The MPavilion by Tadao Ando. Photography by John Gollings…
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Pure Geometry Defines Tadao Ando’s Serene MPavilion
For his first project in Australia, Tadao Ando designed a structure for the tenth anniversary of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation’s MPavilion in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, which has become one of the country’s largest festivals. The legendary architect and Pritzker Prize laureate floated a canopy made of a 47-foot-long aluminum-clad disc atop a column of his signature concrete, which also forms the pavilion’s offset walls while referencing traditional Japanese walled gardens. Inside, the area is split evenly between a paved area and reflecting pool, which will mirror not only the surroundings but the pavilion’s full slate of activations over the next five months, including a performance of the Wominjeka Song Cycle’s tenth song, workshops by architectural photographer John Gollings, chairs by Davidov Architects, and Yoko Ozawa ceramics. —Jesse Dorris
A terminal designed by Foster + Partners for Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia. Image courtesy of Foster + Partners…
Foster + Partners wins a competition to design a new airport terminal in Saudi Arabia.
Foster + Partners has won an international competition to design the new terminal for Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Region. The firm’s proposal drew inspiration from the village of Rijal Almaa, envisioning the terminal as interconnected human-scaled clusters, courtyards, and walkways, with the goal of redefining the passenger experience and setting a new standard for airport design. Located between the drop-off area and the apron, the scheme embraces the region’s architectural character while offering adaptability for future expansion. It also optimizes natural ventilation, incorporates stone walls and diffused daylighting, and features retail stores, dining options, and cafes within landscaped courtyards.
Art Basel is launching a new online sales platform called “Access by Art Basel” that aims to connect collectors to artworks from the primary market while promoting philanthropy. More than a dozen galleries, including Pace and François Ghebaly, will participate in this pilot project. Collectors can purchase artworks at a fixed price and are required to pledge a donation of at least 10 percent of the artwork’s listing price to a charity of their choice (Miami Foundation or the International Committee of the Red Cross). Developed by Arcual, a tech company specializing in blockchain solutions for galleries that’s backed by Art Basel parent company MCH Group and the Luma Foundation, the initiative will debut ahead of the Art Basel Miami Beach fair.
The Hewlett Building in Berkeley, CA. Image courtesy of the Graduate Theological Union…
The Louis Kahn–designed Hewlett Building at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, has reopened after two years of renovations aimed at better serving the needs of students while preserving Kahn’s original vision. The architect was chosen to design the building in 1972 but died before its completion, with local firm Peters, Clayberg, and Caulfield taking on the project and making it one of the few completed after Kahn’s death. New additions, led by Russell Architects, include a library on the first floor, gathering and study spaces, classrooms, conference rooms, and a rare book and archival reading room.
After the devastating earthquake in Morocco in September, museums and art organizations in the country are taking initiatives to aid in recovery while damaged institutions are beginning the process of rebuilding. The earthquake, which struck the High Atlas mountains, caused significant destruction and damage to heritage sites such as the Tinmel mosque and the ancient Jewish quarter in Marrakech. Institutions and artists alike are contributing to the recovery, including the Aliph Foundation, which provided $1.2 million for reconstruction. Fundraisers, auctions, and collaborations with NGOs are helping support affected communities, particularly in remote regions, as they prepare for the challenges of the approaching winter months.
A new United Nations report indicates that the world is on a trajectory to limit global warming to approximately 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century, nearly doubling the target established in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The report, released by the UN Environment Programme, suggests if current emissions mitigation policies persist, the planet’s temperature will increase by an estimated 2.5 to 2.9 degrees Celsius. To cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, a 42 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is required, while a 28 percent cut would put the world on a path to limit warming to 2 degrees. The report’s projections are slightly higher than last year’s, and while there is still a 14 percent chance of achieving the 1.5-degree target, more ambitious emissions goals are necessary. The effects of climate change are already evident, with September being the hottest month on record and greenhouse gas emissions reaching a new high in 2022.
