And just like that, 2022 is coming to an end. As quickly as it went by, this year was equally prolonged by many of the same issues that have plagued the world over the last couple of years. In addition to the ongoing pandemic, which society is still adjusting to, we have been witness to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its economic repercussions, a surge in inflation, increased climate change-related disasters, and more regressive politics.

While this does not paint a pleasant image of 2022, this year's events weren't all doom and gloom, and Archinect's coverage reflects that. So, we wanted to compile a selection of our favorite pieces that put smiles on our faces and injected joy into the editorial.

Check them out below.

Lumber shortage hits the metaverse, leads to construction delays

Though this is meant to be a compilation of fun, lighthearted articles, this news couldn't go unsaid. Lumber supplies hit unprecedented lows this year, which has been felt in places no one could have imagined.

This architect crafts detailed illustrations of the hotel rooms she stays in

Tokyo University of the Arts graduate and architect Kei Endo received recognition earlier this year for her eye-catching and incredibly detailed illustrations of the hotel rooms she stays in while traveling. Endo’s work can be viewed on her Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out videos of her illustrating process on her YouTube channel, “Draw with KEI.”

Minecraft's crowdsourced NYC design is insane

New York City is being remade on Minecraft, and it doesn't stop there. An organization made up of thousands of gamers called Build the Earth is on a mission to recreate the entire planet on the popular video game. The New York team recently completed a digital version of Albany.

Three triangle-shaped buildings 'transformed' into tortilla chips as part of new Doritos marketing campaign

For a time, some notable triangle-shaped structures were transformed into Doritos. One included Bjarke Ingels Group's VIA 57 West in New York City. It's too bad they weren't edible.

$8 billion turtle-shaped luxury yacht could become the largest floating structure ever built

An $8 billion sea turtle-shaped "terayacht" project has been proposed. It'd be the largest floating structure ever built. It's so big it'd require the construction of a special dam where it could be assembled and, once complete, would simply cruise around with no destination.

Celebrate Coffee and Architecture With These Stand-out Brewing Spaces

Archinect celebrated International Coffee Day in October with a collection of some captivating coffee shops around the world.

New video tells the story of a dissolving house saved by a record-breaking metal box

An early 20th-century-era home in Scotland designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh has undergone an unconventional architectural intervention to shield itself from decay due to its wet, windy surroundings. Called the Hill House Box, a giant chainmail box that protects the home from the elements while the structure is restored.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is taking shape

Super Nintendo World is coming to the United States at Universal Studios Hollywood. In early October, KTLA released aerial footage of the amusement park's construction progress, in which the iconic Warp Pipe entrance and Bowser's Castle were taking shape. The vivid world of the Super Mario Brothers is expected to open in early 2023.