Latest Posts

Opera House, Copenhagen | Henning Larsen Architects

Published by

An architectural landmark to connect the new waterfront with the historical city centre.

Opera house, Copenhagen - Henning Larsen Architects 11Designed by Henning Larsen Architects, the “Operaen” is located in Copenhagen’s inner harbour and completes the historical axis running from the Marble Church through Amalienborg and right into the Opera’s stage.

Not only is it an attraction for the area and the city, its position also makes the opera house an urban connector between the historical centre and the harbour: in fact, while this part of Copenhagen was largely afflicted by decay not so long ago, it is now undergoing major changes which are bringing it back to life.

The Opera is very active and lively at all times and in all seasons, making it a major player in the masterplan – also developed by Henning Larsen Architects. Along with a number of other cultural buildings, the Operaen contributes to the vibrant and inspirational urban space at Holmen.

Inner Harbour Masterplan, Copenhagen – Henning Larsen Architects

Read More

The art of sketches

Published by

What is the role of sketches in architecture (today)? 

Le Corbusier
Aldo Rossi
Robert Venturi

Some think it is a necessary step of a design: its first spark. Some think it’s the best way to capture a concept; others appreciate its artistical veil. They are often used to seize the essence of the surroundings, as a way to discover and understand reality around us.

But sometimes, sketches may seem oblosete representations, totally unable to compete with the modern and sophisticated modeling tools.

Zaha Hadid
OMA + Ole Scheeren
Libeskind

By the way, despite the success of rendering softwares, the architectural sketch is not limited  to the old generations of architects.

From the historical masters of architecture, to today’s firms, the architectural sketch proves to be a versatile tool, which is able to represent everything concerning architecture.

Ideas and structures, details and context are just some of the many aspects that a sketch can describe. Each architect has his own idea and preferences… Let’s discover some these!

Frank Gehry
Eduardo Souto de Moura
Steven Holl

Read More

Philip Johnson | most POWERFUL / INFLUENTIAL architect of all time

Published by

Philip Johnson like you never thought he’d be: self-mocking, hilarious… and wise of course.

“I didn’t know I was such a famous and delightful person”

Philip Johnson talks about himself, his architecture, his mentors and the new emerging architects.

Needless to say, these guys are today’s archistars: Frank Gehry, Peter Eisenman, Robert Venturi, Richard Meier…

FUN FACT: In his early career as an architect without a license he kept moving around the U.S. to avoid legislation, only to be forced into school well beyond his 30s.

“I couldn’t wait for such a thing as a license, cause that meant I had to go to school, write a thesis, draw… I still can’t draw at this moment!”

An inspiring and entertaining talk with Philip Johnson.

MATERIALS | Building in glass

Published by

Architecture covered in glass: like a chameleon it is ever-changing.

Buildings that fade into the sky, façades that reflect the surroundings, glass that lights up in the dark: only great architects can paint a canvas using materials.

It’s thanks to visionary architects who believe they can alter perception and create new experiences that technological innovation happens.

Wheather it’s to improve a building’s performance and sustainability, to have it glow at night or make it disappear, the advancement in glass production is – and has been – one major reason for the success of contemporary architecture.

[ Visit the “MATERIALS” section on Archiscapes ]

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Read More

The Avenue on Portage >> a new dialogue with the city

Published by

Private and public are different realities that get in touch in the city.


Sometimes they clash, but the usual  and present approach is to
create connection and dialogue between them.

Here is the solution developed by the architecture studio 5468796 in Winnipeg .

Read More

House of Music by Coop Himmelb(l)au | An apparently messy Chimera

Published by

The first time you look at this building, you may have a bad impression. That’s what happened to me: I immediately thought it was a real mess, with all those jarring and chaotic lines and those disorganized  porthole windows. Then, I learned it was a House of Music and it all made sense.

Music is not straight and rigid…it’s entartaining. And so its House.

Music changes any necessary time, just to amuse our ears; even the most melodic and pleasant tune has interruptions, peaks, pauses and slowdowns… or it would be monotone and terribly boring.

Read More

The art of designing airports | 6 projects by Grimshaw Architects

Published by

AIRPORTS are a place for leaving designed to be the highlight of your trip.

The terminal, somewhere to live and leave.

It’s no longer the time for endless rows of dark blue seating… Or for the elite’s luxury lounges, only.  As it’s no longer the time of airports that you merely leave.

airport in Greeland
airport interior in the 60’s

Weather it’s to stay in transit, pick up a loved one, catch a connection or say goodbye, at the airport you’re supposed to just wait. And while terminals may do their best to keep you entertained or relaxed, it all really depends on how livable the atmosphere is.

Nicholas Grimshaw is a master of airport design and this is how he creates wonderful spaces you’d rather get lost into than just walk through.

Read More

Herzog & De Meuron’s “Helvetia” HQ | mirrors and chinese shadows

Published by

The extension of Helvetia Head Office finally began in 2001, after Herzog & De Meuron won the competition in 1989.

The whole project consists of 4 new buildings arranged on a pre-existing cruciform complex, creating four new courtyards around the headquarters.

The first three buildings were realized between 2002 and 2004; the fourth and latest addition was commissioned in 2014. It will add a new access point to the complex, as well as a café, meeting rooms and offices.

 helvetia_herzog and de meuron

Read More