Architecture and design news:
attractions & entertainment
Revealed: Daniel Libeskind's vision for a museum of humankind in Kenya
by Andrew Manns | 14 May 2019
Polish architect Daniel Libeskind has released images of his breathtaking designs for "Ngaren" – a world history museum commissioned by famed paleoanthropologist, Professor Richard Leakey. Set to rise in the rugged hills of Kenya's Rift Valley – widely recognised as the cradle of human life – the jagged-shaped building will chart the course of sapient evolution with narrative-led exhibits that address misconceptions about extinction, climate change, war, and overpopulation. Speaking
London's first riverside linear park to feature 'wellness portals'
by Andrew Manns | 14 May 2019
New York-based architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) have unveiled the first series of renderings of "The Tide", a linear park planned for London's Greenwich Peninsula. The future leisure area will comprise 500 hectares of Thameside public realm and feature an array of contemporary art installations, sculpture gardens, terraces, and promenades. The space will also play host to a number of audio wellness portals (designed by BeBox), eateries, and
Sir David Adjaye wins Kiran Nadar Museum job with 'sacred geometries' concept
by Andrew Manns | 13 May 2019
Sir David Adjaye has been selected to design the new Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and Cultural Center (KNMACC) following a global competition that brought together 47 of the world's most prestigious architecture firms. Planned for New Delhi, the attraction – Adjaye's first cultural commission in India – will house a 6,000-piece collection of South Asian contemporary art as well as facilities for music and creative education. Adjaye's "veil of
See the AED25bn leisure quarter which Emaar Properties is building in Dubai
by Andrew Manns | 10 May 2019
Emirati developer Emaar Properties has announced plans for an AED25bn (US$6.8bn, €6bn, £5.2bn) waterfront leisure district in Dubai. Called "Mina Rashid", the government-backed scheme will see the creation of numerous luxury facilities and properties, including art galleries, villas, a museum, a floating yacht club, a theatre, and the city's largest swimming pool. Sirdhana, the development's on-site residential complex, will comprise an as-yet-undisclosed number of one- to three-bedroom condos, plus a
Arup and Effekt architects unveil observation tower and boardwalk at Camp Adventure, Denmark
by Andrew Manns | 10 May 2019
Danish architects Effekt and global engineering consultancy Arup Associates have completed a tornado-shaped observation tower at the Camp Adventure Climbing Park in Denmark. The structure, which rises 45 metres above the Gisselfeld Klosters Skove – a preserved forest outside Copenhagen – features a winding ramp designed to accommodate visitors of all physical abilities. The tower also is linked to a 900-metre boardwalk that snakes through the nature park. According to
Statue of Liberty Museum gears up for long-anticipated opening
by Andrew Manns | 09 May 2019
The Statue of Liberty Museum is set to make its long-awaited debut on 16 May. Designed by FXCollaborative, the 26,000 sq ft (2,415.4 sq m) attraction – said to be the largest addition to Liberty Island since the Statue of Liberty – will boast a number of exhibits produced by ESI Design, including an immersive theatre space and a gallery with the landmark's original torch. Other highlights will include an
Sergison Bates to spur regeneration of Belgian medieval district with €60m arts centre
by Andrew Manns | 08 May 2019
London-based architects Sergison Bates have won an international contest to design a new performing arts centre in the medieval quarter of Leuven, Belgium. The €60m (US$67.1m, £51.6m) project will see the Sint-Pieters Hospital, which dates to the 11th century, transformed into a 10,000 sq m multi-use structure with concert halls, rehearsal rooms, and lounge areas. "This will be more like a cultural platform than a conventional arts venue," explained the
Interactive aquaculture venue with 'fish-eye' design planned for Norway
by Andy Knaggs | 07 May 2019
A concept design for a "world-class" visitor centre at a Norwegian salmon farm has been unveiled by Danish exhibition design company Kvorning Design & Communication. It's hoped that The Salmon Eye visitor centre at seafood company Eide Fjordbruk's fish farming site in Hardangerfjord, Norway, will draw attention to and increase dialogue about standards of aquaculture, encouraging innovation. Should the project go forward following approval from the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries,
Studio Other Spaces to design museum extension that mirrors 'constant motion' of the sky
by Andrew Manns | 30 Apr 2019
Berlin-based art and design team Olafur Eliasson and Sebastian Behmann, co-founders of Studio Other Spaces (SOS), have been commissioned to transform a 1960s-era courtyard into a canopied community hall at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York. The new atrium – dubbed Common sky – is expected to further augment the institution's US$160m (€142.6m, £122.8m) expansion, which is being led by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and which
US$1.2bn leisure airport with tallest indoor waterfall opens in Singapore
by Andrew Manns | 17 Apr 2019
The Moshe Safdie-designed Jewel Changi Airport – an atmospheric leisure complex and air terminus in Singapore – has finally opened its doors to the public. The result of a four-year construction process, the US$1.25bn (€1.1bn, £958m) structure is roofed by a unique glass and steel geodesic dome that links to its crowning feature, a 40-metre-tall waterfall dubbed the "Rain Vortex". The impressive complex – a city in its own right
The Shed opens to the public with concert series directed by Steve McQueen
by Andrew Manns | 05 Apr 2019
The Shed – the long-awaited movable events space and one of the crowning structures of the Hudson Yards development – has finally opened to the public. The multi-use arts venue, which was co-designed by Rockwell Group and Diller Scofidio+Renfro (DS+R) kicked off its events programme with The Soundtrack of America, a five-night concert celebrating African-American music. The production was conceived and developed by British filmmaker Steve McQueen in collaboration with
Techniquest’s £5.7m expansion will use fish as a power source
by Luke Cloherty | 04 Apr 2019
The Techniquest science discovery centre in Wales is building a £5.7m (US$7.4m, €6.6m) expansion that will more than double its exhibition space and use a remarkable power source – fish. Techniquest’s new building, called Science Capital, sits on Cardiff Bay in the Welsh capital and the centre has consulted a number of STEM, energy and marine biology specialists across Wales for the Scale-ectric power project. Bream, carp and rudd in
Snøhetta to create monumental opera house for Shanghai, to be open all year, 24/7
by Andrew Manns | 03 Apr 2019
The Chinese government has commissioned Scandinavian architecture firm Snøhetta to design the Shanghai Grand Opera House. Described by the architects as an "accessible canvas for global visitors, local citizens, and artists", the new opera building, which will rise on the banks of the Huangpu River, will comprise a 2,000-seat auditorium, two smaller performance halls, restaurants, exhibition areas, libraries, and cinemas. Key structure elements of the future landmark will be its
Ambitious plans for London's largest music venue unveiled
by Andrew Manns | 29 Mar 2019
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) has submitted plans to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) for the MSG Sphere – a multi-use entertainment complex slated to become the city's largest music venue. The 21,500-capacity arena will be situated on a 4.7-acre site in Stratford and play host to a variety of events, such as concerts, conferences, and sporting matches. Its campus will also comprise restaurants, parks, retail areas, a
OPEN Architecture convert 100-year-old fuel tanks into art museum
by Andrew Manns | 26 Mar 2019
OPEN Architecture have transformed five decommissioned oil containers into the Tank Museum Shanghai – an art gallery and exhibition complex. The new 60,000 sq m attraction, which is situated near an airfield that was active in the 1920s and '30s, also includes a landscaped concourse and "urban forest", as well as retail shops and restaurants. "While paying tribute to the site's industrial past," the architects outlined in a statement, "the
Jean Nouvel completes US$434m museum in Qatar
by Luke Cloherty | 26 Mar 2019
Cultural space developments in the Gulf region continue apace with the opening of a new US$434m (€383m, £328.7m) museum in Doha, Qatar. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum resembles a desert rose and has been described as representing a kind of fantasy. "To imagine a desert rose as a basis for a design was a very advanced idea, even a utopian one," said Nouvel. He continued: "To construct
Hugh Broughton Architects revamp 'Sistine Chapel of the UK'
by Andrew Manns | 25 Mar 2019
British design practice Hugh Broughton Architects have completed an £8.5m (US$11.2m, €10m) refurbishment of Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Also known as the English 'Sistine Chapel', the renovated space features a restored Baroque fresco as well an adjoining undercroft that houses a cafe, art gallery, and visitor centre. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme was reportedly one of the largest open-access renovation
Planning permission granted for vast £200m adventure resort in South Wales
by Andrew Manns | 22 Mar 2019
Neath Port Talbot council has greenlit plans for the Afan Valley Adventure Resort – a highly anticipated leisure destination set to rise on a 325-acre former forestry plantation in South Wales. The new attraction, which is being overseen by Peter Moore OBE – of Center Parcs fame – will comprise 600 trail lodges, a 100-room spa hotel, restaurants, and a plethora of sports and recreational facilities, including a survival academy
Kengo Kuma's wood market-inspired museum on track for summer opening
by Andrew Manns | 21 Mar 2019
The Kengo Kuma-designed Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) is slated to launch in Eskisehir, Turkey – the former "Turkic World" capital of culture – in June. The 4,500 sq m museum, which takes its cantilevered, stacked appearance from the town's Ottoman-era houses and traditional wood market, will unfold over three floors and comprise exhibition galleries, workshop areas, event spaces, a cafe, and a shop. Founded by Turkish billionaire and art aficionado
The Aon Center's new observatory will offer rare views of Chicago
by Andrew Manns | 20 Mar 2019
The Hettema Group and architecture practice Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) have been tapped to create a sky deck and visitor attraction at the Aon Center in Chicago, IL. The redevelopment, the plans for which were recently finalised, will see the 83-storey building transformed into a public destination with multiple retail and dining amenities. Connected to the ground floor via what has been called the "tallest elevator of its kind in
An undersea adventure: Snøhetta’s 'Under' welcomes its first diners
by Andrew Manns | 20 Mar 2019
Under – an underwater restaurant and research facility that evokes the romance and wonder of Captain Nemo's Nautilus – has opened in Lindesnes, Norway. Conceptualised by Scandinavian design firm Snøhetta, the grey-coloured building, which was shaped to appear like a sunken periscope, can accommodate up to 40 guests and is protected from sea waves by fortress-like concrete walls. Under's interiors, illuminated by greenish LEDs, also add realism to the space,
Snarkitecture’s interactive Snark Park art space opens in New York’s Hudson Yards
by Luke Cloherty | 19 Mar 2019
A new interactive exhibition space, courtesy of US design studio Snarkitecture, has opened in the thriving Hudson Yards development in Manhattan, New York. Called Snark Park, the new 6,000sq ft (557sq m) space will put on three major experiences per year, starting with its first installation, Lost and Found – a grid-like ‘forest’ made up of columns of various heights that emerge from the ground which aims to encourage visitors
Heatherwick Studio's latticework Vessel finally opens to the public
by Andrew Manns | 18 Mar 2019
The tentatively named "Vessel" sculpture – arguably the most recognisable landmark in the entire Hudson Yards Development – has opened its doors in Manhattan, New York. Conceived by London-based architecture practice Heatherwick Studio, Vessel, which was inspired by the "ancient stepwells of India" stands 46 metres tall and features almost 2,500 steps and 80 landings. These are supported by a latticework of copper-coloured steel beams, all of which were fabricated
Ennead Architects to help conserve rare species with futuristic lab centre and aquarium
by Andrew Manns | 13 Mar 2019
International design practice Ennead Architects have won a competition to build a futuristic laboratory and nature reserve on the Yangtze River near Shanghai, China. The new 427,000 sq ft (39,669 sq m) facility, which will resemble rippling waves and feature indoor and outdoor habitats, will primarily function as a breeding and research centre, housing endangered populations of finless porpoises – the Yangtze's only extant aquatic mammal – and sturgeon, one
Belgian Pavilion for 2020 World Expo to showcase benefits of eco-design
by Andrew Manns | 12 Mar 2019
The Green Ark, Belgium's winning concept for the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, will function as both an exhibit of biophilic architecture and an illustration of the country's green future. Designed by Belgian bureaux Vincent Callebaut Architectures and Assar Architects, the future building will feature merchandise shops, a brasserie, terrace, and a naturally ventilated agora. Set to be constructed from sustainable materials, the Ark will also have an oasis-like garden
MVRDV share details of green-roofed emporium in Taiwan
by Andrew Manns | 06 Mar 2019
Dutch design firm MVRDV have revealed renderings of their plan to create an open-air marketplace and urban escape in Tainan, Taiwan. The new attraction, which recently broke ground, will be divided into two areas: a ground-floor trading area – set to host vending stalls and kiosks – and a rooftop park. Landscaped to resemble terraced paddy fields, the green expanse will function as a recreational retreat and feature benches, picnic
First-of-its-kind leisure airport set to debut this spring in Singapore
by Andrew Manns | 05 Mar 2019
Jewel Changi Airport – long-praised as representing a new paradigm in passenger experience design – is scheduled to open its doors this spring in Singapore. Planned by Safdie Architects and delivered by BuroHappold Engineering, the first-of-its-kind transit hub will double as an attraction and boast several publicly accessible and "community-centric" leisure facilities and hospitality outlets, including boutique hotels and restaurants, a 40-metre-high indoor waterfall, and a five-storey "paradise garden". Shaped
Transport Museum of Hungary chooses architecture competition winner
by Luke Cloherty | 04 Mar 2019
The Transport Museum of Hungary is building a new home in Budapest and has chosen New York architecture practice Diller Scofidio + Renfro to design it, following a competition. The firm beat out rivals including AL_A, Caruso St John, David Chipperfield, and Foster and Partners among others for the museum's new home, which will be based on a former rail maintenance depot site in the Kobanya region in east Budapest.
Mecanoo's plans for largest man-made natural park in the world gather tempo
by Andrew Manns | 04 Mar 2019
The government of Flevoland has approved a master plan devised by Dutch architects Mecanoo to transform Nationaal park Nieuw Land into the largest man-made natural park in the world. Mecanoo's intervention will see the 29,000-hectare polder – which comprises four loosely connected areas of wetlands near greater Amsterdam – combined into one contiguous attraction with bike and walking trails, a parkway, sightseeing towers, and bird reserves. The architects will also
Plans for museum and visitor centre dedicated to Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde to be submitted
by Luke Cloherty | 28 Feb 2019
A new visitor centre is in the offing for London's famous replica of the Golden Hinde warship, which was captained by British naval officer Sir Francis Drake – the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. The centre has been designed by London-based architectural practice SPPARC and will feature an accessible education facility exploring the vessel's history, as well as an exhibition space and viewing galleries. SPPARC's dual-level, 1,125 sq m
company profile
TechnoAlpin Indoor offers expert consultation for indoor snow concepts, assisting customers with the integration of snow in the initial design phase of spa concepts and this way providing individualised solutions for any business in order to elevate the guest’s spa experience.
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
cladkit product news
LivinGlobe can install ultra short throw projections or premium LED panels, as well as the surround sound system and video server
Founded more than 10 years ago, LivinGlobe was one of the first companies in the immersive wellness space with its ...
Studiotamat has teamed up with Ariana de Luca to create the Balera range
The new Balera Collection sees design studio Studiotamat team up with ceramic artist Arianna De Luca and lighting designer Ninefifty ...
cladkit product news
Lucas Zito’s practice specialises in the design of lights through 3D printing
A collection of lighting from Paris-based designer Lucas Zito aims to reframe the idea of 3D printed objects as cheap ...
The Iris Pod features vibro-acoustic technology, aromatherapy, light therapy, music, guided meditations and soundscapes
OpenSeed has launched its multisensory Iris Meditation Pod, designed in collaboration with Fuseproject – a design and innovation company founded ...
cladkit product news
The new club aims to connect children with nature
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ ...
The system uses heat-treated lime wood cladding, available in either a dark or light tone
Sauna specialist Effe (formerly Effegibi) has introduced its new sauna and hammam collection, Baluar, designed by architect and designer Patricia ...



















