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Architecture has deep wells of research, thought, and theory that areunseen on the surface of a structure. For practitioners, citizens interested, and students alike, books on architectureoffer invaluable context to the profession, be itpractical, inspirational, academic, or otherwise. So, for those of you looking to expand your bookshelf (or confirm your own tastes),ArchDaily has gathered a broad list of architectural books that we consider of interest to those in the field.

In compiling this list, we sought out titles from different backgrounds with the aim of revealing divergent cultural contexts. From essays to monographs, urban theory to graphic novels, each of the following either engage directly with or flirt on the edges of architecture.

The books on this list were chosen by our editors, and are categorized loosely by type. Read on to see the books we consider valuable to anyone interested in architecture.

Every design challenge represents a problem to be solved. In this book, Christopher Alexander proposes a cataloging of the types of problems (or design challenges) and analyzes what lies behind each situation, describing it in its essence and proposing a standard solution | Recommended by Eduardo Souza

The obligatory world-acclaimed book that proposes a critical reflection on the value of the collective memory in the architecture of the city | Recommended by Fabian Dejtiar

Peter Zumthor shortly highlights the importance of the sensations in the construction of 'Athmospheres', to create a good place for the development of people | Recommended by Fabian Dejtiar

A "gentle manifesto for a non-straightforward architecture," Venturis Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture expresses in the most compelling and original terms the postmodern rebellion against the purism of modernism | Recommended by Diego Hernndez

Inspiring text based on conversations led by Louis Kahn in different workshops | Recommended by Martita Vial

A classic book with a very sensitive atmosphere about promising architecture and design | Recommended by Martita Vial

This book a quick, delightful, and inspiring read - and entirely essential as we continue on the asymptote towards entirely digital practice in architecture. Pallasmaa encourages architects to see the world around them not just with sight but with touch, sound, even smell! |Recommended by Katherine Allen

In this 1960s classic, Kevin Lynch presents studies of how cities are perceived and imagined, and shows how his findings can impact the building and rebuilding of cities |Recommended by Becky Quintal

Explains the beauty of oriental architecture through their perception of light and shadows in their art and architectural traditions | Recommended by Martita Vial

Seminal work for the history of architecture, the authors analyze the Las Vegas' strip to better comprehend the common and ordinary architecture, rather than the iconic buildings proclaimed by modernism | Recommended by Romullo Baratto

Mutations' reflects on the transformations that urban accelerating processes inflict on our environment, and on the spaces in which architecture can still operate | Recommended by Victor Delaqua

It presents appropriate standard measures and design tips. A very useful book for all architects |Recommended byEduardo Souza

Really beautifully written book on the poetics of space within the home. It explores the philosophy of space and how it relates to memories and dreams |Recommended byYiling Shen

"Know what you have to do and do it," said John Ruskin - words that neatly sum the contents of this book. Ruskin's writing describes lamps as characteristics that any piece of architecture must have in order to be considered this real architecture - in turn, the principles he deems necessary for architecture to be considered art | Recommended by Martita Vial

This book exposes the work of one of the most famous architecture groups for the radicalization and criticism of utopias | Recommended by Monica Arellano

Based on interesting diagrams and drawings, Peter Eisenman provides evidence of how some renowned architects of the 20th century changed our way of thinking | Recommended by Fabian Dejtiar

A collection of the most important and seminal essays in the field of architecture published between 1965 and 1995 |Recommended byRomullo Baratto

Banham's response to the second industrial revolution | Recommended by Diego Hernndez

This book explains the disciplines of designing anything from a house to a coffee cup | Recommended by Dima Stouhi

After years in architecture school, you may understand how a building is put together - but how much do you actually understand the processes that make that building function in the first place? Kate Ascher reviews the systems that manage traffic, water, heat, electricity, and much more, tying architecture not just to an image of the urban environment, but to the actual workings of the city | Recommended byCollin Abdallah

Yona Friedman takes up the work of groups such as Archigram to propose cities that propose new ways of inhabiting cities |Recommended by Monica Arellano

This book systematically and exhaustively analyzes the foundations of architectural form, space, and arrangement based on prototypes and historical examples from all periods, cultures and geographical areas | Recommended by Martita Vial

For many architects, designing for the senses often means simply designing for sight and touch. This book gives a comprehensive overview of designing for sound, from detailed drawings to texts on the subject. The hope? That better acoustic environments will also mean better buildings |Recommended by Collin Abdallah

As compelling as concepts are to discuss, they're rarely what makes the experience of a building special - that falls instead to a building's details. We notice how a wall touches the ground, how a railing curves underneath our hand - but how do you design these things? This book provides a vast variety of examples to help architects consider and design the details |Recommended by Collin Abdallah

The field experiences developed by Elemental and Alejandro Aravena, winner of the 2016 Pritzker Prize and Director of the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, are compiled in this book that not only tells the history of the team but also presents its financing strategies and the participatory methods used | Recommended by Jos Toms Franco

In an increasingly air-conditioned environment, it can be easy to discount thermal comfort in the design of a building. But architecture (particularly vernacular design) has long been built on traditions surrounding thermal comfort, ranging from Roman baths to Islamic gardens to the porches of Southern US homes. As energy-efficiency increasingly becomes a part of the conversation, it's wise to learn from the past to design for the future |Recommended by Collin Abdallah

More than a few revolutions took place in the 60s, but perhaps the most memorable one for architects is that of Archigram. The legendary British group created visions for cities that still feel fresh and fantastical today, and are carried on by designers such as Neil Denari, Lebbeus Woods, and Morphosis. This book is an excellent dive into their thinking in their own words, and includes a massive (though unfortunately black and white) selection of their famous collages. Those enamoured by the post-digital drawing craze will enjoy seeing where the current movement partly stems from |Recommended by Katherine Allen

New York-based architects Reiser+Umemoto use short, informative chapters to explain their design process through a series topics that have driven their work |Recommended by Becky Quintal

This reading offers insight not only to one of the world's most creative practices, but into how to design for a changing climate - a message we'd all be wise to pay attention to |Recommended by Yiling Shen

Jan Gehl presents his latest work creating (or recreating) cityscapes on a human scale. He clearly explains the methods and tools he uses to reconfigure unworkable cityscapes into the landscapes he believes they should be: cities for people |Recommended byEduardo Souza

Many of us enter the field with a core belief that we can leverage the profession to do good for others. But often, the places most in need of optimism are the ones least likely to get it. Design Like You Give a Damn istheresource for socially-conscious design, gathering together projects, history, and information about the movement - and what's possible with a little optimism |Recommended by Katherine Allen

This book deals with the work of the Uruguayan engineer-architect Eladio Dieste, whose greatest production was developed in the capital of his native country and adjunctive cities in the second half of the twentieth century | Recommended by Matheus Pereira

Forensic Architecture, a research group led by Eyal Weizman at Goldsmiths, leverages architecture as a framework to investigate a world in conflict, from armed violence to environmental destruction. This book details some of their work with activist groups, NGOs, and the UN |Recommended by Katherine Allen

Junya Ishigami is known for a singular portfolio, one in which structures blur into near invisibility, taking on the appearance of forests, strands of ribbon, and even the sky | Recommended by Shuang Han

This work by Frank Lloyd Wright brings together a large part of the writings and conferences that, over an intense decade of its prolonged existence, offered to the eagerness of qualified audiences, collaborators and students. Until its author reunited them under the generic title of "The Future of Architecture", the lessons of the great master exhausted the original editions. It was essential that these enlightening texts be brought to light for the new generations of architectural scholars | Recommended by Martita Vial della Maggiora

This book presents and discusses part of the works of Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, from homes to hotels in Brazil and other regions of the world. The book also features previously unpublished photographs that visually describe their work |Recommended by Matheus Pereira

Ada Louise Huxtable reinvented the field of not just architectural criticism, but criticism itself, winning the first ever Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. In her canny eyes, the city was not something abstract or academic, but something that was living, tangible - kickable. Her legacy is one that lives on today in the (perhaps improbably) thriving field of architectural criticism |Recommended by Katherine Allen

A comprehensive study of Bo Bardis career using an extensive archival work in Italy and Brazil |Recommended byPedro Vada

MOS is an office known as much for their wit as they are for their architecture. Architecture, under their idiosyncratic gaze, is lively, ironic, and even a bit awkward. In short, it's as human as we are ourselves |Recommended byKaley Overstreet

This book discusses the work of Brazilian modern architect Oscar Niemeyer with a focus on the works produced in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960 |Recommended by Matheus Pereira

Twenty-one carefully selected projects are presented in detail, from the initial idea and through construction to the completed work and illustrated by Michael Moran | Recommended by Nicolas Valencia

Lebbeus Woods, until his death in 2012, kept a blog that was part-journal, part-forum. This book compiles some of the 300+ posts in what is likely the most encompassing insight into his particular genius. Perhaps the only thing missing from the book is Wood's complex and unique illustrations. But never fear! They are all available on his still (thankfully) open blog. Read the two together for the fullest possible experience |Recommended by Katherine Allen

Poll any architect on the most essential books of the field, and this tome from Rem Koolhaas and Bruce Mau will undoutedly come up. The book weaves together OMA projects by scale, using drawings, collages, images, and texts to challenge conventional understand of architecture, scale, and the city | Recommended by Becky Quintal

This book presents some of the architect's projects, discussing the language adopted from the technical, structural, philosophical and social point of view |Recommended by Matheus Pereira

Admirers of the Swiss architect's sensitive approach to building and form should consider this text required reading for practice. Zumthor presents his philosophy through the lens of his own work and experience. Who better to learn from than the master? |Recommended by Katherine Allen

This book documents the work of the architecture studio Flores & Prats, approaching its way of doing architecture through an artisan design process with different types of handmade drawings and details | Recommended by Fabian Dejtiar

An intriguing look inside the design and construction of Steven Holl's Reid Building next to the famed Glasgow School of Art. The process is one of balance and reconciliation, illuminated through drawings, photographs, and interviews | Recommended by Niall Patrick Walsh

Set up as a conversation between WORKac co-founders Amale Andraos and Dan Wood, We'll Get there When We Cross that Bridge switches seamlessly between portfolio review and an impassioned discussion of issues relevant to the practice. It's an invaluable insight into how one of the most exciting contemporary firms works, thinks, and plans for the future |Recommended byKaley Overstreet

If non-architects know any practicing architect today, it's probably Bjarke Ingels.This book is a big part of the reason why! Yes is Moreintroduced the world to a new way of looking at and speaking about architecture - one that was lively, energetic, and open to all. Since its publication in 2009, we've all joined BIG's hedonistic revolution, and it's shaped architecture for the better |Recommended by Katherine Allen

A scathing literary satire by Australia's most influential architect on how ugly Australian suburbs are still relevant today |Recommended by Yiling Shen

In this book, architect Jimenez Lai creates a collection of short stories on architecture and urbanism, represented through manga-style storyboards |Recommended byRomullo Baratto

In this book, somewhere between a novel and a set of essays, Marco Polo describes the cities he's visited to emperor Kublai Khan. Each city is lushly, if fragmentarily described. This is surely the way we should talk about our cities: as shimmering reflections and formless memories. Easily readable in parts, this book is the perfect detox for those needing an escape from all the unbearable talk about smart cities and circular economies - and a reminder why we fall in love with cities in the first place |Recommended by Katherine Allen

This novel describes the evolution of Gothic architecture as a response to its Romanesque precursor against the backdrop of (lightly fictionalized) medieval European life | Recommended by Martita Vial.

A complete historic round-up of architecture styles | Recommended by Dima Stouhi

This book explains the history, evolution, and ornaments of Islamic architecture | Recommended by Dima Stouhi

Alessandro Scarnato explains how Barcelona, an infested city, became a global city after Spain recovered its democracy in the '70s |Recommended byNicolas Valencia

An explosion of little architectural magazines in the 1960s and 1970s instigated a radical transformation in architectural culture, as the magazines acted as a site of innovation and debate | Recommended by Victor Delaqua

Alejandro Aravena joins Fernando Perez Oyarzn and Jos Quintanilla to discuss and analyze several architecture projects along with history, all accompanied with drawings, essays, and external references to make understand architecture from all its different angles and points of view | Recommended by Fernanda Castro

An extensive overview of the history, motivations, successes, and failures of the Modernist movement in architecture, offering invaluable and unparalleled context on an already widely published topic |Recommended by Shuang Han

One of the most complete and relevant books on modern architecture, in the fourth edition Frampton added a major new section to his masterpiece that explores the effects of globalization on architecture all over the world |Recommended byRomullo Baratto

This book documents and analyzes ten of Palladio's surviving villas in terms of their relationship with their natural surroundings |Recommended byNiall Patrick Walsh

The most influential architectural manifestos from 1903 to 1963, collected here in chronological order |Recommended by Becky Quintal

An editorial design accomplishment by itself, this book interweaves historical research with interviews with some of the most prominent architects from Japanese Metabolism movement |Recommended byRomullo Baratto

Todd Gannon sheds light on one of architecture's most influential critics, giving readers context to the man and opinions behind the writings. From his tentative enthusiasm for Archigram to his views on the high-tech architecture of the 80s and 90s, his opinions need not be a mystery |Recommended byKaley Overstreet

Garca Vsquez reveals how the contemporary city has evolved, according to psychologists, historians, and architects |Recommended byNicolas Valencia

A compilation of Piranesi's etchings of prisons, Le Carceri represents not only a huge artistic accomplishment but also a milestone on architectural perception with its numerous vaults, staircases and other ambiguous structures |Recommended byRomullo Baratto

This classic examines how architecture defines our understanding of space - and how buildings are sometimes indifferent participants in the urban environment. In Zevi's capable hands the components of architecture come alive, offering an illuminating and provocative perspective on the field of architecture | Recommended by Martita Vial.

The popular image of the architect is one of ego and power - but as any practicing architect will tell you, this is rarely (at best) the truth. Architecture depends on just about everything: the client, contractors, code, materials, zoning, budgethow much of a building is actually designed by the designer? This book investigates the gap between architecture's dependent nature and the aggressive perfectionism with which we pursue our work |Recommended by Katherine Allen

By analyzing the relation between cinema, art, and architecture through the lens of existential spaces, Pallasmaa dives into the work of Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Andrei Tarkovsky and how they used architectural imagery to create emotional states |Recommended byRomullo Baratto

This book explores the bases of design from the very antique tools to the new digital era to propose new theories that allow us to rethink the way we design |Recommended by Monica Arellano

The authors carry out a historical journey that narrates the social role of architects and planners until the current era of globalization |Recommended byNicolas Valencia

The book is an inescapable reference for thinking about contemporary art and architecture | Recommended by Victor Delaqua

From nomadic architecture to underground sewerage landscapes, this book examines the possibilities of architecture outside of how it is normally viewed and discussed |Recommended by Yiling Shen

This is an iconic book analyzing the post-modern work of Edmond & Corrigan and how they reflect ideas about Australian suburbia and theatrics in their architecture |Recommended by Yiling Shen

David Harvey identify different contexts to create a great panorama of The condition of Postmodernity |Recommended byPedro Vada

Critical architectural theory from the mid-1990s to now |Recommended byPedro Vada

In OMA/AMO's words, Content is a product of the moment. Inspired by ceaseless fluctuations of the early 21st Century, it bears the marks of globalism and the market, ideological siblings that, over the past twenty years, have undercut the stability of contemporary life | Recommended by Diego Hernndez

Basically, the work that made Rem Koolhaas famous. This book exposes the consistency and coherence of the seemingly unrelated episodes of Manhattan's urbanism focusing on its "culture of congestion." | Recommended by Romullo Baratto

You're unlikely to find this book on any typical architecture reading lists, but that doesn't make it any less essential. Robert Bevan guides the reader through the architectural landscape in times of and after a conflict, giving words to what we know but don't often say: that the built environment has cultural and personal significance that stretches far beyond shelter. The leveling of buildings in war is less often the byproduct of hostilities than it is the hostilities themselves. The active and systematic erasure of an urban landscape is the strategic and leveling of identity, culture, and people |Recommended by Katherine Allen

Beatriz Colomina studies the phenomenon of postwar architecture as well as the factors that helped to build the idea of modern architecture based on the work of Charles and Ray Eames |Recommended by Monica Arellano

Seventeen conversations with practitioners from the fields of architecture, policy, activism, design, education, and research speculating on the future direction of the architectural profession |Recommended byNiall Patrick Walsh

It is a critical tour about concepts for living in seven iconic twentieth-century homes |Recommended byPedro Vada

This book provides students and professional architects with the basic elements of architectural design, divided into twenty-six easy-to-comprehend chapters |Recommended byWinnie Wu

A selection of articles that address the notion of the ordinary in architecture over the last 40 years |Recommended byNicolas Valencia

The section is the greatest and most legible tool of architecture - who among us did not grow up entranced by the cut sections of buildings such as the Pantheon or Kowloon Walled City? This book is the grown-up answer to our childhood fascinations, offering detailed drawings of contemporary works. Essays offer invaluable insight into not just the buildings selected but to the idea of the section itself |Recommended byKaley Overstreet

Oppositions Reader collects the most important essays from 26 issues of Oppositions, the journal of the New York-based Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies (IAUS). An excellent selection of authors and prevailing subjects | Recommended by Antonia Pieiro

This book studies how architectural production is popularized and inclined to design erotic spaces based on a specific context, demonstrating how different factors of the modern culture shaped the places we inhabit |Recommended by Monica Arellano

According to Habraken, architects consider the context to be the 'ordinary' into which they are challenged to produce the 'extraordinary.' But as vernacular architecture disappears, ordinary environments are more difficult to define. Without a clear counterpoint, how can architects situate concepts of innovation in architecture? | Recommended by Jos Toms Franco

Compilation of eight lectures from Rafael Moneo on eight of the most renowned architects from the last half-century, including James Stirling, Robert Venturi, Aldo Rossi, Peter Eisenman, Alvaro Siza, Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas | Recommended by Romullo Baratto

The great Brazilian geographer presents an alternative theory of globalization |Recommended byPedro Vada

Read more:
The 126 Best Architecture Books - ArchDaily

Architects from studios including Counterspace and OMA are among those expecting less extravagant and more community-centric designs to dominate the global architecture scene in 2024.

Dezeen spoke to architects from leading and emerging studios around the world to get their predictions for the trends that could define the industry this year.

For most, world affairs are expected to have the biggest impact on architecture in 2024 and beyond, as countries begin "looking inward" and become more protectionist.

"The era of abundance seems to be coming to an end"

"The honeymoon period of globalisation is over," said MVRDV Asia studio director Wenchian Shi.

"Each country and each continent is looking more inward and trying to be more defensive," she told Dezeen.

OMA's managing partner David Gianotten agreed, suggesting that "the era of abundance seems to be coming to an end".

"We are facing a shortage of resources," he said.

Gianotten added that the Covid-19 pandemic and, more recently, two major wars, have "caused a sense of insecurity among many of us".

This will lead to "new design approaches" that prioritise local communities and the creation of safe spaces, he said.

"People worry about their communities, and they want to know how they can be in positions to help," Gianotten explained.

"I think the built-environment industry will focus more on creating safe places where different agents in the community can have an increased sense of belonging, and act for the common good."

This echoes the hopes of Counterspace founder Sumayya Vally for 2024, which are to give voices to local communities that may have previously been overlooked.

"I would love to see architecture made in the image of diverse experiences and perspectives, architecture that listens deeply to its contexts," said Vally, who was named emerging architect of the year at Dezeen Awards 2023.

World affairs will cause "less experimentation"

Meanwhile, Snhetta co-founder Kjetil Trdal Thorsen believes that current world events will lead to more restrained architecture in 2024 and beyond.

"Right now, there should be no doubt that the ongoing conflicts, polarisation, and social inequality will continue to destabilise societies around the globe," he said.

"This is already influencing the economy, politics and thus also our clients, going for safer choices, known solutions and less experimentation."

MVRDV partner Stefan de Koning echoed this sentiment.

"Given the continuing crises in the economy, the environment, and everything else, I expect to see a decline in the luxury sector," he said.

"This includes even places like the UAE, which has previously been very luxury-oriented, but where we are starting to see more interest in the idea of a less ostentatious style of architecture."

However, Heatherwick Studio partner Mat Cash said the full effects of current world affairs will only be known later in 2024 when the world faces what The Economist has called the biggest election year in history.

"Over four billion people more than half the global population will be urged to vote," said Cash. "Each of these moments will help define a movement either towards greater polarisation and isolationism or towards more global co-operation," he explained.

These elections could have "far-reaching impacts" on architecture, he said, as they will determine the world's responses to the challenges it currently faces.

"We will focus our creativity on making the most of what we have"

Another trend expected to dominate in 2024 is a greater focus on sustainability.

"We might finally once again see the creation of our physical surroundings as a positive contribution to humanity rather than being a burden," said Thorsen.

This was also a trend prediction for architects in 2023. However, architects told Dezeen measures will become more targeted and, therefore, more effective this year.

"As more and more people feel the urgency of the issue, I think we will become more focused on managing specific risks that climate change brings to the built environment, rather than generic design approaches for environmental wellbeing," said Gianotten.

Co-founder of Dutch studio Overtreders W Hester van Dijk expects an increase in architects prioritising biobased materials those made from biodegradable living matter.

"The Dutch government, for example, has just reserved 200 million to upgrade the percentage of biobased materials, by weight, in new buildings in the Netherlands from three per cent to 30 per cent," she explained.

"The money is intended for farmers and builders to work together to put biobased building materials on the market."

Meanwhile, Stuart Latham at Foster + Partners said more accurate carbon calculations for projects will emerge.

"With carbon calculations becoming more sophisticated, there will now be more certainty about predictions for the performance of buildings. Approximations will increasingly be left behind," he explained.

Latham is also confident retrofit will become a top priority.

"Foster + Partners believe the idea of retrofit and the revitalisation and reinterpretation of existing buildings will continue to gain strength as awareness about embodied carbon grows throughout the industry," he said.

Alexandra Hagen, CEO of Dezeen Awards 2023 architecture studio of the year White Arkitekter,agreed.

"We will focus our creativity on making the most of what we have already built," she said.

"As architects, we will use design as a tool to reinvent and revitalise the existing building stock in creative ways. It will have an impact from interior design to masterplanning."

Public engagement will become key

Heatherwick Studio partner Cash said the dedication to retrofit will also be visible in the way architects design new buildings in 2024, with a rise in studios designing for longevity.

"I think the conversations around sustainability will slowly shift from being purely concerned with a building's life cycle to its actual life expectancy," he said.

He said this will see a shift from "fast architecture" buildings designed with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years and more engagement with the public.

"We must have an aspirational mindset that looks to build for 1,000 years," Cash argued.

"[The public] are the judges of a buildings longevity and ultimately their success," he added. "2024 will be much more about how the public actively engages in this conversation and their voices will begin to be heard."

This will also be catered for through the design of more mixed-use buildings, a typology that Zaha Hadid Architects associate director Melodie Leung expects more of in 2024.

"There is no longer an assumption that buildings will always be inhabited in the same way," she explained.

"Clients and design teams are incorporating a more nuanced understanding of how the spaces in which people live, work and socialise may be shared and used differently across various times of day and how they can be adapted in future decades."

Direction of AI in architecture disputed

However, architects disagreed about the direction that technologies such as AI will take in 2024, after the topic attracted significant hype in 2023.

For Hagen and Leung, continuing to upskill in this area will become increasingly important.

"Continuous upskilling in design, sustainability and tech is crucial in 2024," said Hagen. "Shortly, I believe we will be aided by new AI tools to analyse and design our projects."

Leung said the fields of architecture and engineering will become "inseparable from the digital realm" in 2024.

"Advances in AI augment the ability of design teams to integrate complex layers of information and analysis in the design process with the goal of achieving more sustainable and longer-lasting buildings," she explained.

Yet, at the other end of the spectrum, MAD founder Ma Yansong said architecture will shift away from technology next year.

"While engineering and technology quickly develop, architecture can respond and sync with human emotion," Ma explained.

"Architecture is not a product or the pure outcome of technology, but also rooted deeply with art, culture and civilization," he continued. "We will leave behind pure digital architecture that has no expression or no soul."

Meanwhile, Counterspace's founder suggested the integration of AI with architecture is unavoidable, and encouraged architects to turn their focus to what they can control.

"Architects have been working with AI for a number of years," Vally said.

"I think the question is not whether we will or wont be affected by the shifts we know are coming, but how we can build platforms that amplify voices from multiple contexts, include different bodies of knowledge; and build models that are resonant with different perspectives."

Specifically, Vally hopes more architects will look beyond mainstream trends in 2024 and pay more attention to the contexts in which they are designing.

"Rather than look to trends, we should really study our past and present conditions to uncover the stories and histories that lie waiting in place," she concluded.

Thorsen agreed, asking: "Maybe trends are a bit out altogether?"

Dezeen In Depth If you enjoy reading Dezeen's interviews, opinions and features,subscribe to Dezeen In Depth. Sent on the last Friday of each month, this newsletter provides a single place to read about the design and architecture stories behind the headlines.

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Less experimentation and more "safe spaces" will define 2024 architecture - Dezeen

2024 promises to be a big year for the DCU. While we currently only have Max'sCreature Commandos to look forward to, that will still offer a glimpse into what this rebooted franchise will look like and the tone DC Studios is going for as they set out to move beyond a disastrous 2023 for the DCEU.

We've known for a while that James Gunn has assembled a team of writers and creatives to help shape the new DCU and the filmmaker and executive recently shared a photo of at least some of them while reflecting on the past 12 months.

"2023 what a year! A lot of my favorite moments I cant post because of spoilers," he said on Threads, "but here are a few from getaways to premieres to writers rooms to publicity tours to spreading my dads ashes in Ireland. 2023 was a year of hard work and incredible challenges - but so many wonderful moments within all that. Family, friends, dogs, and films forever. Thanks to everyone who made this year so great."

So, who do we have alongside the Superman: Legacy helmer?

From left to right, there's Chantal Nong Vo (Vice President of Production; The Suicide Squad producer), Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight Head Writer), Christina Hodson (Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, The Flash writer), Drew Goddard (Daredevil writer),Christal Henry (Waller co-showrunner), Tom King (DC Comics writer),Galen Vaisman (Vice President of Creative Development; The Flash producer), and Peter Safran (DC Studios' co-CEO).

We're sure more names have been added to this list since the photo was taken, but it still offers a glimpse into the minds shaping this upcoming reboot.

Last year, Gunn shared his take on how he's approaching DC Studios' projects from a creative standpoint:

"Even though this is all a connected universe, its really important to me that the individual writers and directors on the projects give their own self-expression to it, just like they do in the comics. Everything doesnt always look the same. Everything doesnt always have the same expression. Different artists bring remarkably different looks, feels and tones. This is not the Gunnverse."

"I want each project to have the feelings of the individual artist thats working on it and to give them a lot of freedomas long as it worksto create something special because what Ive found through Marvel, what wasnt exciting was when movies were tonally the same. What was exciting was when you had something like Guardians come out and everyone was like, 'How is this raccoon going to be dealing with this God of Thunder? Thats going to be weird.'"

"But then when you actually see the mash-up happen, thats what makes it so fun. So, to see seemingly tonally incongruent things come together is part of the fun of all this."

Stay tuned for more on the DCU as we have it.

Read more:
DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Welcomes 2024 By Sharing Photo Of DCU Architects - CBM (Comic Book Movie)

Belsize put forward a proposal in 2019 to replace an industrial unit next to a railway line in Latimer Road with offices and homes for developer Artedi.

However, that proposal was withdrawn after 120 objections to the initial application were received and a design code was drawn up relating to the site.

Belsize scaled down the commercial elements of the scheme and resubmitted fresh proposals at the start of this year for a part-three, part-five-storey mixed-use block.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelseas planning committee granted consent for the revised Latimer Road project in a narrow vote last month (12 December), with three councillors approving the application and two rejecting.

Although 91 objections were submitted against the latest application in relation to its height and impact on other properties, councillors approved the project on the advice of its planning officers.

A report said the proposed building would accord with the areas design code and successfully integrate with its surroundings, making a positive visual statement as well as boosting provision of jobs and homes.

Planning officers added: The pitched roofline and gentle zig-zagged elevation [] are intended to break down the high-level massing, articulate the faade and communicate a distinction between its use as a residential building [and] its commercial accommodation fronting Latimer Road. It does this successfully in all respects.

Belsize Architects said the zig-zag rhythm was a nod to the bay window motif which appears throughout the area adding that it creates a break and softens the scale of the development.

The practice added: The elevation has been created in accordance with the requirements of [Kensington and Chelseas] Street Design Code, which applies a unifying principle for the neighbourhood for a tripartite division of faades into three zones: base, middle and top.

The scheme will have an internal structure largely built of timber, alongside some steel elements, and floor structures will be cross-laminated timber. Sustainability elements include solar panels on the roof and air source heat pumps, which will heat and cool the building.

A sedum and wildflower blanket will cover the roof of the residential units.

Source:Belsize Architects

Belsize Architects approved Latimer Road scheme in Kensington plan

LocationRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Type of project Mixed use ClientPrivate developer ArchitectBelsize Architects Planning consultantSavills Heritage and townscape consultantHCUK Group Fire consultantVemco Consulting Community engagement consultantConcilio Consult M&E consultantP3R Engineers Flood risk and drainage consultantEAS Delivery and servicing plan consultantEAS CTMP consultantMarkides Associates Contamination consultantGeocon Daylight and sunlight consultantT16 Design Energy and sustainability consultantT16 Design Air quality consultantAQA Assessments Tree consultantAndrew Day Consultancy Acoustic consultantKP Acoustics

Source:Belsize Architects

Belsize Architects' approved Latimer Road scheme in Kensington - rear detail

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Belsize Architects' contentious Kensington timber block finally approved - Architect's Journal

FOX LAKE -- A 72-unit apartment complex addition will be going up in Fox Lake following the citys approval on Dec. 20.

Fox Lake City Administrator Kelly Crombie said construction on the complex would begin in 2024. Dennis Hermans, who built the original Fox Crossings project, will be doing the addition to Fox Crossings on Highway 33.

The addition will feature two-bedroom apartments in six- and 12-unit buildings, Crombie said.

Another big event for Fox Lake is the Clausen Park project, which will be completed this year, Crombie said.

This will be a major revitalization of our park in partnership with the state (Department of Natural Resources), Crombie said. We will have a fishing pier, new restrooms, walking trails, etc. It will be a good project.

Fox Lake will also continue to have free pool sponsorship days this summer, Crombie said. It is the second year the service will be offered to those using Fox Lakes community pool. Fox Lake businesses sponsored more than 25 days when the pool was free for use last summer.

Crombie said no new businesses are expected in 2024 in Fox Lake and there are no road projects but there will be work on planning for Highway 33 to be redone in 2027-28.

Follow Terri Pederson on Twitter @tlp53916 or call 920-356-6760

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Construction on a new apartment complex to begin in Fox Lake - WiscNews

After an ultimate-hour storm of protests failed to save Park Slopes iconic Grand Prospect Hall, the wedding and event hall that had stood for over a century was razed in a jiffy, but the apartment building that will replace it is taking some time.

The foundation has been laid to comply with the deadline to get the 421-a tax break, but nothing has risen above ground level at 263 Prospect Avenue. Department of Buildings records show a permit was issued to lay foundations in 2022 to comply with the 421-a deadline.

However, other permits, including a new-building permit for the five-story, 147-unit complex, have not yet been issued. No workers were on site when Brownstoner visited on two occasions.

Meanwhile, the site has racked up complaints from neighbors regarding lighting and debris under the scaffolding, and violations from city agencies including for construction safety. The sites owner, Gowanus Cubes LLC, has also been hit with multiple lawsuits filed by workers who allege they have been injured by unsafe site conditions.

Plans show the Hill West Architects-designed complexs 147 apartments will be spread between the ground and the fifth floor. There will be 180 parking spaces in the cellar.

To get the 421-a tax break, 20 to 30 percent of the units will be aimed at households making around 130 percent of Area Median Income if they are rentals. There is no indication of whether the building will be rentals or condos.

A graffiti-covered rendering attached to the sites construction fence shows the wide, mid-rise building will stretch along a good part of the block and have a glass-covered facade with slim vertical masonry supports or paneling. It has a modern, sleek, and reflective appearance similar to other Hill West-designed structures in Brooklyn. These include the Olympia development in Dumbo, a tower at 123 Linden Boulevard in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and Coney Islands Ocean Drive, a development the architects site says is bringing Miami sophistication to the boardwalk area.

The new development replaces the famed 1902 Renaissance Revival banquet hall (a rebuild of its 1890s predecessor) that was demolished in 2022. Michael and Alice Halkias had owned Grand Prospect Hall for decades, but following Michaels death during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic Alice sold the building for $22.5 million.

The new owner, Gowanus Cubes LLC, promptly applied for demolition permits. While locals mounted a campaign to save the building by getting it designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, they were ultimately unsuccessful.

The $22.5 million deed transfer also included a number of other sites around the hall that were owned by the Halkias Prospect Hall Realty Inc., including three 19th century townhouses on 16th Street. The houses at 188, 190, and 196 16th Street were all recently demolished to make way for the new development. Plans show the lots, which sit between existing houses on 16th Street, will be used for green space.

Owner and developer Gowanus Cubes LLC is run by brothers Angelo and George Rigas, according to city records. Their father, Gregory Rigas, is behind other Brooklyn projects, including a tower two blocks away at 574 4th Avenue, the Real Deal reported when Grand Prospect Hall changed hands.

PropertyShark shows the family is tied to dozens of properties across the borough, and appears to be behind ARC Electrical & Mechanical Contractors Corp.

The contracting firm has been awarded city contracts through competitive bidding, but has also faced a number of lawsuits. Gregory Rigas had his master electricians license revoked for bribing a public official, court records show.

[Photos by Susan De Vries unless otherwise noted]

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Park Slope's Grand Prospect Hall-Replacing Build Hits Snags - Brownstoner

firefighters mop up a vegetation fire near the intersection of Interstate 8 and Interstate 15 Monday. Photo via @SDFD X

Firefighters extinguished a half-acre brush fire Monday before it reached any structures north of Interstate 8 and east of Interstate 15 in San Diego.

San Diego Fire Rescue Department said the vegetation fire was reported at 11:48 a.m. New Years Day at 4510 Alvarado Canyon Road, near the College area, with firefighters arriving on the scene at noon.

San Diego Fire Department stopped the fire before it reached an apartment building under construction, according to fire officials. Mop operations were being completed.

No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged.

Units assigned included one division chief, two helicopters, five engines, three battalion chiefs, two brush rigs and 42 personnel.

City News Service contributed to this article.

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Crews Quickly Put Out Brush Fire Near Apartment Building Under Construction - Times of San Diego

After four years of municipal review, neighborhood opposition and litigation, construction on a controversial apartment project in the Fruit Belt across from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is ready to begin.

Symphony Property Management is preparing to start work this month on The Lawrence, a $50 million venture that will bring 132 residential units to Michigan Avenue when it is completed in two years. The company secured $38.15 million in lending for the project through Northwest Bank late last month, plus additional financing from Tompkins Community Bank, enabling BRD Construction to begin work.

The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week.

This achievement positions us to break ground in January 2024, realizing our vision of creating an unparalleled living experience in downtown Buffalo, said Symphony owner Timothy Leboeuf.

Plans call for a 129,000-square-foot complex at 983 Michigan Ave., consisting of a five-story wing on Michigan and a four-story wing on Maple, stretching parallel along both streets, with a small connector between them. The complex would include a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom market-rate apartments, with 78 underground parking spaces and 55 more spaces on the medical campus.

The project is designed to provide additional housing options for the area, and is partially aimed at medical students and employees of the medical campus institutions. It will include some fully furnished units with concierge amenities, and will also cater to the needs of long-term visitors of the medical campus.Construction will take 18 to 24 months.

But its been a long and bumpy road to get to this point. I was confident we would get this deal in the ground once we got the approvals from the city, LeBoeuf said. I didnt expect it to take another three years.

Timothy LeBoeufs Symphony Property Management and two affiliates have applied for demolition permits to take down a pair of dilapidated houses on Michigan Avenue and Maple Street.

First proposed in summer 2019, the project quickly met with opposition from some Fruit Belt residents and advocates, who complained about development encroaching on the historic lower-income neighborhood and potentially pushing community members out. They said it would not be affordable to those who live in the neighborhood, and was also too big and imposing, because it violated the Green Code height limits.

The developer responded by tweaking the project plan several times, lowering the height on Maple, shuffling units from one street to the other, pulling back part of the facade, and adding parking, among other changes. Resistance continued, but eventually, what was then a $25 million project won 13 zoning variances including for height and width and then Planning Board approval in June 2020.

Fruit Belt resident Elverna D. Gidney and retired University at Buffalo professor Lorna Peterson quickly sued to block the project, claiming that the city agencies had improperly approved many of the variances and failed to consider proper standards, tests and environmental impacts.

A state judge ruled that Peterson lacked legal standing to sue since she doesnt live in the Fruit Belt, and then eventually dismissed the entire case. Gidney and her attorney, Arthur Giacalone, appealed, but the state Appellate Division upheld the lower court ruling.

Meanwhile, Symphony still needed to acquire one more city-owned property on Maple, on top of 15 parcels it already owned, and the city was now demanding a much higher price after seeing what properties were going for. That was resolved in 2022, with Symphony paying $125,000 for 244 Maple.

Finally, Symphony earlier this year had to demolish a couple of dilapidated houses at 995 Michigan and 240 Maple, which stood in the way.

It didnt hamper the company, LeBoeuf said. Id say we learned a lot through the process, faced each challenge that was thrown at us and are ready to start building.

Reach Jonathan D. Epstein at (716) 849-4478 or jepstein@buffnews.com.

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Construction to begin on Lawrence apartments in Buffalo - Buffalo News

Construction works are ongoing in a new residential area in the Sugovushan settlement. The construction of 5 multi-apartment buildings is being carried out in the neighborhood with a total area of more than 2 hectares, Azernews reports.

In an interview with local media outlets, the project manager Vidadi Hasanov said that each of the buildings in the residential area has five floors. A total of 190 apartments are being built, of which 25 are one-room, 80 are two-room, 75 are three-room, and 10 are four-room apartments.

The floor of the first floor of three buildings has already been concreted, preparatory work is underway on the second floor. In the remaining two buildings, the work on the basement has been completed.

Elevators will be installed in buildings with two entrances each. Each building will have parking for 22 cars in the basement. Heat supply will be carried out with a central boiler system.

Construction of football, sports and children's playgrounds, transformer substations, reservoirs, and other necessary infrastructure facilities is planned in the neighborhood. Wide green strips will also be built here.

It should be recalled that the Sugovushan settlement was liberated from occupation by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on October 3, 2020, during the Patriotic War.

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Construction of 190-apartment residential neighborhood in Sugovushan continues [PHOTOS] - AzerNews.Az

A New York-based developer came into Connecticut in late 2021 and is trying to stake out a fresh segment of the affordable housing market with three projects.

As it begins constructing what it calls an attainably priced 70-unit apartment building in Cheshire, Vessel Technologies is exploring chances for a 42-unit version in Manchester and working to revive its plan for another 42-unit one in Granby.

Vessel assembles prefabricated buildings of virtually identical architecture to sharply reduce construction costs, aiming its apartments toward what it calls a badly underserved market: The missing middle. That covers municipal workers, health care employees, moderate-income seniors and others who earn too much to get subsidized housing but still fall far short of affording the new high-end apartments appearing across Connecticut.

But there has been serious pushback in several communities where Vessel is trying to build, with homeowners complaining that the company would bring unwanted density, create traffic on congested roads and force modernistic multifamily buildings into historic neighborhoods.

Vessel is suing Simsbury and Glastonbury after they rejected its proposals, and its lawyers are invoking the states 8-30g law. For most middle-of-the-road and affluent suburbs, 8-30g sharply restricts the grounds that zoning boards can cite for rejecting affordable housing proposals.

Some affordable housing advocates contend that local opposition has really represented just a not-in-my-backyard attitude, but homeowners say theyre trying to protect the character of their community.

Currently, Vessels Connecticut plans cover seven communities and total just under 400 apartments ranging from conceptual to already built and leased.

The newest would put up 42 units along Tolland Turnpike in Manchester. The three-story building would have a footprint of just 10,300 square feet, and would offer 40 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units.

It would be located on the corner of Jefferson Street, with driveways into a 55-car parking lot from both Jefferson and Tolland Turnpike.

Vessel would need to combine two parcels, one vacant with scrub and trees and the other with a house fronting the intersection. Vessel would demolish the house, build the apartment complex set back from Tolland Turnpike by more than 75 feet, and create small recreation and passive recreation areas with some of the remaining land.

Vessel has not yet sought zoning permits for the work, but instead presented the conceptual idea informally to the Planning and Zoning Commission in early December to gauge reactions.

In New London, Vessel already has leased its new Bank Street building, which has 30 one-bedrooms.

Planners in Rocky Hill rejected Vessels first application, but a negotiation produced an alternate site where Vessel is now approved to build 96 units. The construction timetable has not been made public so far.

In November, Vessel broke ground on a five-story building for 70 apartments along Realty Drive near Route 10 in Cheshire. There will be 66 one-bedrooms and four two-bedrooms.

Granby residents came out in force last summer to oppose Vessels original proposal, which it later withdrew. In December the company came back with a downsized plan that would create 42 apartments on Route 189 about a half-mile from Route 10. It is likely to present that proposal to the wetlands board in January.

The company also wants to put up 64 apartments in Simsbury and 48 in Glastonbury, but both of those proposals are on hold pending the outcome of its lawsuits appealing rejections by local land use planners.

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Developer hopes to have prefab apartments in seven CT towns - Hartford Courant