Author: Editorial Desk

Two decades ago, HOK published The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design, at a time when green architecture was still emerging. Today, sustainability is no longer an afterthought—it is embedded in every facet of HOK’s design philosophy and practice. The firm’s approach to resilient, high-performance buildings not only supports clients’ business goals but also promotes the health and well-being of occupants. Each project is meticulously tracked for projected energy performance, aligning with HOK’s commitment to achieve a carbon-neutral design portfolio by 2030. This commitment to measurable impact has earned HOK 10 AIA COTE Awards for Sustainable Design Excellence and the distinction…

In the heart of Melbourne, Arden Station stands as a living example of how architecture can actively contribute to environmental health. Its façade, created with Active Surfaces® by Iris Ceramica Group, transforms sunlight and humidity into powerful tools for air purification. Using innovative ceramic slabs developed in collaboration with the University of Milan, the building continuously neutralizes pollutants, bacteria, and odours—no electricity or maintenance required. The façade doubles as a work of public art inspired by artist Abdul Abdullah’s reinterpretation of J.S. Calder’s 1860 painting “View from Royal Park across West Melbourne Swamp.” Depicting two giant aluminium hands reaching toward…

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has released a new position paper titled “Developing a Strategy for Climate Resilient Buildings”, outlining key strategies for policymakers and industry leaders to strengthen the resilience of buildings and communities against climate-related shocks. Understanding the Urgency With nearly 3.6 billion people already vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and projections suggesting that 1.2 billion could lose their homes by 2050, the need for resilient built environments has never been greater. Each year, more than 30 million people are displaced by extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, underscoring the global scale…

The Washington National Cathedral has introduced a groundbreaking 3D virtual tour, offering visitors a chance to explore the world’s sixth-largest Gothic cathedral from anywhere in the world. This immersive experience captures the building’s architectural and artistic grandeur in unprecedented digital detail. Digital Innovation Meets Cultural Heritage Developed by CoStar Group, a global leader in real estate data, analytics, and 3D digital twin technology, the project was created from 8 billion data points collected through aerial drone footage and Matterport technology. The result is one of the most complex digital models ever built using Matterport—accurate to the centimeter and capable of…

The Hamilton Grange National Memorial in Harlem Heights now invites visitors to experience the historic residence of Alexander Hamilton through an immersive virtual tour. Built in 1802, the Grange was Hamilton’s country estate, envisioned as a peaceful retreat from public life and politics. Preserving the Legacy of a Founding Father Located on what was once thirty acres of rural farmland, the Grange became a symbol of Hamilton’s later years—his dedication to family, architecture, and the ideals of the young American republic. The virtual tour recreates this legacy in detail, allowing visitors to explore each room of the restored home, from…

If seeing is believing, then Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming how clients and architects connect through design. Peter Twohy, Founding Principal at Baltimore-based 2e-architects, calls it a renaissance—one that improves collaboration, balances power dynamics among contractors, developers, and architects, and minimizes costly change orders. Redefining Architectural Collaboration Twohy’s firm integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Archicad with Twinmotion to create immersive, real-time VR models for every project. These virtual environments allow clients to experience their future homes in near-life conditions—examining every detail from morning sunlight in the kitchen to evening views from the dining room. A New Dimension in Client…

For architects and designers, 3D architectural rendering is more than a visual aid—it’s a bridge between imagination and reality. From client presentations to project approvals, high-quality 3D visualizations communicate design intent with clarity and impact. Our team highlights 16 standout projects across the USA to inspire architects and clients alike. Pedestrian Bridge – New Orleans, Louisiana A large-scale reconstruction project in New Orleans called for an aerial 3D rendering of a pedestrian bridge. The design integrates an open-air market and public recreation spaces. The visualization captures the bridge in context, emphasizing both scale and seamless integration with the surroundings. Restaurant…

The First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, one of the nation’s oldest Black churches, began its reconstruction with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Juneteenth. Established in 1776, the congregation initially met outdoors in secret before erecting a wooden meetinghouse around 1805 using recycled bricks. The 16-by-32-foot (5×10-meter) church will be rebuilt on its original foundations, honoring its legacy and highlighting that “Black history is American history,” said Pastor Reginald F. Davis. The reconstruction aims to pair the church’s rich oral history with a tangible site, reinforcing the significance of Black Americans in the nation’s story. The original church was destroyed by a…

Henning Larsen has announced Greta Tiedje as Global Design Director and Michael Sørensen as Global Market Director, marking a significant step in strengthening the firm’s international presence. In her new role, Greta will lead creative direction across global studios, championing visual storytelling, collaborative design, and experimental architecture. Since joining Henning Larsen Copenhagen in 2021, she has spearheaded multiple international design competitions and focuses on context, social impact, and spatial innovation. Michael has led major projects across North America, from civic and cultural buildings to transformative masterplans, including the Minneapolis Public Service Building, the Lindner College of Business in Cincinnati, and…

Dutch artist and OMA co-founder Madelon Vriesendorp has been named the recipient of the 2025 Soane Medal, becoming the first UK-based female artist to receive the award since its inception in 2017. Vriesendorp is renowned for her surrealist and humorous visual language, which has shaped the representation and understanding of modern and postmodern architecture. Her work, blending playfulness with critical thought, has influenced generations of architects and designers. Notable pieces include Flagrant Délit, depicting a love affair between the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, which appeared on the cover of Delirious New York. Throughout OMA’s evolution from conceptual…