Social spaces
An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about social spaces
Project • By Seraro by Ramical • Restaurants
La Xampanyeria | Chicago
Located in Chicago, La Xampanyeria is conceived as a refined hospitality space where warmth, material richness, and social atmosphere come together to create an elevated experience.
The interior is defined by a continuous wood envelope, establishing a cohesive and intimate setting. Soft lighting, integrated shelving, and layered textures enhance the perception of depth while maintaining a calm and inviting ambiance.
Seraro by Ramical
The bar area becomes the central element of the space, where brass accents, warm tones, and carefully curated displays reinforce a sense of craftsmanship and sophistication. Seating areas are arranged to encourage both social interaction and moments of privacy, balancing openness with comfort.
Natural l... More
Project • By Projekt Praga • Student Housing
Student Housing no. 7 / Projekt Praga
For the first time in nearly 60 years, the University of Warsaw has introduced a new public dormitory, setting a fresh benchmark for student living in Poland. Functionality, accessibility, and community are the pillars of this project. “We designed a space where architecture is not just about form but, above all, about enhancing the quality of life for its residents,” say the architects from Projekt Praga.
Nate Cook
A modern approach to student housing
The University of Warsaw’s Student House No. 7 redefines student housing with its modern, functional, and community-driven design for 382 residents. Selected through an architectural competition organized by the Association of Polish Architects (SARP) and the Universi... More
Journey Azamara Cruise Lines
Like her sister ship, the sturdy Azamara Journey is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, Casino and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where our attentive staff is always ready to offer a complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas. There’s nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara’s friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your... More
Project • By WTA Architecture and Design Studio • Private Houses
Twelve Luxry Flats
The practicality of vertical living meets the comfort of an urban townhouse in this sixteen-storey residential condominium rising on a 586 square meter lot in an upscale neighborhood in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Each of the twelve luxurious residential flats is housed on its own exclusive and unique floor with a generous area of 258 square meters per unit. These combined with two storeys of commercial units and another storey for amenities result to a gross floor area of 6,400 square meters.
In Twelve Luxury Flats, each unit is programmed to have generous spaces with day lighting and ventilation on all four faces of every unit. At one floor per unit, it offers the luxury of living in an expansive space with unrestrict... More
Project • By Metcalfe Architecture & Design • Hospitals
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Medical Behavioral Unit
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Medical Behavioral Unit, the first of its kind in the nation, is an enhanced pediatric inpatient unit for patients who require not only an inpatient stay, but also have a behavioral diagnosis to consider.
Metcalfe was charged with creating an environment that would be both playful and calming, since some of the patients treated here can be overwhelmed by certain visual stimuli. Research shows that biophilic imagery can be calming in healthcare settings. Therefore, it was a natural fit for use in the wayfinding and graphic elements throughout the unit. More
Project • By Metcalfe Architecture & Design • Villages
Camp JRF Eco-Village
Camp JRF’s summer camp expansion harnesses the power of social experience, using a solar-powered, 6,000-square-foot performance building, yurts with communal fire pits, and a bathhouse with outdoor meeting areas. Metcalfe designed a sustainable campus for 90 residents by including solar hot-water heating, rain gardens, solar PV panels, recycled materials, decking made of recycled plastic, and energy-efficient lighting.
A mainstay of our approach is the involvement of stakeholders in the design process — in this case, camp counselors. Their input helped create opportunities for socialization that involve learning about the benefits of sustainable design. More