How current and future trends are shaping the libraries of tomorrow

Over the last few years, public libraries have transitioned from being buildings that only store and lend books to being fully featured community centers.

A Swiss startup devises an intelligent photovoltaic façade that tracks and moves with the sun

Zurich Soft Robotics says Solskin can reduce building energy consumption by up to 80% while producing up to 40% more electricity than comparable façade systems.

Detroit’s Michigan Central Station, centerpiece of innovation hub, opens

The recently opened Michigan Central Station in Detroit is the centerpiece of a 30-acre technology and cultural hub that will include development of urban transportation solutions. The six-year adaptive reuse project of the 640,000 sf historic station, created by the same architect as New York’s Grand Central Station, is the latest sign of a reinvigorating Detroit.

MFPRO+ News

‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ movement could create more affordable housing

The so-called “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) movement, where houses of worship convert their properties to housing, could help alleviate the serious housing crisis affecting many communities around the country.

Cultural Facilities | Sasaki | Mar 8, 2016

The sexy side of universal design

What would it look like if achieving universal accessibility was an inspiring point of departure for a project's design process? Sasaki's Gina Ford focuses on Marina Plaza and the Cove, two key features of her firm's Chicago Riverwalk development.

Museums | Gensler | Mar 3, 2016

How museums engage visitors in a digital age

Digital technologies are opening up new dimensions of the museum experience and turning passive audiences into active content generators, as Gensler's Marina Bianchi examines.

Cultural Facilities | Mar 1, 2016

China bans ‘weird’ public architecture, gated communities

Directs designers of public buildings to focus on functionality.

Contractors | Feb 25, 2016

Huntsville’s Botanical Garden starts work on new Guest Welcome Center

The 30,000-sf facility will feature three rental spaces of varying sizes.

The High Line | Feb 24, 2016

The last unused portion of the High Line is set to become a piazza

The piazza replaces an earlier design for the space that called for a bowl-shaped garden.

Museums | Feb 12, 2016

Construction begins on Foster + Partners’ Norton Museum of Art expansion project

The Florida museum is adding gallery space, an auditorium, great hall, and a 20,000-sf garden.

Game Changers | Feb 4, 2016

GAME CHANGERS: 6 projects that rewrite the rules of commercial design and construction

BD+C’s inaugural Game Changers report highlights today’s pacesetting projects, from a prefab high-rise in China to a breakthrough research lab in the Midwest.