Author: AU News Bureau
Nien Siao, Dean of JS Institute of Design, was felicitated by the Association of Designers of India (ADI) | NCR recently at the PSOI Club in New Delhi, on the occasion of National Guru Day. The recognition honored her exceptional contributions to India’s design industry. The event, part of the Imagine Fest 2024, celebrated National Guru Day and acknowledged pioneers and thought leaders shaping the Indian design industry. ADI | NCR is a prestigious organization fostering a robust network of professionals, educators, students, and enthusiasts. The immersive art festival included events like panel discussions, keynote sessions, exhibitions, and workshops led…
National Taiwan University’s (NTU) Humanities Building has secured the top honor at the 2024 Taiwan Architecture Awards. The building, designed by Chien Architects & Associates, stood out for its thoughtful consideration of the surrounding environment. “It’s outstanding because of its careful design,” said Architect Chen Liang-chuan, Jury head. “The firm persisted in delivering 16 design proposals over 19 years.” Chien Hsueh-yi, Founder, Chien Architects, highlighted the challenge of preserving NTU’s signature landscape. To address this, the firm created underground spaces, ensuring the above-ground structure blended with neighboring buildings. The project initially faced criticism for planning to demolish three historic buildings,…
Studio Gang has completed an 82,305-square-foot extension at the California College of the Arts San Francisco campus. The addition features exposed bracing, a concrete terrace, and mass-timber buildings. “The design intends to create a dynamic environment for art and design education,” said Studio Gang founding partner Jeanne Gang. “It inspires new forms of making through unexpected interactions between disciplines.” The complex includes art-making classrooms, studios, and green spaces. Its square form is organized around two rectangular courtyards, with three mass-timber buildings โ Irwin Pavilion, Hooper Pavilion, and the future Seventh Street Pavilion. The mass-timber structures showcase an exposed, eccentric black-toned…
Brno-based architecture studio Dรญlna has extended Masaryk University’s art department with a stack of minimalist white cubes. The 300-square-meter building provides workshop and studio facilities for the Faculty of Education. “The challenge was to design a building that deviates from traditional university standards, while reflecting its artistic focus,” said Michal Palaลกฤak, Dรญlna founder. “Our aim was to highlight something new, deliberately choosing not to imitate the neighbouring historic building.” The studios are organized across four storeys in three rectilinear blocks, with maximized space by connecting to existing circulation. A double-height multimedia studio occupies the top floor, featuring colour-changing lighting. Painting…
The World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2024, held in Singapore, announced its top winners. Darlington Public School in Sydney, designed by fjcstudio, won the coveted World Building of the Year award. This marks fjcstudio’s second win, making them the first practice in WAF’s history to achieve this feat. “This little school project” stood out against larger competitors, said Alessandro Rossi, associate at fjcstudio. “The real winners are the children who will spend time in the building.” WAF programme director Paul Finch praised the project’s poetic integration of topography, landscape, and materials. The community school, completed in 2023, embodies a strong connection…
ASSA ABLOY has acquired Lawrence Doors, a US-based manufacturer of coiling steel doors, grilles, and counter shutters. This strategic move strengthens ASSA ABLOY’s position in mature markets. “I am very pleased to welcome Lawrence Doors into the ASSA ABLOY Group. This acquisition delivers on our strategy to strengthen our position in mature markets through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business,” said Nico Delvaux, President and CEO, ASSA ABLOY. The acquisition enables ASSA ABLOY to enter the growing coiling steel market and establish a strong presence on the US West Coast. “With Lawrence Doors, we will better serve…
The inaugural Copenhagen Architecture Biennial, scheduled for September 18 to October 19, 2025, has unveiled its curatorial theme, “Slow Down.” Organized by CAFx, the biennial expands on the Copenhagen Architecture Festival’s legacy, fostering deeper engagement with architectural issues. Under Josephine Michau’s leadership, the biennial seeks to spark dialogue on architecture’s impact on everyday life, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability. The diverse program includes exhibitions, symposia, talks, film screenings, studio visits, and guided tours across Copenhagen. “Slow Down” invites architects and the public to envision a “Great Deceleration,” imagining ways architecture can foster sustainability, reduce waste, and promote thoughtful contemplation. This…
The 10th edition of Dubai Design Week is underway at Dubai Design District, cementing its position as the region’s premier platform for sustainable design, global collaboration, and creative expression. Featuring over 500 designers, brands, and creative leaders from 40 countries, the event showcases the latest trends in interior design, furniture, lighting, and home accessories. Downtown Design, the leading trade fair for contemporary design, boasts its largest lineup yet, with top international designers, brands, and speakers. The participation of 25 Indian architectural firms highlights innovative products and design solutions. Creative pop-up concepts, installations, networking events, and talks complement the fair. Industry…
