Sustainability

A new generation of sustainable practices is transforming the architectural landscape. What is its 'secret'?

A paradigm-shifting chair made from sustainable PaperShell marks a major advance in eco-friendly design. In this exclusive interview, Arper CEO Roberto Monti explains how its paper construction reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability.

As designers and planners, infusing urban areas with spaces that can dim the outside noise is essential. Here's how crucial these quiet places are in busy cities.

The German manufacturer of active office furniture develops sustainable, resource-saving solutions for healthy workplaces.

At this year's Light + Building, the speakers at our Architonic Live Talks provided otherworldly inspiration, forward-thinking solutions and honest industry appraisals. We round up the illuminated insights you may have missed.

These carefully crafted bathrooms, restrooms, powder rooms and en-suites employ the natural colour and texture of wood to fill the facilities with warmth.

These specially selected cultural, residential and hospitality projects completed in 2023 minimise their harmful impact by taking responsibility at different stages of the building process.

These temporary pavilions, installations and public spaces use the speed, strength and structural capacity of bamboo to ensure they’re here for a good time, not a long time.

There was strength (and warmth) in numbers at this year’s Stockholm Design Week and Stockholm Furniture Fair.

These four office designs use pre-existing buildings as formgiving architectural cocoons. Featuring Leopold Banchini Architects, Fontego Architettura, HUMANSCAPE and Klaarchitectuur.

Even within tighter than usual confines, these structures prove that a building situated between two existing ones doesn't have to result in an unremarkable design. Featuring Ahmed Hossman Saafan, Notan Office, Pepe Ramirez and Iterare Arquitectura.

Nawabari, the result of a recent collaboration with BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, is just the latest example of BoConcept's long practice of partnering with experts in the field of architecture and design.

By considering the spatial needs of their co-habitants, these projects create a purposeful architectural environment to elevate their domestic experience. Featuring Nendo, Estudio Guto Requena, EKAR and Hiroyasu Imai.

‘Daylight makes us aware of the spaces that we find ourselves in every day,’ says Louise Grønlund, winner of the International VELUX Award in 2006. For the 2024 edition, architecture students are again invited to submit future-focused,

When it comes to flavour, these projects from Europe and the United States don't just stick to the menu. Instead, a clever blend of materials transforms them into experiential spaces that entice patrons to linger a little longer.

In this special edition of Team Picks, we showcase the must-see projects and articles you may have missed in 2023. Featuring projects that de-urbanise the city, a treetop walk that urbanises nature and a therapeutic chair to sit back and enjoy it

Me and you and everyone we know. That was 2023.

At Heimtextil from 9 to 12 January 2024, textile innovations, materials, interior design and trends can all be experienced under one roof.

A retrospective collation of the most popular product-referencing stories from Architonic’s magazine section. Featuring doorways, coffee tables, electric alternatives, terrazzo and cork.

These most popular project-referencing stories from Architonic’s magazine feature micro-offices, playful bathrooms and nature-set spas as well as examples of how to successfully create facade-inspired surfaces and timeless interiors.

Our annual review of the most popular commercial buildings and spaces in Architonic’s project database. Featuring weStudio, EFFEKT, Aaksen Responsible Aarchitecture, KAAN Architecten and Studiolada Architectes.

Our annual review of the most popular new living spaces in Architonic’s project database. Featuring Child Studio, Plus One Architects, Luke Moloney Architecture, Objektor Architekti and AKZ Architectura.

Workplace expert Steelcase takes the biomechanics of sitting very seriously, conducting four years of movement studies involving four different universities and 27 scientists…

Bright, transparent living areas, protective balcony glazing that visually dissolves, floating gardens and energy-efficient technologies – how the ‘Stories’ timber hybrid building in Amsterdam is making sustainability history.

In this monthly format, we bring you the must-see projects and articles you may have missed over the last four weeks on Architonic. Featured in November: private and public spaces for the senses, a reimagined architecture archetype and an exclusive

These four contemporary residential projects usher their residents outside with strategic open floor plans, attractive exterior spaces and plenty of greenery.

Material innovation has become well established as a guiding principle of contemporary design. But in Eindhoven, one tried-and-tested building element in particular received not one, but multiple original modernisations.

French lighting brand Forestier leverages the natural qualities of silk with innovative manufacturing techniques to create its sculptural, gossamer-light Nebulis family of luminaires.

With both a name and a design inspired by the Japanese art form of binding with ropes, Nawabari is the product of an exciting collaboration between two Danish design giants, BoConcept and BIG. Watch the video to find out more…

With its new Copenhagen headquarters, Danish architects, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, is setting new standards for flexible and sustainable office interiors. The newly constructed space is enhanced with BIG’s sculptural new furniture collection,

IO is the latest addition to Joe Scog's pragmatic programme of products, a classical table lamp – crafted in part using marble off-cuts rescued from the rubbish – that embodies the London-based lighting label's philosophy of sustainability.

With sustainable materials and joyful colour palettes, this curated selection of artistically formed glass products and the unique interiors they serve is exactly what designers are looking for.

The third edition of Switzerland's largest design event brought together emerging talent and established names for an investigation into circularity, place-making and contemporary design practice.

Either to show off their quality construction, for easy end-of-life disassembly, to increase their functionality or simply just for the aesthetic, these brave seating ranges bare all.

In this monthly format, we bring you the must-see projects and articles you may have missed over the last four weeks on Architonic. Featured in October: architecture that reinvents itself, the future of materials and spaces to cosy up in during the

By bridging not only commercial and cultural functions, but past and present, these four projects from different corners of the world prove that market halls have lost none of their ancient appeal. Featuring: Studio Metamorphosis, RootStudio,

These four saunas combine natural locations and thermo-climatic architecture to lower stress levels by raising body temperature, all as part of a rounded wellness regime.

Leaves aren't the only things changing. October was packed with industry gatherings to discuss new ways to tackle our shared future – while we proudly launched our new DAAily insights tool, which will help fuel yours.

The world's climate emergency, as well as rocketing energy costs, means more sustainable and energy-efficient approaches to building are no longer just an option but rather a necessity.

After two years of collaboration and product development, Danish furniture brand BoConcept, along with visionary architecture office BIG / Bjarke Ingels Group, have finally revealed their new furniture collection Nawabari to the world.

With its new Nawabari collection – created in partnership with architecture office BIG – BoConcept explores creative new design territory while also staying focused on environmental impact.

Nawabari is a versatile and playful new furniture collection resulting from a Nordic collaboration that leverages the combined power of two Danish design titans, BoConcept and BIG.

At this year's fair, six Dutch furniture makers will band together for the first time in an exclusive exhibition that showcases sustainability dilemmas and invites dialogue. We get a sneak peek at what's to come.

Architonic was in Bergamo in September to celebrate Pedrali's 60th anniversary and for the inauguration of the Pedrali Pavilion, a stunning wooden monument to the company's past, present and future.

Climate change has triggered a process of rethinking within the construction industry, and electrical expert Hager is supporting this change towards more climate-positive planning and building with not only its products but also its know-how.

At the London Design Fair, Material Matters and other exhibitions and installations across the city, designers, architects, engineers and other change makers reveal their latest work on sustainable materials.

In this monthly format, we bring you the must-see projects and articles you may have missed over the last four weeks on Architonic. Featured in September: organic shapes, interiors that reflect their surroundings and playful public spaces.

We're all in this together. Architonic's autumn kicks off with circularity and community.

Beyond mere ‘eco marketing’, Morbern continues to embrace sustainable practices in every step of its coated fabric production, all while preserving high-performance, durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal…

Bringing the outside in isn't just one of the most prominent interior trends of the last century. For these newly opened hospitality projects, it's a way to root themselves in their local surroundings and offer guests a truly authentic stay.

‘Circular design principles were considered at every stage of the development,’ says Haworth's David Barrass of the furniture brand's new Haworth Cardigan Lounge™ chair. Find out more in the video…

By applying the agricultural practice of vertical farming to design, architects can take advantage of the natural world, to improve our most urban environments.

Climate action and actioning innovation. An Architonic summer.

With the role of our cities changing, these green landscaping projects across Europe are bringing the natural world back home.

Homeowners targeting carbon neutrality by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels can simply turn off the gas. But is the alternative just an all-electric dream?

In this new monthly format, we bring you the must-see projects and articles you may have missed over the last four weeks on Architonic. Featured in July: adaptive reuse, wooden warmth (in more ways than one) and lots of colour.

With its Signature collection of luxury vinyl tiles, British brand Amtico opens up new dimensions of colour, shape, texture and functionality for flooring design.

Every change needs pioneers to prove that it represents a step forward – even if at first glance it entails extra effort. For part three of the PALMBERG Intelligence Series – a series presented by office furniture manufacturer PALMBERG – we

By reminding us of the circularity of architecture, adaptive reuse allows old, forgotten follies to serve local communities, and rise from the ashes of their damaged past.

In Copenhagen, World Capital of Architecture 2023, a visionary and experimental project has been created in the heart of the city, driven by Danish window manufacturer, VELUX.

Smooth like marble and durable like concrete, terrazzo’s crack-free surface and fully customisable pattern and colour options make it the sustainable material of the moment. Here’s how and where to use it.

The floors we stand, walk and arrange furniture on are a constant presence. By contrasting colour, texture and material we can improve the comfort, navigation and usability of our most in-contact surface.

The unheard tales from Clerkenwell’s cobbled streets represent the steep path of innovation in new materials, surfaces and technologies hitting the marketplace.

Dutch furniture brand De Vorm is a pioneer in the use of PET Felt and committed to the creation of customisable, sustainable furniture and lighting products that enhance wellbeing in the workplace.

Janine Marshall, General Manager of the independent luxury hotel in Covent Garden, discusses what sustainability looks like at a granular level and why official accreditations can't cover every aspect of the climate responsibility complex.

The time is now for a breakthrough in toilet technology. These latest sanitary innovations are set to clean up the WC’s act. We line them up against the wall.

The simple beauty found in normal everyday life was a central theme for Arper at Salone del Mobile this year, and also reflected in a number of new collections from the Italian design brand.

With a long and impactful history in furniture design, Parla combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies to create pieces that stand the test of time. It’s about embracing the past while anticipating a bright, promising future…

At Salone del Mobile this year, Architonic caught up with long-time Pedrali collaborators CMP Design to find out the secret to their happy relationship with the iconic Italian brand…

Bare feet welcome: a fully recyclable indoor/outdoor carpet collection that feels surprisingly soft to the touch. Nature-inspired design for OBJECT CARPET.

For decades, Cassina has been furnishing private residences, hospitality spaces and more. Now, many of its timeless pieces have also found a new home on yachts and cruise liners – flooding cabins and sundecks with sophistication and innovation.

Once seen as a complex and costly solution, living roofs are now growing in popularity, bringing many environmental benefits to projects big and small.

Back from Milan with learned lessons, refreshed relationships and no lost luggage.

In the third installment of the Bette Intelligence Series – a series of three articles sponsored by the German manufacturer of premium glazed titanium steel – we ask Belgian interior designer Nathalie Deboel how we can transform residential

Natural leather has a rich history in tradition and luxury, and is ever-present in both fashion and design. But with rising questions over the environmental impact of leather, what is its future?

Once again, our painstakingly produced DAAily guides to Milan – for both fair and city – navigate you through the crowds, saving you precious time on the ground. We help you find the best products, people, and, of course, parties.

At Milan Design Week 2023, visitors to Brera can look forward to the fabulous ‘Invisible’ pop-up installation by switch manufacturer JUNG – including an immaterial souvenir.

With quality raw materials nearby, a temperate climate for creative freedom and decades of investment and innovation, Portuguese ceramics is world-renowned. This is its story, and its future.

Boss Design's SIA task chair is the British brand's most sustainable to date. Its impressive eco-credentials span the whole lifecycle, from raw-material sourcing to end-of-life disposal.

Dutch workplace accessories brand Dataflex's latest addition to its Bento range is a mobile laptop table that allows users to work ergonomically and in comfort whether at home, in the office or wherever…

CUBIT is a furniture system of a very special, modular kind. Now Minou Farkhondeh and Thomas Reichel are taking the next evolutionary step on their journey and reimagining furniture design in a free, unconventional way with MYMITO.

Atlas Concorde is an expert in ceramic-tile solutions that are at once sustainable and luxurious. Architonic spoke with HBA partner Paula O’Callaghan about the hospitality-design firm's collaboration with the Italian brand on its Marvel Travertine

At its Brera showroom during Milan Design Week this year, Italian brand Falper will demonstrate how the bathroom is more than just a collection of functional components with its Living Bathroom concept.

The high-quality and long-lasting nature of Boss Design's furniture already gives it a headstart in terms of sustainability, but the company, with products like new task chair Sia, continues to show its dedication to making the circular choice.

Sustainable certifications allow brands to parade their green credentials like celebrity endorsements. More than just marketing tools, however, they help to distinguish fact from greenwashing fiction.

Not just for keeping wine in its place, cork is a truly circular and sustainable material that could be a solution to help keep humanity afloat, too.

As the first product in Steelcase's portfolio with certified carbon neutrality, the Steelcase Series 1 with CarbonNeutral® product certification underscores the manufacturer's goal of reducing 50% of its own absolute emissions by 2023. 

The great warmth and glow of a cosy home fireplace is one of winter’s greatest pleasures, but can burning fuel ever be part of a carbon-neutral future?

2022 was the year that life returned. Over the next 12 months, however, architects and designers will combine individuality and wellness with sustainability to create a ‘new and improved’ normal.

In the latest in our series of Architonic interviews with leading sustainability experts globally, we pose a focused set of no-nonsense questions to Marloes Fischer, founder and managing director of Swiss-based Circular Hub. The call goes out to

In early December, the global winners of the International VELUX Award 2022 were announced, a competition for architecture students that celebrates the innovative and creative use of daylight in a broad range of different projects.

Heimtextil in 2023 will not only continue its tradition as the sector's most important trend barometer, it's also going full circle. Under the 'Textiles Matter' banner, Heimtextil Trends 23/24 will revolve around the themes of the circular economy

How can aesthetics, functionality and sustainability be interwoven? What innovations and visions are on the horizon? And what do sustainable hospitality trends look like? The Interior.Architecture.Hospitality programme provides tailor-made insights.

In thematic terms, the overarching meta-theme of sustainability will also be clearly visible at Heimtextil 2023, with its holistic concept providing innovative answers to pressing questions about the future.

Metaversal musings, bright sparks and workplace affairs – that was 2022.

Cabin life is more than just the uprising trend of cabincore interiors. These small-scale structures also bring us closer to our environments’ past.

Carmelo Zappulla of External Reference brightens up Light + Building, explaining how light adds an emotional layer to environments: 'It animates a space.' Watch the video to learn more…

There was a healthy dose of pragmatism on the agenda at this year's Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, with organisers, exhibitors and visitors joining together towards a forward-looking, sustainability-driven common cause.

Andreas Schulz of Licht Kunst Licht highlights the use of both daylight and artificial light as resources, but also notes the difference: 'We love the change from day to night.' Watch the video here…

Axel Schmid's illuminating discussion at Light + Building defends our use of artificial light as a material: 'Light consumes energy, but you cannot live without it.' Watch the video for more…

Ulrike Brandi spotlights the role of lighting design at Light + Building, claiming we must 'reorganise our design processes to serve society.' Hear more of what she had to say here…

With a whole range of newly repurposed ECO products, the manufacturer is paving the way for a resource-saving everyday life – without compromising on design.

In the second installment of the Bette Intelligence Series – three consecutive features sponsored by the German bathroom specialist – UNC Charlotte Dean of Arts + Architecture Brook Muller speaks about the importance of incorporating water into

Dutch company Dataflex has been supporting the health of office users for 40 years, but the carbon-neutral ergonomic specialists are equally dedicated to the wellbeing of the planet, too.

A statement on quality, sustainability, short distances and know-how: Switzerland has a long tradition in the production of high-quality furniture with a crafted character. Quality, aesthetics and precision that are highly valued not only around the

At this year's Orgatec, Wagner presented new additions to its chair family that celebrate the end user as well as sustainable materials and the company's unique ergonomic technology.

Offering a vision of the future with changing needs and material availability, Dutch Design Week’s exhibiting designers present possible answers on how to create more, with less.

By focusing on highly customisable designs, local production and its unique understanding of the modern office environment, the Dutch manufacturer is able to offer clients tailored interiors that significantly increase workplace desirability.

With products like its new Path chair, global office ergonomics brand Humanscale is responding to the ecological, ergonomic and aesthetic demands of the flexible modern workplace.

Russell Potter of Soda Studio describes how workplaces are creating more engaging environments: ‘We've seen offices put in show kitchens and yoga studios.’ Watch the video for more…

Woven products like the Grass and Parrot luminaires from French lighting brand Forestier respond to our increasing desire for warmth, comfort and natural, handcrafted quality.

From 6 to 10 November, international trade fair EquipHotel will be welcoming exhibitors and visitors to Paris and inviting them to consider the future of the hospitality sector with open eyes and conscious minds.

'Applying international and globally recognised certifications is not enough if there is no "self-certification",' argues the award-winning office's top team.

A recent case study in Leolux LX's homebase of Venlo shows how projects can incorporate durability as well as an elegant combination of function and comfort by choosing from the brand's catalogue.

By outfitting public-facing spaces with Leolux LX designs, hotels, restaurants, theatres and bars can greet visitors with sculptural, organic shapes that create an inviting environment in any context.

With its wide variety of durable and aesthetically diverse products, Leolux LX offers architects and designers a multitude of options for furnishing luxurious and sustainable spaces.

Known for a seamless combination of high-end ergonomics and timeless design, German office expert Sedus presents the latest addition to its arsenal of user-centric office chairs at this year's ORGATEC.

The energy crisis, energetic thinking on sustainability and the power of lighting design.