Diatom: The Interactive Oceanic Research And Adventure Hub Within A Repurposed Oil Rig At North Sea | Architecture Thesis

‘Diatom’ is an architecture thesis by Zixin Yao from the ‘School of Architecture and Cities – University of Westminster’ that explores repurposing a decommissioned oil rig into a dynamic hub combining advanced oceanic research with sustainable tourism. Through the fusion of scientific research, ecological design, and public engagement, it showcases the power of regeneration—both environmental and structural. The project seeks to deepen our understanding of ocean health and inspires action toward a more resilient and sustainable relationship with our planet’s most vital resource.

Baymass Lake House | Karl Damschen + Meister Varma Architects

Baymass Lake House by Karl Damschen and Meister Varma Architects features a design shaped by the site’s coastal constraints and natural context. A terracotta wall defines the zones and acts as the spine of the layout, from which light wooden structures extend toward the landscape. The architecture blends solid and transparent elements to create a seamless connection between built form, landscape, and water.

Bergantin | Zamna Arquitectura

Bergantin, a residence by Zamna Arquitectura, explores privacy and light in a dense urban context through an open floor layout and sculptural use of skylights. A central courtyard seamlessly connects all the spaces, while careful material choices, like pigmented concrete and local stone, blend the home into its desert surroundings. The design offers a thoughtful, serene retreat with a strong spatial and sensory identity.

ZAMNÁ Arquitectura

ZAMNÁ is a Mexican architecture and interior design firm based in León, committed to creating architectural expressions that reflect the personalities of inhabitants of the space. Through materials and textures, they give identity and character to each assignment, highlighting the duality between textures and light. Their work emphasizes the sensory capacity of spaces, connecting people with their environment, whether natural or urban.

Rusticitas Et Urbanitas: The Conversion And Expansion Of The Solacolu Inn At Bucharest, Romania | Interior Architecture Thesis On Adaptive Reuse

‘Rusticitas Et Urbanitas: The Conversion And Expansion Of The Solacolu Inn’ is an Interior Architecture Thesis by Cristina Popescu from the ‘Faculty of Interior Architecture – Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism.’ This project reimagines the Solacolu Inn not only as a restored historic landmark but as a dynamic cultural and educational hub that bridges past and present. By integrating sustainable design, adaptive reuse, and community-focused functions, it offers a model for revitalizing urban ruins while honoring their heritage.

The Veiled House | Rajanikant Machhar + Nishant Machhar

The Veiled House by Rajanikant Machhar + Nishant Machhar is a contemporary residence that balances modern elegance with Islamic principles of privacy and climate sensitivity. Defined by a series of open and veiled spaces, it uses deep-set verandahs, courtyards, and architectural mesh to create a layered, serene environment. Natural materials and thoughtful layout connect the home to its landscape while honoring cultural and climatic context.

Gorjeio | OSPA Arquitetura & Urbanismo

Gorjeio by OSPA Arquitetura & Urbanismo is a residential project that harmonizes contemporary design with the traditional character of its surroundings. Composed of four rotated volumes, the building ensures privacy, diverse views, and integration with nature. Natural stone, muted tones, and green elements strengthen its connection to the landscape, offering a modern yet grounded living experience that feels both communal and individual.

Shreyas | Raving Dots Studio

Shreyas, a residence by Raving Dots Studio, is a modernist response to its tropical context. The design balances geometric clarity with organic softness, using natural materials and open spaces to create a dialogue between indoors and outdoors. Rooted in climate and culture, the home blends simplicity with subtle expression, offering a serene yet dynamic living experience.

Raving Dots Studio

Raving Dots Studio is a forward-thinking architecture and research firm specializing in parametric and organic architecture. They focus on creating sustainable and innovative architectural solutions that harmoniously blend form, function, and environment using advanced parametric tools. The firm is driven by the philosophy that architecture should not only serve aesthetic and functional purposes but also integrate seamlessly with its ecological surroundings.

via·1719 Wu Liangcai New Vision Field | Dayuan Design

‘via·1719 Wu Liangcai New Vision Field’ by Dayuan Design transforms a historic building into a vibrant cultural-retail space that fuses traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern industrial design. Inspired by the idea of a “living factory,” the interior design blends history and innovation, creating an interactive environment that encourages exploration, storytelling, and forms new collective memories for a new generation.

Fienile N | Fōntego Architettura

Fienile N by Fōntego Architettura transforms a historic barn into a contemporary residence, blending its rural identity with modern functionality. The design centers on openness and simplicity, with a multifunctional green volume organizing the living area without altering the original structure. Traditional materials and features are reinterpreted to create a space that honors the building’s past while embracing modern living.

Fōntego Architettura

Fōntego Architettura is a practice founded in Florence by Francesco Busi and Mario Ambrogi during their studies at IUAV University of Venice. Their design approach is centered on simplicity, clarity, and contemporary architectural expression. They view each project as a unique set of challenges to be solved, aiming to address as many as possible through minimal architectural gestures.

Plazas De La Ribera: An Urban And Landscape Regeneration Project That Seeks To Reconnect The Wetland Of Necoclí With Its People And Heritage Of Antioquia, Colombia | Bachelors Design Project On Urban Regeneration

‘Plazas De La Ribera’ is a Bachelors Design Project by Samuel Mejia Ortiz, Sara Durango Araque, and Samuel Arciniegas Arbeláez from the ‘Facultad de Arquitectura y Diseño – Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana.’ The project aims to reconnect the Necoclí wetland with the local community and its cultural heritage through a sustainable urban regeneration strategy that balances ecological restoration with social integration. The project seeks to create a resilient, inclusive environment where public space, housing, culture, and nature coexist and support one another.

Yellow River Delta Agricultural Product Trading Service Center | UAD

The Yellow River Delta Agricultural Product Trading Service Center, designed by UAD, redefines the exhibition complex as a vibrant urban hub. Integrating local culture, flexible spatial planning, and innovative structure, the design connects seamlessly with the city, creating a civic space for both trade and public life. It blends architecture, landscape, and community to energize Binzhou’s urban identity.

SOMBRA | MVRDV

SOMBRA, a pavilion designed by MVRDV for the Time Space Existence exhibition in Venice, is a dynamic shading structure inspired by the sun’s movement. Using passive technology without electronics or motors, its panels respond naturally to sunlight, opening and closing like a living organism. SOMBRA showcases an environmentally adapted architecture that interacts with light and heat while emitting zero operational carbon.

Vertical Rainbow | SAKO Architects

Vertical Rainbow, designed by SAKO Architects, reimagines a former headquarters as a vibrant symbol of the company’s identity. A striking façade made of gradient-colored glass represents the brand’s creative spirit and infinite color range. The minimalist design turns the building into a dynamic, ever-changing artwork that interacts with light, weather, and the surrounding cityscape, both day and night.

Ame Studio – A Versatile Artistic Haven | Between Spaces

Ame Studio, designed by Between Spaces, is a versatile, light-filled workspace designed for an artist engaged in weaving, painting, and pottery. Blending modest architecture with crafted materiality, the studio balances solidity and openness to support creativity and contemplation. With flexible, well-lit spaces and a seamless connection to nature, it serves as both sanctuary and stage for evolving artistic expression.

Blue Aperture House | MS Design Studio

Blue Aperture House, designed by MS Design Studio, explores the idea of creating a private, expressive home within a dense housing society. The design balances conformity with distinction by integrating striking elements like an exposed brick façade and custom screens, while strategically placed spillover spaces ensure privacy and openness. The residence blends into the neighborhood context while maintaining a unique architectural identity.

MS Design Studio

MS Design Studio is a comprehensive design firm that espouses a minimalist ethos in its design philosophy, prioritizing meticulous attention to detail. Their projects prominently feature designs with a timeless, earthy aesthetic that are each infused with a unique identity and context. From conceptualisation to execution, they are committed to striving for excellence in all aspects of their work.

Evaluating Cross-Cultural Courtyard Housing For Social Well-Being In Manhattan, New York, USA | Architecture Thesis On Urban Housing

‘Evaluating Cross-Cultural Courtyard Housing For Social Well-Being In Manhattan, New York, USA’ is an architecture thesis by Soniha Nuzrat from the ‘Department of Architecture and Interior Design – Miami University.’ The project seeks to enhance social well-being and interaction in urban housing by integrating cross-cultural courtyard principles with sustainable design. Through multi-level communal spaces, thoughtful retrofitting, and enhanced connectivity, the proposal redefines NYCHA housing as an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready model for urban living.

Conclusion: Ultimately, this project envisions a transformative approach to public housing by integrating cross-cultural courtyard principles with sustainable urban design. Through multi-level communal spaces, thoughtful retrofitting, and enhanced connectivity, the proposal fosters a sense of community, improves residents’ well-being, and redefines NYCHA housing as an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready model for urban living.
The project reimagines public housing as a connected, sustainable, and community-focused model, enhancing well-being through shared spaces and thoughtful design.
The aim of the project is to enhance social well-being and community connection in public housing by integrating cross-cultural courtyard design, sustainable retrofitting, and inclusive urban spaces within the East Harlem River Houses in New York City.

Lei Homestay | Archstudio

Lei Homestay by Archstudio reinterprets the traditional northern Chinese courtyard house through a design rooted in nature and rural memory. The timber-framed structure, centered around three preserved trees, blends indoor and outdoor spaces to create a peaceful, forest-like atmosphere. With sustainable materials and a layout that encourages community interaction, it offers a serene retreat and revitalizes village life.

New Headquarters of the International Office of Migration (UN IOM) | SJK Architects

New Headquarters of the International Office of Migration (UN IOM) by SJK Architects envisions a calm, nature-integrated workspace that fosters emotional well-being and social interaction. Emphasizing flexibility, sustainability, and community engagement, the building connects users with nature while supporting diverse working modes. Using passive design strategies, it creates a low-impact, human-centric environment that encourages collaboration.

Casa ON | Guillem Carrera

Casa ON by Guillem Carrera is designed as a harmonious blend of home and workspace, shaped by its natural surroundings and the edge condition of urbanization. The design of the residence emphasizes privacy and openness through differentiated façades while integrating with the landscape. The design adopts an organic character and a volumetry that blends voids, solids, and various elements of passive solar architecture.

Weekly Highlights 2025 #23

Archidiaries is excited to share the Project of the Week – XO Residence | 3dor Concepts. Along with this, the weekly highlight contains a few of the best projects, published throughout the week. These selected projects represent the best content curated and shared by the team at ArchiDiaries.