approach to architecture and editorial work shaped by his interest in history, society, art, and craftsmanship. His early experiences in a context where architecture is often self-built or negotiated gave him a nuanced understanding of the built environment as something fluid and evolving with use. This perspective naturally led him to editorial work, which he sees as an extension of architectural practice—one that captures the complexities and tensions that may not be visible in traditional design processes.

As Sponsored Team Editor at ArchDaily, Enrique explores the critical intersections between materials, construction systems, technology, and software. He is especially interested in how these elements influence contemporary architectural practices and the ways in which inclusive and universal design principles can expand the field's reach. His editorial focus encourages environments that respond to diverse bodies, experiences, and modes of inhabiting space, promoting architecture that challenges conventional norms and embraces broader social concerns.

Hana Abdel's diverse background bridges interior architecture, art, and a deep appreciation for cultural heritage, shaping her distinctive approach to curating architecture content at ArchDaily. Originally from Lebanon and now based in Canada, Hana has spent more than a decade exploring interior architecture alongside artistic practices such as sculpture, ceramics, and drawing. Although she is no longer actively practicing interior architecture, these experiences continue to enrich her understanding of spatial narratives and the relationship between materiality and place.

As Manager of the Projects Curators team, Hana focuses on identifying architecture that tells compelling stories beyond aesthetics. Her editorial vision emphasizes projects that thoughtfully engage with cultural context, traditional techniques, and emerging voices, ensuring a diverse and inclusive representation. She is committed to shining a light on underrepresented communities and innovative practices that push the boundaries of architecture.

Dear Readers,

It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I share my first letter as Editor-in-Chief. Addressing you directly marks a meaningful shift from our usual approach, and I believe it's the perfect way to begin the year. As I step into this new role, I am honored by the opportunity to lead ArchDaily into a new chapter, building on our strong foundation to reach even greater heights.

At ArchDaily, we have always believed that architecture has the power to transform lives and environments. For 17 years, we have been more than just a platform; we have become a community and a voice for architecture—a collaborative network where architects, designers, and enthusiasts come together to shape the built environment and redefine urban living. Reflecting on this journey, I am deeply inspired by our shared accomplishments, made possible by the dedication of our talented global team and the unwavering support of our users. Together, we have created a space where ideas thrive and innovation blossoms.