As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s take a look at the architectural innovations that defined the year. From ground-breaking skyscrapers to innovative designs, the year showcased diverse innovations, dripping of creativity that left a lasting imprint on the world of architecture and design.
January – Cambridge Research on Energy Savings
The year commenced with a revelation from the University of Cambridge, shaking the foundations of energy-efficient home insulation. A research study exposed a “rebound effect,” where initial energy savings vanished within a few years as users increased energy consumption. The extensive study, analysed the gas-use patterns of over 55,000 homes across England and Walesand revealed a promising trajectory of energy savings which was achieved through insulation efforts. This was due to two key facets of insulation—wall insulation and loft retrofitting. This discovery spurred a rethink on sustainable home practices.
February – Mukaab
In the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia unveiled a colossal project – the Mukaab skyscraper. Standing at a towering 400 meters with a unique cube-shaped design in the new downtown area for the Saudi capital city. Mukaab became the city’s tallest building. The building will be enclosed in a façade ornamented by triangular forms overlapping as inspired by the modern Najdi architectural style. In addition, It will contain two million square metres of commercial businesses to attract tourists and have a full-height spiralling tower in its inside centre. This architectural phenomena marked another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 2030 development plan.
April – New Balance’s Tribute to Frank Lloyd
In April, the world witnessed an intriguing fusion of architecture and fashion. New Balance released a trainer inspired by sketches from the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright of an unbuilt utopian city. The controversial design, known as New Balance Made in USA 998 – Broadacre City, sparked debates on the relationship between architectural heritage and commercial products.
May – The World’s First AI Designer: Tilly Talbot
Studio Snoop stole the spotlight in May at Milan Design Week by unveiling Tilly Talbot, touted as the “world’s first AI designer.” This groundbreaking creation sparked discussions on the intersection of artificial intelligence and design, opening new avenues for the future of creative processes. “Tilly will challenge you on materials,” said Amanda Talbot, founder of Studio Snoop and creator of Tilly. “If you try to come up with something that’s actually not great for the environment, she’ll tell you.” The drive behind such a creation is to encourage the working ethic of increased cooperation with technology and AI rather than working against it.
June – Paris Reinstates Skyscraper Ban
In June, Paris made headlines by reinstating a ban on skyscrapers. This decision, believed to be a response to the controversial Tour Triangle tower, signified a deliberate choice to preserve the city’s skyline. The debate on balancing architectural innovation with historical preservation took center stage.
August – Brooklyn Tower
Brooklyn’s skyline transformed in August with the completion of its first supertall skyscraper – Brooklyn Tower. Designed by SHoP Architects, this 93-storey scraper stood at 325 meters. Designed with black and bronze facade , the Brooklyn Tower now stands as the tallest building in the city. The building features blackened stainless panels running from the top of the tower towards the bottom, accompanied by bronze and copper pilasters that give depth to the black facade, which eventually meet at the edges, creating a varied appearance.
September – Saudi Arabia’s Neom Resort: Crystal Tower
Saudi Arabia’s Neom resort revealed plans for a crystalline skyscraper above the Trojena ski resort which was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) . The design promised to stand as a beacon of architectural innovation amidst the mountain range, 300 meters above the artificial central lake of the resort, to be precise.
October – A Twist in New York’s Skyline
In October, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) left an indelible mark on New York’s skyline with the completion of The Spiral. Standing at 314 meters located on the High Line, this 66 storey skyscraper stands out with its stepped terraces that wrap around its exterior. As explained by Ingle, “The Spiral ensures that every floor of the tower opens up to the outdoors, creating hanging gardens and cascading atria that connect the open floor plates from the ground floor to the summit into a single uninterrupted workspace.”
As we reflect on the architectural journey of 2023, we can see the evolving innovation, controversy, and progress that is dominating the world of design and architecture. These marvels serve as testaments of the power of architecture and design across the world in sparking unending conversations of the future by shaping the skylines, integrating technology, and intertwining with different industries.
