Author: Editorial Desk

The annual Property Congress, organised by the Property Council of Australia, convened hundreds of property-industry professionals over three days in Perth to explore key themes shaping Australia’s built environment. The event provided a platform for discussion, collaboration and insight on how the property sector can respond to evolving market trends, sustainability imperatives and emerging leadership. Into this arena stepped global architecture and design practice Woods Bagot, whose Perth studio played an active role. Since its inception in 1978, the Property Congress has served as the premier annual gathering of Australia’s property professionals, bringing together established and rising leaders for insight-sharing and…

This month, Winy Maas is featured in Czech VOGUE CS, highlighting his collaborative work with students at the Archip – Architectural Institute in Prague on futuristic urban environments and emerging technologies such as drones. He also appears in the latest issue of Shapes, sharing insights on architecture, urban planning, and MVRDV’s projects in Czechia. In these conversations, Winy elaborates on his concept of the “vertical village” — a visionary approach to counter monotonous urban development by promoting vertical housing with diverse typologies, fostering richer, more humane city living. Winy Maas will also present a public talk, “Where Architecture Shapes Development,”…

DLR Group proudly announces the appointment of Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, as the firm’s Global K–12 Education Leader, overseeing a $200 million practice across the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, and Asia. Carmen succeeds Senior Principal Jim French, FAIA, whose visionary leadership expanded the practice sixfold and laid the foundation for continued global growth. Recognized as an accomplished leader, mentor, and design champion, Carmen brings extensive experience and a passion for educational environments that inspire learning and community. “She now gets to pair this design excellence with her innate leadership ability to drive…

Allsopp & Allsopp Group, one of the UAE’s leading real estate firms, has appointed Fintan D Flannelly as Director of Developer Sales. With almost 20 years of industry experience, Flannelly is known for his award-winning performance as a property advisor and his deep understanding of Dubai’s dynamic property market. Proven Track Record in Real Estate Before taking on his new role, Fintan led developer sales at Allsopp & Allsopp and held senior positions at Exclusive Links Real Estate Brokers. His contributions have earned recognition from industry platforms including Bayut.com, Property Finder, and Ellington, highlighting his consistent dedication to client service…

Landscape architecture in the United States has evolved beyond aesthetics, blending functionality, sustainability, and cultural storytelling to shape urban and natural spaces. From revitalizing industrial sites to creating immersive public parks, landmark projects serve as inspiration for designers and communities alike. These ten projects exemplify how thoughtful landscape design can transform cities, foster social engagement, and champion environmental stewardship. The High Line – New York City Iconic Feature: Adaptive reuse of an elevated rail track into a 1.45-mile green promenade.Impact: Set a global benchmark for transforming industrial infrastructure into vibrant public green spaces. Millennium Park – Chicago Iconic Feature: Integration…

Princeton University has completed a transformative renovation of Prospect House, its 1852 Italianate mansion, blending historic preservation with inclusive, contemporary design. Long serving as a meeting and event space, the building’s interiors were outdated and inaccessible, prompting the university to “press the restart button,” according to architect Ron McCoy. The project focused on accessibility, modern amenities, and celebrating diverse artistic voices while honoring the building’s layered heritage. Designed by Philadelphia architect John Notman as a private home, Prospect House was donated to Princeton in 1878 and later became the residence of university presidents, including Woodrow Wilson. Over the decades, architects…

Sustainable construction is no longer a trend—it’s an urgent global priority. The 2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer, published by Saint-Gobain’s Sustainable Construction Observatory, highlights progress and critical gaps in the sector, calling for immediate action across the construction value chain. Surveying stakeholders across 27 countries—including professionals, students, associations, elected officials, government representatives, and the public—the Barometer reveals rising awareness, with 67% familiar with sustainable construction and 69% considering it a priority. Yet regional disparities remain, such as 34% of the US public still unaware of its importance. Respondents emphasize the need for leadership from private actors, particularly architects and engineering firms…

Mass timber continues to capture the imagination of architects and engineers for its low-carbon potential and aesthetic versatility, yet its widespread adoption remains slow. A new report, Mass Timber Tipping Point, by Architecture 2030 and Pilot Projects Collaborative, explores why progress has stalled—and what can accelerate the shift toward sustainable construction. Drawing from an extensive survey and listening tour across the US and Canada, involving twelve diverse architecture and engineering firms, the study highlights 25 key challenges impeding adoption. These fall into six interrelated themes: Experience, Cost, Confidence, Sourcing, Policy, and Carbon. Among them, lack of experience and high upfront…

Johns Hopkins University has inaugurated the Bloomberg Student Center in Baltimore, Maryland — a 150,000-square-foot, mass timber facility designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). As the university’s first building dedicated solely to student life, it serves as a vibrant hub for community, creativity, and collaboration on the Homewood campus. Developed with Rockwell Group (interiors), Shepley Bulfinch (executive architect), and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (landscape design), the center comprises 29 interlocking timber volumes beneath cantilevered roofs hosting nearly 1,000 solar panels. These panels are expected to generate half of the building’s power, supporting its target of LEED Platinum certification. Conceived as…

In a striking fusion of resilience and design, AECOM and Thomas Phifer and Partners have reimagined Robert F. Wagner Park in Lower Manhattan. Originally completed in 1996, the 3.5-acre waterfront park has now been transformed to withstand the escalating threat of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. As part of the Battery Park City Resiliency Program, AECOM implemented advanced flood mitigation and stormwater management systems, while Thomas Phifer and Partners designed the Wagner Park Pavilion, a striking concrete structure marked by arched vaults and a vivid red hue. Perched above two sloped terraces, the fully electrified, combustion-free pavilion houses…