Architectural Cases

Architecture News

Celebrity Style

Building materials

Architecture Awards

English

Building materials

Formafantasma's Vision: Transforming Industrial Space into a Seamless Artistic Journey at Diriyah Biennale

Slide 10
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 1

The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale's latest iteration presents a remarkable fusion of artistic expression and innovative spatial design. This year's event transcends traditional exhibition formats, offering visitors an immersive journey through a reimagined industrial landscape. The curatorial approach delves into themes of migration, cultural exchange, and the enduring power of collective narratives, emphasizing how societies are continuously shaped by dynamic interactions and historical movements. The exhibition serves as a vibrant platform where diverse artistic voices converge, fostering a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness and the rich tapestry of human experience.

Diriyah Biennale Unveils 'Interludes and Transitions' with Formafantasma's Groundbreaking Design

From January 30th to May 2nd, 2026, the JAX District in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, hosts the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, aptly titled 'In Interludes and Transitions'. The distinguished design studio Formafantasma, renowned for its innovative approach, is responsible for the exhibition's spatial transformation. They have meticulously re-envisioned the raw industrial architecture of JAX, spanning an impressive 12,900 square meters of halls, courtyards, and terraces. The design employs a palette of vivid colors and elegantly curved planes, creating a seamless and rhythmic flow that guides visitors through the expansive artistic offerings.

Co-Artistic Directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed have meticulously curated this profound event, bringing together 68 artists hailing from over 37 different nations. The biennale proudly features more than 25 newly commissioned works, all contributing to the overarching theme of 'movement as a method'. This curatorial vision draws inspiration from a poignant colloquial Arabic expression, evoking the cyclical nature of encampment and journey. This conceptual framework encourages contemplation on the intricate processes of migration, the transmission of knowledge, and the profound transformations that have shaped the Arab region over centuries, through the circulation of people, trade, and ideas.

A central pillar of the 2026 edition is the profound role of musicality, underscoring the significance of oral and aural traditions as vital repositories of social history. This emphasis is powerfully embodied in 'Folding the Tents', a specially commissioned procession by the talented Saudi artist Mohammed Alhamdan. This captivating work embarks on a journey through the picturesque Wadi Hanifah and the bustling JAX District, culminating in a mesmerizing performance by the Miniawy Trio. Their artistic expression explores the fascinating evolution of ancient collective practices within the dynamic landscape of contemporary electric and digital cultures.

Organized by the esteemed Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the exhibition not only serves as a site for artistic production but also as a vital meeting ground for cultural exchange. As Razian and Ahmed eloquently articulate, viewing the world through the lens of 'procession' allows for an appreciation of cultural forms defined by their routes, rhythms, and relationships, rather than being confined by fixed origins.

This year's Diriyah Biennale truly stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and foster dialogue. The innovative exhibition design by Formafantasma, combined with the profound curatorial vision, creates an unforgettable experience. It reminds us that art is not merely about static objects in a gallery, but a living, breathing entity that reflects and shapes our understanding of the world. The emphasis on movement, cultural flows, and the historical significance of oral traditions offers a rich perspective on human interconnectedness. Events like these are crucial for encouraging cross-cultural understanding and appreciating the diverse narratives that form our global community. They inspire us to look beyond fixed notions and embrace the fluid, evolving nature of culture and identity.

Philippe Starck's Eco-Conscious Design Evolution Exhibit in Paris
Building materials

Philippe Starck's Eco-Conscious Design Evolution Exhibit in Paris

UNIMATIC and Nichetto Studio Unveil 'Modello Cinque U5S-NS' Timepiece with Colorful Dial
Building materials

UNIMATIC and Nichetto Studio Unveil 'Modello Cinque U5S-NS' Timepiece with Colorful Dial

NextOffice's Arched Courtyard Villa: A Modern Interpretation of Iranian Architecture
Building materials

NextOffice's Arched Courtyard Villa: A Modern Interpretation of Iranian Architecture

Building materials

Madrid's New Transit Museum: A Vision by Luca Poian and Frade Arquitectos

Slide 6
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 1

Luca Poian Forms and Frade Arquitectos are spearheading the creation of the EMT Museum in Madrid, an architectural endeavor set to become a significant cultural institution. This museum, dedicated to the rich history of Madrid's public transportation system, is envisioned as a prominent civic presence on the former site of the Vicente Calderón Stadium. The design harmonizes with its surroundings through carefully considered geometry and a distinctive, lightweight exterior. Its substantial scale is balanced by a soft profile and tactile materials, making it a compelling addition to the urban landscape while celebrating the city's transit heritage.

The museum's design focuses on both functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal, providing ample space for historical exhibits, interactive displays, and community engagement. The integration of advanced environmental systems ensures a sustainable future for the building, while its adaptable interiors promise to accommodate evolving curatorial and programmatic needs. This project stands as a testament to innovative architectural thought, combining a deep respect for industrial legacy with a forward-looking vision for public spaces.

Architectural Vision and Material Innovation

The collaborative efforts of Luca Poian Forms and Frade Arquitectos have culminated in the conceptualization of Madrid's EMT Museum, an emblematic structure designed to honor the city's public transit evolution. Situated on the former grounds of the Vicente Calderón Stadium, this project distinguishes itself with a measured geometric approach and a facade crafted from a translucent ETFE membrane. This innovative exterior not only diminishes the building's perceived mass but also allows natural light to permeate, casting dynamic internal reflections throughout the day. From the riverbank, the museum's appearance is one of luminosity and transparency, its surface subtly reacting to environmental shifts rather than presenting a static image. This thoughtful integration of material and design positions the museum as a responsive and engaging landmark within Madrid's urban fabric, inviting visitors to explore its depths with a sense of wonder and appreciation for architectural ingenuity.

The exterior of the museum is enveloped by a pioneering translucent ETFE skin, meticulously engineered to moderate the building's physical presence and integrate it harmoniously with its surroundings. This advanced material acts as a filter for natural light, imbuing the interior spaces with an ethereal glow and creating an ever-changing ambiance that evolves with the sun's trajectory. This delicate interplay of light and shadow is central to the museum's identity, offering a soft counterpoint to the city's more robust architectural styles. The design ensures that the building is not merely a container for history but an active participant in its environment, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Madrid. This facade, while visually light, is also a marvel of engineering, contributing to the museum's overall infrastructural scale while maintaining a welcoming and accessible aesthetic, setting a new benchmark for contemporary museum design.

Dynamic Interior and Sustainable Design

The EMT Museum, conceived by Luca Poian Forms and Frade Arquitectos, is designed as a dynamic and institutional space dedicated to the chronicles of Madrid's public transport. Its conception arose from an international competition, emphasizing themes of movement, logistical precision, and collective memory. The spatial organization draws inspiration from industrial depots and hangars, reinterpreting these elements into a modern architectural vernacular focused on efficiency and long-term flexibility. The facility seamlessly blends public exhibition zones with operational areas, facilitated by clear and intuitive circulation pathways that ensure smooth daily operations. Visitors are welcomed into a versatile ground-level space, ideal for exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and community gatherings. The generous and legible circulation routes encourage unhurried exploration through the galleries while maintaining efficient behind-the-scenes functionality, allowing the museum to serve as a vibrant public interior adaptable to varying curatorial and programmatic demands, thereby fostering a deep connection with the city's past and present.

At the core of the EMT Museum's design are vast, column-free exhibition halls specifically engineered to display historical buses at their full scale. These expansive spaces are supported by a robust reinforced concrete bridge system, capable of bearing significant loads for both display purposes and movement, thus preserving spatial continuity. Surrounding and above this core structure, a lightweight metal framework supports the ETFE envelope, establishing a captivating juxtaposition between the enduring strength of industrial materials and the delicate visual lightness of the facade. Material selections prioritize resilience and high performance; concrete surfaces offer thermal stability and a tangible sense of permanence, while the ETFE facade introduces a quality of softness and translucency. This deliberate interplay between contrasting systems creates interiors that feel both expansive and serene, bathed in diffused light and offering extensive sightlines across the exhibition areas. Furthermore, the building incorporates an integrated environmental strategy, with the ETFE air-cushion facade serving as a passive climatic regulator, optimizing light and temperature while minimizing energy consumption. Its inherent lightweight and recyclable properties underscore a commitment to sustainability, ensuring the museum's long-term environmental viability without compromising its spatial quality or structural integrity. Complementing the physical architecture, digital tools, including augmented reality and interactive media, are seamlessly woven throughout the museum to enhance interpretation and engagement, extending the visitor experience beyond static displays and into an immersive exploration of Madrid's transit heritage.

See More
Transforming Drywall Guides into Avant-Garde Design Elements
Building materials

Transforming Drywall Guides into Avant-Garde Design Elements

United Visual Artists Transforms Casa Batlló with "Hidden Order" Audiovisual Spectacle
Building materials

United Visual Artists Transforms Casa Batlló with "Hidden Order" Audiovisual Spectacle

Lammhults Design Group Debuts Innovative Stockholm Showroom by Note Design Studio
Building materials

Lammhults Design Group Debuts Innovative Stockholm Showroom by Note Design Studio

Building materials

Payette's Net-Zero Timber Pavilion for Land's Sake Farm

Slide 12
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12
Slide 1

Payette's innovative net-zero timber pavilion at Land's Sake Farm in Weston, Massachusetts, redefines sustainable architecture by seamlessly integrating passive and active strategies. This multi-functional structure, crafted from a hybrid timber system, serves as an adaptable space for agricultural activities, educational programs, and community events throughout the year. Its design prioritizes energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, setting a new standard for sustainable farm structures.

The pavilion is a testament to sustainable design, effectively minimizing its ecological footprint while providing a robust and flexible space. By harnessing natural elements and employing advanced building techniques, it achieves net-zero energy consumption, showcasing how modern architecture can harmoniously coexist with nature. This project not only supports the daily operations of a non-profit community farm but also educates and inspires visitors through its exemplary sustainable practices.

Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency

The Land's Sake Farmstand, conceptualized by Payette, is a remarkable example of a net-zero pavilion that employs a hybrid timber construction for continuous use on a 40-acre community farm in Massachusetts. This structure masterfully combines passive design elements with advanced mechanical systems, allowing it to transition effortlessly between an open-air market and an enclosed, climate-controlled environment. A solar roof generates all necessary power for daily operations, while adjustable sliding panels manage natural light, airflow, and weather protection, facilitating farming, educational initiatives, and communal gatherings. The project embodies a comprehensive approach to sustainability, incorporating strategic shading, optimized building orientation, robust timber construction, a high-performance enclosure, advanced ventilation with heat recovery, and photovoltaic systems to reduce its energy demands significantly. The design intelligently leverages the natural climate, with south and east-facing windows maximizing passive solar heating during colder months, and deep overhangs preventing excessive heat gain in summer. Operable skylights and sliding doors, complemented by destratification fans, ensure natural ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and enabling the Farmstand to connect directly with the surrounding farm landscape.

The pavilion's inherent energy efficiency is driven by its thoughtful integration with the natural environment. During the winter, the low angle of the sun is strategically utilized through south and east-facing windows, allowing for optimal passive solar heating. Conversely, in the warmer months, strategically placed deep overhangs provide shade, preventing the interior from overheating. This dual approach to solar management significantly reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling. Further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials, the Farmstand incorporates operable skylights and expansive sliding doors, which, in conjunction with destratification fans, facilitate natural ventilation. This system minimizes reliance on air conditioning, fostering a comfortable indoor climate while also allowing the structure to open up, seamlessly blending the interior with the farm's vibrant outdoor setting. These carefully considered design choices underscore the pavilion's commitment to energy conservation and harmonious interaction with its natural surroundings.

Innovative Construction and Carbon Neutrality

The Land's Sake Farmstand champions carbon-positive construction through its innovative use of timber. Wood, as a natural material, sequesters carbon during photosynthesis, making it an environmentally beneficial choice. The pavilion features a hybrid traditional timber frame, complemented by cross-laminated timber (CLT) cladding. The timber frame utilizes time-honored mortise and tenon joints, secured with wooden pegs, showcasing traditional craftsmanship. A 4-inch thick CLT skin forms both the exterior envelope and lateral bracing, contributing to the building's structural integrity. The envelope is further enhanced by wood-fiber insulation, derived from waste wood pulp, and rough-sawn wood cladding, resulting in a completely carbon-positive, all-wood building. Beyond material selection, the architects prioritized excellent air-tightness to prevent heat loss, while also ensuring ample fresh air circulation through a dedicated energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This system efficiently exhausts air from bathrooms and supplies filtered outdoor air, recovering up to 75% of otherwise lost energy through a heat exchanger, thereby maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient indoor environment.

While the Farmstand is engineered for minimal energy consumption, essential operations such as LED lighting, kitchen appliances, heat pumps, and crucial large walk-in coolers for vegetable storage still require power. To meet these needs sustainably, a significant 36kW south-facing solar array is installed, directly feeding energy to the building and contributing surplus power back to the grid. A tightly sealed envelope with a thick layer of continuous insulation is paramount to reducing heating and cooling demands, reflecting passive house standards. This, coupled with high-efficiency triple-glazed windows and minimized thermal breaks, drastically reduces heat loss. These integrated design choices not only diminish the building's ecological footprint but also significantly lower operational costs, securing the long-term viability of Land's Sake as a sustainable farm. The combination of carbon-positive materials, passive design, and renewable energy makes the Farmstand a beacon of environmental stewardship and economic foresight.

See More