Apple, Paris

Situated on Paris’ Champs-Élysées, the original detailing of the historic building has been restored and seamlessly incorporated within the design, juxtaposed with contemporary interior spaces. The entrance is via a beautiful 19th century Parisian passage, with display spaces on either side. It leads to a newly revived courtyard with large mature trees that create an almost external and natural setting and unique Kaleidoscope solar roof-light, featuring mirrored pyramids that reflect dappled sunlight onto the internal façades and floor below.

Apple, Macao

The store is conceptualized as a ‘paper lantern’ that glows mysteriously. Carved out of a densely planted bamboo forest, the plaza forms an oasis of tranquility that draws people into the site, creating pedestrian connections between the surrounding buildings for the first time. Visitors entering the store are treated to a magical experience, surrounded by glowing stone panels that shimmer throughout the day as the sun brings them to life, while at night the cube radiates a warm glow, contrasting against the bright lights of Macau. 

Apple, Istanbul

The store is crowned by a spectacular illuminated glass lantern set in a reflecting pool of water – this provides the jewel-like centerpiece of the shopping center’s crescent plan and acts as a light well, drawing daylight deep into the subterranean retail levels. The luminous ceiling panels were developed especially for the store and emit a calm, seamless, even glow. The panels conceal acoustic absorbency and maximizes flexibility and can be easily lowered to allow access to the ceiling above.

Apple, Milan

Located near Corso Vittorio Emanuele – the popular pedestrian streets in Milan – visitors are drawn towards the piazza by the sight of the dramatic fountain. People enter the fountain through a glass-covered entrance enveloped by the sights and sounds of vertical jets of water that splash against the glass walls. An immersive recreation of the childhood game of running through fountains, the experience changes throughout the day as sunlight filters through the water, while at night the glass ceiling creates a kaleidoscopic effect.

France stands behind its beloved Notre Dame Cathedral after the massive April 15, 2019 fire, urging the landmark’s quick resurrection. The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, has promised to have it rebuilt in five years.

Prominent people from France and across the world have pledged the funds to get it done. The iconic spire in flames was a heart-wrenching moment for many. Donations were immediately pledged by: Francois Henri-Pinault, the chairman of Kering, Bernard Arnault of LVMH, L’Oreal’s Bettencourt Meyers family, IBM, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of Total, Fondation du Patrimoine, Disney and the University of Notre Dame, among others, to a total sources indicate, of over one billion U.S. dollars.

The cathedral, located in the geographical center of Paris, receives 14 million visitors per year. Previously the site of a Romanesque church and a Pagan temple, “Our Lady in Paris” was built at this site 800 years ago. Its existence iconic, not only as a house of worship, but witness, participant and survivor in the tapestry of French history as it has unfolded since then.

Victor Hugo brought attention to the disrepair of Notre Dame, instituting the cathedral as a monument to French identity, and influencing its future, in his now classic book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, published in 1831. Notre Dame was saved by a fire brigade during the Paris Commune, in 1871. Though Paris was heavily attacked in both World Wars, the cathedral received only minor roof damage during the First World War.

Donations continue to pour in. The building is being secured, and an international competition to design a new spire to replace the Eugène Viollet-le-Duc 19th-century replacement of its original spire was launched. Craftspeople are sharpening their skills and tools as the nation’s efforts prepare to bring “Our Lady in Paris,” back to her former status.

Most Instagrammable Architecture

V&A Dundee

Kengo Kuma & Associates

Dundee, Scotland

The museum faces the River Tay. The façade employs a variety of shadows with changes created by multiple horizontal layers of precast concrete that are meant to express the cliffs of Scotland.

Museo Soumaya

FR-EE, Fernando Romero Enterprise

Mexico City, Mexico

The anvil-shaped museum with a windowless façade is composed of hexagonal aluminum tiles and constructed of 28 different sized and shaped curved steel columns creating a distinctive and irregular form.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Architect: Frank Gehry

Paris, France

Constructed on the edge of a water garden created especially for the project, the building comprises an assemblage of white blocks clad in panels of fiber-reinforced concrete, surrounded by twelve immense glass “sails” supported by wooden beams.

Viceroy Los Cabos

Miguel Ángel Aragonés

Los Cabos, Mexico

Viceroy Resort and Viceroy Residences resemble a series of stark white cubes that seem to float in blue reflecting pools. Elevated walkways crisscross the property meeting at Nido, a latticed, nest-like structure where guests dine while gazing at the sea.

Discover more inspiring architecture around the world

Architecture Spotlight: Arena Di Verona

In the beautiful Italian city of Verona sits a stunning architectural achievement in the form of an amphitheater almost 2000 years old.  With the same structure as the Colosseum in Rome one would think it was inspired by the capital but in fact it predates the larger Roman counterpart by about 50 years.  The Arena Di Verona is also in considerably better condition than the Colosseum.  Still in use, it is home to one of the largest opera festivals in the world since 1936 while the first opera performance there took place in 1913 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Giuseppi Verdi’s birth with his prominent work, Aida.

The Arena di Verona Opera Festival runs for almost 3 months in the summer with a rotation of 4 shows.  In any theatre these are all amazing spectacles but to take in a show in a living piece of history is an extraordinary experience.  The massive set pieces and changes that take place, the world class performers and magnificent acoustics make for a performance one will not forget.  This year showcased the famous works: La Traviata, Carmen, Aida and Tosca.

Premium tickets provide padded chairs on the lower levels while the cheaper seats give the authentic ancient Roman experience of sitting on the stone steps high up with first come first serve seating and no particular limit on how many people sit in a certain section.  Needless to say, this experience is better in theory than reality.  Typically 15,000 people is the limit for performances and each year over 500,000 people come to enjoy the opera festival.

Even for those not enthusiastic about opera, it is well worth enjoying this operatic performance since it is impressive in so many ways.  That being said, the Arena di Verona has also hosted concerts from relatively more recent famous musicians including: Pink Floyd, The Who, Sting, Leonard Cohen, and Whitney Houston.

Infinity London: World’s First 360-Degree Rooftop Infinity Pool

London, England has plans to build the first ever infinity pool that not only is at the top of an extremely tall building (220 meters) but also has 360-degrees of amazing skyline. With an incredibly clean design there is no outer access or ladder. Swimmers come up through the pool in submarine door-inspired technology. The spiral staircase rotates and rises or descends through the water.

Adding to the clean look is the fact that it is made from cast acrylic with transparent sides and floors. Cast acrylic transmits light at a similar wavelength as water thus making this pool appear perfectly clear. Acting as a skylight for the 5-star hotel that will be below it, swimmers can look down and see whats happening inside the 55 story building or guests can look up at the pool.

There are other amazing technological marvels such as the sustainable way they will heat the 600,000 liters of water. The heating system will recycle the waste energy from the building’s air conditioning system, running the hot gas byproduct through a heat exchanger. The temperature is computer controlled and the pool has an anemometer to measure wind speed and send data to the building management system to make sure water would not spill over the side of the building.

Compass Pool’s swimming pool designer and technical director Alex Kemsley was thrilled to be part of this project from the earliest stages as often infinity pools are an amenity added later “but on this project we actually started with the pool design and essentially said, ‘how do we put a building underneath this?’”

Called Infinity London, construction is expected to start in 2020 with the specific location still pending. Sure to be a beacon shining during the day, at night color changing lights will illuminate this sparkling jewel of architectural splendor for all to see.

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the opening of Under in Lindesnes, Norway, you will need to endure for a little longer. Bookings are open until October, but you’ll be on a waiting list. Even considering its remote location on this storm-battered southernmost point of the Norwegian coastline, Europe’s first underwater restaurant is ultimately worth a visit. Under is the culmination of a dream by owners and brothers, Stig and Gaute Ubostad. Designed and created by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, this distinctive project is more than just a restaurant. Envisaged as integration of gastronomy, architecture and marine research, the 34-metre partially-submerged concrete structure emerges from the icy fjord like a giant’s periscope discarded carelessly at the water’s edge. In time the exterior will blend more seamlessly with its surroundings as limpets and kelp begin to grow on its surface, forming an artificial reef.

Under’s location up close with nature makes it unique in many ways, standing apart from the usual underwater restaurants in warm tropical aquariums. Weather conditions around Lindesnes are known to be intense, shifting from calm to storm and back again without warning. This immense shell with its half meter-thick concrete walls is built to withstand nature’s most extreme forces. Once inside, visitors feel safely enveloped by the warm ambience featuring oak panelling, textiles, handcrafted fixtures and artwork by local collaborators.

The focal point of Under’s dining space is a vast panoramic acrylic window, bringing guests eye to eye with life on the seabed. The underwater vista of swaying kelp forests is surprisingly serene considering the wild crashing waves just five metres above at the surface.

Michelin starred chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard has drawn together a world-class team to present his 18-course tasting menu, inspired by Under’s unique setting. Each item on the Immersion menu is a work of art crafted with locally foraged ingredients such as wild mushrooms and luscious berries paired with seafood sustainably harvested from Lindesnes’s rich biodiversity. Chef Ellitsgaard’s culinary compositions will vary with the seasons, allowing him to experiment with many varieties of fish, shells, and other beach-grown ingredients such as sea arrow grass, sea rocket and salty sea kale.

Continuing the trend of open kitchens, guests dining at Under are invited to watch as each course is precisely assembled. Beverage pairings – both alcoholic and juice-based – can be ordered to complement the wild, naked flavours carefully selected to take diners beyond their gastronomic comfort zones.

A Modern Revamp of London’s Skyline

England is home to iconic buildings rich with history and flair. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Windsor Castle have been around for centuries.  As London continues to grow so does the skyline.  Taller buildings can house more residents, a problem which Mayor Sadiq Khan attributes to “a systematic failure for decades to build enough new homes that are genuinely affordable.”  He has called for 66,000 new homes to be built each year.  There are 541 tall buildings (20 stories or taller) planned or under construction, a record for the city.

Some of the more elaborate structures stand out and showcase why London continues to be an architectural hub.  The Gherkin for example totals 500,000 square feet, is aerodynamic, looks spectacular and does not ruin the skyline.  It is easy to see why it was the winner of several awards (Stirling Prize, London Region Award, Emporis Skyscraper Award) when observing the sleek design outside and the chic style inside.

There are people hesitant about tall buildings for fear it will take away from tourist and historic sites such as the Tower of London. Heathrow and experts in aviation oppose some buildings over 300 meters due to risks for planes and changes to flight paths.  22 Bishopsgate in the city had its plans for 307 meter building rejected and reduced to 288 meters.  

The newest human made marvel coming to London however will be ‘The Tulip’ which is planned to be 1000 feet high (304 M).  With stunning 360 degree views to enjoy in the restaurant and bar, gondola pods on the sides, internal bridges and glass slides, it is sure to be an attraction with estimates over one millions visitors annually. Innovative design for zero combustion energy, interactive guides on the city history and an education center make this building stand out for more than just the size.  With 20,000 free visits a year for kids from state schools, company found Norman Foster said it would be “a cultural and social landmark with unmatched educational resources for future generations.”  Construction begins in 2020 and is planned to open in 2025.

We Remember an Iconic Architectural Masterpiece – Notre Dame

Amidst the heart-wrenching tragedy of the fire that consumed much of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the solidarity and commitment from around the world to preserving history and culture — and rebuilding this iconic architectural masterpiece — is extraordinary.

Built in 1163 and completed in 1345, Notre-Dame is the most famous of the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages, and considered a true jewel to France and many around the world.

Commitment to Rebuilding a Precious Symbol to All

French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to rebuild the site, and French moguls and institutions from around the globe have started to pledge their commitment and resources to reconstructing this precious symbol.

The Arnault family and the LVMH Group have pledged 200 million euros, along with creative, architectural and financial resources, to assist with the reconstruction work.

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François-Henri Pinault, CEO of luxury goods conglomerate Kering, and his father, François Pinault, will donate €100 million to the cause.

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The Bettencourt Meyers Family & L’Oréal Group will donate 100 million euros for the efforts as well.

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Mon coeur va aux parisiens!

Even in its most heartbreaking moments, the city of Paris and its people become stronger, and even more beautiful. Vive la France!

The northern Spanish city of Bilbao is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is home to a wondrous work of art and architecture.  The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, with a price tag for 89 million dollars, opened to the public in 1997.  Hailed as one of the main factors in revitalizing the city, immediately becoming a tourist attraction and bringing recognition and culture to the previously industrial port, it’s contemporary construction stands the test of time (with the help of a titanium clad exterior). It is frequently named one of the most important works of architecture in recent history. 

The unique curves and intended ‘randomness’ of the design captures the eye and attention constantly.  The Atrium is the heart of the museum with curved volumes and large glass curtains to connect the inside and outside.  Abundant light and a skylight make all three levels a delight to be in whether admiring the atrium itself or the artwork within.  As impressive as the structure is, what is inside takes this museum to the peak of aesthetics.  

The Guggenheim Bilbao boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art from the mid twentieth century to present day.  Pioneers such as Robert Motherwell, Yves Klein and Andy Warhol are just a few of the many great artists represented here.  Apart from the established collection many exhibitions are brought in, there are workshops and courses, exciting events, some social, some cultural and all extraordinarily well done.  Art After Dark allows you to visit the exhibitions to the beat of the best DJs.  

One of the current featured collections is Richard Serra’s The Matter of Time, a series of eight sculptures made of weathering steel.  The entire room is part of the sculptural field with the pieces arranged deliberately to move the viewer through them both spatially and temporally.  As the sculptures evolve from simple curves to complex spirals, the experience of walking through the display resonates on several levels, producing different effects on movement and perception that have to be experienced to be understood profoundly.  This is the right time to visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao, if not now, when?