OALA Partners with Trueventus for Waterfront Revitalization Conference

How can architecture act as a #ChangeAgent for urban climates? As Rem Koolhaas argues, architectural education must remain “deeply rooted in the realities of its time while imagining futures beyond it.” This guiding question framed the 2026 #Alpinestudio Program and brought together conversations across architecture, urbanism, landscape, and theory on climate, cities, infrastructures, and collective futures at Die Bäckerei – Kulturbackstube in #Innsbruck. Very thankful for the inspiring discussion and exchange of ideas with: Florian Lorenz Paul J.J. Treichl Ian Gillis Vasileios Chanis Mathieu Wellner And everyone who joined us for the evening. Find out more https://lnkd.in/dE2uK2Td #Architecture #Urbanism #ClimateResilience #FutureCities #ChangeAgents #Superblocks Universität Innsbruck, University of Texas at Arlington College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs

For a long time, I’ve followed the work of architects shaping how we understand cities. Names like Frank Gehry, Kenzo Tange, and Moshe Safdie were part of how I learned to think about architecture and urbanism. So seeing my own work featured within the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) platform feels significant in a very simple way. It means the conversation has shifted from study to contribution. The white paper, developed through my work at PNC Architects , looks at integrated development within the Sobha Realty ecosystem, focusing on how planning, design, construction, manufacturing, and delivery can operate as a single coordinated system. What matters most to me is not the publication itself, but the context it sits within a broader discourse on how cities are moving beyond standalone buildings toward more integrated urban systems. Still early in the journey, but this feels like a quiet shift in direction. Publication link in comments.

Sharing my Semester 2 Urban Design Masterplan as part of my Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Design at the University of Auckland. Titled “Beyond the Shoreline”, the project explores the future of the Devonport Waterfront, questioning how we might rethink waterfronts not as fixed edges, but as active urban interfaces. For me, the starting point was a simple question: What does it mean for a coastline to behave like part of the city, rather than its boundary? The proposal looks at how mobility, ecology, housing, and public life can overlap to create a more connected and adaptable waterfront condition. This carousel presents the overall masterplan strategy and spatial thinking behind the project. #UrbanDesign #Masterplan #Auckland #Waterfront #Architecture #DesignThinking

🟡 Dirk Sijmons (KK+N+S) | #Speaker of the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 Barcelona Dirk Sijmons is one of the founders of H+N+S Landscape Architects and a leading figure in landscape architecture and environmental design. He served as State Landscape Architect of the Netherlands (2004–2008) and held chairs at TU Delft in Environmental Design and Landscape Architecture. He was curator of IABR 2014 themed Urban by Nature and received the IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award in 2017. For UIA2026BCN, Dirk Sijmons joins the thematic pillar Becoming More-than-Human, exploring ecology, climate change and landscape as drivers of resilient and adaptive strategies for transforming cities and territories. He participates as part of KK+N+S, a team formed together with Lodewijk van Nieuwenhuijze, Ro Koster and Herman Kossmann, and will also take part in the Research by Design format with the project Sea Level Rise? Land Level Rise!, presenting their investigations for the first time during the congress. More info at 🔗 uia2026bcn.org → The UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 will take place in Barcelona from 28 June to 2 July 2026. This global event will bring together renowned architects, researchers, and influential figures from diverse disciplines, inviting professionals in architecture and design to engage in dynamic dialogue and a collective exploration of future perspectives. #UIA2026BCN #BecomingMoreThanHuman #Barcelona2026 Images:  1. Moses Bridge. RO&AD architects © Nick Franken. Halsteren, Municipality of Bergen-op-Zoom, 2011 2. Dirk Sijmons

In 1853, Niami wasn't just building a house; he was setting a standard and aiming to start an era. The scale of his project was so significant that neighbors formed an alliance, arguing it should be regulated as a commercial development. This 'mega-mansion arms race' became so influential that in 2016, the Los Angeles City Council had to rewrite ordinances specifically to prevent other developers from replicating his approach. The city literally changed the law to stop such developments. This situation highlights the profound impact ambitious projects can have on urban landscapes and regulations. #beteachable #RealEstate #UrbanPlanning #Development #Architecture #LosAngeles

We’re closing out our World of Modular 2026 project spotlights with McKee Public School’s second‑storey addition in Toronto, Ontario. Awarded an Honourable Mention in Permanent Modular Education, the project demonstrates how modular construction can expand learning space with minimal disruption to an active school environment. Designed by Weiss Architecture & Urbanism, the modular addition was delivered efficiently through offsite construction, improving safety, reducing site time, and accelerating delivery. Learn more about the project here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ggVVy_sU #WOM26 #ModularConstruction #EducationInfrastructure #TeamATCO

This is a great example of innovation in education infrastructure at TDSB. The McKee Public School expansion used a modular approach to add a second storey—delivered faster, safer, and with minimal disruption to students and staff. A smart solution that shows how thoughtful planning and off-site construction can transform project delivery in active environments.

Trevi is still the world's best and most popular fountain. But it was designed for a competition in 1723. Why can't the subsequent three centuries do nearly as well? Well. A big problem is the skill of making places like this lacks patrons with the necessary vision, resources and comprehension of urban landscape architecture.

As a student of architecture with a deep interest in planning, I have often wondered how contemporary urban planning policies tend to overlook rural areas during the planning process. A week ago, I came across the Functional Urban-Rural Linkages for Sustainable Urbanization course by UN-Habitat, which encouraged me to deepen my understanding of the fundamental concepts of Urban-Rural Linkages (URL). According to projections by the UN, nearly 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2030. This rapid urbanization highlights the growing gap between urban and rural regions. Achieving sustainable urbanization will only be possible when we strengthen the connection between urban and rural areas rather than planning them in isolation. Urban-Rural Linkages play a crucial role in promoting integrated development, resilient economies, balanced regional growth, and sustainable urbanization. At the same time, they contribute significantly toward achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is now time that rural and urban planning be treated as interrelated and inseparable branches of science rather than being treated as distinct disciplines altogether. Sustainable development can only be achieved when both rural and urban communities grow together in a coordinated and inclusive way. #UNHabitat #UrbanRuralLinkages #SustainableUrbanization #UrbanPlanning #RegionalPlanning #SDG11 #SustainableDevelopment #Architecture #UrbanDesign #Nepal

See the results of innovation centered on people and environmental sustainability with Think's landscape architecture. From site-specific designs that respond to both need and surroundings to landscapes that embrace and uplift community, Think provides solutions that sustain and inspire. https://lnkd.in/gnB_SyzP #AEClandscapes #LandscapeArchitecture #UtahArchitects #UtahLandscapes #ThinkExperience