This longform essay examines the architectural legacy of Soviet modernism in Armenia through a material lens. Moving from Georgia’s Monument Peace to Yerevan’s Mother Armenia and Cascade Complex, and to the modernist Writers’ Resort at Lake Sevan, the article investigates how volcanic tuff and reinforced concrete shaped a distinct tectonic identity. Beyond style, the essay explores how these structures negotiate post Soviet memory, political transition, and material continuity in the Caucasus.
This feature examines Tadao Ando’s architectural interventions in France, exploring how his concrete minimalism reshapes historic contexts from Paris to Provence through light, void and material precision.
Parallel Studio founder Mai Al Busairi explains the design of Lei Wa Lakom Library in Kazole Village, Zanzibar. The interview explores passive cooling strategies, perforated façades, timber construction and the influence of Swahili architecture in shaping a contemporary civic building for children and the wider community.
Paris is often celebrated for its historic monuments, yet its contemporary architecture reveals a dynamic dialogue between heritage and innovation. This curated guide explores seven essential design landmarks across the city, including Fondation Louis Vuitton by Frank Gehry, the transformation of Bourse de Commerce by Tadao Ando, and distinctive retail and hospitality interiors that redefine urban experience. An essential itinerary for architecture enthusiasts visiting Paris.
Brazil After Le Corbusier, the fourth edition of ABERTO, brought Brazilian contemporary artists into Maison La Roche in Paris as part of France Brazil Season 2025. The exhibition reactivated the modernist landmark designed in 1925 by Le Corbusier, revisiting his historic influence on Brazilian architecture and examining how Brazilian modernism transformed and reinterpreted European rationalism. Through site specific interventions, archival references and spatial dialogue, the show positioned modernism as an ongoing cultural exchange rather than a closed doctrine.
An in-depth look at John Pawson’s Nový Dvůr Abbey and how his restrained architecture reshapes minimalism in contemporary Europe.
Vietnamese artist TIA Thủy Nguyễn discusses Resurrection and Unity, exploring transformation, craft traditions, and public art in Hanoi.
A sculptural steel cafe beside Luoyang Museum features a wave form roof inspired by Chinese mountain ranges and a reflective stainless steel facade.
Stella is a fourteen storey office building in Nagpur, India, designed by Sanjay Puri Architects as a climate responsive alternative to the fully glazed tower. Built on a compact urban plot, the project integrates semicircular decks, aluminum louvers and planted terraces to reduce solar heat gain and enhance natural light and ventilation. The layered façade creates shaded microclimates while delivering 5,575 square metres of office space, demonstrating how passive design strategies can shape contemporary commercial architecture in extreme heat conditions.
This cultural and sports centre uses a textile membrane roof and a multi level public walkway to transform a fragmented site into a unified civic hub.
