ArchDaily's project curators have concluded their annual review of exceptional architectural works, highlighting 12 standout projects through their comprehensive "Project Review" series on Instagram. These carefully selected works represent diverse architectural solutions from around the globe, with a particular emphasis on projects that demonstrate innovative design thinking, cultural significance, and meaningful community impact.
The curatorial team, led by editors Susanna Moreira, Hana Abdel Latif, Valentina Díaz, Miwa Negoro, and Hadir Al Koshta, focused their attention on works that might otherwise be overlooked, paying special attention to locality, context, and the stories behind each intervention. The majority of the selected projects serve public functions or hold historical significance, ranging from cultural centers and libraries to workspaces and commercial facilities.
A notable trend in this year's selections is the strong representation from Asia, particularly rural China, where several projects demonstrate how contemporary architecture can revitalize traditional building practices. Many of the featured works are located in rural or suburban areas, challenging the typical focus on urban metropolitan projects that often dominate architectural discourse.
Among the highlighted projects is the Social Housing Units 2104 by HARQUITECTES, which curator Susanna Moreira describes as an "urban mining operation." The project involved recovering materials from a pre-existing building that required demolition, then separating and reusing ceramic materials and concrete for foundations while transforming sandstone into cyclopean concrete blocks for load-bearing walls that decrease in thickness with each floor.
The Rahmah Library by The MAAK, selected by Moreira, demonstrates hyper-contextual design through its use of clay and rubble from the surrounding neighborhood to create decorative tiles and door hardware. Positioned in an area historically affected by Apartheid-era forced removals, the library creates distinct zones that accommodate different reading postures, from individual study to group activities.
Curator Hana Abdel Latif highlighted several projects that showcase innovative approaches to workspace design and urban integration. The "An Office Free in the Gaps of an Urban Village" by LLC Studio exemplifies how architecture can adapt to the evolving needs of urban settlements, creating flexible workspace environments that can open completely to embrace the surrounding natural environment.
The Yongsan Francoreen headquarters by JYA-RCHITECTS represents a thoughtful renovation of an old residence into a luxury retail space for Hermès, incorporating Renaissance-era design principles with modernist transparency and the brand's signature orange color palette. The project demonstrates how architectural history and contemporary commercial needs can be successfully integrated.
Valentina Díaz's selection of the "SHE Block Breastfeeding Centers for Mothers on the Move" by Aangan Collaborative LLP addresses often-overlooked urban needs through dignified architectural solutions. Rather than creating isolated, dark spaces, the design embraces light and openness, transforming institutional environments into luminous civic sanctuaries that support women's mobility throughout the city.
Several projects demonstrate innovative approaches to traditional building methods and materials. The "Traditional House of the Future" by Lidia Ratoi and John Lin explores how self-builders can revitalize vernacular houses in rural China through participatory design that combines robotic 3D printing technology with traditional wood craftsmanship, creating a unique aesthetic that blends digital and natural materials.
Educational architecture features prominently in the selections, with the African Flow Kindergarten by Urbanitree reimagining educational spaces through ancestral African architectural principles. The project uses locally sourced materials including azobé wood and rammed earth bricks to create fluid transitions between different environmental zones, encouraging children to develop skills in varied contexts while maintaining connection to their natural habitat.
The diversity of materials and design languages across the selected projects reflects the curators' commitment to showcasing innovative architectural solutions rather than following specific aesthetic trends. From the glass and steel construction of the Place Pouchet Social and Cultural Center in Paris to the bamboo-hat-inspired Li Eaves flower shop in China, each project responds to its specific context and community needs.
These curatorial selections represent more than just architectural achievement; they highlight projects that contribute meaningfully to their communities and demonstrate how thoughtful design can address contemporary challenges while respecting local traditions and contexts. The emphasis on public function, historical significance, and community engagement reflects a growing recognition of architecture's role in social and cultural development beyond purely aesthetic considerations.
