Dezeen School Shows: a thesis project proposing energy conservation methods for The Netherlands is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture.

Also included is a project exploring wind patterns to influence infrastructures, and another exploring ways to improve seawater conservation.

Amsterdam Academy of Architecture

Institution: Amsterdam University of the Arts
School: Amsterdam Academy of Architecture
Courses: Architecture, Urbanism and Landscape Architecture
Tutors: Gert-Jan Wisse (mentor), Nikol Dietz, René van der Velde, Jerryt Krombeen (mentor), Jandirk Hoekstra †, Hiroki Matsuura, Jeroen van Mechelen (mentor), Marten Kuijpers, Jana Crepon (mentor), Jacques Abelman, Raul Corrêa-Smith, Wouter Kroeze (mentor), Txell Blanco Diaz, Paul Kuipers, Stephan Verkuijlen (mentor), Bernard Foing, Natalie Dixon, Thijs de Zeeuw (mentor), Erik A. de Jong and Lada Hršak

School statement:

“The Academy of Architecture is an internationally-oriented educational and research institute where students are trained for the national and international field of architecture, urbanism and landscape architecture.

“The artistic and personal development of the student is the key focus within the intensive education, which is characterised by a high level of expertise, where a culture of innovation, collaboration and experimentation challenges students to look beyond borders and break new ground.

“Students study and work simultaneously to become spatial designers and thinkers, with strong roots in practice, as well as critical thinking focused on the future of the respective professions.

“Architecture, urbanism and landscape architecture courses are offered concurrently and in an interdisciplinary manner in order to prepare students for integrated and future-focused professional practice, thus paving the way for a transformation of the design professions.

“The world around us is constantly changing and at a rapid pace. The new generation of designers faces major, cross-border and wide-ranging questions.

“The challenges – related to climate change, resource scarcity, energy transition, social inequality and declining biodiversity – are urgent, complex and also all spatial issues for which answers must be sought now in order to maintain perspective on a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Low-Tech Haven by Iaroslava Nesterenko

“My thesis Groningen, Low-Tech Haven explores how the energy transition will impact the cities we live in, proposing a prioritisation of energy conservation over production.

“This dichotomy shapes my research, influencing my perspective on energy transition as a crucial societal and spatial endeavour.

“The layers of the Dutch landscape — shaped over centuries by various energy sources – now await the integration of renewables. How will this new layer change the urban environment of the Dutch context?

“The thesis emphasises the urgent need to reassess how we use and distribute energy, developing a toolkit of practical, low-tech solutions, including urban green-blue network, natural climate control through methods like solar envelopes and wind management, and boosting the efficiency of cargo transport, mobility and food distribution.”

Student: Iaroslava Nesterenko
Course: Urbanism
Tutors: Jerryt Krombeen (mentor), Jandirk Hoekstra † and Hiroki Matsuura

The Creature by Minnari Lee

“The North Sea has long been an imaginary space for mankind. This project is a future archive from the year 2200 in IJmuiden.

“It imagines a new form of offshore infrastructure: a floating entity that serves as an ‘indeterminate interface’ intertwining ‘hard’ technological systems with ‘soft’ biophysical processes.

“This entity can be seen as a regenerative farmer of the North Sea: growing seaweed and fish, desalinating seawater into freshwater, harvesting energy using waves and carrying these sea products to nearby cities, such as IJmuiden.

“People live in close proximity to it, they engage in its construction, operation and maintenance in return for ‘harvest’.

“It aims to redefine our somewhat forgotten relationship with our resources, landscape, non-humans and natural elements.

“Ultimately, it seeks to replace the way conventional infrastructure operates in our current environment. This is also a criticism of the latter, which involves brutal removal of unwanted – mostly natural – elements for its efficient operation and for the benefit of humans.”

Student: Minnari Lee
Course: Architecture
Tutors: Jeroen van Mechelen (mentor), Jandirk Hoekstra  † and Marten Kuijpers

(Be)Coming Home by Renan Dijkinga

“(Be)coming Home focuses on the Campos Gerais region and my home of the Devonian Scarp in southern Brazil. This area’s identity is shaped by a rich tapestry of geological, natural and cultural-historical layers.

“However, extensive monocultures, exotic forestry and unregulated tourism risk making the region inhospitable, threatening the environment and local communities.

“I believe that landscape architecture’s role is to highlight, preserve and strengthen local identity, therefore focusing on developing a network of natural and cultural tourism sites, linking properties through regenerative land use.

“(Be)coming Home envisions reconnecting people with the land, blending traditional practices with natural systems, offering new ways for locals to engage with and transform land use, generating opportunities for landowners and residents.

“Initiatives aim to create alternative livelihoods, regenerate the environment, attract new economic activities and help communities rediscover their landscape’s beauty.

“By leveraging tourism potential with a focus on residents, locals can be encouraged to appreciate and engage with their landscape through diverse uses and activities, with tourists remaining a secondary consideration.”

Student: Renan Dijkinga
Course: Landscape Architecture
Tutors: Jana Crepon (mentor), Jacques Abelman and Raul Corrêa-Smith

Lunar Lessons by Thais Zuchetti

“Lunar Lessons is the design of a planetary habitat aimed at knowledge transfer between the Moon and Earth.

“The idea is to learn from the Moon what it takes to live in an unliveable place, so that we could perhaps apply such lessons to an alien Earth in the future.

“On the other hand, the lessons from Earth are a direct alternative to the coming space exploration settlements, which are often envisioned and developed to look as clinical and cramped as possible and provide just the bare minimum for astronauts.

“Through the process, it became clear the fact that ‘cramped’ and ‘bare minimum’ conditions for the inhabitants are not exclusive characteristics of lunar habitats; the lessons from the Moon are closer to home than what we expect.

“Lunar Lessons: Habitat for planetary living is, in fact, a project about the people (regardless of which planet they are on).

“Thinking of the people, the Moon base is designed from the perspective of the wellbeing of the crew, incorporating conceptual architectural techniques from Earth to simulate not only the variety of spaces and atmospheres we are used to on our planet, but also the interactions between people and the rituals from home.”

Student: Thais Zuchetti
Course: Architecture
Tutors: Stephan Verkuijlen (mentor), Bernard Foing and Natalie Dixon

Echoes of Home by Vincent Lulzac

“Echoes of Home: Rediscovering Nantes’ landscape through movement is a cultural garden project in which visitors are invited to interact and connect with the geological, hydrological and anthropological forces that lay the foundations of the city of Nantes.

“The seven ha project site lies at the crossing of a 300-kilometre-high geological fault and the 1000-kilometre-long horizontal Loire river, dividing the greater landscape of Nantes.

“In response to the city’s heritage, the project seeks to emancipate itself from extractive practices, both in its narrative and execution.

“Rooted in a personal quest to decolonise the practice of landscape architecture, this project tries to reclaim Nantes’ cultural and natural heritage, while encouraging a deeper connection between visitors and the land.

“By suggesting movement, visitors are invited to engage with the space, not only visually, but also physically. The design was approached like choreography, where the visitors and the elements are part of a dance.”

Student: Vincent Lulzac
Course: Landscape Architecture
Tutors: Thijs de Zeeuw (mentor), Erik A. de Jong and Lada Hršak

Modus Vivendi by Dennis Koek

“Modus Vivendi stands as the monument of social integration, serving as an ode to the social encounter and flexibility that we have lost in our polarised, intercultural society, yet so desperately need.

“The monument is a socio-architectural sculpture that honours, facilitates and stimulates social exploration, discovery and interaction in our intercultural co-existence.

“The research question in this project revolves around the role architecture should play in the social integration of intercultural society.

“The research, the developed theories and the realisation of the socio-architectural project Modus Vivendi are based on scientific theoretical studies from sociology and environmental psychology.

“This has resulted in an architectural design of the social monument, which also serves as a manifesto for a shift in mentality regarding the social aspect of design in public architecture.”

Student: Dennis Koek
Course: Architecture
Tutors: Wouter Kroeze (mentor), Txell Blanco Diaz and Paul Kuipers

Wind woven by Rachel Borovska

“Urban heat islands pose a significant challenge in today’s cities and the need for cooling and preserving biodiversity are pressing issues.

“This research-by-design project is dedicated to uncovering the conditions necessary to enhance the cooling capacity of wind, starting from two primary wind directions: in the Netherlands, the southwesterly winds typically bring strong cold winds, peaking from autumn to spring, whereas during summer, warm air from the east can exacerbate the urban heat effect.

“Wind patterns are explored as a design tool along the railway corridor site of Breda, stretching from east to west, which play a crucial role in ventilating urban environments due to their expansive linear profiles and open surfaces.

“Rather than treating these design areas as blank slates, they are seen as integral elements contributing to ventilation, (airborne) ecology and cooling principles.

“They are infused with wind as a medium, composing a green wedge that weaves through the existing context and structures, connecting neighbourhoods through a biodiverse, ecological network.”

Student: Rachel Borovska
Course: Landscape Architecture
Tutors: Gert-Jan Wisse (mentor), Nikol Dietz and René van der Velde

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Amsterdam Academy of Architecture. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Amsterdam Academy of Architecture presents seven student architecture projects appeared first on Dezeen.

Every great cooking experience begins with the right tools—ones that don’t just perform but inspire. Whether you’re slicing a juicy steak, trimming fresh herbs, or portioning pizza, these kitchen shears redefine what a chef’s tool can be. A thoughtful blend of precision engineering and timeless design, they offer unmatched functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

Crafted in Japan’s renowned Tsubame-Sanjo metalworking region, these shears embody the meticulous craftsmanship and innovation that have earned the area worldwide acclaim. From their ergonomic design to their fade-resistant black finish, these shears are built to enhance your kitchen experience at every step.

Designer: Chiaki Murata

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $99 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Black Friday sale ends in 48 hours!

The Problem: Ordinary Kitchen Shears Fall Short

If you’ve ever struggled with flimsy scissors that crush rather than cut, you know the frustration. Traditional shears often lack the grip and sharpness needed for slippery ingredients like meat or vegetables. Worse yet, many designs fail to prioritize hygiene, with blades touching surfaces and hinges trapping grime. It’s a kitchen conundrum that calls for a smarter solution.

Why These Kitchen Shears Are a Cut Above

• Precision Cutting Redefined: At the heart of these shears is a design optimized for performance. A serrated blade and curved edge work in harmony to grip food securely and cut with precision, eliminating the slip-and-slide struggles of traditional scissors. The re-engineered rivet placement enhances the shears’ motion, ensuring smooth, effortless slicing—whether you’re portioning steaks or chopping garnishes.

• A Timeless Black Finish: Beyond their performance, these shears make a visual statement. Their sleek black surface, achieved through an advanced oxidation process, resists fading and corrosion, preserving its bold appearance over time. This isn’t just about aesthetics—the process also strengthens the stainless steel, ensuring a tool that’s as reliable as it is striking.

• Designed for Clean, Versatile Use: Hygiene and practicality take center stage with features like a self-standing design that keeps blades off surfaces. Fully enclosed hinges prevent grime from collecting, while the ergonomic handle allows two grip styles for maximum comfort. The high-heat-resistant nylon resin handle is as durable as it is functional, making these shears equally suited to home kitchens and outdoor adventures.

Craftsmanship That Reflects Tradition

These kitchen shears are more than a practical tool—they’re a tribute to the artistry of Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan’s “metalworking town.” Created by Prince Industrial Co., Ltd., a company with decades (since 1964) of experience crafting kitchen tools, the shears reflect a heritage of quality and innovation. Owning them isn’t just a functional choice; it’s an invitation to connect with the legacy of one of Japan’s most celebrated artisanal regions.

Who Are These Kitchen Shears For?

From the home chef perfecting their mise en place to the outdoor enthusiast seeking portable, hygienic tools, these shears are designed for anyone who values precision and elegance. Their thoughtful design elevates even the simplest tasks, transforming everyday cooking into a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $99 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Black Friday sale ends in 48 hours!

The post Best Minimalist Kitchen Shears for Precision, Hygiene and Effortless Cutting first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jaguar XJS is one classic car that retains its distinct charm even after decades of going out of production. British tuning company Tom Walkinshaw Racing known for creating renowned performance car restomods has now focused attention on the XJS. Meet the TWR Supercat, a stunning racy version of the XJS announced just in time for the rebranding of Jaguar as it heads into the EV-only future.

The hot two-wheeler shares its design inspiration with the car manufacturer’s other racing models like the XJR-15 and XJ220. Concealed underneath that carbon body bonnet is a supercharged 5.6L V12 engine tuned by the engineering wizards at TWR. No doubt it produces 660bhp and 730Nm of torque. All the power is transmitted to the rear wheels mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Designer: Tom Walkinshaw Racing

To keep the overall weight down, the body panels are made out of carbon fiber material. This reduces the overall weight down to 1,605 compared to the 1,770 of the XJS. The Super GT racer is not shy of being labeled as a muscle car purely because of its bold looks and power-packed performance under the hood. Khyzyl Saleem and Magnus Walker are the brains behind the design of this sculpted creation in a singular steel hue. The side profile carries embossed lines and the front has an aggressive element with the bonnet and grilles. Move to the rear and you’ll be stunned by the upper tail peaks flowing like an aerodynamic surfer’s surfboard.

The signature DNA of the XJR is perfectly blended with the flying buttresses optimizing the airflow at high speeds. The rear splitter and the flatter floorpain tune the handling when downforce is generated. To this end, the exhaust is reposited on the sides which looks absolutely cool. On the inside, the Supercat is embellished in leather with contemporary or heritage options to choose from. Once you are inside, the XJS influence is more than apparent as the door panels, dashboard and steering wheel are all draped in leather treatment. This classic influence is complemented by the more modern digital multimedia interface which is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compliant.

TWR Supercat is going to be a limited edition version of which only 88 units will be made. The car will be available in both left and right-hand drive versions in the UK, the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prices for the retro-modern supercar will start from $285,000 and we’re sure it will be stocked out in an instant given its charming persona and cherished history behind the creation.

The post TWR Supercat inspired by Jaguar XJS is a muscle car + Super GT hybrid powered by supercharged V12 engine first appeared on Yanko Design.

Swedish architecture studio Elding Oscarson has created a cube-shaped church and community centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, which is clad in diagonal aluminium bars to create a moiré effect.

Frihamnskyrkan, or Freeport Church, was designed for a Pentecostal congregation called Smyrnakyrkan that launched an architectural competition with the city after outgrowing its former home.

Elding Oscarson was selected for the project ahead of studios including BIG and Kengo Kuma & Associates for its deliberately simple cubic design, which is adorned with an abstracted interpretation of Smyrnakyrkan’s logo – an awn of wheat.

“We wanted to have a powerful volume for the church, to contextually fit with the harbour area’s magnificent old industrial buildings,” founding partners Jonas Elding and Johan Oscarson told Dezeen.

“With a reduced footprint, we get a tall volume that also has the benefit of not obstructing the views on ground of the surrounding buildings,” they conintued.

“The abstract upper facade, with its diagonals, creates a moiré effect from a distance, particularly seen from the corners. It’s an abstract interpretation of the church’s biblical symbol – the wheat awn.”

Diagonal aluminium bars that screen the upper windows and are intended to evoke this symbol sit above a lower level clad in wood. The wooden cladding is punctured a small cruciform opening, which is the only indication of the building’s purpose.

The main spaces of the church sit elevated above a glazed ground floor that the studio calls the “church square”, designed to be easily accessible from all sides and containing communal areas and a cafe.

Above, the first and second floors have been given over entirely to a double-height, 1,100-seat hall, accessed via a curved staircase and anteroom that enhance its sense of openness.

“By elevating this largest programmatic element, the church hall, the ground floor can be open, free, transparent and approached from all sides,” explained Elding and Oscarson.

“The ground floor’s smaller sacred space is seamlessly connected to the exterior square; an extrovert hall apt for social purposes, from coffee to flea markets,” they added.

Facing a stage in Frihamnskyrkan’s main hall is both an open expanse of floor and fixed areas of stepped seating, defined by curved wooden dividers that mirror the curved line across the exterior facades.

Natural wood and white walls form the primary palette throughout the building, with the hall’s seating finished in earthy brown and green tones.

Across the three upper levels of Frihamnskyrkan are the educational facilities and a large multipurpose hall, all organised around a triple-height, skylit atrium featuring a spiral staircase.

A large truss structure was created in order to support these upper levels while allowing the church hall below to be completely column-free.

Elsewhere in Sweden, Elding Oscarson has extended the National Swedish Museum of Technology with a timber building that is topped by a bulging roof.

Other churches recently featured on Dezeen include a “physical and metaphorical beacon” in Merseyside by ShedKM and a sculptural concrete building in Roskilde by Rørbæk og Møller Arkitekter.

The photography is by Johan Dehlin.

The post Elding Oscarson completes “open and free” Frihamnskyrkan church in Gothenburg appeared first on Dezeen.

Landscapes of the Netherlands informed the design of this office in Hoofddorp by local studio Firm Architects, which features a curving brick wall and reflective materials referencing the role of water in Dutch culture.

The 675-square-metre workspace belongs to APPM, a management consultancy that works across infrastructure, sustainable mobility and the energy transition.

Responding to the client’s request for a design with a distinct narrative, Firm Architects drew on APPM’s focus on sustainable development and its motto of “making the Netherlands more beautiful”.

“The design is inspired by what makes the landscape of the Netherlands so unique – the eternal battle between water and clay, and the use of vegetation to hold the clay,” the architects explained.

The existing interior, dating back to the building’s construction in the early 1990s, was stripped back to make way for a modern workspace featuring areas for collaborative working along with individual workstations, presentation spaces and breakout zones.

Areas along the facades were left open to allow for natural circulation, with large volumes at the centre of the office containing various dedicated functions.

The configuration of spaces around a central communal zone allows natural light to penetrate throughout the various spaces while protecting the interior from major temperature fluctuations.

Upon entering the office, visitors encounter the first of the three natural elements in the form of a shimmering, reflective reception desk that evokes the significance of water within Dutch landscapes.

Beyond the reception is a 21-metre-long curved wall made from stacked bricks that divides the office and allows a glimpse through to a central kitchen area.

The wall is intended to represent traditional Dutch architecture, while the moisture-regulating properties of the clay bricks also contribute to improving air quality within the office.

The final element, vegetation, is distributed throughout the workspace in the form of reed-filled planters and flooring made with natural fibres such as sisal, referencing the Dutch flora.

The interior also features carpets made from recycled fishing nets with wave-like patterns that reinforce the water metaphor. Light-grey marmoleum flooring made from linseed oil and cork is intended to symbolise shallow waters.

Firm Architects developed bespoke joinery for the project, which was produced using plywood from Dutch firm Ecoplex and formaldehyde-free adhesives.

Furniture and wall coverings were produced from sustainably sourced cork and recyclable raw aluminium was specified for the hardware of the glass partitions.

Much of the furniture, including desks, tables and chairs, was reused from the previous office, while old cabinets were updated with new fronts.

The project features on the shortlist for Dezeen Awards 2024 in the small workplace interior category alongside four other projects including a cave-like workspace in Mexico City.

Firm Architects was founded in 2017 by Carolien Rood and Niek Joanknecht. The studio works nationally and internationally on projects that are defined by a user-centred and narrative-led approach.

The photography is by Giovanni Nardi.

The post Firm Architects designs APPM office to evoke the “battle between water and clay” appeared first on Dezeen.