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We’re ringing in the New Year by looking back on the stories and images that resonated most with our incredible community of creative minds this year. From debating the architectural relevance of supertalls to detailing seemingly gutter-less structures to celebrating 40 years of AutoCAD, our readers were drawn to a wide range of subjects that reflect the diversity of our global audience.
Without further ado, here’s a list of the most clicked articles of 2022, in no particular order:
It’s Time to Redefine the Word “Architect”
Architizer’s Editor in Chief Paul Keskeys reflects on Architizer’s decade-long celebration of extraordinary architecture and the talented teams that make it a reality. This poem is dedicated to every A+Award winner from the past decade. Thank you to the thousands of architecture firms that have helped make the program what it is today — we look forward to sharing your work with the world this year, and for many years to come!
Written by Paul Keskeys
“The World’s Tallest Building Should Never Have Been Built. Change My Mind.”
The Burj Khalifa soars half a mile above downtown Dubai, gleaming like a mirage in the desert sun. As a design object, it is far superior to the world’s previous tallest building, the blocky and awkward Taipei 101. And yet, despite all this, the Burj Khalifa should never have been built.
Written by Pat Finn
Architects Can Bring the Outside In with Vitrocsa’s Stunning ‘Invisible Frame’
Erasing boundaries between inside and out has long been a preoccupation of architects around the globe, as countless clients seek open layouts and a sleek, modern aesthetic with minimal visual interruptions. However, truly seamless transitions are not easily achieved. Now, this once-elusive goal can be achieved simply and easily thanks to Vitrocsa’s new single-track, insulated invisible frame.
Written by Ross Brady
The Software That Changed Architecture: Reflecting on 40 Years of AutoCAD
For architects, arguably the most important piece of software was first created way back in 1982: AutoCAD, a new type of 2D drafting application, was launched as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. Ever since, its distinctive black screen and colored polylines have graced the screens of millions, leading the transition from manual drawing to computer-aided design for creative industries worldwide.
Written by Paul Keskeys
Technical Details: An Architect’s Guide to Hidden Gutters and Building Corners
Hidden gutters, if detailed correctly, can be extremely functional. Depending on the material chosen, location, use of the building, a detail should be chosen which is robust, weather tight and frames the entire building. This article offers key insights into detailing hidden gutters and buildings corners in a variety of materials, including timber, zinc and tile.
Written by Emma Walshaw
Façade Lift: This Danish Firm Took Rainwater-Damaged Walls and Made Interactive Green Spaces
This is the story of an apartment building in Frederiksberg, Denmark, which was often called one of the ugliest buildings in the neighborhood over the past few decades. Now, the old concrete edifice has been transformed into a spectacular award-winning building that has earned praises from both the locals and the government and stands as a source of inspiration for those with new visions to transform old buildings.
Written by Nidhi Upadhyaya
25 Best Architecture Firms in India
India is a massive country with a long, complex history and its architectural heritage reflects this varied past. When it comes to contemporary Indian design, the incredible work of Pritzker-prize and RIBA Gold medal winner B.V. Doshi is just the tip of the iceberg.
15 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers (NEW for 2022)
To produce visuals that are capable of fully voicing your design ideology, a suitable laptop is as important as your creative mind! While you might already have preferences for price, operation system, portability, appearance, etc, Architizer’s annual designer laptop report covers a wide range of brands and price levels for your reference.
Written by Tian Wang
Made in Mexico: 9 Brazen Brick Buildings Celebrating the Local Material
Mexico has long been considered a mecca for modern architecture. Now, more and more Mexican architects are revisiting one of their country’s most traditional materials. Here are a few examples of how Mexican architects are using bricks not only for construction but also as the dominant aesthetic features in projects.
Written by Nidhi Upadhyaya
Free: 12 Top SketchUp Plugins for Advanced Modeling
Anyone who has used SketchUp for more than a few days will know that there are a plethora of plugins out there that facilitate amazingly complex forms and ingenious time-saving processes. We compiled some of the best from the SketchUp Tutorials Facebook page, together with illustrative GIFs that give you a sense of how each plugin works in a matter of seconds.
Written by Paul Keskeys
Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.
