#architecture

Building an “O” as a high-rise

History is literally being written in Mannheim right now. Or rather it is being built. The spectacular high-rise building “O” designed by MVRDV is just one example: A total of four letters spell out the word “HOME” in the new Franklin Mitte neighbourhood.

#smart office

Green oasis in concrete tower

In the Vietnamese metropolis Ho Chi Minh City, an increasing number of new office towers are shooting skyward. Local architectural office MIA Design Studio makes sure that nature isn’t forgotten in the process. Even if it has to flourish inside busy interiors.

#city planning

Where the future is radically car-free

The city of San Diego in Southern California has plans for a new district, one that will be entirely void of cars. Known as Neighborhood Next, it must be one of the most radical projects in the USA.

#city planning

Climate neutral and affordable

The new urban quarter Zwhatt near Zurich is designed to enable climate-neutral living at affordable prices. One of its buildings is a 75-metre-high timber hybrid tower known as Redwood, whose facade generates solar power.

#architecture

Where clouds linger

Shenzhen is set to be home to a museum that should really be built in the sea. Although inspired by bobbing waves, the design ultimately looks like a group of clouds. And the spectacular structure has indeed been titled “Clouds on the Sea”.

#greenbuilding

Wood with superpowers

Architect and biologist Timothée Boitouzet has used nanotechnology to give wood an upgrade. The new material “Woodoo” is translucent, fire-resistant, weatherproof and up to five times stronger than normal wood.

#smart office

High-tech timber for Norwegian banking

Timber construction can be decidedly high-tech, as illustrated by the head office built for SR Bank in Stavanger, Norway. Bjergsted Financial Park offers workplaces that are fit for the future, and it is among Europe’s largest engineered timber buildings.

#greenbuilding

In harmony with nature

So, what does “Noom” actually mean? While Sanzpont [arquitectura] and Pedrajo + Pedrajo Arquitectos don’t exactly reveal this, their “Living the Noom” concept is pretty clear: it’s all about a fresh take on housing. With environmental protection and quality of life as a top priority.

#greenbuilding

Hamburg sets a new benchmark

HafenCity Hamburg is an urban quarter fit for the future. Its eco cherry on the top is the “Null-Emissionshaus” (Zero Emissions Building), which is completely carbon-neutral – and can be dismantled like a Lego house.

Prag reanimiert sein Moldau-Ufer (Bild: BoysPlayNice)

#city planning

Prague revitalizes its Vltava riverfront

The “golden city” is breathing new life into the embankment of the river Vltava: long-standing revitalization plans are now progressing. Thanks to the creations of Petr Janda, Prague can enjoy some attractive new highlights.

#smart office

Pairing wood and stone in a Danish design

Sejet Plant Breeding in Denmark develops modern grain varieties. The company cultivates plants using state-of-the-art, sustainable technology, and has adopted the same approach for its new entrance building, designed by GinnerupArkitekter.

#hotel

The oblique cabins of Tungestølen

Snøhetta creates high-calibre architecture, including accommodation at high altitudes amidst Norway’s glaciers. The architects have enriched the Tungestølen mountain cabins with a special feeling of hygge.

Der schöne WILLLI (Bild: Office le Nomade)

#living

Affordable living in contemporary homes

Architect Nerma Linsberger is known for designing top-quality social housing. One of her projects, titled “WILLLI”, is another model of affordable yet highly attractive city apartments.

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