The Rise of Humble Architecture: Innovative Design in 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. The Rise of Humble Architecture: Innovative Design in 2025
- 2. Sydney’s Historic Fish Market Gets a Modern Makeover
- 3. A Multi-sensory Experience
- 4. Osaka Prepares for 2025 World Expo: A Journey Through The Grand Ring
- 5. oxford University Unveils Its Largest-Ever Construction Project: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences
- 6. A Catalyst for Scientific Discovery
- 7. A School that Breathes with the Landscape: The Canadian School in Cholula
- 8. New Airport Terminal Aims for Green Leadership in Southeast Asia
- 9. Pritzker Prize Winner Francis Kéré Champions Sustainable Architecture in Africa
- 10. A Landmark Built with Local Pride
- 11. Ole Scheeren Continues to Shape China’s Architectural landscape
- 12. Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Architecture: From Line Cities to Cascading Towers
- 13. riyadh’s Massive Metro System revamps Urban Landscape
- 14. Stylish Stations Elevate the Commuter Experience
- 15. Luxembourg’s Skypark Business Center: A Timber Titan Emerges
- 16. The Enduring Signature of Zaha Hadid
2024 saw the world marvel at towering skyscrapers, the resurgence of a historic cathedral, and ambitious urban mega-projects. Yet, a quieter revolution was brewing in the architecture world – a renewed appreciation for smaller-scale, lasting designs. This shift was evident in the prestigious Pritzker prize being awarded to Japanese housing innovator Riken Yamamoto, and a modest Australian school claiming the title of the world’s best new building at the World Architecture Festival.
As we move into 2025, expect this trend to continue. While grand infrastructure projects will undoubtedly command attention, innovative, eco-conscious designs will also step into the limelight. From cutting-edge timber buildings to a major new airport in Asia,here are some of the most anticipated architectural marvels set to debut in the next year.
Sydney’s Historic Fish Market Gets a Modern Makeover
The world’s third largest fish market is expanding with a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. Located adjacent to its current home as 1966, the new four-story building marks a critically important upgrade for Sydney’s iconic fish market, which dates back to the 1870s.
A Multi-sensory Experience
BVN “promises” visitors a “multi-sensory fish market experience,” hinting at the immersive experience awaiting those who explore this new Sydney landmark.Osaka Prepares for 2025 World Expo: A Journey Through The Grand Ring
Osaka, Japan’s vibrant second city, is gearing up to host Expo 2025, welcoming an anticipated 28 million visitors between April and October.
Expo 2025 will showcase custom pavilions erected by approximately 40 countries,but the true marvel is the venue itself – The Grand Ring.This breathtaking structure is a continuous circular wooden design, stretching over 1.2 miles in circumference, designed to guide visitors on a remarkable journey through the expansive expo grounds.
Prepare to be awestruck by this architectural masterpiece,which promises to be a highlight of the Osaka Expo 2025.
The design of expo venues often reflects the host city’s architectural ethos. When Osaka hosted the Expo in 1970, it showcased a massive space-frame roof designed by leading Japanese avant-garde architects of the time. Now,as timber construction gains traction as a sustainable alternative to concrete,the Grand Ring at Expo 2025 in Osaka presents a distinctly Japanese take on this global trend.
Architect Sou Fujimoto’s vision for the Grand Ring incorporates modern construction methods with traditional Japanese woodworking techniques. The structure, spanning almost 646,000 square feet, will be constructed using locally sourced cedar and cypress wood, along with Scottish pine. Upon completion, it will be among the world’s largest wooden buildings. While the Grand Ring is designed as a temporary structure, discussions are ongoing about its potential preservation – a testament to its architectural importance.
Life and Mind Building, Oxford
oxford University Unveils Its Largest-Ever Construction Project: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences
The prestigious university of Oxford, renowned for its iconic gothic architecture, has added a striking modern addition to its campus. The life and Mind Building, a sprawling 270,000-square-foot structure, marks the culmination of the institution’s largest construction project in its long and storied history. This innovative building brings together the departments of experimental psychology,plant sciences,and zoology under one roof. The design philosophy behind the project is rooted in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement. Flexible laboratory spaces cater to the unique needs of each discipline, while a welcoming public plaza provides opportunities for more casual interactions. 
A Catalyst for Scientific Discovery
The completion of the Life and Mind Building signifies a pivotal moment for Oxford university. This ambitious project is expected to accelerate scientific discovery by creating a vibrant hub where researchers from diverse fields can converge, share ideas, and collaborate on groundbreaking initiatives.A School that Breathes with the Landscape: The Canadian School in Cholula
Nestled in Cholula, Mexico, the Canadian school stands as a testament to the power of organic architecture. This newly opened campus, designed by the esteemed firm Sordo Madaleno, seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape, almost as if it were born from the earth itself.
Mexican architect Fernando Sordo Madaleno, grandson of the firm’s late founder, emphasized the airport’s unique design: “The building itself becomes part of the playground,” noting its seamless integration with the surrounding surroundings.
New Airport Terminal Aims for Green Leadership in Southeast Asia
A new airport terminal under construction in Southeast asia is poised to become a landmark of sustainable design. Located just 12 miles south of the city center, the terminal will be one of the largest in the region and a testament to eco-conscious construction. Architects Foster + Partners have incorporated innovative features into the design, including an onsite solar farm intended to make it one of the greenest airports in the world.
The terminal’s design is inspired by traditional Cambodian architecture. Its main roof is supported by a series of structural timber “trees,” with real trees also incorporated into a large central void. Digital renderings reveal the structure’s gridded steel shell filtering daylight, illuminating an interior brimming with tropical greenery.
Passengers will navigate to their gates via two airfoil-shaped wings,adding to the terminal’s unique and futuristic aesthetic.
“A monumental expansion of Boston’s South Station, New England’s busiest ground transportation hub, is nearing completion this year,”
The ambitious redevelopment project has significantly increased the station’s capacity, boosting bus capacity by 50% and rail capacity by a remarkable 70%.
The architectural challenge faced by the american firm Pelli Clarke & Partners was twofold: to reimagine the station’s concourse and construct a striking 51-story skyscraper above it, all while preserving the historical integrity of the original Classical Revival station building, a designated landmark listed on the US National Register of Historic Places as 1899.
The resulting juxtaposition of gleaming glass and weathered stone is undeniably striking. the tower’s soft, sculptural form strives to complement its historic counterpart, while the expansive, arched concourse offers a more grand and welcoming entrance to the city.
Pritzker Prize Winner Francis Kéré Champions Sustainable Architecture in Africa
Francis Kéré, the first African architect to receive the prestigious Pritzker Prize, is leveraging his global platform to revolutionize design practices in his home continent. as a vocal advocate for “vernacular” architecture, Kéré champions the use of traditional building materials and techniques. his recent project, the new Goethe-Institut in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, perfectly exemplifies this philosophy.A Landmark Built with Local Pride
Spanning an remarkable 18,300 square feet, the Goethe-institut building features gently curving lines that echo the natural canopy of surrounding trees. Constructed primarily from locally sourced bricks made from compressed earth, the structure incorporates lattice formations to facilitate natural airflow. In a 2022 interview with CNN, Kéré emphasized the profound impact of using local materials: “The more you utilize them, the better you can stimulate the local economy, cultivate local expertise, and instill a sense of pride within the community.” “, he explained.
Ole Scheeren Continues to Shape China’s Architectural landscape
More than a decade after the iconic CCTV Headquarters in Beijing opened its doors, Ole Scheeren, one of its co-designers, continues to make a significant mark on China’s architectural scene.Scheeren’s firm, Büro Ole Scheeren, is currently spearheading major projects in numerous Chinese cities, including Shenzhen and Nanjing.
Urban Glen will cascade into an artificial valley.” width=”1110″ height=”616″ srcset=”https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/urban-glen-by-ole-scheeren-buro-os-03.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill/f_webp 1110w, https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/urban-glen-by-ole-scheeren-buro-os-03.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill/f_webp 1015w, https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/urban-glen-by-ole-scheeren-buro-os-03.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill/f_webp 1160w, https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/urban-glen-by-ole-scheeren-buro-os-03.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill/f_webp 680w” sizes=”(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px” />
One notable project is Urban Glen, a mixed-use development in Nanjing.This ambitious undertaking features two imposing volumes that are designed to cascade into an artificial valley. Scheeren envisions Urban Glen as a vibrant urban oasis that seamlessly blends nature with architectural innovation.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Architecture: From Line Cities to Cascading Towers
The 2020s have witnessed Saudi Arabia unveil a series of ambitious architectural projects, frequently enough characterized by their monumental scale and striking designs. From the controversial ”Line” city, a futuristic metropolis planned to stretch for 170 kilometers, to the Jeddah Tower, a skyscraper so tall it aims to be one of the world’s largest structures, the country is making bold statements on the global architectural stage.
riyadh’s Massive Metro System revamps Urban Landscape
A sprawling, state-of-the-art metro system is transforming the cityscape of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project, more than a decade in the making, encompasses six lines and promises to facilitate the daily commute of 3.6 million passengers. Beyond its functional purpose, Riyadh’s metro is also a beacon of architectural innovation. A global roster of renowned firms, including Zaha hadid Architects and Gerber Architekten, have designed many of the 85 stations, turning them into eye-catching landmarks.Stylish Stations Elevate the Commuter Experience
While the formal opening ceremony took place in November, and sections of the metro have been operational since last month, the complete system won’t be fully functional until the new year. Anticipation is building for the unveiling of Qasr Al Hokm station, designed by the acclaimed Norwegian firm Snøhetta. The station’s striking stainless-steel canopy is designed to provide shade while channeling natural light into the vast interior.
Skypark Business Center will open on a site adjacent to Luxembourg Airport.” width=”1110″ height=”618″ srcset=”https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/v-8-droneshot-upscaled.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill/f_webp 1110w, https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/v-8-droneshot-upscaled.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill/f_webp 1015w, https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/v-8-droneshot-upscaled.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill/f_webp 1160w, https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/v-8-droneshot-upscaled.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill/f_webp 680w” sizes=”(max-width: 479px) 100vw, (max-width: 959px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 100vw, 1110px” class=”wp-image-15382″ />
Luxembourg’s Skypark Business Center: A Timber Titan Emerges
Europe is witnessing a surge in innovative wooden construction, with France mandating at least 50% timber in all new public buildings. Luxembourg is poised to contribute significantly to this trend with the upcoming Skypark Business Center, destined to become one of the continent’s largest hybrid wooden buildings. Spanning over 844,000 square feet, this architectural marvel utilizes an impressive 542,000 cubic feet of timber – enough to fill six Olympic-size swimming pools. Complementing the wood, the facade is crafted from 80% recycled copper.
