Author: Editorial Desk

Washington, D.C.–based BLDUS, led by Andrew Linn and Jack Becker, is reimagining American residential architecture through a sustainability-first approach that marries material innovation with thoughtful placemaking. The firm’s ethos—“farm-to-shelter”—prioritizes natural, locally sourced, and reclaimed materials, creating homes that are both environmentally responsible and contextually grounded. Founded in 2013, BLDUS started with residential renovations, additions, and historic preservation, gradually evolving into projects that integrate alternative building systems, high-performance envelopes, and carbon-conscious materials. Landmark projects like Grass House showcase the firm’s signature approach: BamCore bamboo framing, salvaged wood, and cork finishes that honor both environmental stewardship and local craftsmanship. The firm also…

The Kalil House in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing it as one of only seven Usonian Automatic homes ever built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Now owned by the Currier Museum of Art, the house remains one of the best-preserved examples of Wright’s vision for affordable, high-quality middle-class housing. Completed in 1957, the Kalil House retains nearly all original furniture, fixtures, textiles, and even stainless-steel kitchen appliances, offering a time-capsule view into Wright’s holistic design philosophy. The home’s modular concrete construction—using 2,580 interlocking blocks—reflects Wright’s ambition to combine simplicity, beauty, and…

Architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and hospitality specialist Nokken have turned their innovative concept into reality with the ‘Softshell’, a modular, lightweight cabin offering a luxurious alternative to traditional safari tents and yurts. Unveiled in late 2024, the Softshell responds to the growing desire for travel experiences that combine immersion in nature with comfort and sustainability. Designed for low environmental impact, the structure has been tested across diverse environments, from California’s deserts to European forests. The Softshell balances mobility with permanence. “It’s lightweight enough to relocate, but designed with the depth and sensitivity of long-term architecture,” explains BIG partner…

As Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park, Airbnb is leveraging the iconic Chicago music festival to expand its experiential offerings. The weekend is traditionally Airbnb’s biggest local revenue driver, with hosts projected to earn over $2.5 million collectively as nearly half of festival attendees travel from outside the city. This year marks Airbnb’s first official partnership with Lollapalooza, offering renters exclusive access to events and workshops, such as photography sessions and DJ lessons with Chicago’s DJ Lady D. The initiative reflects Airbnb’s broader strategy to evolve beyond short-term rentals into immersive cultural experiences. Despite ongoing challenges—ranging from strict city regulations to…

The 10th Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB), North America’s largest international contemporary architecture survey, is underway with this year’s theme: “SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change.” The Biennial showcases innovative projects at five main venues, including the Chicago Cultural Center, Graham Foundation, Stony Island Arts Bank, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and, starting next month, 840 N. Michigan Ave. Highlights include: “A Mies Space for Senses” by Luftwerk at IIT’s Galvin Tower “Inhabit, Outhabit”, featuring 29 global housing developments Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork’s inflatable installation, Variations in Mass Nos. 5, 6, 7, creating dynamic spatial experiences Interactive projects reimagining public…

Event: Big Swings (2025)Date & Time: November 12, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 PMLocation: Akerman LLP, 1251 6th Ave, 37th Floor, New York, NY 10020 Singapore is celebrated for achieving high livability despite extreme density. The URA functions as city planner, public land sales agent, and conservation authority, integrating economic vitality, design excellence, and resilience into urban development. At this event, Siew-Leng Fun will discuss: Singapore’s urban design achievements Long-term planning strategies Approaches to balancing density, public space, and livability Audience & Accessibility:Open to Urban Design Forum Fellows, Global Circle members, and invited guests. The venue is ADA-accessible with microphones and speakers…

Austin’s iconic Congress Avenue is slated for a major facelift under the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative, aimed at creating a “complete street with a clear and attractive identity.” The initial phase covers Cesar Chavez Street to Seventh Street, focusing on: Expanded sidewalks and pedestrian amenity zones Improved tree health and bikeway barriers Adjusted turn lanes to optimize traffic flow The $13 million project, funded through the city’s 2020 Mobility Bond, is scheduled to begin early 2026 and continue through 2027, with each block’s construction taking approximately three months. Pedestrian access along Congress Avenue will be maintained throughout the work…

In 2024, Manhattan experienced a record increase in office-to-apartment conversions, with 3.3 million square feet of office space repurposed for residential use—more than double the 1.6 million square feet converted in 2023. Driving Factors The surge is attributed to: Declining demand for office space post-pandemic. New zoning incentives facilitating residential conversion, such as the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan (MSMX), which rezones 42 square blocks and could deliver 9,500 new housing units. Key Projects Prominent office buildings along Third Avenue in the East 40s and 50s. 135 E. 57th Street, a former late-1980s office tower, now converting to residential units. Times…

The Federal Reserve Board is executing a comprehensive renovation of two historic Washington, D.C., buildings: the Eccles Building (constructed 1935–1937) and the 1951 Constitution Avenue Building (constructed 1931–1933). Both structures are listed on the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites, with the latter also on the National Register of Historic Places. Project Goals The renovation aims to modernize systems, improve safety, and consolidate operations, while preserving the historical and architectural integrity of both buildings. Key initiatives include: Removal of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead. Replacement of outdated systems, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire suppression. Structural upgrades to…

The White House has issued a new executive order, “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” mandating that all new federal buildings adhere to classical and traditional architectural styles. This marks the third such executive order, following prior directives in December 2020 and January 2025. The order defines classical architecture to include Neoclassical, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco styles. Traditional architecture encompasses Gothic, Romanesque, Second Empire, Pueblo Revival, Spanish Colonial, and other historically rooted American regional styles. The directive explicitly excludes Deconstructivist and Brutalist approaches. The EO applies to federal courthouses, agency headquarters, public buildings in the National Capital…