Browsing: Sustainable Designs

In the lead-up to COP30 Brazil, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is shining a light on its Sustainable Engineering Studio (SES)-a global, interdisciplinary platform redefining how architecture and engineering can contribute to ecological regeneration, decarbonization, and climate resilience. Engineering for a Regenerative Future The SES operates as an agile consultancy within SOM, blending technical expertise with sustainability-driven innovation. It supports clients in achieving measurable carbon reductions through strategies rooted in whole-life carbon accounting, resilience planning, and sustainable urban design. Operational Details: Integrating Research and Practice SES bridges the gap between research and implementation, embedding sustainable engineering principles across SOM’s international…

Liwen Shi from Perkins&Will’s Minneapolis studio, along with her partner Shuyi Hao, has been recognized with an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Emerging Professionals Design Competition organized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Recognizing Emerging Talent in Landscape Architecture The ASLA Emerging Professionals Design Competition celebrates innovation and forward-thinking in landscape design. This year’s competition emphasized projects that merge cultural heritage with ecological sensitivity, spotlighting young designers who address pressing environmental and social challenges. Operational Details: The Project – Weathered Authority Shi and Hao’s entry, titled Weathered Authority, reimagines New Orleans’ historic Harmony Circle as a dynamic urban…

At Boutique Design New York (BDNY) 2025, Gensler is set to spotlight the intersection of sustainability and profitability in hospitality design. Lori Mukoyama, Principal at Gensler, will join leading industry voices for a panel discussion titled “Green Is the New Gold: Making the Business Case for Sustainable Design.” As sustainability evolves from an ethical imperative to a strategic business driver, the hospitality sector is reimagining how environmental responsibility enhances both guest experience and financial performance. Session Focus The session, scheduled for Monday, November 10th, from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST, will delve into how resilient and eco-conscious design contributes…

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica’s renowned 1,400-acre private resort and club community, has been awarded two top distinctions at the 2nd Annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai — World’s Leading Sustainable Hotel or Resort Development and World’s Leading Sustainable Community Empowerment Programme. A Benchmark for Sustainable TourismChosen from over 900 entries globally, Peninsula Papagayo’s recognition reflects its dedication to redefining luxury through sustainability, inclusion, and environmental responsibility. Under the stewardship of Mohari Hospitality and Gencom since 2016, the destination has become a model of regenerative tourism and sustainable resort development. Eco-Conscious Design and InnovationThe World’s Leading Sustainable Hotel…

Construction is officially underway for The Village at Providence Point, an innovative senior living community in Annapolis, Maryland, designed by Perkins Eastman. This development marks a major step forward in creating environments that combine residential comfort, wellness, and human-centered design for older adults. A Vision for Modern Senior Living Envisioned as a life plan community, The Village at Providence Point is designed to foster meaningful connection, independence, and holistic wellbeing. It will feature 216 independent living apartments, 30 cottages, and specialized care facilities for memory support and long-term skilled nursing, setting a new benchmark for inclusive senior environments. Operational Details:…

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…

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…

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…

Philadelphia welcomes a striking new cultural landmark this September with the opening of Calder Gardens, a visionary collaboration between Herzog & de Meuron and landscape designer Piet Oudolf. Conceived as a living dialogue between art, architecture, and nature, the project celebrates the life and legacy of American sculptor Alexander Calder, offering visitors an immersive experience unlike any other. A New Cultural Landmark Located along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway—home to the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art—Calder Gardens presents a rotating collection of Calder’s most iconic works. Oudolf’s naturalistic wildflower meadows flow seamlessly into Herzog &…

Seattle’s architectural excellence received national recognition as several of the city’s landmark projects earned top honors at the 2025 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Awards. The winners showcase Seattle’s growing prominence in sustainable, civic, and human-centered design. Key Recognition:Among the honorees, the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal, designed by NBBJ, was named one of the best works of contemporary architecture in the United States. The AIA praised it as a model for civic design, highlighting its integration of public space, tribal heritage recognition, and multimodal connectivity. Sustainability & Education:Three other Seattle-based projects were included in the AIA COTE Top Ten,…