The University of Alberta has officially opened the doors to University Commons, a breathtaking 405,000-square-foot transformation of its century-old Dentistry and Pharmacy building. Designed by the visionary team at Zeidler Architecture, this monumental project turns a historic landmark into a vibrant, modern gateway. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams Positioned at a key entrance to the North Campus, the reimagined space serves as both a literal and symbolic front door for the university. By replacing fragmented, faculty-specific hallways with open, flexible environments, the design establishes a new heartbeat for the campus—a place deeply rooted in openness, accessibility, and interdisciplinary connection. Creating a "Sticky" Campus From the very beginning, the goal was to create a space that naturally draws people together. University President Bill Flanagan describes the vision simply: students want a "sticky campus"—a place where they feel welcome, supported, and part of a larger community. To achieve this, Zeidler Architecture drew inspiration from nature and the warmth of human connection. The building’s design is anchored by two powerful metaphors: the tree of knowledge and the conviviality of a shared meal. The Central Atrium: Acting as the core of the building, a stunning central atrium pulls in natural daylight and organizes movement across multiple levels, radiating outward toward various collaborative zones. Seasonal Neighbourhoods: Situated at the building's corners, these double-height gathering areas are intentionally left unprogrammed. Much like gathering around a dining table, these spaces invite spontaneous conversations, relaxed studying, and informal encounters between students and faculty. James Brown, a Partner at Zeidler Architecture, notes that this nature-inspired approach encourages spontaneity, helping students explore their relationships with their peers and the world around them. Designed for Every Mind Eliminating old institutional barriers was a core principle of the renovation. University Commons is built on the belief that everyone deserves equal access to daylight, space, and opportunity. The building seamlessly blends essential administrative services—like the registrar and the dean of students—with academic departments, open lounges, and bookable meeting rooms. This thoughtful layout dissolves the traditional boundaries between students and university staff. To accommodate diverse learning styles, the interior offers: Modular Classrooms: Adaptable layouts that can shift based on the needs of the lesson. Warm, Welcoming Materials: Custom acoustic treatments and designer furniture that provide comfort for long study sessions. The Calming Room: A sensory-conscious space designed specifically for mental restoration. Remarkably, this quiet refuge was designed by a University of Alberta student who won a campus-wide design competition, showcasing the university's commitment to empowering its students to solve real-world challenges. Rooted in Indigenous Storytelling A true highlight of University Commons is its deep connection to history and identity, brought to life through the work of acclaimed Métis artist Christi Belcourt. Known for her profound respect for traditional knowledge, Belcourt’s naturalistic artwork animates the shared spaces throughout the building. Drawing inspiration from native flora, her storytelling weaves a beautiful connection between nature and the campus community. These artistic accents ensure that everyday encounters in the Commons are grounded in cultural recognition, fostering a deep and reflective sense of place. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams A Masterclass in Adaptive Reuse Coordinating a project of this scale requires incredible precision. Zeidler Architecture utilized advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) to navigate the complex renovation, perfectly aligning modern systems within a historic century-old shell. This project adds to Zeidler’s impressive portfolio of post-secondary renewals across Canada, including major works at York University, the University of Victoria, and the University of Toronto. Today, University Commons stands as a testament to what happens when thoughtful architecture meets community needs. It is no longer just a building; it is a shared crossroads for learning, connection, and community. The doors are now open, inviting students, faculty, and visitors to experience the future of the University of Alberta. Technical sheet & Credits Project Name: University Commons Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton Architect of Record & Base Building: GEC Architecture Interior Architecture & Fit-out: Zeidler Architecture Heritage & Preservation Architect: ERA Architects General Contractor: Clark Builders Structural & Building Envelope Engineer: RJC Engineers Mechanical Engineer: AME Group Electrical Engineer & Lighting Design: SMP Engineering Civil Engineer: V3 Companies Shoring & Retention Design: Isherwood Geostructural Engineers Landscape Architect: Janet Rosenberg & Studio Featured Indigenous Artist: Christi Belcourt About Zeidler Architecture Zeidler is a leading Canadian architecture and interior design practice with a portfolio of award-winning, inspiring work that fosters social engagement, facilitates excellence, and delivers lasting value. The firm believes that architecture should enrich lives and strengthen communities. Driven by curiosity and guided by evidence, they embrace innovation in sustainability, accessibility, design theory, and materiality. They work closely with clients and communities to design resilient environments that foster connection, promote well-being, and achieve long-term impact. Zeidler doesn’t just design buildings—they shape resilient environments that help shape the future. About The University of Alberta The University of Alberta (U of A) (1908) is a research-intensive, innovative institution located in Edmonton, Alberta, that attracts the best and brightest minds from around the world. U of A is ranked in the Top 100 Universities in the world and Top 5 in Canada. You can choose from more than 200 undergraduate specializations and 170 graduate programs in 18 Faculties that are among the best in Canada. The U of A serves more than 43,000 students and is recognized internationally for its excellence in education and research. Students enjoy an exceptional quality of life on a friendly campus in the heart of Edmonton.

Enter the Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown. Organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), this international competition invites creative minds to rethink the future of tall buildings in one of the world’s most celebrated urban environments. PRIZE FUND: CA$ 15,000 CAD 1ST PLACE: CA$ 7,000 2ND PLACE: CA$ 4,000 3RD PLACE: CA$ 2,000 Student Award: CA$ 1,000 Sustainability Award: CA$ 1,000 DATE: Closing date for registration: 29 October 2026 Competition Q&A deadline: 3 November 2026 Closing date submission: 30 November 2026 - 23:59 (London Time) Announcement of the winners: 26 January 2027 PARTICIPANT: Everyone (No professional qualifications required) COST: Early Bird (01 Jun - 15 Jul); 110 € (Students: 90€) Advanced (16 Jul - 09 Sep): 120 € (Students: 110€) Last Minute (10 Sep - 29 Oct): 140 € (Students: 120€) As cities worldwide face the dual pressures of rapid growth and environmental responsibility, the role of the skyscraper is shifting. It is no longer enough for tall buildings to add floor area or serve as skyline vanity projects. A "City in Nature" Under Pressure Vancouver is internationally recognized for its delicate balance between dense urban living and access to nature. Framed by the Pacific coastline and dramatic mountain ranges, the city has historically prioritized public space, sustainability, and quality of life in its urban planning. However, Vancouver is evolving. Like many global hubs, it is grappling with complex challenges: Surging population growth and housing demand The need for sustained economic development Major investments in public transit networks These shifts make questions about height and density unavoidable. Taller buildings offer a clear path to accommodating growth, but they must be implemented thoughtfully to preserve the city's unique identity and exceptional public realm. The Challenge: Beyond Height The competition asks architects, landscape architects, designers, and planners to look beyond the basic metrics of height and density. Participants are challenged to design bold, innovative proposals that explore how architecture can contribute to a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive city. A successful proposal will address how building higher can deliver tangible public benefits, including: New housing solutions Enhanced cultural and civic facilities Meaningful public amenities Improvements to the everyday street-level experience The goal is to define what a genuinely made-for-Vancouver approach to vertical density looks like—one that respects the city's natural setting while pushing the boundaries of environmental performance and architectural excellence. Shaping Future Policy This competition isn't just a theoretical exercise. It is directly tied to the City of Vancouver’s ongoing Higher Buildings Policy Review. City planners are currently exploring the long-term role of tall buildings in shaping the downtown core. By opening this conversation to the international design community, the Vancouver Tall Challenge aims to generate fresh perspectives and innovative concepts that will actively inform how the city approaches vertical growth in the decades to come. Together, we can build a vertical city that prioritizes people, place, and the public good. Your next big idea starts here. Visit Buildner. [ENTER NOW]

Where the dramatic topography of the Genesee River gorge meets western New York’s deep industrial roots, a new vision for urban public space is taking shape. The New York High Falls Riverfront Market competition is calling on architects, designers, and creative thinkers to reimagine one of Rochester's most historically significant landscapes. PRIZE FUND: US$ 10,000 1ST PLACE: US$ 5,000 2ND PLACE: US$ 2,500 3RD PLACE: US$ 1,000 Student Award: US$ 1,000 Sustainability Award: US$ 500 DATE: Closing date for registration: 10 December 2026 Competition Q&A deadline: 16 December 2026 Closing date submission: 18 January 2027 - 23:59 (London Time) Announcement of the winners: 9 March 2027 PARTICIPANT: Everyone (No professional qualifications required) COST: Early Bird (24 May - 29 Jul); 110 € (Students: 90€) Advanced (30 Jul - 07 Oct): 120 € (Students: 110€) Last Minute (08 Oct - 10 Dec): 140 € (Students: 120€) A Site of Converging Histories The project centers on the evolving landscape of the future High Falls State Park. This area is a unique geographical and historical intersection—a place where raw natural power (the waterfalls and the gorge), heavy infrastructure, and centuries of industrial heritage converge. For decades, the riverfront was defined by its utility. Now, the competition asks how architecture can act as a catalyst to transform this rugged edge into a contemporary public landscape focused on gathering, culture, and everyday urban life. The Design Challenge Participants are tasked with designing a contemporary riverfront market and its surrounding public spaces at the Smokestack Portal site. This location is pivotal, as it will serve as one of the primary entry points into the future High Falls State Park. A successful proposal must balance several demanding elements: Dual Functionality: The site must operate as both a bustling, active civic destination in its own right and a welcoming gateway into the wider park system. Topographical Sensitivity: Designs must carefully negotiate the dramatic elevation changes and rugged edges of the Genesee River gorge. Contextual Identity: The architecture needs to converse with the area's rich industrial past while creating a modern, forward-looking space for the community. A Collaborative Vision This initiative is a heavyweight collaboration aimed at turning conceptual design into community momentum. The competition is presented by Buildner in partnership with AIA Rochester (as part of its annual Designers Unleashed initiative). They are joined by Community Design Rochester and Future Reality Services, ensuring that the competition explores not just theoretical aesthetics, but practical, community-centred urban transformation. By inviting global and local talent to tackle the Smokestack Portal, the competition hopes to unlock the potential of the Genesee riverfront—proving that Rochester's industrial past can seamlessly support its vibrant, public future. Building a new gateway to the Falls, one design at a time. Your next big idea starts here. Visit Buildner. [ENTER NOW]

Imagine living in a home that naturally stays cozy in the dead of winter and refreshingly cool during the peak of summer, all while slashing heating and cooling bills by up to 90 percent. It sounds like science fiction, but it is actually a proven building standard known as "Passive House" (or Passivhaus). Despite the name, this concept isn't just for single-family houses. The Passive House standard can be applied to skyscrapers, schools, supermarkets, and apartment buildings. It is a smart, science-based approach to construction that focuses on creating ultra-efficient, incredibly comfortable, and long-lasting buildings. Here is everything one needs to know about how Passive Houses work, why they matter, and the five simple principles that make them possible. What Exactly is a Passive House? At its core, a Passive House is a conservation-first building. Instead of relying on massive furnaces or oversized air conditioners to keep the indoor climate comfortable, a Passive House is designed to need very little energy in the first place. Think of a standard home like a leaky coffee mug. To keep the coffee hot, you have to constantly keep it on a burner (the heater). A Passive House, on the other hand, is built like a high-quality thermos. It traps the heat inside so effectively that you rarely need to use the burner at all. By preserving the energy generated by the sun, the appliances, and even the body heat of the people inside, a Passive House maintains a stable, comfortable temperature year-round. The Five Core Principles of Passive Design To achieve this incredible level of efficiency, architects and builders rely on a holistic system made up of five interlocking principles. If one is missing, the whole system suffers. 1. Superinsulation (The Winter Coat) A Passive House is wrapped in a thick, continuous layer of high-quality insulation. This acts like a heavy winter coat, slowing down the transfer of heat. In cold climates, it keeps the warmth inside; in hot climates, it keeps the blistering heat out. Because the walls, roof, and floor are heavily insulated, the building is exceptionally quiet and durable. 2. Airtight Construction (The Windbreaker) Insulation alone isn't enough if cold wind can blow right through the walls. Standard homes have thousands of tiny cracks and gaps that let indoor air escape and outdoor air sneak in. A Passive House is built to be completely airtight. Builders use special tapes and membranes to seal the building envelope, preventing drafts, moisture damage, and energy waste. 3. High-Performance Windows (The Smart Glass) Windows are usually the weakest link in a building's defence against the weather. Passive Houses use highly advanced windows—typically triple-glazed (three panes of glass) with specialized coatings and gases sealed between the panes. These windows are carefully placed to capture free heat from the sun in the winter, while special shading prevents the home from overheating during the summer. 4. Thermal-Bridge-Free Design (No Thermal Leaks) A "thermal bridge" is a spot where a highly conductive material (like metal or solid wood) creates a shortcut for heat to bypass the insulation and escape outside. Imagine wearing a heavy winter coat, but leaving it unzipped; the cold will find its way in. Passive House designers meticulously plan every corner, balcony, and window frame to eliminate these weak points, ensuring the insulation works at full capacity. 5. Heat Recovery Ventilation (The Lungs of the Home) If a house is completely airtight, how do people breathe fresh air? The answer is a continuous mechanical ventilation system, usually a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). This machine acts as the lungs of the building. It constantly exhausts stale, polluted indoor air and pulls in fresh, filtered outdoor air. The magic is in the "recovery"—as the warm stale air leaves, the machine transfers its heat to the cold fresh air coming in, without mixing the two. The result is continuous, fresh, filtered air without losing your hard-earned heat. Why Choose a Passive House? The benefits of building to the Passive House standard go far beyond just saving on utility bills: Unmatched Comfort: There are no drafts, no cold spots near windows, and no sudden temperature swings. Every room stays at a consistent, comfortable temperature. Healthier Air: Because the ventilation system constantly filters incoming air, indoor spaces are free of dust, pollen, and outdoor pollution. Peace and Quiet: The thick insulation and airtight seals make Passive Houses incredibly soundproof, blocking out traffic and neighbourhood noise. Climate Action: Buildings are responsible for a massive portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. By cutting energy use by up to 90 percent, Passive Houses are a crucial tool in the fight against climate change. Resilience: If the power goes out during a winter storm, a Passive House will stay warm for days, whereas a traditional home will freeze in a matter of hours. A Passive House is not about sacrificing modern comforts to save energy; it is about building much smarter from the ground up. By combining superinsulation, airtightness, superior windows, careful detailing, and brilliant ventilation, the Passive House standard delivers a living space that is healthier, quieter, and deeply respectful of the environment. It is not just the house of the future—it is the standard we need today.

Montreal’s design scene is glowing a little brighter. Cœur d’artichaut, the city’s premier destination for distinctive furniture and home accessories, has officially announced an exclusive new partnership with the prestigious Spanish brand, Peralta Vidavi. Image courtesy of: Peralta Vidavi For the first time, this brand's masterfully crafted lighting fixtures and lampshades are available to the Canadian market by special order, bridging the gap between European heritage and local design. Four Decades of Artisanal Light Peralta Vidavi is not just a manufacturer; they are true artisans. With over 40 years of experience, the brand has built a global reputation for preserving traditional Spanish craftsmanship while seamlessly integrating modern innovation. Every piece is treated as a bespoke work of art. By blending rich, premium materials with exacting attention to detail, Peralta Vidavi creates fixtures that do more than simply illuminate a room—they elevate the entire atmosphere. Sustainable Design, Tailored to You In a world of mass production, Peralta Vidavi takes a more thoughtful approach. Every fixture is entirely handcrafted in Spain. By collaborating closely with local suppliers, the brand maintains a deep commitment to ethical and sustainable production. This careful manufacturing process guarantees a long-lasting product while offering incredible flexibility for buyers: Premium Materials: A carefully curated selection of high-end textiles ensures both lasting durability and a timeless look. Complete Customization: Whether you need a specific dimension, a unique texture, or a custom colour, the fixtures can be adapted to meet the exact needs of any project. A Distinctive Signature: With expert creative guidance, standard lighting is transformed into a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece. A New Era for Local Interiors Cœur d’artichaut now serves as a direct link between this Spanish artisanal expertise and Montreal's vibrant design community. Whether the goal is to transform the mood of a private residence or to shape the visual identity of commercial spaces like hotels, restaurants, and offices, these lighting fixtures act as stunning statement pieces. “With Peralta Vidavi, we are offering our clients nearly unlimited creative freedom. It is the perfect meeting point between European heritage and contemporary innovation.” - Elisheva San Nicolas, President of Cœur d’artichaut. Through this new partnership, Cœur d’artichaut continues to deliver on its core mission: bringing exceptional, handcrafted innovation straight to the heart of Montreal. About Cœur d’Artichaut Cœur d’artichaut, located in the heart of Montreal, is a premier destination for design enthusiasts and interior design professionals. The company specializes in curating furniture, décor, and lighting pieces that combine timeless aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship and superior quality.

The modern family is changing, and so is the American backyard. Multigenerational living—where grandparents, parents, and children share the same property—is no longer a rare setup or a temporary compromise. Today, it is a driving force in the housing market, sparking a new wave of premium home design. At the center of this movement is the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), often known as a guest house or detached coach house. But these new structures are a far cry from the cramped backyard sheds of the past. A Major Shift in How Families Build The numbers speak for themselves. According to Houzz research, over 65% of homeowners currently renovating are actively planning for the future. They are designing spaces meant for aging in place or for creating shared footprints that can comfortably house multiple generations. This growing demand has completely changed how architects look at the backyard. Instead of treating the ADU as an afterthought, top designers are approaching it as a premium architectural challenge. The main goal? To figure out how to maintain complete privacy for everyone while sharing structural resources on a tight plot of land. Beautifully Accessible Design The magic of a luxury ADU lies in how it blends high-end aesthetics with everyday accessibility. Homeowners want spaces that are safe and easy to navigate for older family members, but they refuse to sacrifice style to get there. Modern residential architecture solves this by hiding practical features within beautiful design choices. Key features of the luxury ADU include: Spa-Inspired Wet Rooms: Gone are the days of clunky shower grab-bars and plastic seats. Designers are installing curbless, open-concept showers that look like they belong in a five-star hotel. Because there is no step to get in, they are perfectly safe for older adults while feeling incredibly luxurious. Grand Walkways: Hallways and doors need to be wider to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Instead of making these spaces feel like a hospital, architects are using the extra width to create walkways that feel grand, open, and elegant. Hidden Thresholds: To prevent tripping and make moving between rooms effortless, modern ADUs use smooth, zero-step transitions from the indoors to the outdoors. These hidden thresholds smoothly accommodate multi-tiered family dynamics, from toddlers learning to walk to grandparents needing a steady, flat surface. The Design Philosophy: True luxury means a home works beautifully for everyone, regardless of age or mobility, without ever looking like a compromise. A well-designed luxury ADU gives families the ultimate gift: closeness combined with independence. Grandparents can live just steps away from their grandchildren, enjoying family dinners and backyard playtime, while still having their own quiet, premium retreat to return to at the end of the day. By treating the backyard guest house as a masterpiece of design rather than a simple add-on, architects are proving that the future of housing is flexible, accessible, and beautifully connected.

Imagine waking up in a city where the traffic lights adapt to the number of cars on the road, your garbage is collected only when the bins tell the city they are full, and your entire morning commute is powered by clean energy. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie—it is everyday life in the world's smartest cities. Every year, the IMD (International Institute for Management Development) releases its Smart City Index, ranking cities around the globe based on how well they use technology to improve the lives of their residents. Right now, the smartest cities are heavily concentrated in Europe and Asia. But what exactly makes them so smart? Let's dive into the fascinating world of the cities of tomorrow. How Do They Measure a "Smart" City? Before we look at the winners, we have to understand how the IMD decides who gets the crown. The IMD doesn't just look at how many cool gadgets a city has. Instead, they ask the people who actually live there. They survey residents based on two main pillars: Structures: This looks at the physical foundation of the city. How good are the roads, the hospitals, the public transport, and the existing buildings? Technology: This looks at the digital tools available. Are there apps to help you find parking? Is the Wi-Fi fast and accessible? Are government services easy to use online? Residents rate these two pillars across five key areas of daily life: Health and Safety * Mobility (getting around) Activities (things to do) Opportunities (work and school) Governance (how the city is run) To keep things fair, the IMD doesn't compare a developing city to a wealthy metropolis. They distribute the cities into four groups based on the country's Subnational Human Development Index (SHDI). This ensures cities are compared to peers with similar economic and social resources. By pairing advanced AI, clever digital infrastructure, and a deep focus on making life better for everyday people, these cities have risen to the top of the IMD ranks: 1. Zurich, Switzerland (The Reigning Champion) Zurich consistently locks down the number one spot because it flawlessly blends high-tech infrastructure with an incredible quality of life. Instead of focusing on flashy, sci-fi gadgets, Zurich uses technology behind the scenes. It features smart public transit networks that are perfectly synchronized, cutting-edge clean energy grids, and world-class public safety systems. It proves that the smartest cities are often the ones where the tech is so seamless you barely notice it. 2. Oslo, Norway (The Green Pioneer) Oslo is entirely focused on a zero-emissions future. The city utilizes a meticulously optimized, intelligent traffic grid featuring smart electric bus fleets and an automated waste management system. Its city systems constantly communicate with each other to minimize pollution, proving that a city cannot be truly "smart" if it isn't also deeply sustainable. 3. Geneva, Switzerland (The Human-Scale Hub) As the second Swiss city in the top tier, Geneva excels at making sure digital infrastructure directly serves human needs. It features highly responsive public services and a heavy emphasis on eco-friendly mobility. Because it is a smaller metropolis, Geneva delivers elite digital governance without the typical congestion, noise, or pollution found in massive megacities. 4. London, United Kingdom (The Megacity Master) Managing a massive, historic global hub like London is an incredibly complex task, but real-time data makes it possible. London relies on massive data streams to coordinate its legendary transit system, optimize heavy traffic flow, and deploy emergency services at lightning speed. Furthermore, its open-data platform allows local tech entrepreneurs to access city data to build helpful, everyday apps for residents. 5. Copenhagen, Denmark (The Livability Blueprint) Copenhagen routinely scores off the charts for public safety, recycling programs, and overall citizen happiness. The city uses intelligent traffic lights that prioritize cyclists over cars during rush hour, and smart energy grids to power its neighborhoods. Copenhagen is proof that technology works best when it makes the physical streets safer and healthier to walk on. 6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (The Futuristic Accelerator) Dubai is one of the fastest-rising cities in the history of global indexes, driven by aggressive digital transformation. Through the unified DubaiNow app, residents can seamlessly access over 130 municipal services. Whether you need to pay a parking ticket, renew your residency, or manage your home utilities, you can handle it all in seconds on a single smartphone screen. 7. Lausanne, Switzerland (The Tech Oasis) Yes, a third Swiss city makes the top ten! Lausanne may be smaller than London or Dubai, but its smart infrastructure is world-class. As a major hub for world-renowned tech universities and research institutions, the city excels in smart governance and eco-compatible urban design, ensuring that natural lakeside beauty and high-tech living grow side-by-side. 8. Canberra, Australia (Oceania's Eco-Leader) Representing Australia, Canberra stands out for its exceptional air quality and forward-thinking environmental tech. The city has made major waves with its "Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy" to rapidly phase in electric transport. It is also actively developing a "Digital Twin"—a highly detailed virtual 3D replica of the city that allows authorities to monitor water resources and energy grids in real-time. 9. Singapore (The Digital Superpower) Singapore is a global gold standard for urban innovation. Through its famous "Smart Nation" initiative, the island is covered in a vast network of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors. These sensors track everything from traffic bottlenecks and air quality to crowd density, allowing the government to make instant, data-backed adjustments to keep public spaces safe, cool, and efficient. 10. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (The Oasis of Safety) Rounding out the top ten is Abu Dhabi, which earns elite marks for world-class healthcare infrastructure and incredible public safety. Alongside its neighbour Dubai, Abu Dhabi uses cutting-edge digital portals to make starting a business, accessing medical care, and interacting with government agencies completely frictionless for its citizens and expats alike. When we look at the IMD’s smartest cities, one clear theme emerges: technology is useless if it doesn't help people. The cities of Zurich, Oslo, Singapore, and others aren't building technology just for its own sake. They are using data, AI, and green energy to give their citizens cleaner air, shorter commutes, and an easier, happier life. That is the true mark of a smart city! Ready to go beyond the top 10? visit it IDM-WORLD COMPETITIVENESS CENTER

For nearly a century, Reitmans has been a familiar and trusted name in Canadian women's wear. Now, the beloved brand is stepping into a bold new era. At CF Carrefour Laval, Reitmans recently unveiled a stunning new concept store designed by the renowned studio BURDIFILEK. Image courtesy of: A-Frame Photography, Ben Rahn Positioned comfortably alongside strong international competitors, the redesign sends a clear message: Reitmans is evolving, and it is here to stay. Designing for the Modern Shopper How do you update a legacy brand without losing its soul? For BURDIFILEK, the answer lies in translating Reitmans' deep-rooted heritage into a thoroughly contemporary retail experience. Inspired by the polished strategies of high-fashion boutiques, the design studio crafted a strong visual identity that immediately captures attention through a single, striking signature colour. However, the space remains incredibly welcoming. The design pairs the natural warmth of wood with sleek, high-gloss finishes. With clear sightlines and an open, airy flow, the layout makes shopping an intuitive and relaxing experience. "Reitmans has a long-standing legacy. Our goal was not to reinvent it, but to reinterpret it. We highlighted the familiarity of the brand within a confident setting that will resonate across Canada." Diego Burdi, Founder and Creative Director, BURDIFILEK Built to Last, Not Just to Impress Rather than chasing flashy spectacles or fleeting trends, the new Carrefour Laval location is built for longevity. It is a highly adaptable environment designed to serve a broad audience for years to come. The space feels practical yet perfectly composed, bringing everyday ease to the forefront. For BURDIFILEK, smart design is more than just aesthetics; it is a vital business tool. "In an era of rapid retail change, the forces at work are both global and local. Our partnership with Reitmans reaffirms design as an investment in business strategy for legacy brands and secures its longevity in a demanding market." Paul Filek, Founder and Managing Partner, BURDIFILEK A Confident Leap Forward This fresh look is a significant departure from the Reitmans stores of the past. It represents an ambitious leap into the future, offering a forward-thinking vision for Canadian retail. The elevated store environment perfectly highlights Reitmans’ trend-right collections, upholding the brand's century-long mission: to provide high-quality, inclusive style that empowers Canadians to live confidently. The successful redesign also speaks to a deep, collaborative partnership behind the scenes. "This new concept reflects the strength of our brand and the teams behind it. In partnership with BURDIFILEK, whose creativity and design expertise were instrumental, it became a meeting of shared passions, grounded in a mutual commitment to the Canadian customer and to creating an environment she truly deserves. It’s a clear expression of where Reitmans is today, and where we’re going next." Andrea Limbardi, President and CEO of RCL - Reitmans Canada Ltd. With its roots honoured and its sights set firmly on the future, Reitmans’ new concept store is a brilliant reminder of the lasting power of smart, intentional design. Technical sheet Client: Reitmans Design Team: BURDIFILEK Founder and Creative Director: Diego Burdi Founder and Managing Partner: Paul Filek Project Manager and Studio Director: Tom Yip Senior Designers: Michael Del Priore, John Seo Designer: Douglas Chun, Justin Dang CAD Technicians: Daniel Mei, Anna Nomerovsky, Anna Jurkiewicz Location: CF Carrefour Laval About BURDIFILEK BURDIFILEK is an award-winning interior design studio that transforms spaces to inspire possibility and purpose through design. Founded by Diego Burdi and Paul Filek in 1993, the firm puts creative intelligence, cultural relevance, and flawless execution at the forefront of all projects to create unexpected and impressive interiors for world-class brands around the globe.

Humans spent 99% of their evolutionary history adapting to the natural world. Today, we spend roughly 90% of our lives inside sealed, climate-controlled boxes. This massive shift has left us chronically stressed, fatigued, and disconnected. The solution isn't just to spend more time outdoors—it’s to fundamentally rethink the spaces where we live, work, and heal. Enter biophilic design. Far more than a fleeting interior design trend, biophilic design is an architectural framework that weaves natural elements—such as sunlight, flora, water, and organic materials—into the built environment. Rooted in the evolutionary psychology of biophilia (humankind’s innate biological connection with nature), it aims to boost well-being, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function by re-establishing a subconscious link to the natural world. What It Is (And What It Isn’t) It is tempting to think that putting a fern on your desk or painting a wall green qualifies as biophilic design. However, true biophilic design is not just "decorating with nature." As architectural critics often point out, isolated, out-of-context natural elements exert very little impact on our psychological state. Instead, true biophilic design requires creating a cohesive ecosystem. It focuses specifically on the aspects of nature that have historically contributed to human survival and productivity. It’s an immersive, multi-sensory experience rather than a visual checklist. The Core Framework: The Three Pillars Pioneered by environmental consulting firms like Terrapin Bright Green, the framework of biophilic design is typically organized into three primary categories: 1. Nature in the Space (Direct Contact) This involves direct physical and sensory connections with nature. It’s about bringing the dynamic, living aspects of the outdoors inside. Examples: Incorporating living green walls, indoor water features, natural ventilation, and an abundance of dynamic, shifting sunlight. It also includes "non-rhythmic sensory stimuli," like the unpredictable rustle of leaves or the gentle flicker of a flame, which naturally capture our attention without fatiguing it. 2. Natural Analogues (Indirect Representations) We don’t always need the literal nature to reap its benefits; our brains respond beautifully to nature’s echoes. This pillar features the use of indirect representations of the wild. Examples: The use of raw, minimally processed organic materials (like reclaimed wood or natural stone), earthy colour palettes, and biomorphic forms—favouring the soft, fractal curves found in nature over the harsh, rigid 90-degree angles typical of modern architecture. 3. Nature of the Space (Spatial Configurations) This is where evolutionary psychology truly shines. It focuses on human spatial needs based on how our ancestors survived in the wild. Examples: Designing for "Prospect" (providing unimpeded, distant views so we can survey our surroundings) and "Refuge" (creating protected, intimate areas with lowered ceilings where we feel safe from behind). A window seat overlooking a bustling street perfectly captures both. Why It Matters: The ROI of Nature Integrating nature into our surroundings does far more than elevate the aesthetic of a room; it has profound, measurable impacts on human health. Decades of environmental psychology studies indicate that biophilic environments consistently lead to: Lower stress levels: Measurable decreases in cortisol and blood pressure, shifting our nervous systems out of "fight or flight" and into "rest and digest." Better focus: Improved cognitive performance, enhanced creativity, and longer attention spans (often referred to as Attention Restoration Theory). Quicker recovery times: In healthcare settings, patients in rooms with views of nature have been shown to heal faster, require less pain medication, and experience fewer post-operative complications than those staring at brick walls. Practical Implementation: Bringing It to Life You don't need a massive architectural budget to apply these principles. Implementing biophilia can range from lush, plant-heavy installations to subtle, plant-free "invisible biophilia": Visual and Acoustic Connections: Strategically orient your furniture to maximize views of the outdoors. If a view isn't possible, introduce natural soundscapes—like the subtle acoustic hum of trickling water—to mask harsh mechanical noises. Natural Textures and Finishes: Ditch the synthetic plastics. Engage the sense of touch by incorporating wool, cork, bamboo, and unpolished stone. The tactile sensation of natural grain grounds us. Lighting Control: Move away from static, harsh fluorescents. Maximize daylight harvesting through large windows, and use circadian-aligned indoor lighting that shifts from cool, energizing blue tones in the morning to warm, amber hues in the evening. Biophilic design asks a simple question: What if our buildings functioned less like machines and more like ecosystems? By consciously designing spaces that respect our biological heritage, we aren't just making our environments more beautiful—we are making them more human.

In the bustling landscape of Jakarta, a new residence has emerged that prioritizes human connection over mere square footage. Designed by the renowned firm Wahana Architects, El House is far more than a private home; it is a meticulously crafted oasis designed to bring people together. Image courtesy of: Mario Wibowo Spanning 1,158 square meters on a 730-square-meter plot, the residence was built with a clear, heartfelt mission: to serve as a welcoming space for extended family, friends, and professional colleagues. The architects focused on creating an environment where comfort and ease naturally set the stage for meaningful interactions across generations. The Heart of the Home The architectural layout of El House radiates outward from a central, expansive core. This social heart—comprising the living and dining areas—is designed for total flexibility. Whether the occasion calls for an intimate, quiet dinner or a large, lively social gathering, the space adapts seamlessly. To support this spirit of hospitality, a professional-grade kitchen is integrated directly into the layout, ensuring that the act of hosting is as effortless as it is refined. A Study in Layering and Reflection From a design perspective, El House is defined by the concept of "layering." The home is split into two distinct volumes, separated by a slender, elongated transitional space. This gap is masterfully articulated as a linear reflective pond. Beyond its visual beauty, the water feature introduces a necessary moment of pause and quiet contemplation, grounding the home in its natural surroundings and softening the transition between the two volumes. Texture, Depth, and Identity The exterior of the residence showcases a sophisticated play between light, shadow, and materiality. The right wing of the house is wrapped in a distinctive brown-toned secondary skin. This facade acts as both a protective veil and an expressive artistic layer, adding depth and a unique identity to the building. This skin is just one piece of a broader architectural dialogue, which balances solid masses with open voids and the constant presence of water. A Vision for Modern Living El House succeeds by being both restrained and evocative. By stripping away unnecessary complexity and focusing on spatial clarity and material depth, Wahana Architects has created a home that feels both inclusive and open. It is a testament to the idea that architecture can do more than just house occupants—it can actively foster togetherness, reinforcing the bonds of community through the thoughtful design of the spaces we share. Technical sheet Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Design Team: Wahana Architects Principal Architect: Rudy Kelana Design Team: Ruth Connie Rajagukguk, Gloria Gracia Contractor: HansLala Contractor About Wahana Architects Led by Rudy Kelana, Wahana Architects is an architectural consulting firm based in Jakarta, Indonesia, that provides specialized architectural design services to both commercial and residential clients. The firm's team of architects is passionate about creating unique experiential spaces for their clients and for establishing strong relationships between nature and the built environment. Beyond just designing buildings, Wahana Architects strives to understand the physical, social, and organizational needs of a building's users. They work closely with their clients to help realize their unique visions, and they handle all phases of a project, from concept through design, development, and construction supervision. Wahana Architects believes that architecture is about life, rising above the process of simply creating buildings without a clear understanding of the needs and desires of the human beings who will occupy them.

Winner of the 2026 Award of Excellence in Architecture from the Quebec Association of Architects, the Aubé House is more than just a beautifully designed residence. It is a physical timeline—a space where a rich family history meets breathtaking modern design. Image courtesy of: Maxime Brouillet Sitting on the peaceful banks of the Rivière des Mille Îles, the property is anchored by a historic Maison des Patriotes dating back to 1811. For decades, the same family has called this vast former farmland home. Over the years, as the family grew, so did the property. First came the residence of artist Geneviève Jost, followed by a series of well-meaning but disjointed additions to the ancestral house. Image courtesy of: Maxime Brouillet Recently, the owners decided it was time for a change. They wanted to honour the home’s rich heritage, undo the patchwork modifications of the past, and create a space that could welcome their growing family for generations to come. The result is a stunning architectural dialogue between the 19th and 21st centuries. Restoring the Ancestral Heart The project began by peeling back the layers of time. The architects completely removed the old, clunky extensions attached to the 1811 structure, returning the home to its pure, original shape. The exterior was handled with absolute respect for history. Modern skylights were removed in favour of a traditional cedar shingle roof, while the doors and windows were replaced with energy-efficient models that perfectly mimic the classic, multi-pane look of the era. Inside, the home breathes again. By opening up the ceiling to create a new double-height living space, the architects revealed the original, hand-hewn timber frame. Time-worn stone walls were carefully restored to showcase their raw texture. At the center of this open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area sits the fireplace—restored to its rightful place as the beating heart of the home. Tucked quietly behind the kitchen is a discreet staircase leading to a modern library, playroom, and office spaces, all united by the sight of those historic wooden beams overhead. The Glass Bridge How do you connect a centuries-old heritage home to a brand-new, contemporary living space? With a bridge of glass. The architects designed a transparent connecting passage that serves as a quiet transition between the two eras. From the outside, the glass walls reflect the surrounding trees, visually dissolving into the landscape. From the inside, walking down this hallway feels like a stroll through the garden itself—a peaceful pause before entering the modern wing. The Contemporary Extension If the ancestral home stands proudly and historically, the new extension is dark, quiet, and deeply integrated into nature. Built with ebony-stained cedar and topped with a river-pebble roof, the new wing doesn’t compete with the original house. Instead, it hides among the mature trees. The architects actually allowed the garden to dictate the shape of the building, expanding and contracting the walls to weave around the existing tree trunks. Inside the extension, the atmosphere is hushed and intimate. Black-stained wooden planks and exposed joists line the ceiling, offering a modern echo of the timber frame found in the 1811 house. A central corridor, built on gentle ramps that follow the natural slope of the land, guides you past a gym, office, and bedrooms. At the very end of this journey lies the master suite. Pushed slightly forward into the landscape, the bedroom is wrapped in dark-framed windows that act like living paintings. Despite the glass, the surrounding trees offer total privacy, filtering the sunlight and casting shifting shadows across the room throughout the day. A Legacy for Tomorrow Today, the Aubé House is a masterclass in how to evolve without losing your soul. With three unique buildings now sharing the garden, the property has become a gathering place that unites four generations of a single family. It is a true architectural success story: a home that proves you don’t have to erase the past to build for the future. The Aubé House is no longer just a piece of history frozen in time—it is a living, breathing space, ready for its next hundred years. Technical sheet Project Name: Maison Aubé Location: Saint-Eustache, QC, Canada Architect: YH2 architecture Design team: Marie-Claude Hamelin, Loukas Yiacouvakis, Karl Choquette, Lisa Busmey Contractor: SMS Turcot Construction Landscape Architect: Libre cour + LN Paysage Engineer: Génie X About YH2 architecture YH2 architecture is an architectural design studio founded in 1994 by architects Marie-Claude Hamelin and Loukas Yiacouvakis. For YH2, architecture is the art of place—both the physical context in which a project is situated and which it transforms, and the more intimate interior space it creates. The architectural project, the result of a reflection centred on the landscape or the city, serves here as a tool for creating and transforming everyday life. The firm aims to be a workshop for research and exploration of architectural projects, viewed as a totality. Particular attention is paid to materials, their spatial arrangement, and their theatricality. All aspects of a project are carefully studied: integration within a given context, conceptual design, working drawings, architectural details, interior design, and object design. Concepts are developed in such a way that each of the elements must play a part in the overall composition. Nothing is superfluous. YH2 deliberately chose to concentrate on fewer projects. Headed by its two founding partners, the team dedicates its full attention to these projects, which have received numerous awards throughout the years.

Choosing the right Building Information Modelling (BIM) software isn't just about picking a program—it’s about choosing how your entire design studio breathes, creates, and collaborates. In 2026, the BIM landscape is more exciting than ever. We have shifted away from clunky, isolated tools and moved toward real-time cloud collaboration and AI assistance. But with so many options on the market, which one is right for you? As real architects on community forums like Reddit often point out, BIM is a process, not just a tool. The best choice for your practice boils down to two things: your firm's size and your daily project workflow. Here is our breakdown of the Best 5 BIM Software for Architects in 2026, packed with the pros, cons, and real-world insights you need to make the right choice. Autodesk Revit: The Heavyweight Industry Standard Best For: Large architectural firms, multi-disciplinary engineering coordination, and highly complex commercial projects. If you walk into a large commercial architecture firm anywhere in the world, chances are they run on Autodesk Revit. It is the undisputed powerhouse for massive projects requiring intense coordination between architects, structural engineers, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) teams. Revit uses parametric modelling, meaning if you change a window in a 3D view, it instantly updates in your 2D floor plans, sections, and schedules. Pros: Built-In Clash Detection: This is Revit's superpower. It catches structural and plumbing conflicts before construction starts, saving thousands of dollars on-site. Massive Market Share: Because it is the global standard, sharing files with consultants is seamless, and finding staff who already know how to use it is incredibly easy. Ultimate Documentation: It generates exceptionally accurate, detailed construction documents. Cons: A "Beast" to Learn: The online community widely agrees that Revit has a steep, sometimes frustrating learning curve for beginners. High Costs: The annual subscription is a massive financial commitment. Even its cheaper version, Revit LT, strips out vital features like worksharing (collaboration) and third-party plugins. Graphisoft Archicad: The Designer’s Choice Best For: Small to mid-sized practices, independent residential architects, and dedicated Mac users. Archicad was the world's very first true BIM software, and it remains a massive favourite for design-focused studios. Where Revit can sometimes feel like a rigid database tool, Archicad feels like an architect's digital drawing board. It offers a fluid, artistic workflow and incredibly robust 3D modelling. It also champions "Open BIM," making it highly compatible with non-Autodesk programs. Pros: The BIMx App: This feature is a game-changer for client meetings. It allows you to package your entire 3D model and 2D layouts into an interactive, game-like app for iPads or smartphones. Mac-Friendly & Intuitive: It runs beautifully on Apple hardware and features an interface designed specifically around how architects naturally think. Design Freedom: It makes it much easier to model creative, non-standard shapes without fighting the software. Cons: Engineering Limits: It offers less native support for complex, heavy engineering workflows compared to Revit. Rising Prices: Historically favoured by smaller "Mom & Pop" firms because it was much cheaper, its license costs have risen over the years to sit closer to Revit’s price tag. Snaptrude: The AI-Powered Cloud Innovator Best For: Agile firms requiring rapid design iteration, real-time remote collaboration, and budget-conscious solo practices. Snaptrude is the modern rebel on this list, taking the 2026 architectural world by storm. It is a browser-based, AI-assisted BIM platform built to bridge the gap between early sketching and deep technical modelling. Instead of spending days drawing a basic conceptual model in SketchUp only to throw it away and rebuild it in a BIM tool, Snaptrude lets you design concepts that automatically convert into intelligent BIM data. Pros: AI-Assisted Sketching: You can sketch rough concepts, and the built-in AI will automatically generate smart 3D floor plans with walls, rooms, and areas. Google Docs-Style Collaboration: Because it lives in the cloud, multiple team members can work inside the same model at the same time, right from their web browsers. Lightning Fast: Ideal for knocking out multiple project options for clients in record time. Cons: Newer to the Market: While incredible for early-to-mid stage design, it doesn't yet have the decades-long ecosystem of highly specialized detailing components found in Revit or Archicad. Vectorworks Architect: The Ultimate All-in-One Creative Best For: Architects who need a single tool to handle buildings, high-end interior design, and detailed landscaping. Vectorworks Architect is celebrated for its incredible geometric modelling and stunning visual graphics. It treats presentation as a core part of the architectural process. It is a fantastic hybrid tool that blends advanced freehand modelling with fully parameterized BIM objects. If your studio handles not just buildings, but also the surrounding landscape and interior details, Vectorworks eliminates the need to jump between multiple programs. Pros: All-in-One Versatility: It features world-class landscaping and interior planning tools built directly into the architectural interface. Stunning Graphic Output: Its presentation capabilities are top-tier, allowing you to create beautiful, artful design presentations directly out of your model. Flexible Modelling: Excellent freehand tools make it easy to draft complex shapes. Cons: Smaller Corporate Footprint: It holds a smaller piece of the commercial market share, meaning it can take more effort to coordinate with large-scale MEP or structural engineering firms that default to Revit. Renga: The Ultimate Gateway for Beginners Best For: Architecture students, solo beginners, and small teams transitioning into BIM for the first time. Transitioning from traditional 2D CAD to 3D BIM can feel like standing at the bottom of a giant mountain. That is where Renga comes in. Purpose-built to be highly accessible, Renga strips away the overwhelming clutter of corporate software to offer a clean, straightforward entry point into the world of BIM modelling. Pros: Simple Learning Curve: Its minimalist user interface is incredibly friendly, allowing new users to start modelling walls, roofs, and windows almost instantly. Affordable Entry: It offers a much lower financial barrier to entry than the big legacy platforms. Integrated Essentials: Easily handles basic architectural, structural, and MEP modelling in a single, simple space. Cons: Limited Advanced Automation: It lacks the deep, automated clash detection, extensive cloud-sharing servers, and massive object libraries required for complex mega-projects. At the end of the day, looking for the single "absolute best" BIM program is a bit like looking for the "absolute best" style of architecture—it simply DOES NOT EXIST! Every firm, every solo practice, and every designer works differently. If you are a solo architect designing beautiful, custom residential homes, you don't need a massive, expensive corporate engine built for a 50-person engineering team. Likewise, if you are coordinating multi-million dollar commercial skyscrapers, a lightweight sketching tool won’t cut it. Don't let industry peer pressure dictate your toolbox. The right software isn't the one with the most bells and whistles, nor is it necessarily the most expensive one. The best BIM software is the one that fits your unique workflow, respects your budget, and gets out of the way so you can do what you do best: design amazing spaces. Take a breath, download a few free trials, play around with the interfaces, and see which one clicks with your creative rhythm. Happy modelling!

Imagine a building that gives back exactly as much as it takes. It keeps you warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and runs all your appliances without draining the power grid. It sounds like science fiction, but it is actually the very real, rapidly growing world of "Net-Zero Energy" architecture. As cities look for smarter ways to grow and the world seeks solutions to climate change, net-zero buildings are stepping into the spotlight. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? Let us take a journey into the future of sustainable design. What is a Net-Zero Building? At its core, a net-zero energy building is beautifully simple to understand: over the course of a year, it generates just as much clean, renewable energy as it consumes. Think of it like a bank account. Every time a light is turned on or the heating runs, the building makes a "withdrawal" from the energy grid. But, by generating its own power—usually through solar panels on the roof—it also makes "deposits." By the end of the year, the balance is perfectly zero. Step One: The "Fabric First" Approach Before a building can generate its own power, it must learn not to waste it. Architects and builders achieve this by focusing on the "building envelope"—the walls, roof, windows, and doors that separate the inside from the outside. In a traditional house, heat constantly escapes through poorly insulated walls or drafty windows. A net-zero building is different. It acts like a high-quality thermos. By using exceptional, high-performance materials, the building locks in the desired temperature. For example, using robust materials like mineral wool insulation does incredible double duty in these homes. Not only does it provide a thick thermal blanket that drastically reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling, but it also offers excellent soundproofing—a vital feature as our cities become denser. Smarter Shapes and Gentle Density Building for the future is not just about massive glass skyscrapers; it is about reshaping the neighbourhoods we already live in. Across urban centers in Canada and around the world, there is a massive shift toward "gentle density." Instead of sprawling outward, communities are building smarter inward. Net-zero design is perfectly suited for high-density residential projects like modern fourplexes, garden suites, and multiplexes. When homes share walls in a multiplex, they naturally share heat, making the entire structure more energy-efficient. By designing these multi-unit buildings to face the sun—a technique known as passive solar design—architects can capture natural light and warmth during the winter months, while using clever roof overhangs to provide shade in the summer. Powering Up with Clean Technology Once the building is designed to use as little energy as possible, it is time to power it up. Because the energy demand of a net-zero building is so low, it becomes surprisingly easy to supply that energy using renewable sources. Solar Power: The most common solution is placing solar panels on the roof. These capture the sun's rays and convert them into electricity for daily use. Heat Pumps: Instead of burning gas to create heat, net-zero buildings often use advanced heat pumps. These clever devices extract existing heat from the outside air or the ground—even on cold days—and move it indoors. Smart Systems: Modern buildings are equipped with smart sensors that know when a room is empty, automatically turning off lights and adjusting the climate control to save power. Why This Matters Now The push for net-zero is not just a passing trend; it is becoming a standard. Ambitious national frameworks, such as the Canada Green Buildings Strategy, are guiding the construction sector toward a completely sustainable, resilient future. The goal is to transform how we build, shifting away from resource-intensive structures toward those that harmonize with the environment. For the people living in these buildings, the benefits are deeply personal. A net-zero home means practically eliminating monthly energy bills. It means breathing cleaner indoor air, enjoying a quieter home free from street noise, and living in a space that is incredibly comfortable year-round. The shift toward net-zero architecture demonstrates that human comfort and environmental care need not be opposing forces. Through smart design, high-quality insulation, and clean technology, the construction industry is proving that we can build beautiful, functional spaces that respect the earth. The future of architecture is not just about creating structures that stand tall; it is about creating buildings that tread lightly. And as more net-zero multiplexes and homes rise in our neighbourhoods, that future is finally feeling a lot like home.

As designers and urban planners continually push the boundaries of high-density zoning and structural capacity, the global skyline has been transformed into a canvas of sheer engineering ambition. While much of the industry's current focus is rightfully shifting toward sustainable trends like mass timber, net-positive developments, and smart, gentle density, there remains an undeniable awe in the scale of the world's megatall skyscrapers. These monolithic structures are more than just glass and steel; they are complex vertical cities that challenge our understanding of structural loads, wind resistance, and spatial efficiency. From the desert sands of Dubai to the booming financial districts of Asia, here are the twenty architectural marvels that stand as the pinnacle of human ambition. 1. Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE) Holding the crown for over a decade, its Y-shaped tripartite floor geometry optimizes residential and hotel space while seamlessly supporting the building's staggering height. Completion: 2010 Height: 828m Floors: 163 Material: Steel / Concrete Function: Residential / Hotel / Office 2. Merdeka 118 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) The newest titan on the list, its striking, faceted facade was inspired by the diversity of Malaysian culture. Completion: 2023 Height: 678.9m Floors: 118 Material: Composite Function: Office / Hotel / Residential 3. Shanghai Tower (Shanghai, China) A triumph of modern sustainable engineering, its 120-degree twisting form significantly reduces wind loads on the building, saving thousands of tons of structural material. Completion: 2015 Height: 632m Floors: 128 Material: Composite Function: Office / Hotel 4. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower (Mecca, Saudi Arabia) Defined by its colossal clock faces, this massive complex was built to accommodate millions of religious pilgrims annually. Completion: 2012 Height: 601m Floors: 120 Material: Composite Function: Mixed Use / Hotel / Residential 5. Ping An Finance Center (Shenzhen, China) Anchoring China’s tech capital, its facade features the largest stainless steel exterior in the world, chosen to resist the coastal city's salty atmosphere. Completion: 2017 Height: 599.1m Floors: 115 Material: Composite Function: Office 6. Lotte World Tower (Seoul, South Korea) Completion: 2017 Height: 554.5m Floors: 123 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Office / Residential / Retail 7. One World Trade Center (New York City, USA) Completion: 2014 Height: 541.3m Floors: 94 Material: Composite Function: Office 8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre (Guangzhou, China) Completion: 2016 Height: 530m Floors: 111 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Residential / Office 9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre (Tianjin, China) Completion: 2019 Height: 530m Floors: 97 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Serviced Apartments / Office 10. CITIC Tower (Beijing, China) Completion: 2018 Height: 527.7m Floors: 109 Material: Composite Function: Office 11. TAIPEI 101 (Taipei, Taiwan) Completion: 2004 Height: 508m Floors: 101 Material: Composite Function: Office 12. Shanghai World Financial Center (Shanghai, China) Completion: 2008 Height: 492m Floors: 101 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Office 13. International Commerce Centre (Hong Kong, China) Completion: 2010 Height: 484m Floors: 108 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Office 14. Wuhan Greenland Center (Wuhan, China) Completion: 2022 Height: 475.6m Floors: 97 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Residential / Office 15. Central Park Tower (New York City, USA) Completion: 2020 Height: 472.4m Floors: 98 Material: Concrete Function: Residential 16. Lakhta Center (St. Petersburg, Russia) Completion: 2019 Height: 462m Floors: 87 Material: Composite Function: Office 17. Landmark 81 (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) Completion: 2018 Height: 461.2m Floors: 81 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Residential 18. The Exchange 106 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) Completion: 2019 Height: 453.6m Floors: 95 Material: Composite Function: Office 19. Changsha IFS Tower T1 (Changsha, China) Completion: 2018 Height: 452.1m Floors: 94 Material: Composite Function: Hotel / Office 20. Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) Completion: 1998 Height: 451.9m Floors: 88 Material: Concrete Function: Office Looking at this list, the race to the sky has historically been dominated by heavy composite cores and massive steel frames. However, as the architectural dialogue shifts toward reducing embodied carbon, the next generation of skyscrapers will face an entirely new set of design parameters. The future of high-rise development isn't simply about maximizing floor area ratios or breaking elevation records. It will be about integrating the monumental scale of these towers with the eco-conscious principles currently transforming mid-rise design. The next great skyline-definer may not just be the tallest building in the world—it may very well be the greenest.

During a prestigious tenure as the inaugural Designer-in-Residence at the Vignelli Center for Design Studies from 2023 to 2024, architect RZLBD, from Atelier RZLBD, was presented with a glowing challenge. Through an exclusive design workshop in partnership with the renowned Corning Museum of Glass, the assignment was clear yet demanding: ideate, design, and prototype a lampshade. Image courtesy of: RZLBD The result is not just a fixture that holds a bulb, but a whimsical, functional piece of art that invites us to turn on the light in our own minds. Stepping Out of the Cartesian Comfort Zone For an architect whose mind naturally operates in the rigid, precise language of Modernism, the hot shop was a wildly different world. RZLBD’s usual toolkit of milling, machining, and drafting on a Cartesian framework suddenly had to be traded for something entirely fluid. Working with skilled gaffers and molten glass spinning at the end of a blowpipe meant fighting gravity in real-time. Glassblowing is an impromptu, fast-paced dance. There is no time to step back, erase a line on a drafting table, or carefully calculate a revision. The process is agile, acrobatic, and, above all, hot. The glowing, glassy medium initially resisted the architect’s structured approach. Yet, after a few failed attempts and humbling lessons learned directly from the molten material, RZLBD found his rhythm and successfully produced a series of working prototypes. The Anatomy of a "Thinking Head" At its core, a lampshade exists to embrace a source of light. For RZLBD, light is far more than illumination; it represents knowledge, wisdom, and the journey from darkness into awareness. When pondering this metaphor, he was reminded of the story of Jonah in the belly of the whale. However, creating design within "Vignelli's land" called for an Italian adaptation. The perfect metaphor was Pinocchio. The prototype wittily takes the shape of a thinking head. When the lamp is turned on, it serves as a visual cue to activate the mind. But this glass Pinocchio is not just a philosophical statement—it is highly functional. The head, nose, and neck are designed to set a playful stage. Owners can rest a hat on its crown, balance eyeglasses on its nose, or tie a scarf and bowtie around its neck. Geppetto's New Creation Just as the classic fairytale centers on a woodcarver bringing a boy to life, the architect naturally assumed the role of the creator in this fiery process. He crafted the lamp from scratch, breathing life into a new kind of character—making him, in a very real sense, a modern-day Geppetto. As this charming glass figure lights up a room, it carries a simple, profound message from its maker: "May Pinocchio remind us to keep the light on in our head." – RZLBD (Geppetto) Project Credits Ideation, Concept & Design: RZLBD (Reza Aliabadi) Assistant Gaffers: Jeff Mack, Catherine Ayres About Atelier RZLBD Rooted in Toronto but boundless in its spirit, Atelier RZLBD is a creative studio that refuses to be tied down to a single discipline. Its work naturally drifts between art and architecture, object and idea, space and story. Every project the studio takes on is a snapshot of its ongoing search for both beautiful form and deeper meaning. Atelier RZLBD operates as more than just a typical design firm; it functions as a living organism. Acting as a quiet but transformative force, the studio constantly questions the familiar and injects new possibilities into every environment it touches. For the studio, art, architecture, and design are never merely services to be provided. Instead, they are thoughtful meditations on time, place, and the poetry of what we build—and what we leave unbuilt. This unique, philosophical voice has earned the studio widespread global recognition, with its work celebrated through numerous exhibitions, prestigious awards, and features in over a hundred international publications.

When the worlds of innovative material design and visionary architecture collide, the result is often extraordinary. Such is the case with the Ēclos® Maitake Table, a stunning collaborative piece by global surface leader Cosentino and the acclaimed Patkau Studio. This modular furniture piece takes the raw, expressive potential of Cosentino’s newest mineral surface, Ēclos®, and shapes it into an organic masterpiece for the modern living space. Image courtesy of: Doublespace From Wood to Stone Originally conceived by Patkau Studio in solid wood, the Maitake Table has been beautifully reimagined. It trades its wooden roots for the structural strength and deep visual consistency of Ēclos®. The result is a sculptural table that perfectly balances fluid, curvilinear geometry with sharp, precision engineering. Its gracefully curved edges taper down to an elegant, thin profile, while its flat linear edges are designed to fit together flawlessly. Adaptable by Design Inspired by the spontaneous, flowing forms found in nature, the Maitake Table is highly modular. Individual pieces can seamlessly interlock, creating adaptable compositions. Whether a room requires an intimate centrepiece for a quiet corner or an expansive, sprawling surface for a large lounge, the table effortlessly adjusts to the environment. Craftsmanship and Precision The journey of the new Maitake Table began simply: with a small sample of Ēclos® placed on a boardroom table. This sparked a deeper exploration into what the material could achieve. Moving away from the traditional, heavy slab look of stone, Patkau Studio approached the design through organic geometry. Using advanced CNC stone routing, the design team crafted the table's signature tapered profile. The intrinsic grain of the material shines through, creating a rich and tactile experience. To fully embrace the material, even the table's legs were redesigned with new, curved forms made entirely from Ēclos®. They are held together by discreet steel brackets and threaded inserts, ensuring the table is incredibly sturdy on-site without interrupting its seamless visual flow. Rooted in Sustainability Beauty and function are only part of the story; sustainability played an equally crucial role in the design process. Honouring the recycled content found within Ēclos®, the team focused heavily on minimizing waste. They developed an ingenious and efficient production layout that allows nine perfectly compatible modules to be cut from just a single sheet of material. The Ēclos® Maitake Table is more than just a piece of modular furniture. It is a timeless reflection of technical innovation and emotional design. By pushing the boundaries of material exploration, Cosentino and Patkau Studio have created a beautiful, highly functional, and sustainable piece that brings a touch of nature's poetry indoors. Image courtesy of: Doublespace About Patkau Studio Patkau Studio is an extension of our architectural practice, Patkau Architects. It is a dedicated space where our fascination with material, form, and craft is distilled into functional, accessible objects. Each piece is born from an experimental process where every detail is carefully considered, the design evolving through the act of making. Our furniture concepts often emerge in parallel with our architectural designs, sharing a common language of structure and intent. They aim to enrich environments with refined, articulate objects that invite visual, tactile, and emotional engagement. All Patkau Studio furniture is designed and made in Canada. About Cosentino Cosentino is a global family-owned company that produces and distributes innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design. As a leading company, Cosentino imagines and anticipates, together with its customers and partners, design solutions that offer value and inspiration to people’s lives. This goal is made possible by pioneering brands that are leaders in their respective segments, such as Silestone®, Dekton®, Éclos® and Sensa by Cosentino®. These innovative surfaces allow the creation of unique environments and designs for the home and public spaces. Cosentino currently distributes its products in more than 120 countries, from its headquarters in Almería (Spain), and is present with its own assets in 32 of them. The multinational has nine factories (eight in Almería, Spain and one in Brazil), one intelligent logistics platform in Spain, and more than 180 commercial and business units worldwide. More than 90 percent of Cosentino Group’s financial turnover comes from international markets.

Just north of Toronto, perched on the edge of a wooded valley, sits Ravine House—a contemporary home that redefines what it means to live in harmony with nature. Rather than acting as a barrier against the outdoors or simply occupying a plot of land, this stunning residence acts as an immersive, beautiful mediator between comfortable domestic living and the natural landscape. Image courtesy of: Riley Snelling Built on the principles of biophilic design—the concept of connecting humans with nature to improve physical comfort and emotional well-being—Ravine House proves that a home can be much more than just a shelter. It is a space for true restoration, turning the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the ravine into a daily lived experience. Inspired by the Forest Canopy From the outside, the home is a direct homage to its environment. The front facade features a sculptural, abstract leaf-like relief pattern supported by tall, slender steel columns that mimic the surrounding tree trunks. Deep overhangs and cantilevered forms stretch out like a forest canopy. These clever design choices do more than look beautiful; they recreate the feeling of walking beneath tall trees while naturally keeping the house cool and mitigating solar gain during warmer months. At the rear of the property, expansive glazing seamlessly connects the glowing, warm interior to the outdoor pool and untouched landscape. The Courtyard: The Heart and Lungs of the Home At the core of Ravine House is a breathtaking open-air courtyard that serves as both an environmental and experiential anchor. Far from just a visual centrepiece, this courtyard acts as the lungs of the home. It pulls fresh air, deep daylight, and private forest views right into the living spaces, especially the bedroom level. Because it is open to the elements, the courtyard turns the changing seasons into a living work of art: The vibrant foliage of summer The brilliant colours of autumn leaves The quiet blanket of winter snowfall Paired with skylights and a unique interior glass floor, the courtyard successfully dissolves the conventional boundaries between the inside and the outside. Natural Textures and Dancing Light Inside, the home leans heavily into sensory richness. Step into the double-height living room, and the eye is immediately drawn upward to a custom, suspended art installation inspired by falling leaves. Designed to catch and reflect natural light, this dynamic sculpture shimmers and moves as the sun crosses the sky, bringing a quiet, organic energy into the heart of the home. The materials chosen for the home are deeply tactile and intentionally restrained to echo the textures of bark, shadow, and exposed earth: Warm natural woods blend seamlessly with the forested outdoors. Charred Shou Sugi Ban adds a striking, dark, and dramatic contrast. Rich stone and sleek dark steel provide a sense of grounded permanence. Nature is treated as an architectural feature rather than mere decoration. A towering 12.5-foot living green wall anchors the dining space, working alongside built-in planters to naturally purify the air, soften the acoustics, and add a calming presence. Every transitional space celebrates this connection. A beautifully lit wooden staircase is grounded by a serene rock garden at its base, while upstairs, suspended vanity mirrors in the tranquil bathroom perfectly frame the vibrant green forest outside. Downstairs, the kitchen effortlessly blends stone counters with natural wood cabinetry, opening completely to the patio for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Smart, Sustainable Design Ravine House proves that sustainability does not need to rely on bulky technological add-ons. Instead, eco-friendly practices are built right into the architecture through smart, passive strategies: Climate Control: High-performance glazing and carefully calibrated roof overhangs keep the temperature comfortable year-round. Energy Efficiency: The courtyard-driven layout creates natural cross-breezes, dramatically reducing the need for artificial cooling. Ecological Preservation: A compact footprint minimizes site disturbance, ensuring that the property's original ecosystem remains protected and untouched. A Model for the Future Ravine House explores a beautiful question: How can architecture go beyond simple housing to become a tool for physical comfort and mental well-being? By beautifully weaving together landscape, natural materials, and wellness-focused design, it stands as a restorative infrastructure and a brilliant model for deeply human-centred contemporary living. Property Inquiries This exceptional house is located in Richmond Hill and will be on sale from June 11th. Any inquiries can be directed to: KL Homes By Kevin Lin Team Phone: 905-881-5115 About Prosun Design Build At Prosun, architecture and construction unite to deliver exceptional custom homes. Through Prosun Architects Inc. and Prosun Homes Inc., they offer a seamless design-build experience from the first sketch to move-in day. Specializing in modern luxury, Prosun crafts spaces that respond intuitively to a client's lifestyle and the site's unique character. Guided by Expertise The firm is led by two complementary experts: Prithula Prosun Roy: An award-winning, OAA-licensed architect who solves complex architectural challenges with elegant, highly creative solutions. Amit Sinha Roy: Bringing 20+ years of executive project management experience, Amit ensures rigorous cost control, precise scheduling, and complete transparency. This unified model guarantees absolute design integrity, proving that the best homes are not only beautifully designed but flawlessly built.

Choosing materials for a home renovation has always required a leap of faith. For decades, customers have been handed a small tile or a tiny wood swatch and asked to imagine how it will look spread across an entire kitchen or bathroom. While massive retail chains have the budget to develop highly customized, proprietary design software to solve this problem, small to mid-sized businesses are often left behind. They have historically relied on physical samples, verbal explanations, and fragmented design support. This reality created a massive gap between what modern customers expect and what smaller retail teams can realistically provide. Designer Hsin Ting Chiu recognized this disconnect and developed an ingenious solution. Rather than spending millions of dollars building new software from scratch, Chiu reconfigured existing tools to create a highly practical, affordable, and visually stunning retail workflow. The Flaws in Legacy Visualization Tools Before this breakthrough, small retailers and independent designers had to choose between tools that only solved a fraction of the problem. None of the existing options provided a complete, workable solution for the fast-paced retail environment: 2D Visualizers (e.g., Roomvo): These tools are fast and user-friendly, allowing customers to digitally "paste" floors onto a photograph of their room. However, they lack spatial accuracy. They do not account for real room dimensions, grout lines, or actual construction logic, making them highly impractical for interior layouts where precision is required. Closed Systems (e.g., IKEA Planner): These are excellent for 3D visualization but are highly rigid. They are locked to a specific company's product database. Independent retailers cannot easily adapt these systems to their constantly changing product lines without paying heavy platform fees. Traditional 3D Software (e.g., 3ds Max): While these programs produce breathtaking, photorealistic imagery, they are far too slow, expensive, and technical for everyday retail consultations. The market desperately needed a solution that was fast, spatially accurate, highly flexible, and affordable. SketchUp and D5 Render: How the Workflow Actually Works In 2024, while helping establish the design department at Toronto-based Besso Floor & Decor, Chiu developed a new approach: using SketchUp as the structural foundation and D5 Render as the visual core. The secret to this combination is live synchronization. Here is a step-by-step look at how this dual-system workflow operates in a real-world setting: The Structural Foundation: The designer uses SketchUp to build the exact dimensions of the customer's room. SketchUp handles the real-world spatial structures, layout adjustments, and vital construction logic. The Visual Engine: Connected seamlessly to SketchUp is D5 Render, which acts as a real-time visualization engine. It instantly processes lighting, textures, and material finishes. Real-Time Consultation: As a designer adjusts the physical dimensions or moves a cabinet in SketchUp, those changes are reflected immediately in D5 Render. Instant Material Swapping: Unlike older rendering plugins that require users to jump back into complex modelling software to make changes, D5 Render allows for direct material replacement on the rendering side. A designer can sit with a customer, swap a polished marble tile for a matte ceramic one with a single click, and instantly see how the light hits it in their specific bathroom layout. Much like how advanced video game engines revolutionized the film industry by allowing directors to see digital environments live on set, this workflow transforms retail. It takes rendering out of the back office and turns it into a real-time, interactive sales tool. Why D5 Render? Choosing the right software was a business decision as much as a technical one. While tools like Twinmotion are phenomenal for exterior architecture and landscapes, interior design requires a workflow tailored to precise indoor spaces. Most interior designers already know tools like SketchUp and D5, making recruitment and onboarding incredibly fast. In fact, new staff can learn this specific retail workflow in just three days. Furthermore, compared to rendering plugins like Enscape—which require the user to jump back into the modelling software to make material changes—D5 Render allows for direct material replacement on the rendering side. This creates a smooth, uninterrupted consultation experience for the customer. Much like how Unreal Engine revolutionized the film industry by allowing directors to see near-final visual effects live on set, D5 Render transforms building-materials retail. It takes rendering out of the back office and turns it into a real-time, interactive sales tool. A Four-Pillar Impact: The Benefits of the System Discussions around design often focus purely on aesthetics. However, in the building materials industry, design must function as commercial infrastructure. This system turns design from a visual bonus into a foundational business tool. The benefits ripple through the entire renovation process across four distinct groups: 1. Empowered Consumers By seeing a true-to-scale, dynamically lit 3D model of their exact space, customers can make decisions with total confidence. This eliminates the anxiety of mismatched materials and ensures that the final result is much closer to their initial expectations. 2. Streamlined Business Operations For building-materials retailers, product lines change rapidly. New tiles, flooring, and bathroom fixtures are introduced regularly. This workflow offers massive operational advantages: Cost-Efficiency: Retailers can build and update their internal material libraries instantly. When a new tile arrives in the showroom, it can be added to the digital catalogue immediately, without waiting for a third-party platform to update its database. Reduced Software Costs: The combination of open-market tools is vastly more affordable than licensing closed commercial visualization platforms. Faster Training: Because SketchUp is widely taught in design schools, new hires can adapt to this workflow with minimal friction. In fact, a new staff member can learn this specific retail system in just three days, drastically reducing training costs and onboarding barriers. 3. Professional Growth for Designers Because this workflow is built on widely used tools, it naturally attracts top design talent. The skills learned through this system are not locked to one company’s proprietary software. Instead, they remain highly transferable across interior design, commercial retail, and construction fields. This allows businesses to maintain consistent service standards while encouraging designers to build long-term, valuable professional skills. 4. Accurate Construction Execution Because the stunning visuals are generated from real 3D dimensions, they serve as valid, accurate construction references. Contractors receive a clear visual map of tile layouts and precise material quantities, heavily reducing costly miscommunications and errors on the job site. From a Manual Workflow to a Systemized Model The impact of Chiu’s workflow quickly gained industry attention, notably winning a Silver Award at the 2024 MUSE Design Awards. This proved that commercial speed does not require sacrificing professional design quality. By 2026, the building-materials retail market in Toronto showed a massive shift, with many competitors attempting to introduce similar SketchUp and D5-centred visualization models. Retailers are now universally expected to provide customers with clearer, more realistic design support before a purchase is made. To meet this growing demand, the project evolved from a manual workflow into an automated, scalable implementation model. In 2026, Hsin Ting Chiu collaborated with Ruby developer Chun Brown to create the FG Enhancer, a custom SketchUp plugin specifically designed for tile and flooring applications. Here’s a quick walkthrough to get you started. The FG Enhancer automates parts of the workflow that previously required tedious manual modelling. Its key functions include: One-click generation of precise tile and flooring layout grids. Randomized texture patterns to create highly natural, realistic visual results. Support for incredibly fast material mapping and layout testing. Improved efficiency when preparing reusable visualization templates for common room shapes. The Future: Democratizing Design The ultimate goal of this project is not just to help one store, but to create a standardized, accessible, and scalable framework that any small to mid-sized business can adopt. This technology has officially entered the U.S. provisional patent application stage (Application No. 64/066,803), titled “System and Method for Dimension-Constrained Surface Mapping for Generating Construction-Valid Layouts.” Slated for official release in 2027, the tool and its accompanying workflow are planned to be made available as a free download. By removing the financial and technical barriers, this system will empower independent retailers, local contractors, and small design teams to provide world-class, construction-referenced 3D previews. Ultimately, this workflow proves that incredible, accessible design is the ultimate competitive advantage in modern retail. About Hsin Ting Chiu Hsin Ting Chiu (Angel Chiu) is a Toronto-based designer and workflow innovator who specializes in extending design thinking into business, marketing, and the application of digital tools. Her research focuses on how existing tools can be recombined to create a low-cost design system specifically for building-material retailers. One of the earliest implementations of this workflow began during her time as the first designer at Besso Floor & Decor in Toronto. Working within a limited budget and under conditions where the company’s design service had not yet been fully established, she applied this low-cost visualization workflow in a building-material retail environment, helping to build the early customer consultation and design-service process.

Just a few steps away from the bustling Bell Centre, a fresh take on the classic French brasserie has opened its doors. The new Chez Lionel, located inside a landmark building at 1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard, brings a contemporary pulse to a timeless dining style. Image courtesy of: Maxime Brouillet Designed by Cleo Katcho Design Architectural Inc., the project breathes new life into a 1990s commercial space. Instead of fighting the building's strict architectural limitations, the design team embraced them, creating a beautifully connected, fluid environment where the bar beats as the vibrant heart of the room. Turning Obstacles into Opportunities When the design team first walked into the space, they faced a disjointed layout where the dining room, bar, and upper levels felt entirely disconnected. The biggest hurdle? A massive, immovable granite core housing an emergency staircase sat right in the middle of the room. Instead of hiding this obstacle, Cléo Katcho and her team used it as an anchor. A Bold Expansion: The designers made the daring choice to extend the restaurant outward into the building’s main lobby. Blurring the Lines: This created a seamless lounge area that connects the public lobby to the private dining space, giving the restaurant a striking, inviting presence right from the street. The Bar Takes Center Stage In the restaurant's previous life, the bar was tucked away on an upper mezzanine. For Chez Lionel, the team brought it down to the ground floor, completely changing the energy of the room. Now, the bar sits directly in the center of the action. It acts as both a natural walkway and a welcoming gathering spot. Whether guests are walking in for dinner or just grabbing a quick drink, they immediately feel the lively brasserie atmosphere. To keep this connected feeling going, the designers merged two separate upper levels into a single, unified mezzanine. This ensures that no matter where a guest is sitting, they have a clear, engaging view of the bustling ground floor below. Designing the Vibe: Classic Meets Contemporary The look of the new Chez Lionel balances the familiar warmth of a traditional French brasserie with sleek, modern upgrades. The design team carefully selected materials that update the classic aesthetic while honouring the building's original character. Key Design Elements: Urban Textures: Warm brick pairs with sleek metal accents to give the room a modern city feel. Classic Glamour: Gold finishes, woven mesh details at the bar, and custom crystal lighting bring in the traditional elegance of a European brasserie. Lush Greenery: Thoughtfully placed plants mimic the feeling of a grand European glasshouse, adding freshness and life to the room. Original Stone: The building’s original 1990s granite floors and columns were kept intact, anchoring the restaurant in its downtown history and giving it a unique personality. Solving the Invisible Challenges A beautiful space also needs to feel comfortable. With so many hard surfaces—like granite, glass, and brick—the room naturally echoed. To solve this, the designers cleverly hid sound-absorbing materials within the darker ceiling finishes, ensuring the dining experience sounds as good as it looks. Additionally, the bright lights of the building's public lobby threatened to ruin the moody, intimate vibe of the brasserie. By working closely with building management, the team adjusted the lighting levels to create a smooth, gentle transition from the bright entryway to the cozy restaurant interior. A Masterclass in Smart Design The new downtown Montreal location of Chez Lionel offers a wide variety of seating—from cozy banquettes to casual lounge chairs—making it the perfect spot for everything from a quick evening aperitif to a full, lingering dinner. Through smart planning and creative problem-solving, Cléo Katcho Design Architectural proved that the best design doesn't always come from a blank canvas. Sometimes, true innovation comes from taking strict limitations and turning them into the very foundation of a great experience. About Cleo Katcho Design Architectural Inc. Cleo Katcho Design Architectural Inc. is a design studio specializing in corporate, commercial, medical, funerary, multi-residential, and hospitality projects. Its approach focuses on creating spaces that are both functional and human-centred, while meeting performance requirements and supporting operational efficiency and long-term value. For over six years, the team — composed of interior designers and architectural technologists — has supported clients at every stage, from initial concept through to execution. The practice is grounded in a structured methodology, informed by a deep understanding of context and oriented toward concrete, implementable solutions. By combining technical expertise, business insight, and design sensitivity, CKDA develops environments that adapt to evolving organizational needs and support their growth over time.

On May 29th, as the sun began to set over the historic brick facades of Old Town Toronto, the streets took on a new, electric energy. The King East Design District (KEDD) Neighbourhood Hop—the highly anticipated annual event presented by DesignTO in collaboration with the Old Town Toronto BIA—was officially underway. For a few magic hours, the neighbourhood morphed into a sprawling, interactive playground for creativity and innovation. The Forma's team was on the ground, wristbands secured, hopping from venue to venue to take the pulse of the city's design scene. We expected to see stunning furniture, cutting-edge architectural surfaces, and state-of-the-art tech. What we didn't expect was the sheer human dynamic playing out on the sidewalks and in the showrooms. A Beautiful Collision of Eras What truly defined this year's event wasn't just the products on display, but the people filling the rooms. Walking down King Street East, you were shoulder-to-shoulder with the usual suspects: distinguished architects, busy builders, elite interior designers, and major industry suppliers. But the real surprise of the night? The students. There was a massive, refreshing wave of young creatives from local architecture and interior design programs pouring into the streets. It is a rare and beautiful sight to see the established "old guard" of Toronto’s design scene mingling so effortlessly with the next generation. You could spot groups of twenty-somethings wide-eyed at material demonstrations, striking up casual conversations with seasoned pros who have been shaping the Toronto skyline for decades. For one night, the traditional industry hierarchy completely disappeared. Everyone moved through Old Town Toronto with the same goal: to get inspired, share fresh ideas, and build the connections that will fuel their future projects. Inside the 7 Neighbourhood Hubs With a simple check-in granting an all-access wristband, attendees were free to chart their own course between seven distinct locations. Each venue brought a unique flavour and focus to the evening: BSH Experience & Design Centre: Thermador set a mesmerizing, sensory tone with ‘Moonlight Blue,’ an installation curated by Kilowatt Kate. Walking into the space felt like stepping into another realm. Soft, glowing illumination highlighted a masterful mix of fine-crafted metal, woven rattan, and bamboo. With oceanic accents tying it all together, the room perfectly captured the quiet, magnetic pull of a pending full blue moon. Candace & Basil: Here, the spotlight was strictly on homegrown excellence. Their immersive, design-forward experience highlighted luxury furniture proudly crafted right here in Canada. The showroom became a masterclass in how premium quality, ergonomic comfort, and hyper-customization can seamlessly converge in modern living spaces. Cosentino City, Toronto: This stop was a major draw for the architecture crowds. The centrepiece was the breathtaking Maitake table, envisioned by Patkau Architects. It served as a brilliant, tactile demonstration of Cosentino’s new Ēclos surface material. Having John Patkau and Cosentino leadership on hand to offer remarks gave the audience—especially the eager students—rare, direct insight into the minds of industry pioneers. Design Within Reach: True to its name, DWR kept things accessible, warm, and incredibly chic. Their "sip and shop" experience allowed guests to wander through displays of authentic, built-to-last modern design with a drink in hand. It was the perfect atmosphere for casual networking and admiring timeless, functional art. EQ3: If you were looking for high energy, EQ3 delivered. The showroom buzzed with live music, clinking cocktail glasses, and animated conversations over light bites. Beyond the festivities, it offered a highly exclusive sneak peek at unreleased products. Having the EQ3 President and Head of R&D actively mingling in the crowd made the brand feel incredibly personal and approachable. KPMB Architects: For the students in attendance, this was a holy grail stop. The award-winning studio hosted an open house, allowing the public to literally step inside the very rooms where transformative, city-shaping projects are dreamed up. It was a powerful reminder of the profound impact design has on our communities and the built environment. Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom: This space offered a breathtaking fusion of culinary engineering and haute couture. While the refined kitchen performance appliances were front and center, the environment was elevated by four pop-up, couture-inspired window displays. Tailored from the finest artisan fabrics and textiles, it showed how different design disciplines can beautifully intersect. The 2026 KEDD Neighbourhood Hop was completely free to attend, but the value of the inspiration generated over those few hours is incalculable. Great design does more than just shape our physical spaces; it brings people together. For the Forma team, walking away from Old Town Toronto last night, one thing was clear. With such an eager, passionate new generation ready to take the reins, and an established community so willing to open its doors to them, the future of Toronto design is in very good hands. About DesignTO DesignTO is a charitable arts organization celebrating 16 years of designing a sustainable, just, and joyful future. We curate exhibitions, presentations and educational programming to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of design. As Canada’s largest annual design festival, DesignTO has welcomed over 1.2 million attendees, reached 2.6 billion people through media, and showcased 7,500+ artists and designers since 2011.