Month: March 2024

Four years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects are still felt in the construction and real estate sectors in the United States. Accelerated remote work and hybrid schedules are leading to a sharp decline in demand for traditional office space in cities across America. In major metros like New York and San Francisco, occupancy rates have dropped, property values have diminished and rents have fallen significantly. As architects design for the future of work, the real estate market faces divided perspectives on whether to invest in the country’s growing inventory of vacant office buildings.

The manipulation and combination of materials are ongoing pursuits in architecture. This has not only broadened the possibilities for construction but also enabled the creation of distinctive shapes and aesthetics by using the same materiality. An example of this is Portland cement, an essential element in the mixture of water and aggregates that make concrete, which allows the creation of both load-bearing and decorative elements. In parallel, as a result of the exploration of innovative materials, fiber cement emerged (invented by Ludwig Hatschek) at the end of the 19th century, combining Portland cement, mineral-based materials, and cellulose fibers.

Nestled within the Truong Son mountain range, Mang Den town in the Kon Plong district (Kon Tum) is experiencing rapid development, particularly in the ecotourism sector. While the traditional villages on the outskirts maintain their simple and rustic charm, new construction projects in the town center are threatening the natural harmony of this region.

glass doors connect the main rooms, maintaining the noucentista ambiance of mas de miquel building.
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