Recent news and analysis on Architecture & Design

Architecture and design news covering buildings, urban planning, starchitects, sustainability in design, and major projects.

• New concept images show £45m Crucible revamp design

  New concept images reveal the latest design for the redeveloped Crucible theatre in Sheffield, part of a £45 million revamp. The theatre is known for hosting the World Snooker Championship.

• Daniel Sanger: "Opinion: Fifty years on, Olympic Stadium still casts a shadow over Montreal's architecture. Will a new bus garage change that?"

  The commentary argues that Montreal's Olympic Stadium, a costly and troubled project, cast a long shadow over the city's public architecture, discouraging bold designs for decades. It suggests that a new bus garage may signal a thaw in this cautious approach, indicating a potential shift toward architectural ambition.

• "Adding a second story to a Cape-style home gave a young family a third bedroom - The Boston Globe"

  This commentary describes a home renovation project, detailing how a family added a second story to their Cape-style home to gain more space. It argues that thoughtful design can expand living areas without sacrificing yard space or neighborhood character, emphasizing the benefits of going up instead of out.

• "A Martha's Vineyard guest studio inspired the vision for this Concord condo makeover - The Boston Globe"

  This article describes a home renovation project in Concord, Massachusetts, focusing on the design choices made by architect Doug Jack for client Mary Diem. It details how Jack adapted inspiration from a Martha's Vineyard guest studio into a curved white oak accent wall and reconfigured the floor plan to improve light and flow.

• "Less is more: Close quarters call for purposeful design in South Boston town house - The Boston Globe"

  This article describes a home renovation in South Boston, focusing on the design choices that maximize space in a compact town house. It argues that thoughtful architectural interventions, such as adding dormers and a post-and-beam system, can create functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces without expanding the footprint.

• "A Vermont couple builds an 800-square-foot home on a budget - The Boston Globe"

  This article profiles a Vermont couple's 800-square-foot home, highlighting its innovative design by architect Andy White. It argues that small-space living can be comfortable and functional through thoughtful layout and multi-purpose elements, challenging assumptions about necessary square footage.

• "A Spectacular Theodore Roosevelt Library Deep in the Badlands"

  This commentary describes the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the North Dakota Badlands as a spectacular architectural achievement that captures the spirit of the president. It argues that the library's remote location and design reflect Roosevelt's connection to the rugged landscape, offering a unique experience for visitors.

• "These 'invisible buildings' are hidden in the desert"

  This commentary argues that luxury resorts in Namibia are embracing 'invisible architecture' to blend into remote landscapes, offering exclusivity and a sense of refuge. It highlights architect Nina Maritz's design for Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast, which mimics beached ships to evoke a cathartic contrast between human shelter and the vast, harsh environment.