Architecture and design news covering buildings, urban planning, starchitects, sustainability in design, and major projects.
The Kennedy Center board voted to immediately close the performing arts venue for two years due to structural safety concerns, including a partial ceiling collapse in the Grand Foyer. The decision was made during a private meeting by board members speaking on condition of anonymity as the institution faces dire financial conditions and legal challenges.
Interior designer Jacqueline Kennedy argues that home staging principles should be applied to everyday living spaces to enhance functionality and enjoyment, not just for sales. She advises homeowners to prioritize room architecture and natural light over individual furniture purchases, suggesting digital planning tools to optimize layouts before buying items.
The Globe and Mail reports on the integration of Canadian design into Prime Video's Sterling Point, highlighting the featured 1968 Huber 'Scoop' chair. The article details how production designer Zazu Myers selected this iconic midcentury piece to enhance the show's Muskoka setting, noting its cultural significance and market value.
The author argues that Australian university campuses must preserve their architectural heritage while adapting to new educational needs. The piece traces the evolution from sandstone cloisters to modernist structures, suggesting that current planning should respect these historical layers rather than discarding them for generic designs.
Axios announces open nominations for its ninth annual Home of the Year awards, seeking standout residential spaces within the Charlotte area. The initiative aims to celebrate local architects and designers, inviting submissions for the 2026 cycle to highlight excellence in regional real estate design.
The Seattle Times profiles the Schipper family’s multigenerational boathouse on Lake Rosseau in Ontario, Canada. The piece details the structure’s design for three generations and recounts the decade-long journey of acquiring adjacent lots to create a unique waterfront compound despite initial structural concerns.
This lifestyle piece profiles five women preparing for Dublin Design Week, focusing on their fashion choices and professional roles. It highlights architect Amanda Bone’s approach to styling for television versus daily life, showcasing interactions with prominent Irish designers and creatives during the event.
The article details the vast real estate portfolio of American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, highlighting his primary residence at Hearst Castle in California alongside properties in Mexico, New York, and Ireland. It explores his background and the architectural grandeur of his estates.
Architecture critic Inga Saffron argues that Philadelphia Ballet's new building repeats design mistakes by isolating the public through a blank facade and lack of street-level engagement. The newsletter summarizes her critique that the structure fails to reflect the cultural activity within despite its prominent location.
The article details the historical significance of Pudumandapam in Madurai, commissioned by Nayak ruler Thirumalai Naicker between 1626 and 1645. It highlights the structure's Indo-Saracenic architecture, its construction from black kadappa stone, and its original purpose as a venue for major temple festivals, reflecting the king's devotion to Goddess Meenakshi.