Author: Editorial Desk

Architect Tom Kundig has offered an intimate glimpse into the objects that inspire his design philosophy in a recent Friday Five feature with Design Milk Editor-in-Chief Caroline Williamson. The celebrated designer shares how everyday items—each rooted in craft, purpose and authenticity—shape his creative approach. Tom Kundig, known for his materially expressive architecture and kinetic detailing, often draws from personal experiences and crafted objects to inform his work. The Friday Five interview reveals the deeper influences behind his practice, connecting his architectural thinking to the tools, artworks and artefacts he values most. Key Objects and Design Insights Among the items Kundig…

Gillespies has been recognised at the 2025 Landscape Middle East Awards, securing first runner-up in the Future Landscapes: Vision in Progress (Unbuilt) category. The award celebrates the studio’s masterplan for Jabal Thabeer Park in Makkah, created for Kidana | كدانة, highlighting its leadership in purpose-driven landscape design across the region. Located beside the Jamarat Bridge and Mina Tent City, the Jabal Thabeer area carries deep cultural and religious significance. As pilgrimage numbers continue to grow, the need for thoughtfully designed, resilient landscapes that enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience has become increasingly important. Gillespies’ proposal responds to this context with…

The Earls Court Regeneration Scheme has achieved a major breakthrough with Hammersmith & Fulham Council granting unanimous approval to redevelop the historic former Earls Court Exhibition Centre. Spearheaded by The Earls Court Development Company, the project aims to transform the derelict site into a vibrant, sustainable, and interconnected urban district. Once home to one of London’s most iconic exhibition venues, the Earls Court site has remained largely inactive since the demolition of the exhibition centre. The newly approved masterplan positions the area for reinvention through housing, employment opportunities, culture, and green infrastructure. The project aligns with London’s broader goals for…

A significant step forward for Australian healthcare innovation has been marked with the official opening of the UNSW Health Translation Hub at UNSW Sydney. Inaugurated by NSW Premier Chris Minns, the facility strengthens the connection between groundbreaking research and real-world medical outcomes within the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct. Advancing Translational Health in Australia The hub emerges at a time when integrated healthcare ecosystems are becoming essential for addressing complex medical challenges. Positioned within one of Australia’s leading health and innovation districts, the centre is designed to unite clinicians, researchers, educators and industry partners, enabling faster translation of scientific discoveries…

Studio Other Spaces’ Vertical Panorama Pavilion, completed in 2022, demonstrates how architecture can visualise climate and context. The pavilion features a 14.5-metre circular glass canopy and a central oculus oriented toward the northern sky, offering an immersive spatial encounter shaped by environmental data. Turning Climate Patterns Into Architecture Located in the Sonoma Valley, the pavilion was conceived as an artistic response to the region’s atmospheric conditions. Its design translates climate elements—such as solar movement, wind direction, temperature variations and humidity levels—into a structured chromatic composition, allowing visitors to experience environmental rhythms through form and colour. Operational Details: Material Expression and…

SALT Architects PTY Ltd has been named one of the three Project of the Year winners at the Architizer A+Awards ceremony in Paris. The recognition celebrates the Cape Flats Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Plant in South Africa—an infrastructure project that purifies water and helps restore the region’s aquifer while demonstrating the cultural value of thoughtful design. Elevating Infrastructure Through Architecture In many cities, essential infrastructure remains hidden and overlooked. The MAR Plant challenges this norm by presenting vital systems with architectural dignity. Built primarily from brick and concrete, the facility showcases how public infrastructure can be functional, visually expressive and…

As Australia’s cities grow denser and its population ages, urban design is shifting toward models that support social connection, care and community resilience. The Cambridge—developed by Levande in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay—introduces a pioneering approach with the launch of Australia’s tallest retirement community. Responding to Demographic and Urban Change With increasing pressure on urban housing and social infrastructure, mixed-use environments are becoming essential. The Cambridge addresses these challenges by creating a precinct where diverse age groups coexist, offering an alternative to traditional, isolated retirement living. Architectus Principal Farhad Haidari highlights the project as a rare setting…

Arup’s new Brisbane workplace sets a notable benchmark in regenerative design, merging sustainability with creative reuse. Designed by Hassell, the space incorporates more than 1,900 plants and over 100 salvaged elements, demonstrating how circular principles can redefine the modern office environment. A New Direction for Sustainable Workspaces The workplace forms part of Arup’s broader commitment to environmentally responsible design. Set on Yuggera and Turrbal Country, the project showcases how material innovation can be integrated into a contemporary corporate setting without compromising functionality or aesthetic intent. Operational Details: Circular Materials and Collaborative Craft FIVE MILE RADIUS led the material strategy, transforming…

O’Connell Robertson has reaffirmed its commitment to student success by supporting the Lone Star College Foundation at its Annual Drive for Scholarships. This initiative plays a pivotal role in widening access to education for thousands of learners across the region, reinforcing the shared belief that investment in students is an investment in the future. Strengthening Educational Pathways Through Community Support Lone Star College is one of the fastest-growing community college systems in the nation, enrolling over 90,000 students each semester through academic transfer programs, workforce development, and career-focused training. The Lone Star College Foundation provides critical scholarship funding that helps…

PBK has announced the appointment of Isabel Corsino Lee, AIA, NCARB, IIDA, ALEP, as Senior Principal and Area Leader for the Dallas–Fort Worth region. With more than two decades of architectural leadership across K–12, civic, municipal, commercial, multifamily, and public-sector environments, she brings a holistic, community-focused vision to one of PBK’s most dynamic markets. A Leader Shaping Community-Driven Design As a licensed architect and interior designer across Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, Isabel has built a reputation for creating environments that are functional, human-centered, and deeply aligned with community priorities. Her collaborative approach and strong client relationships have positioned her…