Architecture Today

Architecture Today

Architecture Today featuring great design, architecture, fashion, graphics and innovation from across the globe.

 

Arabica Riyadh Roastery

Arabica Riyadh Roastery is a theater style cafe set in a renovated warehouse of about 885 square meters on two floors. A large custom roasting machine stands on a stage at the back of the store, framed by a bean cellar. The kitchen counter is placed where an orchestra pit would be, and the atrium above lets the sounds of the baristas carry through the space. The floor is lowered in front of the stage, while upper level seats offer views from above. White artificial marble, brick, perforated metal and painted surfaces add texture, and sheer curtains divide the box seats.

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Dongguan Zhongshuge Library

Dongguan Zhongshuge Library is a bookstore interior located within a science and technology industrial park. The space spans three floors, with the main reading area rising from the first to the third floor. Gear elements form the central design language and serve as both decoration and bookshelves. A corridor on the second floor links a children's reading area, a forum area and a cultural and creative space with a coffee area. The children's area is inspired by a neutron source facility. Wood is used across nearly all elements to soften the industrial character.

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MRC Vison

Marche Vison is a food market built in Taki town, Mie prefecture, Japan. The complex is divided into four wings set under large curved roofs. Stepped slabs are linked by slopes, and the pitch of the wooden frames is aligned to form one continuous space. Smaller volumes stand beneath the roofs, creating a walking area of alleys and plazas. The open-air space under the roofs keeps visitors in contact with the seasons and reduces energy use. Rain falls from the eaves as a curtain, and local wooden louvres face the expressway.

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Muji Eco-pavilion in Emptiness

In 2023, during the China International Import Expo, Atelier Forth Force specially designed a pavilion consisting of 7,524 interlocking wooden components. That was the exclusive pavilion for Muji, dedicated to the brand spirit: Nature, Naturally and Muji. Throughout the 6 day exhibition, as the pavilion wall transitioned from existence to non existence, 1,254 visitors to the Muji pavilion took away the screen system. Following the dismantling of the wall, the wooden components would be reassembled into a set of storage systems suitable for home use.

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Nanbu Eye

Nanbu Eye is a gymnasium built beside the Jialing River. The building covers 22,000 square meters and reaches 32 meters in height. The upper floor holds an indoor basketball arena with a capacity of 3,000 people. The lower floor is a civic sports center with a 50 meter swimming pool and rooms for badminton, table tennis, fitness and yoga. A jewel-like structural system carries a dome with a span of 90 meters. A curved ribbon of colorful aluminum plates provides shading and encloses a public square, and cuts in the surface form three panoramic corridors along the water.

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Royal One

Royal One is a private club house designed for an owner who collects wine and hosts family and friends. The interior spans four floors above ground and one below, with a wine cellar, a restaurant, an underground barbecue room, a billiards room, an audio-visual room and bedrooms. Spaces are arranged around a circular hall, a form that reflects the idea of harmony. In the dining area, aluminium panels form overlapping circles of different sizes. A water droplet installation hangs above the centre of the hall, made of reflective material with built-in LED lighting.

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Design interview of the day

Read the latest interviews and conversations on design, creativity and innovation between design journalist and world-famous designers, artists and architects. See latest design projects and award-winning designs by famous designers, artists, architects and innovators. Discover new insights on creativity, innovation, arts, design and architecture. Learn about design processes of great designers.

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