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Category: Architecture

  • Japan’s Innovative Floating Home Design for Earthquake Safety

    Japan’s Innovative Floating Home Design for Earthquake Safety

    In a nation where earthquakes are an everyday reality, Japan has consistently led the way in seismic engineering. Now, a Japanese firm is introducing a groundbreaking — and quite literally uplifting — method of earthquake protection. Founded by inventor Shoichi Sakamoto, Air Danshin Systems Inc. created a seismic system that lifts homes off the ground during earthquakes, letting them briefly float above the shaking.
    Image Credits:parametric

    In a nation where earthquakes are an everyday reality, Japan has consistently led the way in seismic engineering. Now, a Japanese firm is introducing a groundbreaking — and quite literally uplifting — method of earthquake protection. Founded by inventor Shoichi Sakamoto, Air Danshin Systems Inc. created a seismic system that lifts homes off the ground during earthquakes, letting them briefly float above the shaking.

    How the Floating Foundation Technology Works

    At first, the idea sounds like science fiction: a home that lifts into the air to avoid the trembling earth. Yet the technology behind it is surprisingly straightforward. The house sits on a specially designed air chamber that stays inactive under normal conditions. When seismic sensors detect movement, compressed air lifts the house up to three centimeters, preventing violent shaking. After the tremors pass, the system gradually lowers the home back into position.

    Image Credits:Air Danshin Systems Inc.

    Sakamoto’s innovation is far from just a concept. To date, nearly 90 houses and buildings throughout Japan have already been fitted with the system.It responds within 0.5–1 second to protect buildings and occupants, with battery backups ensuring operation during power outages.

    Image Credits:Air Danshin Systems Inc.

    What sets the Air Danshin Systems Inc. system apart is its affordability. Costing roughly a third of traditional systems, it offers an affordable option for homes and businesses, with larger models available for factories and labs.

    Live Demonstration Proves the System’s Stability

    To showcase its performance, the company conducted a live demonstration. Engineers and safety experts watched a fully furnished house undergo a simulated earthquake. When the artificial shaking began, the house smoothly rose and hovered above the ground. It remained completely steady, and not a single glass fell over.

    Although the technology has delivered impressive results and is gaining traction, some specialists remain cautiously hopeful. Deke Smith, Executive Director of the Building Seismic Safety Council and buildingSMART alliance, praised the concept but warned it may struggle with large, multi-directional quakes or if damage occurs before activation.

    Redefining Earthquake Resilience Through Active Response

    Even so, in a country that has endured catastrophic seismic disasters — from the Great Kanto Earthquake to the 2011 Tohoku disaster — the development represents a striking move toward enhanced safety. It shifts the concept of earthquake resilience from merely withstanding impact to actively responding to it.

    For the time being, Sakamoto and Air Danshin Systems Inc. are concentrating on fine-tuning the design, with just ten units currently being assembled by hand along Japan’s Coffs Coast. The company has also launched a campaign on Indiegogo to help scale up production and expand the technology to international markets.

    Read the original article on: Parametric

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  • Power Lines Come Alive with Massive Animal-Shaped Pylons

    Power Lines Come Alive with Massive Animal-Shaped Pylons

    Austrian Power Giants imagines turning eyesore pylons into attractive sculptures that locals can be proud of
    Austrian Power Giants

    No one enjoys seeing beautiful landscapes marred by power lines, yet they remain an essential part of modern infrastructure. But what if these structures could shift from being an eyesore to a captivating landmark? That’s the vision behind a creative initiative that reimagines power pylons as enormous animal sculptures.

    Austrian Power Giants Celebrate Regional Identity

    The project, titled Austrian Power Giants, is a collaboration between Austrian Power Grid, GP designpartners, and Baucon. The plan envisions each of Austria’s nine federal states featuring a pylon shaped like an animal that represents its regional identity.

    According to Austrian Power Grid, this nature-inspired approach aims to serve as “a symbol of environmentally conscious infrastructure,” promote regional economies and tourism, and encourage greater public acceptance of grid expansion projects across the country.

    Austrian Power Giants is imagined for Austria’s nine federal states and would consist of nine different animals 
    Austrian Power Giants

    So far, only two of the nine proposed designs have been developed. The stork was selected to symbolize Burgenland, representing the bird’s well-known seasonal migrations, while the stag embodies the forested Alpine foothills of Lower Austria. The concept images reveal that these sculptural pylons are both striking and intricately crafted.

    Award-Winning Designs Go on Display at Singapore’s Red Dot Museum

    The project recently earned a Red Dot Design Award, and miniature versions of the towering animal structures are currently exhibited at Singapore’s Red Dot Museum until October 2026, offering visitors a closer look at their detailed design.

    As for implementation, it remains uncertain whether the pylons will ever be constructed. Practical considerations—such as the potential increase in steel usage—pose real challenges. Nonetheless, Austrian Power Grid reports that the concept has undergone static and electrical pre-testing to assess its feasibility. The idea appears promising, with similar creative approaches being explored in Iceland and other countries.

    Read the original article on: https://newatlas.com/architecture/austrian-power-giants/

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  • Scientists Developed the First ‘Living’ Cement that Generates Energy and could Reshape Construction

    Scientists Developed the First ‘Living’ Cement that Generates Energy and could Reshape Construction

    Is traditional cement—the kind we’ve known since childhood for laying floors or building walls—nearing its end? In Denmark, researchers have surprised the world with the creation of “living cement.” Beyond construction, this innovative material can also store and generate energy.
    Image Credits:cfeelings

    Is traditional cement—the kind we’ve known since childhood for laying floors or building walls—nearing its end? In Denmark, researchers have surprised the world with the creation of “living cement.” Beyond construction, this innovative material can also store and generate energy.

    Scientists at Aarhus University achieved the breakthrough by integrating the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis—renowned for its ability to transfer electrons from its cells—into concrete, forming a network that can store and release energy.

    A Resilient Bacterium with Unique Survival Abilities

    According to iNaturalist Ecuador, Shewanella oneidensis is notable for reducing metal ions and surviving in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. As Unión Rayo notes, like any living organism, the bacteria also require nourishment.

    In response, the researchers developed a technique using a microfluidic system that supplies the bacteria with proteins, vitamins, and minerals—much like an aquarium. This setup keeps the microorganisms active and even allows them to revive and regain their energy capacity after dying, creating what could be an endless cycle. According to Qi Luo, the lead investigator cited in AS, the method can restore up to 80% of the material’s original capacity, both inert and active. Luo highlights that this marks the first step toward walls and foundations of the future functioning like batteries.

    Living Concrete as a Future Energy Backbone

    According to the engineering site Inspenet, living concrete could be used in both cities and rural areas to support solar panels, wind turbines, or autonomous energy grids—provided its storage capacity increases.

    The Danish research team explains that a room built with this material could store up to 10 kWh within its walls, enough to power a corporate server for an entire day. Applied to public infrastructure like bridges or tunnels, living concrete could also supply energy to structural sensors without the need for cables or frequent maintenance.

    Read the original article on: Cfeelings

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  • Striking Geometric Cabin Operates Entirely Off-Grid

    Striking Geometric Cabin Operates Entirely Off-Grid

    The Nest, by Daria Sheina Studio, is an off-grid cabin defined by an extraordinary geometric form
    Andrew Latreille

    Featuring a distinctive design of interlocking cuboid forms, The Nest is a prefabricated retreat by Daria Sheina Studio, tucked away in a remote natural setting. Designed to function entirely off-grid, the cabin offers its owners a peaceful getaway surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

    A Challenging Delivery and Swift Assembly

    Developed in partnership with BC Passive House, the structure underwent a complex delivery process—first transported by truck and barge, then finally airlifted to the site by helicopter. Remarkably, the installation of the building was completed in just two days, though the interior finishing likely took a bit longer.

    Located on a 10-acre (4-hectare) property on Keats Island, British Columbia, Canada, the cabin spans 1,063 sq ft (99 sq m) across three levels. Its design highlights the modular wooden construction, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest.

    Designed for Light and Connection

    The designers arranged the main level in an open-plan style, incorporating a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Large windows frame the picturesque landscape, drawing the outside in. Bedrooms are located on the upper levels.

    The Nest’s interior is decor minimalist and open
    Andrew Latreille

    The Nest promotes sustainability through its minimalist design, which features exposed timber and green Marmoleum floors that echo the moss-covered forest outside, notes the studio’s press release. Expansive lift-and-slide glass doors create a fluid connection between indoors and nature. The owners’ choice of quirky, colorful furnishings adds warmth and personality to the clean architectural lines.

    Fully Off-Grid and Environmentally Friendly

    The cabin is fully self-sufficient: rooftop solar panels generate electricity, while an incinerating toilet manages waste.The system collects and filters rainwater for drinking, and the designers carefully minimized concrete use in the foundation to protect the land.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

    Read more: LA’s Futuristic Lucas Museum Prepares for 2026 Debut

  • LA’s Futuristic Lucas Museum Prepares for 2026 Debut

    LA’s Futuristic Lucas Museum Prepares for 2026 Debut

    The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, shown photographed a few months ago, is currently in the late stages of construction in Los Angeles
    Sand Hill Media/Eric Furie, courtesy of JAKS Productions

    After years of anticipation, the visually striking Lucas Museum of Narrative Art—designed by MAD Architects—is finally nearing completion in Los Angeles, with plans to open its doors to the public in 2026.

    From Controversy to Reinvention

    Spearheaded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, the museum has followed a dramatic path worthy of one of Lucas’s own scripts. Initially proposed over a decade ago as a volcano-shaped building in Chicago, the project faced public pushback and legal battles before ultimately relocating to LA’s Exposition Park. The designers reimagined it there with a sleek, spaceship-inspired design that could easily be mistaken for a prop from a sci-fi blockbuster.

    Elevated above ground level, the structure offers shaded public space beneath its sweeping form.The builders covered its outer shell in glass and more than 1,500 curved fiberglass-reinforced polymer panels, while they decorated the roof with greenery.True to MAD Architects’ vision, the final build closely resembles the ambitious renderings first released.

    A Vast and Varied Collection

    Inside, the museum spans 300,000 square feet across five stories, offering galleries, theaters, and an extensive collection of art and artifacts—ranging from ancient ceramics to memorabilia from the Star Wars universe.

    Over a decade after it was first revealed, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is finally nearing completion and is due to open in 2026
    Hunter Kerhart

    Celebrating Storytelling Across Cultures

    “MAD’s design expresses our ongoing mission to blend architecture with both city and nature, integrating public space into the urban fabric and building connections within the community,” the firm noted. The Lucas Museum will serve as a pioneering institution focused on narrative art from diverse cultures and mediums, featuring works by icons like Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, and Gordon Parks, along with film models, props, and concept pieces from George Lucas’s personal archive. It aims to become a vibrant gathering place where storytelling, art, and the public intersect.

    The building also incorporates eco-conscious features. A rainwater harvesting system supplies all irrigation needs, while a large solar array helps reduce the museum’s reliance on grid electricity.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

    Read more: Suspended Pool Hovers Over National Park at Striking Thai Retreat

  • Suspended Pool Hovers Over National Park at Striking Thai Retreat

    Suspended Pool Hovers Over National Park at Striking Thai Retreat

    The pool at the MYS Khao Yai make a stunning centerpiece
    Urban Praxis

    A breathtaking new resort has made its debut near Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, thanks to Bangkok-based architectural firm Urban Praxis. While the accommodations are noteworthy on their own, it’s the dramatic, semi-cantilevered transparent pool that truly steals the spotlight.

    Thailand’s First National Park Provides a Scenic Backdrop

    Founded in 1962, Khao Yai holds the title of Thailand’s first national park. Located roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Bangkok, it spans more than 2,200 square kilometers (about 850 square miles) of predominantly evergreen forest, which serves as a sanctuary for Thailand’s richest biodiversity. Though several hotels are nestled near the park, Hotel MYS Khao Yai, opened just last year, stands out with a pool unlike any other.

    Reminiscent of the floating pool from the 2013 sci-fi film Oblivion starring Tom Cruise, the hotel’s standout feature is a 9-meter-long (30-foot) acrylic pool that projects outward from the resort’s central core, suspended over the main reception area below.

    At night, the pool bathes the reception area in watery blue light
    Urban Praxis

    With its transparent front edge, the pool offers swimmers the sensation of gliding straight toward the lush landscape of the park. Supported by two graceful beams beneath, the structure’s semi-cantilevered form creates a striking visual. While Urban Praxis crafted the overall design of the resort, the pool’s engineering was developed in collaboration with Reynolds Polymer, a company known for their expertise in acrylic structures and large-scale aquarium design.

    A Pool That Blends Thrill and Tranquility

    “The acrylic sky pool with unobstructed views of the mountains allows guests to feel immersed in nature,” the architects explain. “Adding a touch of thrill, the cantilevered pool gives the impression of swimming into the sky.”

    The remainder of the resort draws inspiration from Scandinavian design principles, featuring 16 guest rooms, six private villas with their own heated pools, and a three-bedroom master villa. The rooms follow what the design team calls an “elevated ground floor” experience, intended to mimic the feeling of stepping into a forest cabin from ground level.

    The hotel’s rooms are like “small forest cabins,” according to the architects
    Urban Praxis

    Reaching this luxurious five-star getaway may require some travel effort, but for now, visitors can explore the stunning design through photos and video. And for those considering a visit, nightly rates start around US$200—remarkably affordable for a resort boasting one of the most captivating pools in the world.

    Take a visual dip in Hotel MYS Khao Yai’s stunning pool

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Layered Structures Shape Striking Towers Inspired by Lanterns

    Layered Structures Shape Striking Towers Inspired by Lanterns

    Hatai’s lantern-shaped hotels have been designed to provide a welcome change from Bangkok’s modern buildings
    Devisual

    Emerging from the landscape like oversized traditional lanterns, Hatai is a visually distinctive development featuring a pair of towers. Heatherwick Studio conceived the project to accommodate two hotels and aims to bring new vibrancy to the city’s skyline.

    Architectural Inspiration Rooted in Thai Tradition

    Located in Bangkok’s Silom district, Hatai evokes memories of the studio’s earlier project at 515 West 18th Street, with a design that draws inspiration from Thai lanterns through its tiered architectural forms. Although the team hasn’t revealed the exact height of the buildings, they present them as mid- or low-rise rather than high-rises.Together, they’ll offer more than 300 hotel rooms, as well as facilities like a wellness center, a ballroom, and conference areas.

    “Thailand has such a rich cultural and architectural history, yet much of Bangkok’s modern architecture feels impersonal and stark,” explains Thomas Heatherwick, founder of the studio. “Our goal was to reconnect with the country’s cultural roots in a meaningful way—bringing texture, emotion, and narrative back into the urban environment.”

    A Softer Silhouette and a Vibrant Public Space

    He adds, “We envisioned a vertical arrangement of lantern-like structures, producing a softer silhouette in the skyline. At the same time, we have the chance to create a significant public space—featuring shelter from rain, lush greenery, and water elements—to encourage vibrant street-level activity filled with wonder and discovery.”

    Hatai will be located in the Silom area of Bangkok, Thailand, in a burgeoning business district
    Devisual

    The designers envision the base of the development as a community-oriented public zone, incorporating a revitalized canal, an outdoor market, and elevated pedestrian pathways.

    Aiming for Sustainability and Green Innovation

    Although many specifics remain undisclosed, the design team is actively developing Hatai to meet LEED sustainability standards. Some of the proposed eco-friendly strategies include using recycled and locally sourced materials, optimizing daylight and solar protection, and recycling greywater for the cooling systems.

    Heatherwick Studio is launching its first project in Thailand with Hatai, which is set to open in 2028. It continues the firm’s tradition of unconventional architecture, following recent standout projects like the Xi’an Tree and Azabudai Hills.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Turning Point? Saudi Giga-Project May Be Reassessed

    Turning Point? Saudi Giga-Project May Be Reassessed

    A recent news report suggests Saudi authorities are reevaluating the feasibility of the Line, one of the most ambitious and seemingly impractical architectural projects. While no decisions have been made, the review could impact its bold vision.
    Image Credits: New Atlas

    A recent news report suggests Saudi authorities are reevaluating the feasibility of the Line, one of the most ambitious and seemingly impractical architectural projects. While no decisions have been made, the review could impact its bold vision.

    The Line is central to Saudi Arabia’s shift from oil to tourism and technology. The project envisions a futuristic, mirrored skyscraper city stretching 170 km (105 miles) across the desert.

    A Monumental Undertaking Under Fire

    Rivaling the Great Wall and pyramids in ambition, the project is already underway, with billions spent and massive earthworks completed. From early on, it has drawn criticism over soaring costs and reported human rights violations.

    Image Credits:Once fully complete, the Line will take the form of a mirrored rectangular building stretching 170 km (105 miles) long in the Saudi Arabian desert
    Neom

    With low oil prices straining the budget, Saudi authorities are focusing on financial concerns. After Neom’s new CEO, Aiman Al-Mudaifer, took over, the government hired consultants to review the Line’s feasibility, costs, and potential changes.

    Uncertain Future

    The report notes that the Saudi government may ultimately opt to keep the project unchanged. Possible cost cuts include reducing the 500 m height, shortening the 2.5 km length, or altering the mirrored façade, though no decision is final yet.

    The Line is one of several bold Saudi projects, including the Mukaab, JEC Tower, and tourism-focused Treyam.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Circular Home Designed Around a Series of Sunken Courtyards

    Circular Home Designed Around a Series of Sunken Courtyards

    An architectural narrative shaped by light and form
    Leonas Garbačauskas

    Situated on a picturesque lakeside site in Lithuania, the architectural firm YCL has crafted a strikingly unconventional countryside residence. Named Villa O, this 237-sq-m (2,550-sq-ft) home departs from traditional design norms, embracing a circular form punctuated by four sunken garden courtyards that seamlessly integrate nature into the architecture.

    Radial Layout with Panoramic Views

    Rejecting the standard rectangular layout, Villa O features a radial floor plan centered around a cross-shaped core, dividing the structure into four distinct living zones. Conceived by Lithuanian architects Tomas Umbrasas, Aidas Barzda, and Tautvydas Vileikis, the home occupies the site’s highest point, offering uninterrupted vistas in every direction.

    The interior follows a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Two of the home’s wings contain bedrooms, one serves as guest quarters, and the fourth is dedicated to a private spa. At the core is a fluid communal area where the kitchen, dining, and living spaces converge into a single, light-filled central hub. Each axis of the cross opens onto a different surrounding landscape—lake, forest, fields, and road—enhancing the connection to nature.

    A seamless blend of modern architecture and natural surroundings
    Leonas Garbačauskas

    Integrated into the structure are four partially enclosed sunken courtyards, which serve multiple purposes: they flood the interior with daylight, ensure privacy, and bring the outdoors in without compromising the home’s circular form.

    Natural Materials and Sculptural Design

    Externally, Villa O features a refined mix of thermally treated wood and concrete. Sloped concrete walls add a sculptural dimension, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior while casting dynamic shadows throughout the day. This slight inward tilt enhances the feeling of openness within the living spaces.

    Villa O is a retreat where design and nature coexist beautifully
    Leonas Garbačauskas

    While the home’s design is visually compelling, it also introduces practical considerations. Its circular footprint may pose challenges for arranging conventional furniture, and maintaining the sunken courtyards during Lithuania’s harsh winters could prove demanding.

    A central “plus” shape that divides the residence into four main living zones
    Leonas Garbačauskas

    Even so, Villa O stands as a bold architectural vision—one that prioritizes harmony with its surroundings. Instead of dominating the landscape, it embraces it, allowing natural light, the terrain, and stillness to define the living experience.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • The Largest 3D-Printed Structure Ever Built Sets a New Benchmark

    The Largest 3D-Printed Structure Ever Built Sets a New Benchmark

    The 3D Printed Schools Project is currently under construction in Qatar
    COBOD

    Qatar currently hosts the world’s largest 3D-printed construction project, where crews are printing two schools—each one setting new records for 3D-printed buildings.

    Massive 3D Printers Deployed for Groundbreaking School Construction in Qatar

    UCC Holding is leading the 3D-Printed Schools Project in collaboration with Qatar’s Public Works Authority. To support the project, UCC enlisted top 3D firm COBOD to provide two custom BODXL printers, each measuring 50×30×15 meters. Builders are constructing 14 schools in total, using 3D-printing technology for two of them.

    As with other 3D-printed structures, robotic systems will create the two schools by extruding a cement-like material layer by layer, following a digital design. After completing the printing, human workers will install roofs, doors, windows, and other essential features to turn the shells into fully functioning schools.

    “The project includes 14 public schools, two of which are 3D-printed, each spanning 20,000 square meters,” says UCC Holding. That’s 40 times larger than any 3D-printed building constructed to date. The two-story schools, set on 100-by-100-meter plots, mark a groundbreaking step in future-focused education for Qatar and the region.

    The 3D Printed Schools Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025
    COBOD

    Verifying the Scale Proves Challenging, but These Stand as the Largest 3D-Printed Buildings Yet

    The decentralized nature of 3D printing makes it hard to verify claims that these schools are 40 times larger than any prior project. However, there’s no doubt that the scale is massive—they’re certainly the largest we’ve encountered so far.

    Unfortunately, a press representative mentioned that renderings of the school designs aren’t available yet. The architecture is inspired by Qatar’s desert, featuring curved walls that echo sand dunes.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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