designboom

osaka-based bora architects designs bldg02, an office building for a concrete block manufacturer in japan, to explore the structural and aesthetic potential of block construction. the design employs reinforced concrete masonry construction rm, which eliminates the need for rc columns and beams, allowing the block volume and texture to take precedence. a 'double-wall construction' system is introduced, securing structural stability while allowing larger openings both vertically and horizontally. this strategy facilitates spatial connectivity and collaboration within the office environment while maintaining the monolithic expression of the structure. read more here: https://lnkd.in/ezQUZEGP

Leila Heller Gallery in new york presents monet’s garden, the debut exhibition of the american photographer aileen bordman. running until may 3rd, 2025, the show features 15 photographs that explore the impressionist master’s carefully cultivated landscapes. read more here: https://lnkd.in/g3VGc-pQ

advance your career in design, creativity, or communication with a prestigious Elisava School of Design and Engineering masters' degree -- now with 25 scholarships covering 50% of tuition! elisava awards 20 scholarships in barcelona and 5 in madrid to outstanding candidates eager to push the boundaries of design. there is also one additional scholarship available for the master in design and communication. applications are open until march 25, 2025, for courses beginning in september 2025 and february 2026. to apply, candidates must submit a short video presentation, a portfolio, and a completed application form: https://lnkd.in/e4wcmnjP

yuji okitsu completes the renovation of a 90-year-old house in kamakura, japan, transforming it into a wooden atelier. designed as an annex to the main two-story residence, the new space serves as a creative space. read more here: https://lnkd.in/eWGmGjpS

researchers from the The University of Sheffield and Power Roll Ltd develop flexible solar cells for rooftops and surfaces using plastic film with a mineral. for these flexible solar cells, the researchers use plastic film filled with the perovskite material instead of silicon. it’s a mineral semiconductor often used in similar projects because of their efficiency in converting light to electricity. read more: https://lnkd.in/e4WfD2tB

tac taller alberto calleja builds casa kani-ini retreat on a 4,500 sqm plot facing the sea in the el vigía sector of puerto escondido, on the coast of oaxaca, mexico. the seaside retreat had to accommodate a comprehensive program of spaces while meeting the family's needs for use and permanence. given this complexity, the main challenge was to design the house with the least possible impact on its immediate surroundings. based on this premise, the approach was to break down the total built area into several strategically distributed structures. read more here: https://lnkd.in/eJnPV_hE

Tiffany & Co. reveals its largest store in asia with the unveiling of the ginza flagship, set to open on july 11, 2025. drawing inspiration from 'the landmark', tiffany’s fifth avenue flagship in new york, the new store is designed by jun aoki with interiors by Peter Marino Architect. read more here: https://lnkd.in/e8Tq_rtR

the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg presents 'glitter', the world’s first museum exhibition dedicated entirely to the shimmering, controversial material. on view until october 26th, 2025, the show unpacks the symbolic power of glitter across art, design, pop culture, and activism, featuring around 40 international artists and designers. read more here: https://lnkd.in/ep99s7DU

Bertone unveils new designs for the refreshed runabout car, including the concept pop-up headlights from the 1969 car model. the headlamps in the previous design are housed in nacelles, or the casing outside the vehicle, within the rollbar structure behind the seats. in the revamped runabout, the headlights, once a concept design, pop up from the hood when the driver needs them. read more: https://lnkd.in/eh5t6ekP

Art Paris 2025 returns to the grand palais from april 3-6, hosting 170 galleries from 25 countries. grand palais, the architectural masterpiece that returned to its former glory after a four-year renovation, is hosting the 27th edition of the acclaimed art fair. the 2025 event highlights two major themes: ‘immortal,’ curated by amélie adamo and numa hambursin, explores figurative painting in france, while ‘out of bound,’ curated by simon lamunière, examines hybrid artistic practices. the fair expands its ‘promises’ sector for young galleries and introduces the ‘her art prize’ and BNP paribas prize, reinforcing its commitment to emerging and diverse talent.