Architectural Cases

Nino Ferrari-Mathis, Dezeen's creator-at-large, has recently captivated audiences with a series of short films highlighting architectural marvels across the globe. These cinematic pieces showcase both renowned landmarks and hidden architectural treasures, demonstrating how these structures integrate with their natural surroundings and artistic purpose. Through his explorations, Ferrari-Mathis provides a unique perspective on design, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between human creation and the environment.

Nino Ferrari-Mathis's Architectural Expeditions Uncover Global Design Gems

In September 2025, the esteemed architectural explorer Nino Ferrari-Mathis journeyed to Bentonville, Arkansas, to delve into the captivating world of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Designed by Safdie Architects, this institution is poised for a significant 50% expansion, set to introduce two new galleries seamlessly connected by an elegant bridge. During his visit, Ferrari-Mathis engaged in a profound conversation with Moshe Safdie himself, gaining invaluable insights into the museum's vision and its upcoming enhancements. He remarked on the museum's extraordinary ability to intertwine art, architecture, and the surrounding natural landscape, creating an immersive experience unlike any other.

The following month, in October 2025, Ferrari-Mathis ventured to the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain, to discover La Fábrica, a remarkable complex conceived by Ricardo Bofill. This site, ingeniously transformed from a dilapidated cement factory, now houses the RBTA offices and Bofill's family residence. Ferrari-Mathis was particularly struck by Bofill's reverence for the original concrete structures, which were meticulously preserved and integrated with verdant green roofs and lush gardens. He noted that navigating through the old silos and intricately carved concrete rooms felt like traversing a space where transformation occurred without erasure, highlighting Bofill's keen eye for atmosphere and palette, especially in the color-coded interiors.

Later in the golden hues of autumn, Ferrari-Mathis embarked on a voyage to Porto, Portugal, alongside the Bologna-based design college, Yacademy. Their destination was the iconic Piscina das Marés, a public saltwater tidal pool masterfully crafted by Álvaro Siza in 1966. Nestled into the rugged coastline, this architectural gem achieved national monument status in 2011. Ferrari-Mathis eloquently described the pool as a prime example of how an architect can subtly yet powerfully enhance a landscape. He praised Siza's unparalleled precision in balancing concrete forms against the natural environment, allowing the elements of water, wind, and stone to sculpt the visitor's experience.

On a recent exploration through the picturesque landscapes of France, Ferrari-Mathis uncovered the enchanting Dragonhill Residence by Jacques Couëlle. Located in Mouans-Sartoux, nestled between Cannes and Mougins, this sculptural villa, designed in 1964, is now under the stewardship of London gallerists Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt, who host artist residencies on site. Ferrari-Mathis likened the discovery to stumbling into a fairytale, commending Couëlle's playful and unique approach to transforming traditional materials into organic forms that harmoniously blend with the landscape. He expressed profound satisfaction in sharing such rarely documented architectural gems with fellow design enthusiasts, underscoring the special connection he feels to this ongoing series with Dezeen.

Ferrari-Mathis's ongoing series vividly demonstrates how architectural design can profoundly influence our perception of space, art, and nature. His journeys provide a compelling narrative that celebrates innovation, preservation, and the enduring beauty of structures that stand the test of time, urging us to look beyond the ordinary and appreciate the extraordinary in our built environment.

Embracing Heritage, Forging Sanctuary: Pamba Bike Refuge

Ancient Inspirations: Designing for the Andean Spirit

Urlo Studio, a local architecture firm, drew profound inspiration from the region's ancient Andean observation points for their latest project. This unique design approach allowed them to embed the Pamba Bike Refuge into a sloping site outside Quito, Ecuador, creating a structure that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its environment. The pavilion's form echoes historical Andean stone structures, known as pucarás, which traditionally served as housing or strategic lookouts. This architectural homage ensures the refuge not only provides functional benefits but also connects users to the rich cultural tapestry of the Andes.

A Haven for Cyclists: Integrating Functionality and Nature

Spanning an expansive 900 square meters, the Pamba Bike Refuge serves as an open-air haven for cyclists navigating the challenging terrain of Pambamarca Hill in Ascázubi, Ecuador. Its strategic placement ensures that users of the bike park naturally gravitate towards its welcoming embrace. The refuge's design cleverly positions it between the earth and the dense forest, employing tinted concrete and a permeable wooden framework. This material selection allows the structure to mimic its surroundings, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement with the landscape rather than an imposition upon it. The primary function is to offer respite from the often-harsh Andean climate, providing comfort and protection to those exploring the scenic routes.

Architectural Synthesis: Concrete, Wood, and Natural Light

The refuge's monumental concrete elements, informed by ancient regional architecture, anchor the design. These solid volumes on either end house essential facilities: one side features a reception area and a dedicated bike shop, while the other hosts a cozy restaurant cafe. The central area, acting as a resting point, is adorned with picnic tables, planters, and inviting sunken seating areas. The earthy tones of the concrete further reinforce the structure's integral connection to the land. Thoughtfully designed metal-framed openings allow natural light to flood the interior, creating bright and airy spaces. This openness encourages cyclists to move freely between the interior and exterior, bike in tow, fostering a dynamic and unhindered experience.

Canopy and Connection: The Rhythmic Embrace of Wood

A striking mass-timber wooden canopy gracefully spans between the concrete structures, forming a protective and aesthetically pleasing roof. Several paved pathways guide visitors into the central rest area, which is subtly defined by a waist-high glass partition. Beyond its supportive role, the wooden beams are meticulously arranged to form rhythmic porticos, lending a dynamic flow to the entire structure. The studio describes this laminated-wood roof as a light and rhythmic element, designed with robust porticos that support generous front and rear overhangs. This design blurs the traditional boundaries between inside and outside, while nearly invisible tempered glass cascades down the front facade, shielding occupants from the elements without obstructing the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The choice of resilient materials ensures the refuge can withstand the harsh equatorial sun, rain, and strong winds over time.

Natural Contrasts and Sustainable Solutions

The interior of the refuge bursts with life, featuring vibrant vegetation such as ferns, philodendrons, and yellow lilies. These lush plantings, alongside the warm wooden structure, create a striking and inviting contrast to the sturdy concrete surfaces. Outside, indigenous species like myrtle, white straw, and cat's tail trees further integrate the refuge into its natural habitat. Building on an off-grid site presented unique logistical challenges, necessitating meticulous planning for materials, personnel, water, and electricity—especially given the project's stringent budget. Urlo Studio successfully navigated these constraints, making design choices that honored the client's budget without compromising the architectural vision. This approach fostered creative solutions, resulting in a space where cyclists can comfortably rest and move with ease, all while being immersed in the beauty of the Andean environment.