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Architectural Marvels: From Sustainable Cities to Fictional Worlds

Discover insights from placemaking's impact on sustainable urbanism to innovative design ideas.

Hello,

In this edition, we’re embracing the full spectrum of architectural marvels. From sustainable designs shaping healthier cities to futuristic visions from the 1960s, we’ve got a lineup that is both interesting and fun.

Placemaking is a movement that has been making waves in urban planning, with direct impact on sustainable urbanism. This approach is transforming city landscapes, making them more livable and health-focused.

Architects around the world are constantly pushing themself to create spaces that engage the human experience. On the retail front, Marz Studio is redefining how we shop, with a fresh take on the Digikala flagship store. Also, Azerbaijan’s Pavilion for Expo 2025 is a creative blend of immersive technology and storytelling inspired by the Tale of the Seven Beauties.

Some of our favorite childhood movies created architectural worlds, which at one point we wished we could live in. For a touch of nostalgia and magic, step into the imaginative world of Willy Wonka, where architecture and fantasy collide in a whimsical exploration of design.

Hitting home on that nostalgia, we revisit the futuristic optimism of The Jetsons and its inspiration from Googie architecture. How true was the 1960 vision for the future in 2062, and did we finally manage to create cars that fly?

More on the tech side, AI-enthusiasts, did you check out our AI in Practice Competition? I think you would really love this opportunity!

Stay tuned as we explore how architecture continues to blend creativity, experience, technology, and storytelling.

Best,
Yasmine

AI in Practice Competition

The “AI in Practice Competition” challenges architects and designers from around the world to conceptualize a landmark building in the heart of London. The concept should be a harmonious blend of innovation and heritage, reflecting the dynamic essence of London’s architectural landscape.

Azerbaijan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka: Weaving Culture and Technology

Expo 2025 is set to take place in Japan, Yumeshima Island between April 13 to October 13 with the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. Over 150 countries are expected to showcase their visions for a better future that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Japan’s own Society 5.0 initiative. Out of the outstanding contributions, the Azerbaijan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is set to impress with its innovative blend of technology and storytelling.

The Jetsons and Googie Architecture: The 1960s Future Vision

Among the many memorable cartoons of our childhood, The Jetsons remains iconic for its bold and imaginative vision of the future. Set in 2062, the show didn’t just predict flying cars and robot maids, it offered a glimpse into a utopian world where technology seamlessly integrated into everyday life. What sets The Jetsons apart is how it borrowed inspiration from the real-world architectural movement of the time, Googie architecture.

✨Upcoming Workshops ✨

Marz Studio Reimagines Retail Design for Digikala Flagship Store

Over the past few years, the world of retail has taken an interesting turn. This urged Digikala, a major player in Iran’s e-commerce scene, to team up with Marz Design and Architecture Studio to open its very first physical store, the Digikala Flagship Store, taking their brand into uncharted territory.

10 Iconic Buildings in New York City

Often called the “Big Apple,” New York City is a cultural, commercial, and innovative center globally. The city boasts a remarkable architectural presentation where soaring buildings mix old with the new in an amazing way. With their heights and prominence among other important landmarks, buildings in New York City have represented passion for strength, heroism, and unequivocalness.

✨Upcoming Workshops✨

Sustainable Urbanism: Placemaking for Healthy Cities

Sustainability in a built environment takes an all-around, holistic approach to planning the cities which accommodates the environmental aspects with social integrity. With an overarching focus on placemaking- an idea that focuses on the design and management of urban community spaces, sustainable urbanism helps reduce the impacts of adverse effects of changing climate.

8 Intentionally Inclined Structures

Inclination in design is a remarkable feature that requires careful structural consideration and execution. These designs not only challenge conventional architecture but also push the boundaries of engineering innovation. Let’s investigate 8 unique intentionally inclined structures and understand how they work.

An Architectural Look Inside Willy Wonka’s World in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The 2005 picture Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Tim Burton, takes its audience on a darkly whimsical journey through its surreal visuals and highly stylized set designs. Burton, known for his signature gothic style, collaborates with the production designer Alex McDowell as the movie reimagines the story of Roald Dahl’s classical 1964 novel of the same name.