Design Blogger

Mykolas Seckus and Antonio Gandolfo

Urban Furniture System

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

1x1

1x1 is a modular urban furniture system for public spaces. Each element works alone as a bench, table, planter or lamppost, or in groups that form small outdoor areas. All parts share the same standardized frame, the same materials and the same fixing methods. Timber, precast concrete and stainless steel are used. Components are produced off site and then assembled on site, which reduces shipment size. The system can be expanded or reduced by adding or removing elements, so both permanent and temporary use is possible.

Jarosław Markowicz

Litter Bin

Monday, 20 July 2026

Radial

Radial is a litter bin designed for public streets and city spaces. The bin is made of powder-coated steel and aluminium and measures 770 by 400 by 1150 millimetres. A 25 watt photovoltaic panel on the bin charges an internal battery. The stored energy powers an air quality sensor, a fill level sensor and the lighting, which switches on at dusk. Data from the sensors is sent to city services, so emptying can be planned and residents can read air quality values. All added parts are removable for service and recycling.

Yun Lu

Visitor Center

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Haikou West Coast Southern Park

Haikou West Coast Southern Park Visitor Center is a visitor center in Haikou, Hainan Province, China. The building has an elliptical form inspired by an oval pebble washed by the sea. The shape follows the streamlined landscape of the park and blends into the surrounding scenery. A continuous roof of white composite aluminium sheet links the indoor and outdoor areas and offers space for rest. The facade uses tempered hollow glass curtain walls with undulating perforated aluminium sunshades. The sunshades reduce direct sunlight and save energy.

Zhang Jinyu

Chapel

Saturday, 18 July 2026

Coast Whale

The bionic form of the whale became the language of this chapel. A whale stranded on the coast of Iceland. A person can enter its body through a low fishtail and experience the perspective of a whale looking at the ocean where is easier for humans to reflect on the neglect of environmental degradation. The supporting structure falls on the beach to ensure minimal damage to the natural environment. Natural and environmentally friendly materials make this project a tourist destination that calls for environmental protection.

Tetsuya Matsumoto

Office Building

Friday, 17 July 2026

The PolyCuboid

The PolyCuboid is the new headquarter building for TIA, a company that provides insurance services. The first floor was shaped by the limits of the site and the 700mm diameter water pipe that is crossing the site underground limiting foundation space. The metallic structure dissolves into the diverse blocs of the composition. The pillars and beams vanish from the space syntax, projecting the impression of an object, while also eliminating that of a building. The volumetric design is inspired by TIA’s Logo turning the building itself into an icon representing the company.

GOA (Group of Architects)

Hotel

Thursday, 16 July 2026

Alila Wuzhen

Alila Wuzhen is a hotel inspired by the water towns south of the Yangtze River. The overall plan takes traditional villages of the region as its prototype, and retains their spatial forms, basic elements, building scales and color relations. Direct decorative elements are avoided, and fine materials, simple structures and quiet modern colors are used instead. Wide glass surfaces, large door leaves and deep overhanging eaves form a continuous and orderly frame. Streets, lanes and courtyards are given new functions. The hotel covers 25000 square meters.