Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) have announced plans to redevelop the 95th and 96th floors of the iconic 875 N. Michigan Avenue, formally named the John Hancock Center. The building, originally designed by SOM in 1967 and completed in 1970, is recognized as the world’s first mixed-use skyscraper, having become a recognizable feature of Chicago’s skyline. The redesign endeavor aims to reimagine the two floors, measuring 30,000 square feet, into an observation deck and an attractive destination in the city.
Completed in 1970, the John Hancock Center was once the tallest building in the world outside New York, standing 1,127 feet tall. Designed by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Khan of Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, it represents a landmark of the Chicago skyline alongside the Willis Tower and the Mies van der Rohe residences. This 100-story skyscraper was the first mixed-use high-rise, housing offices, restaurants, and around 700 condominiums.
Its innovative tubular structure addresses Chicago’s high winds, featuring external cross-bracing that enhances stability while maximizing interior space. The ground level includes an elliptical plaza with a waterfall and a lobby revamped in 1995. The 44th floor boasts America’s highest swimming pool. The 95th floor originally housed the John Hancock Observatory, offering expansive views from an open-air SkyWalk. The space has been vacant since September 2023.
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The current redevelopment project aims to reinvigorate the building’s allure and, by leveraging SOM’s original design ethos, elevate the status of both 875 N. Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile. Through this thoughtful expansion, Magnicity, the developer behind the project, promises to create a distinctive space that enhances the cultural and architectural vibrancy of Chicago. The project developed by Magnicity and 360 CHICAGO is scheduled to reopen the two floors to the public in 2026.
The John Hancock Center was a revolutionary project, the world’s first tall, mixed-use tower that forever changed how we approach urban architecture. The experience at the top is extraordinary, with expansive views of Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. It’s not just an observation point; it’s an opportunity to rethink its role as a premier destination in the city’s cultural and architectural narrative. – SOM Partner, Scott Duncan
This is not the first time that the internationally recognized architecture office has returned to one of its previous designs. Last year, SOM announced the completion of the restoration of New York’s Lever House, originally designed by SOM in 1982. The office has also recently revealed their design for a new campus for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, as well as the breaking ground of the CIMC Global Headquarters in Shenzhen, China.
As humanity enters the AI-driven intelligent era, technology platform enterprises adopt more open and flexible modes of operation. Collaborative spaces such as creative incubators and informal exchange areas have become key places for practicing their operational philosophies. In the design of headquarters buildings, companies aim to engage with the public more deeply and convey their corporate culture and spirit, in addition to fulfilling daily office functions. Alibaba’s new headquarters in Shanghai is located in the “Global Waterfront Lifestyle Demonstration Zone,” at the heart of the West Bank Cultural Corridor. Positioned by the river and near the West Bank Media Port, Financial City, and other industrial hubs, the site integrates art with industrial heritage, bringing a unique historical and contemporary vibrancy to the area. The architecture around the park is “star-studded,” with forward-thinking designs from renowned architectural firms worldwide. The three buildings of Alibaba Xuhui Riverside Campus, designed by SANAA, Foster + Partners, and SOM, are introducing new concepts and visions to Xuhui Riverside.
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The official opening of the Foster + Partners-designed Alibaba Shanghai Campus office building, rooted in the city’s DNA of innovation and openness, redefines the traditional office environment. The campus is envisioned as an Internet innovation ecological cluster, merging art and technology, providing smart campus services, and fostering a green, open office environment. By prioritizing public spaces and the building’s open, transparent design, the connection between people and nature is enhanced, and diverse spaces for efficient collaboration are created to meet the needs of the company’s dynamic team structure. The building also responds to the complex riverfront environment with vibrant public spaces. Using design tools like genetic algorithms, it creates comfortable open areas for both the public and office workers.
ArchDaily interviewed Luke Fox, Head of Studio and Senior Executive Partner at Foster + Partners, for detailed insights into the site’s design concept and the construction process.
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ArchDaily (Han Shuang):How did you approach the relationship between the building and the urban environment, especially considering its location right on the riverside? What is Alibaba Group’s vision for its role within the city?
Foster + Partners (Luke Fox): Alibaba wanted to make the most of this great location and create a visible, new symbol for the company that was inviting, yet took advantage of the stunning views on offer. The building has a generous opening towards the riverside, welcoming people into a new public square and providing a new urban connection between the river park and the wider city development to the west.
AD: How were AI-driven genetic algorithms used to generate the building’s massing? How many design possibilities were explored? How did you determine the scale of each module? Also, what percentages of the total GFA (Gross Floor Area) are allocated to balconies, courtyards, and other transitional or “gray” spaces?
F + P: The three key – potentially competing – drivers for the project were to create the most climatically responsive central open space, optimize the views out towards the river and city, and maximize the office floor area. By using a genetic algorithm, we processed thousands of massing options that offered the optimal balance between these three criteria. The scale of each module used for the genetic algorithm was based on optimal structural spans, workplace planning, and other programmatic considerations. 22 percent of the total floor area is designated as outdoor space.
AD: As Alibaba’s headquarters, what customized workspace solutions were developed to specifically meet their unique operational needs?
F + P: The central open space allows people a glimpse into Alibaba’s world, as the building accommodates 1,600 Alibaba employees across a range of different departments. We have designed a set of adaptive and dynamic floorplates that enable a high degree of visibility between departments and provide easy access to outdoor spaces. The building enables a wide variety of layouts that are well-lit and naturally ventilated. The arrangement of terraces optimizes views of Pudong and the river, while also creating places where teams can meet informally and generate more chance encounters throughout the day.
AD: Besides genetic algorithms, what other new technologies were integrated into the project?
F + P: We worked closely with our in-house engineers and specialist teams to access some of the latest technologies. For example, VR technology was a critical design tool, allowing us to constantly evaluate the quality of spaces throughout design development. We also mapped different materials onto the building using material scanning techniques developed by our specialists, allowing us to evaluate the options in real-time and with accurate lighting simulations. Once the building was complete, we used the latest thermal camera drone to check the surface and air temperatures to demonstrate the efficacy of our passive cooling strategy.
AD: A key highlight of the project is the use of “genetic algorithms” to evolve and optimize the building’s massing for local climate conditions, creating a comfortable thermal environment. How did you ensure that human-scale considerations were integrated into the design after this optimization process?
F + P: The goal of using the genetic algorithm was to create an optimal massing that prioritized the creation of a central public square and maximized views for the building’s occupants. From the thousands of options, we created a shortlist which was then evaluated against other criteria, such as visual connections across different floors, optimal variations of the floorplate, daylight, and natural ventilation – all of which correlate to the human scale. In addition, we brought our comprehensive knowledge of design and construction to bear on the project, which drove us to the final solution.
AD: Technology provides a purely rational perspective. From qualitative and quantitative data to architectural design, how did architects balance rationality with architectural elements such as structure, function, and aesthetics throughout the process?
F + P: The genetic algorithm created a partial solution – a rough massing – which had to be assessed aesthetically and qualitatively by our team and the client. This helped us refine and create the final form. This evolution of the design, detailing, and materiality is the result of our extensive experience – the GA tool was a design aid, not the designer!
AD: Above the central plaza, there’s a nearly 50-meter-span connecting structure. What challenges did you face during construction, and how did you overcome them? (Integral lifting of steel structure)
F + P: As it was a very constrained site and the onsite construction was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, the design team worked tirelessly to devise an innovative solution that saved space, shortened the construction schedule, and mitigated safety risks of assembly works at height. The entire spanning structure was pre-assembled on the ground and hydraulically lifted up to its final position. We used the four corners of the building’s steelwork structure as the hoisting frame therefore eliminating the need for additional cranes and speeding up the pace of construction considerably.
AD: The curtain wall design has many details. Are there any notable aspects and intentions in the geometric system, component dimensions, and forms, or joint craftsmanship?
F + P: The curtain wall is designed to express the modular framework of the building. Its design aims to capitalize on the spectacular views while also providing shade and natural ventilation, reducing the building’s environmental impact. The detailing was developed and refined with close collaboration with the cladding contractors using multiple mockups. We were involved through to completion to ensure that the project achieved the highest levels of quality.
AD: Could you please share some successful experiences in project management from the collaboration with Alibaba’s team, Shimizu Corporation, and local design and construction companies?
F + P: A project like this requires a complete team effort with excellent communication between the client, contractors, and the design team. The client commissioned Shimizhu, known for high-quality construction, to take on supervision, construction management, and a BIM specialist role during the construction stages. This assisted us in identifying complicated casing geometrical issues with BIM technology, resulting in better-built quality.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced a three-year redevelopment of its 2-acre downtown Newark campus. The project, designed by architectural firms Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and Weiss/Manfredi, has recently broken ground and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2027. It integrates 350 mixed-income residential units, retail spaces, and a dynamic education and community center, in addition to rehearsal spaces, a new headquarters for jazz public radio station WBGO, and various outdoor gathering areas.
The architectural plans for the redevelopment focus heavily on mixed-use functionality and cultural inclusivity. The residential component, known as ArtSide, will include 350 rental units, 20% of which will be affordable housing. Alongside these, there will be cultural spaces, shops, restaurants, and an extension of Mulberry Street. The Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center, a 58,000-square-foot building designed by Weiss/Manfredi, will serve as a hub for students, community members, and artists.
The architectural approach also includes preserving and enhancing existing structures. Newark’s OCA Architects will oversee the renovation of 31 Mulberry Street, a building recently acquired by NJPAC. This building will house additional community, educational, and office spaces, extending the cultural reach of the center. In addition, the project will improve the eastern façade of NJPAC and other critical infrastructure like interiors and loading docks. These updates are designed to work together with the new development and contribute to the area’s attractivity.
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The redevelopment is a collaborative effort supported by a range of public and private partners, including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Prudential Financial, Liberty Mutual, and Citi Community Capital. The design aims to reflect this commitment to community engagement, with plans for pedestrian-friendly pathways, outdoor performance spaces, and connections to the Newark Light Rail system.
In 1988, long before NJPAC opened, SOM created the original master plan for the campus and today is designing the residential components of the project. “NJPAC’s commitment to downtown Newark is central to its mission. Our original master plan for the campus intended it to be a hub of activity in the heart of the city that would bring new life to the surrounding neighborhoods. Now more than 35 years later, NJPAC and its partners are driving that vision forward. – Chris Cooper, SOM partner
In other similar news, construction photographs reveal how MAD Architect’s FENIX Museum of Migration is taking shape in Rotterdam, as the metallic ‘Tornado’ is assembled atop the historic warehouse. Similarly, Zaha Hadid Architects have revealed the construction progress at the Central Bank of Iraq Skyscraper in Baghdad, a project 12 years in the making.
Water architecture has always been important throughout human history. From the aqueducts in ancient Rome to the grand canals of Venice, water has not only sustained life but also played an important role in shaping the urban environment. It has facilitated trade, nourished agricultural lands, and provided a sense of place and identity to different communities. Despite water’s historical role, during the 20th century, many cities chose to bury their waterways underground, primarily for safety and hygiene reasons, as these channels often served as open sewers.
In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, where cities dominate the landscape, water is being rediscovered as a means of ecological regeneration. There is a growing movement to reopen and re-naturalize urban waterways to restore them as vital ecological corridors within the city. More and more cities are now looking towards the water in an attempt to reconnect with nature and create spaces where urban life and natural ecosystems can coexist harmoniously. This growing trend reflects a deeper understanding of water not just as a resource, but as a bridge to a more sustainable and resilient future for our cities.
Read on to discover four projects that utilize water not only to create spaces for social interaction and cohesion but also to improve their immediate environment by providing a service to their cities.
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The project was designed as a 17-acre floating eco-park located along the east side of Goose Island, on the North Branch Canal on the Chicago River. The park, built in 2021, used to be a canal for sewage and now it is home to at least 105 species of life. Beavers, herons, turtles, and even mussels now live in the park, which has prompted The Field Museum to partner with Urban Rivers to collect water samples to study what other positive impacts the project has had on the urban fabric. According to the Chicago Architecture Center, this project was relatively cheap to construct and very replicable in other contexts.
Shenzhen Lotus Water Culture Base and Ground Level of Honghu Park Water Purification Plant / NODE Architecture & Urbanism
Honghu Park in Shenzhen City, China, was one of the earliest built after the establishment of the Special Economic Zone in the area, around 1985. This park is currently being used as a focal point to tackle the water environment problems the city is currently facing. One key intervention was the construction of the fully buried water purification plant which aims to alleviate the sewage water problems of the Qingshui River due to urban renewal and development in the area. Upon full completion, the facility will be able to treat and purify about 18 million m3 of domestic sewage from surrounding areas every year. This park not only provides an important service to the city but also provides pleasant and ceremonial spaces that redefine the significance of this kind of urban infrastructure for the inhabitants.
Located in central Tainan City in Taiwan, this project occupies the former site for the China-Town mall that was built on top of the old harbor next to the Tainan Canal in 1983. The large commercial structure no longer served its purpose, hence the decision to remove it. The mall was meticulously removed and recycled, making the project an example of circular economy. The highlight of the project is the sunken public plaza that occupies what was once the mall’s underground parking. The plaza is dominated by an urban pool, where the water level will rise and fall in response to the rainy and dry seasons. During hot weather, the water will be used to spray mist in order to reduce the local temperature and reduce the air conditioning usage. The history of the site was not completely erased, as the mall’s foundations were left in a sort of Roman forum style. Combined with the newly added green areas, the project not only repurposed the site to give a new service to the community, it also tackles urban heat island problems and preserves a part of the city’s history for future generations.
Zhangjiagang Town River Reconstruction / Botao Landscape
Courtesy of Botao Landscape
Located in Suzhou, China, the Zhangjiagang Town River extends for about 2,200 meters with an average width of almost 12 meters. This waterway was formerly covered by housing since the early 90’s. It served as the discharge area for sewage, which negatively affected its water quality. As pollution began to become a major problem the city decided to renew the area in 2011. The project aimed to recover the ecology of the river by regulating the sewage system, establishing a waterfront leisure corridor, and building better roads to improve Traffic. The environment along the park improved, displaying a more vibrant urban environment and a renewed river skyline.
This article is part of an ArchDaily curated series that focuses on built projects from our database grouped under specific themes related to cities, typologies, materials, or programs. Every month, we will highlight a collection of structures that find a common thread between previously uncommon contexts, unpacking the depths of influence on our built environments. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Outdoors and the Built Environment. Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.
Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM) has announced the International High-Rise Award 2024/25. Selected from more than 1,000 new high-rises worldwide dating from the past two years, the nominated projects are located in 13 counties from 5 continents. In autumn, the five finalists will be announced, followed by the winner announcement scheduled for November 12, 2024. The main objective of the award is to highlight good practices in the ongoing trend of mixed-use high-rises.
With the increase in the construction of high-rises, special features such as the introduction of greenery in the design, unusual shapes, or the construction of clusters of towers, have become the new normal. DAM’s research this year also shows a growing eco-awareness, as the focus in high-rise construction is increasingly on the use of existing buildings. While the majority of tall buildings continue to be erected in China, followed by the USA, Australia, and Singapore have emerged as new hubs of high-rise architecture.
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The International High-Rise Award is organized jointly by the City of Frankfurt/Main, Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM), and DekaBank. Its evaluation criteria include sustainability, external design, and internal use of space, taking into consideration the social and urban planning-related aspects of the projects. Further criteria include innovative engineering and cost-effectiveness. The competition evaluated buildings that measure at least 100 meters in height and were completed over the past two years.
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Central Park Tower / New York, USA
Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill Architecture, Chicago, USA
The Skidmore Owings & Merril (SOM) two-tower development in Downtown Chicago has just started construction. Situated at the intersection of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, the new residential development seeks to redefine Chicago’s skyline. Composed of 635 residential units in its first phase, 20% of which are designated as affordable housing, the scheme also outlines the design of DuSable Park. Phase one of the project has officially commenced, occupying the last undeveloped waterfront parcel in the Streeterville neighborhood.
The initial phase features a 72-story, 858-foot tower on the northern end of the side, compromising residential units as well as the DuSable Park. Named after Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, Chicago’s first non-native settler, the park spans 3.3 acres and will become a new public space on the peninsula. Situated east of Lake Shore Drive, the park will be accessible via Founder’s Way, a planned extension of the Chicago Riverwalk.
Courtesy of SOM / Related Midwest
The site has been dormant since the halted Chicago Spire Project was initially designed by Santiago Calatrava. In 2018, it was announced that David Childs of SOM, the lead architect behind 1 World Trade Center, is designing the new Chicago development. The towers each feature a distinctive cascading silhouette with outdoor terraces and angled positioning to maintain sidelines. The exterior facade echoes Chicago’s architectural heritage, seeking to incorporate modern interpretations of the classic “Chicago Window” and metal detailing.
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Designed to become an architecturally and culturally significant landmark in Chicago’s skyline, the development prioritizes a connection to public spaces. With 20% of the residential units planned to be affordable housing, the project aligns with Chicago’s commitment to mixed-income housing. Designed in collaboration with Related Midwest, a leading developer of mixed-use properties and affordable housing, the development seeks to improve community standards and income equity.
Known for its renowned work globally and in the United States, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is celebrated for its landmark developments that define city skylines. In other similar news, the studio recently collaborated with Mexico-city-based Studio AMA on a new 190-meter-tall mixed-use tower in Guadalajara, Mexico, which broke ground last month. Additionally, SOM’s William H. Gray III 30th Street Station recently broke ground in Philadelphia, United States. Finally, the studio has just completed the restoration works for the iconic Lever House, one of New York’s Modernist landmarks from 1952.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 15th, 2018, and updated on June 25th, 2024.
Brutalist buildings are a significant component of Washington, D.C.’s architectural identity. In the National Building Museum’s new exhibition, Capital Brutalism, this identity is explored further. Co-organized with the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), Capital Brutalism is a comprehensive exhibition of Brutalist architecture in Washington, D.C., to date, running until February 17th, 2025.
The architectural exhibition examines the history, present condition, and future prospects of Brutalist architecture, highlighting seven controversial structures and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metro system. The exhibition comprises archival documents, drawings, architectural models, and contemporary photographs tracing the origins of the Brutalist movement in the U.S. capital during the Cold War. Additionally, the exhibition presents speculative redesigns, inviting visitors to imagine how these buildings could be adapted for future use, crafted by leading architecture studios, including Studio Gang, Brooks + Scarpa, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and BLDUS.
The exhibition spotlights seven buildings in the D.C. area, including The Robert C. Weaver Federal Building; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; Hubert H. Humphrey Building; Lauinger Library (Georgetown University); J. Edgar Hoover Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI Headquarters); James V. Forrestal Building; and The Euram Buildings in Dupont Circle. Centered around this local architecture, the exhibition “offers a though-provoking exploration of the architecture’s historical, cultural, and lasting impact.”
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During the 1960s and 1970s, Brutalist architecture was highly prevalent in Washington D.C. This era saw the creation of various landmarks, including Marcel Breuer’s Weaver Building, I.M. Pei’s L’Enfant Plaza, and Interstate 395. In fact, the typology was seen as an economical solution for federal urban renewal projects. The exhibition also confronts the fact that this architecture led to the displacement of thousands of residents and businesses, mainly affecting African American and immigrant communities. “Capital Brutalism” seeks to document this period, revealing the social and economic undertones of Brutalism through archival materials.
According to the exhibition, many Brutalist buildings “face widespread public aversion” and are dubbed as “ugly” structures globally. However, there is simultaneously a growing recognition of their cultural value, sparking preservation efforts. In fact, the exhibition explores the options these structures are left with, be it renovation or demolition, and the challenges accompanying these decisions.
Although modernist architecture is not usually considered heritage, there has been a recent transformation in the conversation around their cultural significance. In other similar news, Heatherwick Studio recently unveiled the design of a new large-scale renovation project transforming a 138-year-old exhibition hall to become one of the main attractions of Olympia. Additionally, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has just completed the restoration works for Lever House, one of New York’s Modernist landmarks. However, some structures are facing a different adversity, running the risk of being demolished. In India, the iconic Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation recently announced its plan to demolish the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, a Brutalist landmark in the city.
The City of Chicago has just unveiled the design for the first phase of the transformation of O’Hare International Airport. Designed by Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill (SOM), the terminal represents the largest concourse area expansion and revitalization in the airport’s 68-year history. Designed in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and Arup, “Satellite One” seeks to become a landmark in the state.
Aiming to “create a frictionless experience for travelers,” “Satellite One” accommodates various aircraft types, enhancing operational efficiency at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Initially selected in 2019 to design the airport’s two satellite terminals through an international competition, the terminal is only the first new building in the ambitious Terminal Area Program.
Courtesy of SOM & Norviska
The design is tuned to the Midwest climate, finding efficiencies that prioritize well-being while improving environmental performance. The branching structural system reduces the building’s embodied carbon, while the curved roof minimizes heating and cooling needs. Throughout the year, daylit waiting rooms are provided by central skylights, while parts that overhang strategically give shade during periods of high sun.
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Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are further decreased by high-performance mechanical and electrical systems. Passengers will arrive in an atrium via a connection from the current Concourse C, where they can unwind in a garden-like environment lit up by daylight from an oculus skylight above. This natural palette is extended throughout the interior using carefully chosen materials that provide warmth and sound absorption.
Furthermore, this tree-like structure “eliminates almost half the columns at the gates,” easing traffic in the terminal so that people can have better visibility and experiences. Aiming to enhance the experience of air travel, the column-free structure also boasts simple navigation and wayfinding, high ceilings for better air circulation, and daylighting strategies to help align the body’s natural rhythms.
Courtesy of SOM & Norviska
In similar news featuring airport architecture, architects BIG and A+Architecture have revealed the design for the Marengo Multimodal Transport Hub in Toulouse, France. Similarly, MAD Architects has just unveiled the design for Lishui Airport in China, echoing the “forest city” green landscapes and valleys found in the Southwest Zhejiang Province. In Florence, Italy, Rafael Viñoly Architects has recently released new renderings of the new international terminal at Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci, planning to welcome over 5.9 million passengers a year.
Delving into the realm of unbuilt architectural projects by renowned offices offers a peak into the design principles and ethos of the studios. The curated list of unbuilt projects submitted by established architecture practices has the potential to reveal new perspectives on the socio-cultural and environmental factors shaping contemporary architecture. These designs often respond to complex challenges such as sustainability, urbanization, and cultural preservation, reflecting architects’ efforts to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the built environment.
Within this curated selection, one standout project is Rafael Viñoly Architects’ Médano El Pinar, marking the late architect’s last contribution to the architectural landscape. Other projects such as Aedas’ Ellinikon Commercial Hub explore the opportunities of new developments, such as the disused airport transformed into Europe’s largest coastal park in the periphery of Athens, while others are highlighting natural landscapes or offering spaces for creative and innovative programs. Featuring internationally recognized offices like SOM, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Gensler, or GAD Architecture, the selection showcases the unrealized concepts and architectural experimentations of renowned offices.
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Read on to discover the 10 unbuilt projects by internationally recognized offices, along with descriptions provided by the architects.
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Médano El Pinar
Rafael Viñoly Architects
Médano El Pinar / Rafael Viñoly Architects. Image Courtesy of Rafael Viñoly Architects
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Rafael Viñoly Architects is unveiling its design on Médano El Pinar, an innovative, sustainable, multi-family luxury residential development located 15 minutes outside Montevideo, Uruguay. Médano El Pinar is the last project to be designed by the late renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. Médano El Pinar will be nestled behind the dunes of a unique oceanfront location and will feature approximately 120 beach-front units with 1 to 5 bedrooms arranged along the building’s 425-meter length in a terraced, non-overlapping configuration, making each unit feel more like a free-standing house than an apartment. Médano El Pinar will be a Mass Timber structure locally sourced and engineered with a minimal carbon footprint attributable to transportation.
Architect Amelia Tavella wins the design competition for the demolition, rehabilitation, and extension of the unique thermal Spa in the Mediterranean. Aware of the challenges and eager to realize its ambitions, the City of Balaruc-les-Bains, France, initiated a reflection on the rejuvenation of the O’Balia thermal spa, incorporated within the broader redevelopment project of the Hespérides site. The architect chose to direct attention towards the Thau lagoon and orchestrate a meeting between geology and genealogy. Numerous traces bear witness to Balaruc’s Roman origins: archaeological remains, ancient buried baths, mosaics, and busts of statues.
Situated at the Eastern edge of the Ellinikon District, The MIPIM award-winning Ellinikon Commercial Hub is located in a prime location in Athens. Transformed from the former Athens International Airport, the hub is slated to become a contemporary mini-city comprising the new state-of-the-art commercial, leisure, and business destination that will extend to more than 185,000 sq m on Vouliagmenis Avenue. The Commercial Hub consists of the largest mall in Greece, a next-generation retail park with big-box stores. Right next to it, an iconic mixed-use tower houses a hotel and apartments. It is a pioneering ecosystem that introduces a new lifestyle philosophy in shopping and entertainment.
Nordic Office of Architecture and ALA Architects partnered for “Nina”, a proposal for Bergen’s new music theatre. Aiming to complement the existing Grieg Hall, the proposal offers a building sunk deep into the landscape, with a welcoming entrance pavilion. This design frees up public space and creates a vibrant cultural hub with indoor and outdoor performance areas. “Nina” was shortlisted in the design competition alongside proposals by Snøhetta, Henning Larsen, Zaha Hadid, and Kengo Kuma.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) brings their renowned global talent and expertise to Miami’s Brickell neighborhood for its premier high-rise office and retail project, 848 Brickell. Designed to reflect the city’s culture and environment, the building is informed by the surrounding climate and driven by a vision for an innovative, resilient workplace with best-in-class amenities. Rising above Biscayne Bay and situated directly on the famed Brickell Avenue, 848 Brickell was conceptualized to capture the growing market for high-end office space in Miami with its expressive structure and wellness-focused programming.
Ring of Bjólfur is a ring-shaped viewing platform in the slopes of Mount Bjólfur, 650m over sea level. The platform overlooks Seydisfjordur, a narrow fjord with steep mountains in East Iceland. The simple concrete structure sits on top of the rugged landscape and hovers over the edge offering a spectacular view over the fjord and to the Atlantic Ocean. The ring has a diameter of 32 meters, with a walkway and bench spanning the entire 100m circumference. The slightly sloping ring structure is wheelchair accessible.
Biomedical Research Building, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) is pleased to unveil New York City’s first purpose-built, all-electric academic research lab building, designed for Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. The new eight-story building will house biomedical research and lab facilities as well as symposium and community engagement spaces. Designed to use significantly less energy than similar buildings of its kind, the new biomedical building will outperform emission limits set by New York City’s Local Law 97 and support Columbia University’s Plan 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals. The new building will connect to the Columbia University School of Nursing and Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion, creating a unified academic and research facility.
Public Realm Vision for Fleet Street Quarter, London
Gensler was appointed by Fleet Street Quarter BID to develop a new public realm vision for this dynamic part of the City. The proposed strategy was unveiled today and has the potential to be the most extensive transformation in the City of London in 150 years. Gensler has been working closely with Fleet Street Quarter BID, the City of London and key stakeholders and businesses to define a vision to create a sustainable future for an essential part of London’s Central Business District. The Fleet Street Quarter Era of Change Strategy proposes a revitalization of the area which will drive local business growth and see the creation of a new community of workers, visitors, and residents.
Rinkkaai is an urban housing development next to Ghent’s central train station, set within a kilometer-long park-like setting created from a former industrial site—which is also connected to a nearby recreation area by a playful new bridge, that spans the river Leie. The project is a result of a winning competition, and a nearly decade-long international collaboration between KCAP, architects firms evr-architects and OM/AR, and the landscape designers Omgeving and Fris in Landschap. It is set to enliven and rejuvenate this former brownfield site in the city, while also ‘completing’ the far western edge of one of Ghent’s neighborhoods, named Stationbuurt Noord. The development of this area of the city is part of a larger master plan for the station area of the city, which has been under development since the late 1990s.
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SOM’s 30th Street Station Redevelopment in Philadelphia Breaks Ground
Courtesy of SOM
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This month, Skidmore, Owings, and Merril’s (SOM) $550 million William H. Gray III 30th Street Station broke ground in Philidelphia. Initially proposed in 2016, the scheme involves a new mixed-use urban district with an emphasis on transit for the 30th Street Station Precinct. Boasting a vibrant public realm, the initial phase of the plan focuses extensively on renovating the historic station. Designed in collaboration with Gilbane, Amtrak, Plenary, Vantage, and Johnson Controls, the overarching goal is to position the station for sustained growth over the next five decades and enhance the travel experience for millions of annual visitors.
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The project encompasses the most significant revitalization initiative for the iconic 30th Street Station since 1991. Originally completed by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1933, the landmark stands as a testament to Beaux-Arts architecture, holding a significant place in Philadelphia’s civic landscape. SOM is aiming to modernize and expand the rail hub’s retail offerings, upgrade its infrastructure, expand and fully pedestrianize its outdoor spaces, and consolidate Amtrak’s offices within the building’s upper levels.
Courtesy of SOM
The scheme aims to connect Center City and University City, creating an inclusive, transportation-centric district. Integral to achieving this connectivity is transforming Market Street Plaza, a vital public space south of the station. The redesigned plaza will extend the popular Porch at 30th Street Station along Market Street, replacing vehicular access with a blend of hardscape and greenery while preserving emergency vehicle access. A new glass canopy next to the Market Street entrance will shield the area from the elements and promote a seamless indoor and outdoor flow. The project aims to create a vibrant public area suitable for neighborhood get-togethers and events, featuring improved accessibility and safety elements.
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One of the main goals of the reconstruction plan is to make 30th Street Station more accessible and easier to use. For increased convenience, customer service locations that were previously dispersed over the station will be combined onto the north concourse. The building’s historic aesthetic will be incorporated into architectural interventions, such as glass-clad pavilions, that will lead travelers while maintaining the building’s identity. The scheme boasts the introduction of a Metropolitan Lounge, which is modeled after amenities found at New York’s Moynihan Train Hall. Located above the north waiting area, the lounge will provide various services catered to multiple traveler requirements while adhering to the station’s design aesthetic. Additionally, the station’s upper floors will be renovated as part of the reconstruction for Amtrak’s engineering offices. The design incorporates contemporary working amenities while maintaining the building’s architectural integrity.
Courtesy of SOMCourtesy of SOM
The project is set to be executed in phases, with retail and plaza enhancements expected to be completed by 2025 and 2026, followed by the remaining renovations by 2027. In similar recent news, SOM has completed the restoration works for Lever House, one of New York’s Modernist landmarks. Additionally, the studio was selected to design the New York Climate Exchange, a public research institute in New York. The new net-zero campus is planned to serve as an anchor institution for the development of new climate solutions. Finally, SOM’s new American Buddhist Cultural Society Temple, also known as the San Bao Temple, has broken ground in San Francisco, California
