All articles by Adam Williams
Adam Williams
Made in China: the rise of domestic architecture practices
Chinese architects are turning the tables on their Western competitors and winning commissions and prizes at home and overseas, but how does this shift relate to the exploding urbanisation of China, and are these players displaying a specifically nationalist or internationalist outlook? Herbert Wright hears from leading practices in Beijing, Hong Kong and London.
Shine a light: the advent of OLEDs
While still some way from being commercially viable on large-scale projects, organic light-emitting diode technology is garnering growing attention within the architectural field. The Leaf Review examines its current use and future applications with Arup, Japanese architects Torafu and Mexican design firm AGENT.
The regeneration games: Olympic legacy architecture
The regenerative potential of the London Olympics is considerable, but Rio de Janeiro could be truly transformed when it hosts the event in 2016. Bill Hanway of AECOM, Bruno Campos of BCMF and Chris Gaffney from the Universidade Federal Fluminense discuss the possibility of creating a positive legacy in one of the world’s most beautiful but chaotic cities.
They live: synthetic biology in architecture
Multidisciplinary teams and practices are generating jaw-dropping projects that imply a future of ‘living buildings’ and metabolic materials. Bill Millard meets Rachel Armstrong, Mitchell Joachim and David Benjamin to discover how the blurring of the lines between biology and architecture is challenging popular assumptions around form, sustainability and the built environment.
Architecture of necessity
Socially engaged architecture has come to prominence in recent years, with increasing numbers of practices flying the flag for the ‘architecture of necessity’. But, beyond a marketing label, what does social sustainability entail? Abi Millar talks to some leading lights about the sociocultural impacts of architecture across the developing and developed world.
Sun worshippers: the new solar shading
In their efforts to harness and combat the elements in some of the world’s most challenging climates, architects are being forced to fuse form and function on an unprecedented scale. The LEAF Review highlights two projects – Index Tower in Dubai and Singapore’s Solaris – that incorporate solar shading into the very heart of their designs and demonstrate why the sun should be considered an ally, rather than an enemy.
Instant infrastructure: development in Georgia
Under the auspices of President Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia is undergoing an unrivalled architectural boom, which has seen contributions from a host of Europe’s leading design studios. But with a backdrop of high politics, strict project deadlines and lingering question marks over costs, how long can it last? Ross Davies investigates.
Matteo Thun on the beauty of ecology and economy
Originally famous for his work in the postmodernist Memphis Group, Matteo Thun has gone on to bring his multidimensional skill set to bear on hotels great and small. The Italian architect and interior designer meets Abi Millar to discuss his creations and the eco bello philosophy behind his work.
A sense of belonging: the role of green space
After three years of heated debate between business leaders, politicians and the general public, Aberdeen council has finally shelved plans to redevelop the historic Union Terrace Gardens. But why was the project so controversial? Philip Kleinfeld investigates the issues of identity, control and ownership that underlie the provision of public space.