designboom

ukrainian studio shovk designs ark of the future house in kyiv, embracing the philosophy of a home as a work of art, prioritizing inspiration and expression over mere practicality. with minimalist and futuristic aesthetics, the project forms a unique composition and creates a vision of a home for tomorrow. located on a compact plot with challenging planning constraints, the design divides the site into four courtyards, each serving distinct purposes and evoking different atmospheres. read more here: https://lnkd.in/e9ZJKC9i

TOP 10 reader submissions of 2024 – materials the year 2024 saw designers and architects reimagine material applications in more sustainable and environmentally responsible ways. zero-waste alternatives replaced traditional construction methods, as seen in regrow willow's hybrid material system that combines willow and pressed earth for architectural applications. projects like andré kong studio's mushroom mycelium brick pavilion in new york and studio dreist's recyclable canteen furniture crafted from construction waste pushed the boundaries of conventional techniques. natural materials once considered waste emerged taking the place of synthetic options, such as studio sanne visser’s use of human hair yarn applied on furniture and accessories. from gisung han’s decomposable stool made of wildflower seeds and potato-based plastic to studio arp's pendant lamp shaped from leather derived from citrus waste, these projects embraced circular design principles. our 2024 big stories include mengyan guo's sculptural clothing collection crafted from discarded tea leaves, upcycled stools made from spent shower sponges and coffee grounds designed by columbia university students, and laura bordini's packaging series, which repurposes microalgae and industrial waste biomass to promote ecological regeneration. designboom rounds up 2024's top 10 projects that stood out for their creative use of materials for practical, and sustainable designs. read more here: https://lnkd.in/dc9pbrjf

explore the five proposals shortlisted for finland’s upcoming museum of architecture and design. selected from 624 anonymous entries in an international competition, the designs are poised to anchor helsinki’s cultural landscape while furthering the city’s goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 -- aligned with the museum’s anticipated opening -- sustainability is a key driver of the concepts. the designs range from a series of interlocked volumes topped by an undulating roof, a geometric form carved with triangular openings, and a sequence of covered and open squares. read more here: https://lnkd.in/eP2w5Rph

BALENCIAGA introduces the zero, an ultralight pair of 3D molded shoes that can make users feel as barefoot as possible. read more: https://lnkd.in/eWCSnfqM

YVA arquitetura has designed the guaju pavilion as a serene retreat that harmonizes with the native atlantic forest landscape in brazil. the cabin's construction prioritizes minimal environmental impact to its lush context without disturbing its native vegetation or topography. with an airy transparent structure, it invites the forest into its core, shaped from dry materials that were assembled on site. the architects also note that during construction, none of the trees were cut given the pavilion’s carefully shaped slender volume. by elevating it on a concrete platform, they were also able to preserve the natural ground conditions to allow small animals like armadillos, ants, and lizards to move freely beneath. read more here: https://lnkd.in/e3w5mwej

in a unique landscape in belgium shaped by decades of mining, burolandschap has designed a floating pontoon bridge that provides cyclists and pedestrians with an extraordinary crossing experience. adapting to fluctuating water levels, the bridge brings users remarkably close to the water’s surface, offering dynamic, varied views. the bridge traverses a pond formed by gravel extraction, nestled between the remnants of mine spoils from the 20th-century coal mining era. while the extraction of raw materials has long ceased, the mining history continues to define the area’s unique topography. since the early 21st century, this transformed landscape has become a hub for relaxation and recreation, with cyclists and walkers at its heart. read more here: https://lnkd.in/eRvnAYEv

scientists at the Nanyang Technological University Singapore have developed a method that can allow them to produce 3D printed concrete blocks that capture and store carbon dioxide. in their 3D printing method, they use steam and carbon dioxide captured as the by-products of industrial processes in the concrete mix. read more: https://lnkd.in/exzdKGtj

Jaguar has embarked on a bold journey to reclaim its founding ethos: copy nothing. in an interview during miami art week 2024, the british marque unveils its bold rebrand with the type 00 concept car, blending british artistry with design innovation and luxury transformation. see it now: https://lnkd.in/e_xkJ5kT

starburst installation spreads illuminating rays within temple in taiwan halo is the latest hyper-site-specific installation by malaysian light artist jun ong, situated in xiu de bai pavilion—a former buddhist temple in the historic town of yan shui, tainan, taiwan. light holds deep significance in buddhism, often symbolizing enlightenment—an awakening or understanding of truth. sacred figures, including buddha, are frequently depicted with halos surrounding their heads or bodies. in halo, ong imagines a starburst form of this sacred light, both celebrating the intricate architecture of the pavilion and its ties to the surrounding neighborhood. read more here: https://lnkd.in/eMddnCDc

at stuttgart's energieplaza, ASB GlassFloor's cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in bringing the city's energy transition to life. upon entering the premises, visitors are greeted by a ten square meter LED glass wall that visualizes stadtwerke stuttgart’s mission for a future powered entirely by clean energy. the wall reacts to visitors’ movements, creating a moment of emotional engagement as they interact with the display. another feature is an eight square meter ceiling installation that simulates sunlight, allowing visitors to determine whether their roof is suitable for solar panel installation and calculate potential energy yields.