Cultural and heritage

At the heart of Istanbul, the vibrant intersection of Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue emerges as a testament to the dynamic fusion of history, culture, and urban life. This architectural and urban design masterpiece encapsulates the essence of Istanbul’s cosmopolitan spirit, serving as a pulsating hub where past and present harmoniously coalesce. The planning of Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue reflects a meticulous understanding of habitat dynamics, seamlessly integrating modern functionality with the rich tapestry of Turkey’s historical and cultural narrative. tuncer cakmakli architects Taksim Square, with its expansive open space and iconic monuments, stands as the symbolic center of Istanbul. The architectural layou... More

Structural Oriel Windows and Fire Rated Walk-On Glass for a Listed East Lothian Steading Papple Steading is a Grade B listed former farm complex near Haddington in East Lothian, on the edge of the Lammermoor Hills. Designed by Richard Murphy Architects, the wider redevelopment is transforming the historic agricultural buildings into a mixed-use destination incorporating accommodation, galleries, event spaces and cultural facilities. As part of Phase Two, IQ Glass was appointed to design, supply and install specialist architectural glazing for the conversion of former farm buildings and stables into the Demarco Gallery, a contemporary space for art, performances and events. The package comprised two bespoke structural glass oriel windows a... More

Karmrakhayt Playground is a realized public project located in Yerevan’s Circular Park. With a total area of approximately 2,000 m², it is the largest family-oriented playground in Armenia and the first public space of this scale designed as a continuous play landscape rather than a collection of isolated elements. The project site is historically connected to the Getar River, one of Yerevan’s former natural waterways, which today flows partially in an open canal and partially in an underground collector. Although physically present, the river has disappeared from everyday urban perception, especially for younger generations. The project was conceived as a way to reintroduce this lost natural and cultural layer into the ci... More

The proposal brings to date and transforms two 19 th century palaces into a modern university dormitory. The change of use, always with a major respect to the existing building, is conceived in a strong and recognizable way, by the incorporation of contemporary architectonic elements and furniture which are clearly different of the original architecture. Caption The group of buildings result from the sum of two mansions joint by a connection gallery, which are very special due to its typology and compositional characteristics with a great cultural, historical and architectonic significance. This is the reason why the palaces’ main elements need to be preserved and protected. Caption The project restores the main spaces, th... More

The Light of the North Musical Art Center revitalizes the historic spirit of Saynatsalo through a poetic dialogue between heritage and contemporary culture. Inspired by historic Town Hall—a symbol of Finnish civic identity—the project extends its legacy with modern functions including a concert hall, music studios, and children’s education spaces. It serves as a catalyst for community renewal in a region challenged by rural decline and aging populations. Meng Zhao Meng Zhao Formally, the architecture follows the geometric order of the Town Hall, using a rhythmic interplay of straight and curved lines to compose a sculptural yet serene volume. Perforated brick walls merge with glass curtain façades, while... More

The Redhouse International School, Bom Pastor Unit, located in the historic and listed Eduardo Benjamin Jafet Palace, is an educational space that values the integration of historical heritage, sustainable landscaping, and active pedagogy. Situated on extensive grounds, the school utilizes existing architectural elements to create an environment that not only accommodates but also educates its students through interaction with nature and local history. Favaro Junior Favaro Junior The school's landscaping project incorporates historical elements such as the garden fountain and surrounding pavements, adapted for accessibility and comfort. Flowerbeds have been revitalized with ornamental vegetation, with some species reminiscent of... More

SAVVIA  The table as a place of origin, memory, and heritage. Zaickz Moz SAVVIA was born as a family project, a place where cooking is not a isolated craft but a living heritage. Culinary memory guides the experience: childhood flavors, inherited gestures, the silences that gather around the table. Architecture responds to that same idea. It’s not a neutral container, but a stage that holds and amplifies the act of sharing. At the center a big red stone table is the heart of the restaurant. Here glances, words, affections and presences converge, all in one gesture. The spatial organization is based on a single decision: free the ground floor for diners and elevate the kitchen so hosting and sharing is the core of the... More

The interactive installation imagines an adaptation of the beloved legend of the strongest man in Southeast Asia. All images courtesy of NHB unless otherwise stated. All images courtesy of NHB unless otherwise stated. All images courtesy of NHB unless otherwise stated. All images courtesy of NHB unless otherwise stated. A Stone’s Throw (Away) is inspired by the legend of Badang, who threw the Singapore stone down to the Singapore River in a competition of strength. This legendary stone lay at the mouth of the Singapore River until 1843, when the British decided to blow up the stone in order to widen the river passageway. The 3m dome-like light installation imagines the reconstruction of the stone through a series... More

 The Oman Pavilion at Expo 2020 is more than just a built structure—it is a powerful narrative brought to life through architecture, presented to the world. Expressing the Sultanate’s cultural identity, national aspirations, and future vision, the pavilion draws inspiration from the Luban (frankincense) tree, a symbol deeply rooted in Omani heritage. Caption For over 5,000 years, Omanis have harvested and traded frankincense, a precious resin revered for its use in incense and perfumes since ancient times. The pavilion offers visitors an immersive journey into this legacy, celebrating the expertise, craftsmanship, and innovation that have sustained this tradition across millennia.Designed in the organic form of the Lu... More

The project marks the first historical building scheme to adopt the 'Retain House and Tenant' model, whereby the existing tenants are retained during the process of preservation of the building and the local community is mobilised to participate in the revitalisation process.  Caption The project objective is to conduct a feasibility study for the adaptive re-use of a historical tenement house, including the preparation of schematic design options for various proposals to revitalise as a focal point for cultural/heritage/tourism development in Wanchai area. Extensive option evaluation and public consultation was carried out. The Blue House Cluster has been awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation... More

The proportions of the façade of “Jan” draw inspiration from the Tabatabaei and Broijerdi House in Kashan, an enduring architectural masterpiece that holds within its walls a timeless love story. In “Jan” just as divine love manifests in the harmony and delicacy of the human form the building breathes with the rhythm of light, coming alive during the day through an intricate play of illumination and bestowing radiance upon the night. Diman studio The interior architecture of “Jan” is a deeply personal interpretation by the designer rooted in Rumi’s philosophy of love. Structured along the three axes X, Y, and Z it embodies the presence of the beloved and the essence of love within the l... More

RENOVATION AND REDESIGN OF A LISTED MODERNIST BUILDING The name “Thalia”, inspired by the ancient muse of comedy and laughter, reflects the cultural concept behind the building. Paul Ott The historical origins of the structure date back to 1829. Initially a circus, it was later used for theater performances, then evolved into a cinema with a café, featured three living flamingos in an outdoor enclosure, and operated as a club in the 1990s. Paul Ott Throughout, the venue has always been synonymous with entertainment and culture. In 1956, the building was redesigned by the Austrian architect Rudolf Vorderegger and became one of the few surviving examples of modernist architecture. Paul Ott Today, the ent... More

The renovation of Kaunas Town Hall transforms one of the city's most historically significant buildings into a modern museum space, seamlessly integrating contemporary exhibition design with architectural heritage. Dating back to 1542, the building has undergone multiple renovations, with the latest major reconstruction occurring in 1973. In this project, we not only designed the architectural adaptation of the building but also developed the exhibition itself, ensuring that both elements work in harmony to create an engaging and accessible environment for visitors. Norbert Tukaj Inspiration & Key ConceptsThe project was guided by the concept of layering history with modernity, treating Kaunas as a case study of a city while integ... More

The ARG house is located on a plot with a steep slope, bordered on three sides by a protected green area featuring a typical Mediterranean forest landscape dominated by pines and oaks. Located in the town of Jávea (Alicante), on the Costa Blanca. The project is conceived with respect for the environment in which it is situated. The topography and views from the plot are fundamental for the design and implementation of the house. Caption The two overlapping concrete volumes that make up the house rest on a stone base that adapts to the steep slope of the hillside. The upper level, where the living area is located, rises above the treetops like a large viewpoint that offers views of the sea, the mountains, and the beautiful town of Já... More