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The long-anticipated Ismaili Center, Houston, has officially opened its doors, marking a historic milestone as the first Ismaili Center in the United States. Designed to foster understanding, dialogue, and harmony, this architectural masterpiece embodies the essence of faith, culture, and design excellence. Collaboration Nearly two decades in the making, the project represents a remarkable collaboration between DLR Group, Farshid Moussavi Architecture, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, and AKT II. As architect and engineer of record, DLR Group played a central role in translating the spiritual and cultural vision of the Ismaili community into an architectural reality. Architectural Vision Senior Designer…

WD Partners, in collaboration with White Castle, has introduced the ‘Castle of Tomorrow’, a visionary prototype that reimagines the future of hospitality, efficiency, and brand experience. This next-generation restaurant model represents the latest chapter in White Castle’s 104-year legacy, symbolizing the company’s enduring commitment to innovation and customer delight. For over a century, White Castle has been synonymous with pioneering spirit and culinary innovation in the quick-service sector. The Castle of Tomorrow continues this tradition, aligning with evolving consumer expectations around speed, personalization, and technology-driven service. Design and Operational Details Conceived and executed by WD Partners, the concept merges cutting-edge…

The Middle East continues to stand at the forefront of architectural innovation, blending cultural heritage with future-focused design. In an exclusive discussion, Li Ren, President of AIA Middle East and Associate at Perkins Eastman, Dubai, shared his insights on navigating emerging markets, fostering creativity, and advancing the global design dialogue through collaboration and cultural sensitivity. The Middle East’s urban growth has positioned it as a laboratory for bold experimentation and sustainability-driven architecture. As cities across the region continue to expand, architects and designers are challenged to harmonize historic identity with contemporary ambition, creating built environments that reflect both innovation and…

This Saturday, October 11, the City of Chicago will officially unveil Dwight H. Perkins Way, honoring the enduring architectural legacy of Dwight H. Perkins — grandfather of Perkins Eastman Co-Founder and Chairman Brad Perkins. The dedication ceremony will take place at Carl Schurz High School, one of several landmark institutions designed by Perkins in the early 20th century. A Pioneer of Public Architecture A central figure in the Prairie School movement, Dwight H. Perkins was instrumental in redefining public architecture’s role in civic life. During his tenure with Chicago Public Schools (1905–1910), he served as architect for over 40 public…

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…

On the outskirts of Elkhart, Indiana, a new 171,341-square-foot Amazon delivery station—known as DII5—is redefining what an industrial facility can be. Designed by ZGF with Atlantic AE as architect of record, the structure serves not only as a logistics hub but also as a prototype for sustainable industrial design. A Green Shift in Industrial Architecture Amazon’s DII5 signals a broader industry pivot toward eco-conscious logistics infrastructure. While the company’s delivery operations often draw scrutiny for their environmental impact, this facility demonstrates a commitment to low-carbon construction and renewable materials, blending functionality with sustainability. Operational Details: Design Meets Responsibility The delivery…

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…

Historically, architecture functioned as cultural prophecy, shaping lifestyles and social organization through visionary projects. From the Bauhaus to Archigram’s pneumatic cities and Arcosanti, architects created built forms that embodied radical ideas for living. Manifestos and publications circulated quickly, empowering architects to act as cultural vanguards with coherent support from state or institutional patrons. Cities like Brasília and Chandigarh exemplified this top-down cultural creation. Today, the landscape has shifted. Power is fragmented, investments demand predictable returns, and culture increasingly emerges through digital platforms. Contemporary architecture focuses on data-driven, critical, and policy-oriented approaches, addressing climate, housing, and urban challenges rather than utopian…

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 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…