Archinect - Blog Posts

2025 Spring Lecture Series: Kelly Harris Smith

2025-01-28T12:03:56-05:00

Kelly Harris Smith is a textile and product designer, entrepreneur, and author. Photo by Somerby Jones.

Kelly Harris Smith will share her journey of blending design, entrepreneurship, and social impact. From creating textiles and product collections to launching businesses, co-authoring an interior design reference book, and founding Minni—a children's art and design education space—Kelly will explore how creativity can drive a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through personal stories and examples of her work, this talk invites attendees to consider the transformative power of design in shaping just futures and empowering the next generation of thinkers and creators.

Join us in person at Cascieri Hall or virtually on February 12, 2025, at 6PM EST.

A glimpse inside Kelly's design studio at her inspiration board, showcasing her own photos paired with textile swatches and paint chips, serving as a reference for patterns, textures, and colors when creating new products.

Kelly Harri...

Marcel Breuer Bauhaus Weimar

2025-01-24T16:06:22-05:00

Breuer's first contact with the Bauhaus was through the Vorkurs, as an apprentice in the carpentry workshop. The workshop had a director and an artist who was the master of form. The head of the workshop was Johannes Itten; his aim was to get the apprentices to design unique pieces, preventing them from working on the basis of known designs. To this end, they were to apply the knowledge of materials and forms that Itten himself taught at the Vorkurs. However, very few pieces of furniture were produced during his leadership, although the working discipline he imparted was of great help to Breuer.

In that workshop, Marcel Breuer learned the rudiments of woodworking from which he produced his first pieces of furniture. One of his first designs is the upright chair, made in 1921. It was a simple and sturdy construction, with colorful woven patterns on its seat and back. When Theo van Doesburg saw this chair he told Breuer that the pattern was “right” but the curved cut was “wrong”-it...

Top Architecture Firms Leading the Future of AI Innovation in Design

2025-01-23T14:29:40-05:00

As artificial intelligence in architecture continues to make waves in the design and construction industries, architecture firms harness AI to enhance creativity, sustainability, and efficiency in building design. The rise of AI generative design and computational design in architecture allows firms to create innovative structures that are both beautiful and highly functional. In this blog, we explore the top firms at the forefront of AI-driven architecture and sustainability, shaping the future of the built environment.

1. Zaha Hadid Architects: Pioneers in AI-Driven Design

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has been a leader in integrating artificial intelligence into architecture to push the boundaries of traditional design. Using AI generative design, ZHA can create complex, organic forms that defy conventional architectural practices. By utilizing computational design in architecture, the firm can optimize the aesthetics and performance of its structures, making it an industry trailbla...

Richard Meier Villa Gardone

2025-01-21T16:25:55-05:00

Villa Gardone is situated in a privileged position in the town of Gardone Riviera, in the province of Brescia, Northern Italy. The town borders the western shore of Lake Garda, the largest lake in the country, characterised by a Mediterranean climate and exceptional scenery. While the northern shore of the lake is surrounded by imposing mountains, the southern shore extends over flat terrain.

The plot is located on the south side of the lake, taking advantage of its strategic location to offer panoramic views of the natural surroundings and part of the city. The orientation, the slope of the land and the views of the landscape were the determining factors in the positioning of the house within the plot.

The design of the villa is defined by two rectangular volumes that intersect at right angles: one parallel to the lake shore and the other transversal to the slope of the land. These two clearly differentiated volumes create an intermediate level where the main entrance to the ...

Remembering Bernard Spring: A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership in Architectural Education

2025-01-21T15:15:23-05:00

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Bernard (Bernie) Spring, FAIA, a distinguished architect, educator, and former President of The Boston Architectural College. Bernie Spring passed away January 2, 2025, at the age of 97.

Known for his transformative leadership in architectural education, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation, advocacy, and dedication to the profession. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Phyllis Spring, his children Elin, Jonathan, Suzanne, and Deborah, along with their families, including eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

[Photo: President Bernard Spring standing in front of Cascieri Lecture Hall. Courtesy of the BAC Archives]

Bernie profoundly influenced architectural education by integrating emerging technologies and fostering community engagement within design curricula. His leadership redefined how schools of architecture prepare students to address the complex challenges of the built environment. And, during his presidency a...

Le Corbusier, Machine à habiter

2025-01-18T05:35:20-05:00

The living machine

In the second decade of the twentieth century, Le Corbusier developed a model of housing made up of standardised elements, based on the Domino structural system. The idea of a repetitive housing unit had been in Le Corbusier's mind since 1907, when he visited the Ema monastery and believed that the cell model could be used to design workers' houses, taking advantage of technological advances to produce an affordable model. Le Corbusier was impressed by the large-scale industrial activity he had witnessed on a trip to Germany; in 1919, when André Citroën set up a factory in Paris to mass-produce cars, he began to think about housing made in workshops using mass-produced elements. In a play on words with the automobile factory as the ideal representative of a production system, he called them Citrohan Houses. Le Corbusier hoped to mass-produce the building's components using the same taylorised methods used in car manufacturing.

The Citrohan prototype is a rev...

Melting for Breuer?

2025-01-17T16:13:50-05:00

MAPA

Michael Graves, Snyderman House: Apparent volume and real space

2025-01-10T14:40:09-05:00

In the Snyderman House, Graves interweaves architectural elements unrelated to any traditional reference to generate a singular language, in which visual contrasts take on a leading role. The work is located on a 16-hectare plot near Fort Wayne, on a plateau surrounded by trees. The program of the house responded to the needs of a private residence for a family of five, incorporating spaces for guest rooms, a study and outdoor social areas. The house is organized around a floor plan structured on two orthogonal axes that determine the main circulations and divide the central body into four well-defined quadrants. One of the axes, integrated into the compositional matrix of the house, orders the internal functioning by linking a staircase at each end. The other axis traces the direction of the main entrance and extends along the lot, connecting two independent volumes located at opposite ends: one for the guest room and the other for the study. Through this formal articulation, Grave...

2025 Spring Lecture Series: Philippe Saad and Jovi Cruces

2025-01-10T12:22:59-05:00

Creating Home and Community: The Pryde – LGBTQ Affirming Senior Housing

Philippe Saad, Principal, and Jovi Cruces, Senior Associate, at DiMella Shaffer.

LGBTQ+ older adults have historically faced significant barriers to accessing safe, affordable, and community-affirming housing. This lecture will explore The Pryde, located in Hyde Park, Boston, MA, which stands as New England's first LGBTQ-affirming, income-restricted senior housing. Developed through a grassroots initiative, The Pryde represents a groundbreaking model of inclusive housing that not only addresses the unique needs of LGBTQ+ seniors but also fosters a welcoming, integrated residential community. The discussion will highlight the project's innovative approach to creating a supportive and affirming living environment, both physically and socially, for older LGBTQ+ individuals.

Join us in person at Cascieri Hall or virtually on January 14, 2025, at 6PM EST.

Philippe joined DiMella Shaffer in 2005 and has focused his care...

Spotlight Story: Tracy Previlon

2025-01-03T11:12:02-05:00

Tracy Previlon, B.Arch student, shares her story at the 2023 Alumni Awards.

Tracy Previlon is set to graduate from The Boston Architectural College (BAC) Spring 2025 with a Bachelor of Architecture. Hailing from Haiti, Tracy has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader since her first day at the BAC. Currently working as a Drafter at Build International, she is deeply involved in student leadership, helping her peers amplify their voices and navigate their academic journeys. Upon graduation, Tracy plans to pursue licensure as an architect with a focus on international development. She is also passionate about teaching at the BAC and using her expertise to advocate for vulnerable communities through her professional work.

Why did you decide to enroll at the BAC?

I decided to enroll at the BAC because it offered me a second chance—a lifeline I never thought I’d get. I had started my architectural studies in Haiti, but political unrest, nationwide shutdowns, a presidential assassinatio...

Ventura Residence

2024-12-21T14:59:24-05:00

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 15, 2025!!! JOURNAL OF URBAN DESIGN & MENTAL HEALTH

2024-12-12T23:35:40-05:00

Source: JUDMH

Reposted from: https://www.urbandesignmentalh...

ISSN 2398-4082 (online)
The Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health is an open-access, peer-reviewed online journal exploring the links between urban design and mental health. This journal aims to share compelling ideas and evidence-based practical recommendations across the disciplines to inspire research where there are gaps, to bring new perspectives, and to help drive the implementation of good ideas on the ground. Academics of all disciplines, as well as architects, psychologists, landscape architects, urban planners, geographers, engineers, developers, and people working in any other relevant disciplines, are invited to contribute.

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS for Volume 9 :
“Urban Landscapes for Mental Health: Intersections and Connections between Wisdom and Innovation in Design"

We invite submissions that explore the intersections between urban design, urban planning, landscape design, architecture and mental health, wi...

Via Appia Antica

2024-12-11T16:39:08-05:00

The Appian Way, built in 312 BC under the direction of the censor Appius Claudius Cecus, owes its name to this magistrate, who also promoted the construction of the Aqua Appia, the first Roman aqueduct. With a length of 365 kilometres, this road was a strategic infrastructure for the expansion and military control of Rome.
Conceived as an alternative to the Via Latina, the Appian Way chose a faster and safer coastal route, away from the war fronts in the hills of Monte Laziali. Its route improved the connection between Rome and southern Italy, facilitating the mobilisation of troops and the control of key ports on the trade routes linking Rome with North Africa, Greece and the East.
Construction of the Appian Way began after Rome's defeat at the Battle of the Caudine Forks in 321 BC during the Second Samnite War. Its main purpose was to improve military logistics to southern Italy, thereby increasing Rome's responsiveness and territorial control. The road was designed with rectilinear...

A microhome flexible Design

2024-12-05T21:21:45-05:00

Before the pandemic, our client made the forward-thinking decision to build a micro home. With the onset of the pandemic, this versatile space was transformed into a private schoolhouse, featuring two classrooms and a bathroom.

This decision proved invaluable. Amid school closures and the need for social distancing, the family was able to provide uninterrupted education for their children.

Located as a freestanding structure adjacent to the client’s primary residence, the schoolhouse was thoughtfully designed with flexibility in mind. It serves dual purposes: as a micro home for hosting guests or as an adaptable learning space for the client’s growing children.

As architects, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to design buildings that are flexible and capable of adaptive reuse. By creating spaces that can evolve with changing needs, we contribute to a more sustainable and enduring built environment.

The Freedom of Space: How Flexible Floor Plans Transform City Living

2024-11-29T11:25:22-05:00

Flexible floor plans are transforming the way we design and experience living spaces, particularly in New York where every square foot counts. By relocating structural elements such as walls and columns to the edges of the layout, these designs open up possibilities for dynamic, adaptable spaces. The result is an enhanced spatial experience, seamless circulation, and a more profound sense of light and openness, elevating the overall quality of life for residents.

Removing structural barriers from the center of the home allows for more natural and versatile movement through the space. Circulation becomes fluid, with multiple pathways that adapt to daily activities and special occasions alike. This flexibility ensures that the home remains functional and relevant, no matter the occasion or lifestyle change.

Beyond functionality, the perception of space is dramatically enhanced in a flexible layout. Uninterrupted sightlines create a sense of expansiveness, making rooms feel larger a...

Archigram, vestiges of the future

2024-11-22T18:06:31-05:00

Archigram was a revolutionary group in the world of architecture that emerged in the 1960s. Their proposals and reflections were considered radical and challenging at the time. The founding members, Peter Cook, David Greene and Mike Webb, began by publishing an amateur magazine called Archigram. This name was a combination of the words 'architecture' and 'telegram', reflecting the idea of conveying a message through architecture.

As the group grew, they were joined by other talented architects such as Ron Herron, Dennis Crompton and Warren Chalk. Together they began to explore new ways of thinking about and designing architecture, challenging established conventions and seeking a more dynamic and flexible approach.

One of the most prominent aspects of Archigram's work was its rejection of the historical legacy and its critique of the static rigidity of architecture and the city. At a time of pop culture euphoria, the group sought to break with tradition and explore new technol...

Coop Himmelb(l)au Pavilion 21

2024-11-22T17:57:10-05:00

Pavilion 21 is a temporary stage for experimental performances of the Bavarian State Opera. This cultural module can be moved and set up anywhere in the city, providing a novel experience for artists and audiences. Its versatile design adapts to any urban space to become a cultural and artistic meeting point. The modular structure allows for easy installation and dismantling, guaranteeing temporary use of the pavilion.

As usual at Coop Himmelblau, the scheme of Pavilion 21 is gestated through a psychogram which is usually a drawing, a graphic expression freed from the restrictions that bind conventional architectural design processes. This scheme, which represents an architectural body reduced to be adaptable to any site, requires special criteria to generate the necessary conditions for good acoustics. In this case, Coop Himmelblau adopts an unusual solution by shaping the space through sound sequences.

Acoustic criteria

Coop Himmelblau has used a series of Jimi Hendrix's ...

Palladio Il Redentore

2024-11-22T17:47:47-05:00

One of the outstanding features of the design of Il Redentore is that it achieves an overall unity through a skilful arrangement of autonomous parts. This quality, which can be seen in the layout of the plan, in the harmonious succession of volumes and in the layered composition of the façade, is the result of the fine balance that Palladio achieved in his mature design. Each part has its own compositional root, subordinated to a longitudinal order that makes it possible to achieve a homogeneous space.

The church had its origins in a declaration of the Venetian Senate, which proposed its construction to commemorate, with an annual procession, the end of an epidemic that had killed more than 40,000 Venetians. The building had to harmonise with the slanting view of St Mark's Square offered by the site. For this reason, Palladio was asked to design a central plan, which was discarded because some members of the Church objected to the pagan origin of the shape, and another in the for...

Acropolis Atenas

2024-11-22T17:37:46-05:00

The Acropolis of Athens is located in the southwest of the Attica region, surrounded by smaller hills. This rock formation is one of the most prominent elevations in the city. Its slopes are very steep, except on the western side where there is a natural slope for easy access. The upper terrace, where the main buildings are located, occupies an area 300 metres long and 150 metres wide and rises 91 metres above the level of the city.

The city of Athens was named after Athena Polias, one of the most important deities of Greek mythology. The daughter of Zeus and Metis, Athena was born in a strange way. It is said that Zeus feared that a child of Metis would dethrone him, so he devoured her while she was pregnant. Shortly after swallowing Metis, however, Zeus suffered a severe headache. Hephaestus, the god of blacksmithing, split Zeus' head open with an axe and a fully grown and armed Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, emerged.

The heyday of the Acropolis was in the class...

Reimagining Townhouse Living: A Sculptural and Spatial Transformation in West Village, NY

2024-11-22T13:26:37-05:00

HA received an award for their West Village townhouse project, which reimagines modern townhouse living by moving away from the traditional model of disconnected, vertically stacked spaces. The objective was to design a family home where vertical circulation no longer dominated the layout. By strategically relocating the stairs to the party wall, the design opened up the floor plan, allowing natural light to flood the spaces.

The stairs became a sculptural focal point of the home, with its unique design spanning from floor to floor, now detached from any building walls and framed by floor-to-ceiling glass. These transparent panes create a visual connection between the floors, enhancing the sense of openness. Natural light now cascades from the top of the townhouse through to the ground floor, bouncing and reflecting off carefully selected materials, further enhancing the sense of brightness and flow throughout the space. The reflective surface of the adjacent glass wall, seen at obl...

ON DISPLAY GLOBAL 2024: The Year of the Individual

2024-11-18T10:01:52-05:00

ON DISPLAY GLOBAL captured by Beowulf Sheehan.

December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The annual observance was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life. To honor this day, we give you ON DISPLAY GLOBAL (ODG).

ODG is a deconstructed art exhibit and commentary on the body as spectacle and society's obsession with body image. Members of the disability, performance, and fashion worlds are often stared at and objectified in their daily lives. Initiated in 2015, and normally performed in-person at dozens of locations around the globe, this year's ODG includes two live installations, live-streamed group installations from around the world, and two virtual performances bringing together representative...

New work-Ventura remodel addition + ADU

2024-11-15T15:51:37-05:00

VFX Nouveau: New Possibilities of Architectural Expression, Redefining Design in the Information Age

2024-11-07T09:06:58-05:00

Generative AI and the Evolution of Architectural Expression

With the advent of generative AI, new possibilities are emerging, offering unique potential for the fusion of information and styles.

This shift can be reviewed and remodeled based on the transition period of early modernism, where conservative forms began to move toward modern paradigms. The correlation between these past shifts and contemporary times reveals similar processes, drawing parallels to the early 20th century.

Historically, the blending of art and craft aimed to create a new image for architecture and design, laying the foundation for the modernist shift. The fusion of decoration with art and craft sought to streamline efforts toward a unified outcome, which is reflected in the architecture of the period—a symbiotic effort that harmonized diverse elements.

That symbiotic effort, however, can be interpreted through a modern-day lens, particularly in the commercial sector, where architecture seeks to expose...

2024 Childs Memorial Lecture: Walter J. Hood

2024-10-15T12:09:11-04:00

The Phillips Community and the International African American Museum: Exploring the Landscape of the Low Country

Walter J. Hood. Photo by Adrienne Eberhardt.

This lecture explores the rich heritage of the Phillips Gullah Geechee community of Charleston, South Carolina, and its profound connection to the low country landscape at the International African American Museum. Walter Hood will delve into the community's history, cultural significance, and enduring legacy within the broader narrative of African American experiences and contributions in this unique region.

We invite you to join us for this year’s Maurice F. Childs Memorial Lecture featuring Walter Hood. The lecture will be held from 6 – 7 PM in person at the BAC and streamed virtually. Following the lecture, we will host a reception from 7 – 7:30PM in McCormick Gallery, where you can enjoy the stunning works of Hood Studio featured in the exhibit, Native(s). This is a splendid opportunity to engage with these thought-provokin...

Generative Design Tools in Architecture: A New Frontier for Creativity and Precision

2024-10-01T15:24:54-04:00

As an architectural designer and researcher, my work has consistently revolved around exploring and integrating cutting-edge tools to push the boundaries of architectural design. Over the past few years, I’ve experimented with generative AI design tools such as MidJourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion, which have transformed the way I approach creative processes, conceptualize ideas, and execute projects.

The Advent of Generative AI in Architecture

Generative design tools have recently become powerful assets in the architectural landscape, offering new means to explore designs and visualizations through machine learning. While the traditional design process relies heavily on human creativity, experience, and intuition, these tools supplement and extend these abilities, generating new design iterations faster than ever before.

When I first encountered tools like MidJourney and Stable Diffusion, I was captivated by how seamlessly they could generate high-quality images from textual in...

The Role of AI in Residential Housing Projects: A Path to Sustainable Solutions

2024-09-30T14:54:24-04:00

As global populations continue to swell, the demand for innovative housing solutions has never been more critical. Architects are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to address the complexities of residential construction. These technologies not only enhance design efficiency but also contribute to comprehensive national strategies for sustainable living.

AI-Powered Design Optimization

Machine learning algorithms, particularly those leveraging supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, can analyze extensive datasets to identify patterns that inform better design choices. For instance, through clustering algorithms, architects can segment demographic data to understand the preferences of different user groups. This enables the creation of tailored residential designs that enhance usability and comfort.

AI can also optimize layouts for natural light and ventilation through parametric design tools. By employing generative design principles, a...

The Impact of 3D-Printed Prefabricated Buildings on Housing, Architecture, and Construction

2024-09-18T13:13:34-04:00

3D-printed prefabricated buildings are transforming the housing market, architecture, and construction industry with their unique selling points of innovation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. 3D printing technology in building prefabricated homes offers many benefits, including faster construction times, reduced labor costs, and minimal waste. These homes can be produced at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction methods, making housing more affordable and accessible.

In the housing market, 3D-printed prefabricated homes play a crucial role in addressing the pressing issue of housing shortages. With the ability to rapidly produce high-quality, customizable homes, this technology can significantly reduce the time and cost of building new housing. This helps meet the growing demand for affordable housing and provides a viable solution for disaster relief and temporary housing needs. By creating homes faster and more efficiently, 3D printing can alleviate the pressur...

Why Transfer Students Should Consider Boston Architectural College

2024-09-16T13:31:10-04:00

More than seventy percent of students at The Boston Architectural College (BAC) are transfer students coming from community colleges, four-year institutions, and graduate programs. In the last three years, transfer students from 28 states and 13 countries have enrolled in the BAC.

"Something special about the BAC is that because it's accessible and personable, transfer students receive a significant amount of individual attention from faculty and staff beginning with the application and portfolio review process," said Meredith Spinnato, Director of Admissions at the BAC.

Transfer students are not only accepted to the BAC—they are welcomed, and their previous life experiences are valued.

“That’s when my career took off”

Arlen Stawasz, B.Arch'13, EU Regional Resilience Leader at Gensler Europe.

"I went down the path of affordable education by transferring to the BAC," said Arlen Stawasz, who graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Architecture after transferring from Springfield Technical Co...

2024 Fall Lecture Series: Alejandro Saldarriaga

2024-08-30T15:03:41-04:00

In 2020 humanity faced an unprecedented period where the fantastic became part of our reality. Due to COVID-19, we were asked to rethink how we behaved in the public realm from one week to another and this moment of uncertainty modified our approach to transient infrastructures in the public realm. As such, one can only speculate; Did this moment of magical realism catalyze new architectures to address chronic problematics in our contemporary world?

Join us in person at Cascieri Hall or virtually.

An outdoor pandemic chapel made with concrete formwork.

Alejandro Saldarriaga Rubio is a Colombian designer known for his work in architecture and ephemeral design. Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Alejandro has an international professional trajectory, having lived, and worked in various countries including Denmark, Switzerland, and the United States.

He holds a master’s degree in architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and currently resides in Boston working as a Teacher...

Richard Rogers' Zip-Up House

2024-08-29T16:48:32-04:00

Richard Rogers' Zip-Up House is an innovative housing concept that sets the standard for sustainable and efficient living. Designed between 1967 and 1969 in response to a competition for innovation in domestic architecture, the Zip-Up House and its subsequent development, Zip-Up 2, represented Rogers' first speculative exploration of the possibilities of modern housing. Although never built, these projects served as a model for the house Rogers built for his parents in Wimbledon.

The design of the Zip-Up House responded to the need for new affordable housing in densely populated urban areas. Rogers sought to create compact, functional living spaces that maximised the use of available land. Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames' house in California (1949), which was designed as a kit of prefabricated parts, Rogers used panels originally intended for refrigerated trucks and windows manufactured for the automotive industry. These elements, sealed with neoprene zips, provide excellent th...