Building materials

New European Bauhaus Festival: Shaping Sustainable and Inclusive Communities

The New European Bauhaus festival, now in its third iteration, serves as a pivotal platform for envisioning and realizing a more sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing future for urban and rural landscapes. Convening in Brussels from June 9-13, this biennial event brings together a diverse array of architects, designers, urban planners, and thought leaders from across Europe and beyond. Under the overarching theme of 'Life. Spaces. Buildings.', the festival delves into how architectural and design innovations can not only enhance communal living and bolster societal resilience but also stimulate economic competitiveness, all while driving forward the critical clean energy transition. A key focus for the upcoming 2026 edition will be the exploration of democratic engagement processes, particularly as they relate to developing affordable housing solutions, recognized as a fundamental pillar for fostering truly inclusive societies.

This transdisciplinary movement, spearheaded by the European Commission, draws profound inspiration from the foundational principles of the early 20th-century Bauhaus art school. Since its inception in 2020, the New European Bauhaus initiative has actively sought to forge connections between diverse disciplines, weaving together insights from science, technology, art, and culture. Through this integrated approach, it facilitates a collaborative environment where professionals can exchange cutting-edge practices in democratic design, prioritizing human needs, artisanal craftsmanship, and enduring quality. The festival itself is a vibrant testament to this vision, translating ecological methodologies into forward-thinking design principles. Materiality takes center stage, evident in the event's spatial organization, which champions circular consumption through the strategic use of rented modular structures and the meticulous reuse of custom-produced components. Any materials that cannot be repurposed are systematically directed back into the recycling stream, underscoring a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

The five-day program is rich with dialogue and practical engagement, commencing with insightful opening remarks from prominent figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. A series of compelling discussions will feature leading architectural and cultural voices, including Hanna Bondar, a distinguished architect and Member of Parliament in Ukraine; Lisa De Visscher, the accomplished City Architect of the Brussels-Capital Region; Finn Williams, the City Architect of Malmö; Mette Skjold, Senior Partner and CEO at SLA Architects; Anna Heringer, renowned for her work on the METI School in Rudrapur, Bangladesh; and the insightful “architectural psychologist” Michal Matlon, among other esteemed professionals. These sessions bridge theoretical discussions with tangible applications through a variety of exhibitions, interactive workshops, and research-driven projects. The overarching goal is to explore and implement democratic strategies that contribute to more inclusive cities and communities. For instance, the NEB Academy Piazza will host representatives from approximately 80 projects and prototypes, showcasing innovative, sustainable designs and technologies. These initiatives address a wide spectrum of topics, from promoting affordable urban housing and pioneering material innovations to offering immersive experiences in co-creating art from forest biomass, and presenting construction and insulation panels, furniture, and tiles crafted from recycled and natural resources.

The New European Bauhaus festival actively invites collaborative problem-solving for societal complexities. The event's robust agenda underscores a collective dedication to fostering sustainable development and social equity through innovative design and urban planning. It serves as a powerful catalyst, inspiring a broad movement dedicated to guiding the transformation of our societies towards a more harmonious and resourceful future.

AXOR Debuts Waterway: A Cohesive Bathroom Design Journey

AXOR has unveiled its innovative 'Waterway' project, an architectural concept crafted in collaboration with Haihua Zhang. This ambitious endeavor serves as the launch platform for the new AXOR Archivio collection, representing a bold step in bathroom design. Under the inspiring theme of 'Escape the Ordinary,' the project masterfully employs Koshi wood, microcement, and the dynamic presence of water. This integration transforms conventional bathroom functionalities into captivating and cohesive design experiences. The AXOR Archivio collection, conceptualized by Barber Osgerby, is presented as an organic extension of this architectural vision, merging timeless aesthetics with modern material applications to create a truly distinctive series of bathroom fixtures.

AXOR Introduces Waterway: Blending Heritage and Modernity in Bathroom Design

In a compelling demonstration of design evolution, the acclaimed brand AXOR has partnered with designer Haihua Zhang to introduce 'Waterway,' an innovative architectural narrative. This visionary project serves as the debut stage for the new AXOR Archivio collection, a series conceptualized by the renowned design duo Barber Osgerby. The 'Waterway' experience, deeply inspired by Zhang's native Suzhou, China, with its intricate narrow river pathways, seeks to redefine the bathroom as a serene sanctuary. Each dedicated zone—the bath, shower, and basin—spans the full width of the plan, creating an immersive flow. Central to this tranquil environment is a fine stone bed leading to a sunken, square bath, equipped with the AXOR Archivio bath mixer, emphasizing architectural clarity. The journey continues with a refined shower, featuring a two-function handle thermostat and a 240 1 jet overhead, alongside a custom floating washbasin paired with the AXOR Archivio basin mixer, thoughtfully positioned to face a lush bamboo grove. This meticulously curated setting seamlessly blends the quiet sophistication of nature with human-made artistry. The Archivio collection itself epitomizes this philosophy, distilling decades of design heritage into contemporary, enduring fixtures. It features elevated materiality and impeccably balanced proportions, reimagining classical details and archival forms for today's interiors. The collection transcends time, bridging historical typologies and transitional design principles to translate soft silhouettes and flowing contours into stunning brushed brass fixtures. Designed to anchor the subtly expressive ambiances of the 'Waterway' project, the AXOR Archivio collection showcases the brand's unique perspective on tailoring coherent bathroom spaces that honor past craftsmanship while embracing modern living.

This innovative approach by AXOR and its collaborators encourages us to view everyday spaces, such as bathrooms, not merely as functional areas but as profound environments for personal rejuvenation and aesthetic appreciation. The integration of natural elements, meticulous craftsmanship, and a thoughtful balance between historical and contemporary design serves as a powerful reminder that true luxury lies in coherent design that evokes emotion and offers an escape from the mundane. This project inspires a deeper contemplation of how our immediate surroundings can influence well-being and elevate daily rituals.

See More

Omer Deutsch's Natural Geometrics: Guitars as Expressions of Nature and Self

Omer Deutsch, a distinguished industrial designer and master luthier, has pioneered the 'Natural Geometrics' collection, where contemporary design principles converge with profound personal expression. Within this collection, each instrument is meticulously crafted to resonate with the individual musician's distinct sound, tactile preferences, and overall identity. Originating from the vibrant heavy music scene, this endeavor is characterized by exceptional craftsmanship and a collaborative ethos between the artisan and the artist, moving beyond conventional mass production models to deliver truly bespoke creations.

The underlying philosophy of the 'Natural Geometrics' concept, conceived by Deutsch, involves transmuting organic patterns found in the natural world into a unique design language. This artistic translation seamlessly integrates mathematical frameworks, precise geometric configurations, and wood as a foundational material. A deliberate element of this creation process is the embrace of natural variability, ensuring that each handmade instrument possesses subtle, inherent distinctions, thereby enhancing its individual character. The design methodology regards every instrument as a singular entity, meticulously shaped by the interplay of its chosen materials, structural integrity, and intended purpose, allowing each piece to evolve into its own unique form during construction.

In essence, Deutsch's work transcends mere instrument crafting; it is a celebration of individuality and the beauty of natural order. By emphasizing bespoke design over uniformity, he not only provides musicians with exceptional tools for their art but also inspires a deeper connection between the player and their instrument, fostering creativity and personal growth. His commitment to detail and organic variation sets a new standard for musical instrument design, promoting a harmonious blend of art, science, and nature.

See More