Articles by Nour Fakharany

Athens‘ architectural landscape is a blend of historical grandeur and contemporary innovation. Iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon dominate the city, embodying ancient Greece’s timeless architectural principles. These classical structures serve as a reminder of Athens’ illustrious past. However, the city is also at the forefront of modern architectural trends. Recent developments, led by both international firms and local architects, focus on sustainability and innovation while respecting Athens’ rich cultural heritage. This duality—preserving the old while embracing the new—reflects Greece’s broader urban aspirations, making Athens a focal point in global architectural discourse. The city’s architectural evolution also extends to its contemporary architecture and interior design scene, which is gaining international recognition.

Oppenheim Architecture has unveiled the design for the College of Europe’s new campus in Tirana, Albania. This project introduces the first “purpose-built” campus for the College, following its established campuses in Bruges, Belgium, and Natolin, Poland. The College of Europe, created under the initiative of the Hague Congress, is dedicated to promoting European ideals of unity, cooperation, and integration. This expansion to Tirana aims to reflect both a continuation of this mission and an opportunity for the College to establish a presence in a historically significant city.

In a surprising development, internationally renowned architect Kengo Kuma has been named the new lead designer for the highly anticipated Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The announcement follows the departure of previous designer Marlon Blackwell, who was originally selected in July 2023.

MVRDV, in collaboration with JGE Architects, landscape architects Copley Wolff, and Langan Engineering, has developed a masterplan for the redevelopment of Faneuil Gardens, a public housing site in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston. This project, commissioned by The Community Builders in partnership with the Boston Housing Authority, aims to replace the outdated 1940s apartment complex with five contemporary buildings that incorporate mixed-income affordable housing, artist live-work spaces, and significant green spaces. At the center of the redevelopment is a new community center, located along a public boulevard that runs through the heart of the site.

Foster + Partners have just unveiled designs for a new live-work building in Seoul, South Korea, which aims to redefine business hospitality with a personalized approach. This structure is set to accommodate professionals seeking a mixture of work and leisure in an urban environment. With an emphasis on comfort, functionality, and well-being, the building incorporates spaces designed for hosting and entertaining, along with dedicated meeting and negotiation rooms. It also features state-of-the-art wellness facilities, making it a unique setting for both work and relaxation. The project consists of twelve private units, each occupying an entire floor, providing a unique living experience tailored to individual needs.

The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) has reached two major milestones in its 12-acre cultural development, the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum: the grand opening of the Crow Museum of Asian Art and the groundbreaking of a new performance hall and music building. Designed by architectural firm Morphosis, the Crow Museum of Asian Art serves as the centerpiece of the university’s commitment to expanding its cultural offerings and engaging both the campus and the surrounding North Texas community. Alongside the museum’s opening, UT Dallas also broke ground on a new performance hall and music building, set to be completed by fall 2026.

Studio Gang‘s Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center has officially broken ground in Garrison, New York. Designed as the new permanent home for Hudson Valley Shakespeare (HVS), this 14,850-square-foot venue marks a significant development for the theater company, which is known for its open-air productions. The facility will be the first purpose-built, LEED Platinum-certified theater in the U.S., reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. It is located on a 98-acre campus along the Hudson River, providing a natural setting that integrates architecture with the surrounding landscape.

In celebration of World Tourism Day, it’s important to highlight the crucial role that tourist information points (TICs) play across Europe. These centers provide essential services, from maps and local advice to promoting sustainable travel. Strategically located at major transit hubs and landmarks, TICs ensure that visitors receive personalized guidance to enhance their travel experience. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Europe welcomed an estimated 585 million international tourists in 2023, underscoring the importance of efficient, localized visitor support. TICs have adapted to this surge by offering both in-person and digital services, helping tourists make informed decisions about their upcoming journeys.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has revealed the theme and title for the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale: And all that is in between. Scheduled from January 25 to May 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, this second edition will explore how faith is experienced, expressed, and celebrated through the acts of feeling, thinking, and making.

The Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, designed by Nikken Sekkei Ltd, centers on the theme “Between Lives,” emphasizing cycles of transformation that shape life across plants, animals, and societies. It illustrates how, as entities approach the end of their roles, they transition into new forms, passing on elements of their existence. The Pavilion reflects this continuous cycle, demonstrating how the world operates through countless interconnected loops.