The Pombaline style of early 20th-century Portuguese architecture is given a fresh reboot in this thoughtful redesign of a top-floor apartment near Lisbon’s São Bento Palace. Most of architecture firm Aspa’s major moves focused on celebrating what was already there but hidden behind the oppressive layers of past renos. Newly excavated, the original roof structure […]

After digging up a significant number of amber-encased insects and other preserved remains during its stone-mining operations, Yingliang Stone Group set out to build a dedicated place to display its unique collection. The company decided to convert part of its office in Xiamen, China, into a museum. To transition a third of the building from […]

Launching a bar that makes an impression in crowded New York City is already a challenge. Rockwell Group had the added pressure of designing a space that would put an entirely new neighbourhood on the map. The firm’s strategy for Cedric’s at the Shed, the lobby lounge component of the Diller Scofidio + Renfro–designed arts […]

A busy Shanghai shopping mall might not seem the most obvious location for a spa that channels the stillness of the cosmos. Yet the moment you’re inside, Green Massage feels light years removed from its hectic setting thanks to its celestial design concept, which draws on the symbolism of the moon. To best evoke the […]

In conceiving Tori Tori Santa Fe — the fifth in a series of popular Japanese restaurants in Mexico City — Esrawe Studio assembled thoughtful references to both contemporary and historic Japan. In line with the restrained purity synonymous with the country, the project contrasts a predominantly dark interior with finely crafted light wood accents. Two […]

Some people prefer to make decisions based on instinct, while others act on careful calculations. When it came time to design a getaway compound on the Greek island of Milos, DECA Architecture did a bit of both. First, the architects traversed a nine-hectare landscape to identify five choice sites for undisturbed vacation homes based on […]

Never underestimate the healing powers of nature. When faced with an abandoned quarry site at the eastern edge of the heavily polluted Taihu Lake, Suzhou City came up with an unconventional plan: open a park. Or, rather, rehabilitate the landscape, work to remediate the contaminated water and then open a park. The community had a […]

Warm wood, ceramic gres, synthetic leather, soft fabric — Rimadesio’s Modulor makes it easy to devise a contemporary textured wall in a multitude of materials. The aluminum frame system accommodates wall panels in four standard sizes (custom dimensions are also available). As added bonuses, cleverly designed specialty bracketing that adjusts for uneven walls and floors […]

Taking its cues from the straw tatami mats popular in traditional Japanese homes, Tarkett’s modular flooring system offers a decidedly homey and flexible alternative to permanent broadloom carpets in office settings. Four sizes of modules can be linked together with a temporary adhesive that allows for easy release when it comes time for a new […]

Textile development is both an art and a science. Case in point: Carnegie’s Xorel Knit. While the company’s woven Xorel material has long been a popular choice for wallcoverings and panels, it lacked the pliability to serve as effective upholstery. Thus began an elaborate quest to develop an offshoot version that could be wrapped around […]