A Tabletop RPG Dice Set Alternative in a Credit Card Form Factor

This Cardyhedron object is a fascinating solution, to a problem you’d think no one has. (And you’d be wrong—at press time, at least 4,272 people had this problem.)

The “problem” is that you’re trying to play Dungeons & Dragons during an earthquake, or on the International Space Station, or on a rollercoaster; whatever the case is, you’re not able to roll dice on a flat, stable surface. The credit-card-sized Cardyhedron takes the place of a full set of gaming dice—D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20—using spinning wheels held in place with tiny ball bearings. So you can generate random numbers in any setting.

The object is just 5mm thick, by the way.

I was going to place this object in the “Who the F buys this S” category, but I forgot we’re talking about the tabletop RPG market here. This market is at least as rabid as the EDC market. The Cardyhedron, which had a $4,000 target on Kickstarter, is currently sitting at $185,000 with 19 days left to pledge at press time.

10 Best High-Tech Appliances To Help Homemakers Achieve A Spotless Home

Maintaining a clean and spotless home is a goal for many homemakers, and thanks to modern technology, achieving this has never been easier. If you get your hands on efficient and unique appliances, they will do most of the job. You must curate a collection of high-tech and nifty appliances to help you achieve your cleaning goals. And we have collected ten such high-tech appliances that blend innovation with functionality to help keep your home pristine.

These high-tech appliances are not just about cleaning; they are about enhancing your living space, making it healthier, and ensuring that maintaining a spotless home is as effortless as possible. Whether it’s purifying the air, automating tedious tasks, or integrating seamlessly into your home decor, these gadgets offer innovative solutions to common household challenges.

1. Blom Air Purifier

Blom is a wall-and-stand air purifier that converts the simple function of air purification into something visually pleasing. It draws inspiration from the elegance of a flower and is designed to not only enhance the air quality of your home but also to uplift its visual appeal, thereby living up to the word “bloom” which is the inspiration for its name.

Blom showcases an organic shape that is influenced by the natural form of a flower. This interesting design choice is meant to be symbolic and functional, demonstrating a mission to merge seamlessly with nature while providing clean air.

Why is it noteworthy?

While plants are natural air purifiers, Blom enhances this concept by effectively filtering out pollutants and allergens, ensuring cleaner and healthier air in your home. Its ability to seamlessly blend with home decor while performing its function makes it a unique addition to any household. By improving air quality, Blom helps create a cleaner environment, reducing the presence of dust and airborne particles that can settle on surfaces, thereby contributing to a spotless home.

What we like

  • Aesthetically pleasing design that complements home decor.
  • Advanced air purification technology that enhances air quality.

What we dislike

  • May require regular filter changes to maintain efficiency.
  • Could be less effective in larger spaces due to its compact size.

2. SwitchBot S10 Floor Cleaning Robot

Cleaning the floor won’t be a hassle with this super-convenient robot cleaner. Called the SwitchBot S10, this cleaner features a dual-station design, auto-refill, auto-drain and auto-empty functions. It showcases 100% automated cleaning with self-refilling and dust collection capabilities, which lets you spend time on the more important tasks in life. You can connect the cleaner to your plumbing system, which delivers excellent cleaning without any manual intervention. It is the perfect choice for busy and modern households.

It is also equipped with the RevoRoll Roller Mop and RinseSync which can clean and mop at the same time, ensuring effective cleaning. The 6500Pa suction power is great for cleaning pet hair and dirt. You can also use it to fill the water tank of the  SwitchBot Evaporative Humidifier, creating a streamlined and organized cleaning experience for users.

Click Here to Buy Now: $699.99 $1199.99 (42% off). Hurry, the deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The SwitchBot S10 boasts comprehensive automation and integration capabilities, making it a perfect fit for smart homes. Its dual-station design ensures that all aspects of cleaning are managed automatically, from refilling water tanks to emptying dust bins. This level of automation minimizes manual intervention, allowing homeowners to focus on their other duties. Its powerful suction and dual-function cleaning make it effective for maintaining spotless floors, especially in homes with pets.

What we like

  • A fully automated cleaning process reduces manual effort.
  • High suction power effectively handles pet hair and dirt.

What we dislike

  • Features a short battery life.

3. AIPER Seagull 3000 Pool Cleaner

Say hello to the AIPER Seagull 3000 – a cordless robot pool cleaner that is unlike any other you’ve seen. This pool cleaner is powered by a unique floating battery station that travels above water as it cleans, charging the Seagull 3000 with an exceptional and unrivaled 120W of power. It is like a Roomba for your swimming pool!

It is equipped with wall-climbing power and a 120-minute runtime, which makes it a cordless robotic pool cleaner designed for the modern age. It makes pool maintenance a hands-free and efficient process, where your pool is cleaned and sanitized without much ado on your part.

Why is it noteworthy?

Its wall-climbing capability ensures that every inch of your pool, including the walls, is thoroughly cleaned. The floating battery design allows for uninterrupted cleaning, reducing the need for manual intervention. By keeping your pool spotless, it enhances the overall cleanliness of your outdoor space, making it more inviting and hygienic for family and friends.

What we like

  • Cordless design allows for easy, unrestricted movement.
  • The wall-climbing feature ensures comprehensive pool cleaning.

What we dislike

  • May require frequent charging for large pools.
  • The initial setup might be complex for first-time users.

4. SwitchBot K10+ Pro Mini Robot Vacuum

If you’re worried about cleaning the small places, then worry not, because the SwitchBot K10+ Pro is here to your rescue. It is the world’s smallest yet most powerful robot vacuum. It can perfectly fit in tight spaces and compact areas, delivering a high-performance cleaning with 3000Pa suction power. It can deal with dust and dirt while functioning quietly at 45 dB.

The robot vacuum features LDS Laser Navigation and PSD Sensors, which allow it to smoothly and stealthily navigate obstacles, allowing it to clean edges accurately. It can also remember four-floor plans to clean different environments well. It also has an extra-large 4L dust collection base which needs to be emptied only four times a year. It is also designed for pet owners, as it features an anti-tangle brush that prevents hair clogs, and cleans up those hairs, making maintenance a breeze.

Click Here to Buy Now: $399.99 $599.99 (33.33% off). Hurry, the deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The SwitchBot K10+ Pro features a compact yet powerful design, making it ideal for small living spaces. Its advanced navigation and cleaning capabilities ensure thorough cleaning, while its large dust collection base reduces maintenance frequency. This combination of features makes it a top choice for efficient and hassle-free cleaning.

What we like

  • Compact design perfect for small spaces.
  • High suction power and quiet operation.

What we dislike

  • Limited to floor cleaning; not suitable for other surfaces.
  • Initial setup may require time to map out multiple floor plans.

5. Larq Bottle

Say goodbye to single-use plastic bottles with the game-changing LARQ Bottle! This innovative bottle tackles the biggest consumer pain points, making it easier than ever to choose sustainability. By harnessing the power of the sun and blending it with cutting-edge digital technology, LARQ sets a new standard in hydration.

Equipped with state-of-the-art UVC LED chips, this bottle is not only smaller and more energy-efficient but also mercury-free and cost-effective compared to traditional UV tech. Meet the LARQ Bottle PureVis™—the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle and purification system, revolutionizing how you stay refreshed and eco-friendly on the go!

Why is it noteworthy?

The LARQ Bottle PureVis™ not only purifies water but also ensures that the bottle itself remains clean, eliminating up to 99% of bio-contaminants such as E. coli. This technology is particularly beneficial for maintaining cleanliness in a home environment, as it reduces the spread of germs and bacteria from shared water bottles. Providing access to clean water without the need for disposable plastic bottles also supports a cleaner, more sustainable household.

What we like

  • Self-cleaning technology ensures both water and bottles remain sanitary.
  • Reduces reliance on single-use plastic bottles, promoting sustainability.

What we dislike

  • Higher initial cost compared to traditional water bottles.
  • Requires regular charging to maintain UVC functionality.

6. X1 Robot Bed Vacuum

Called the X1 Robot Bed Vacuum, this advanced robot bed vacuum cleaner is equipped with intelligent self-navigation technology, and it cleans without much trouble. It banishes dust mites and allergens with the simple touch of a button. The appliance vibrates and vacuums at the same time, dislodging any parties that may get sucked into the cylindrical dust chamber.

This chamber is placed on the top of the X1, beside a UVC lamp which sanitizes your surface and kills bacteria, bedbugs, and mites that may cause infections and rushes. It features a specialized function for cleaning mattresses and fabric surfaces, which are often ignored in regular cleaning routines.

Why is it noteworthy?

Its intelligent path-planning system navigates the bed with precision, ensuring thorough cleaning without missing spots. The UVC lamp feature adds a layer of sanitation, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy sleeping environment. By effectively removing allergens and disinfecting surfaces, X1 contributes to a cleaner home and a healthier living space.

What we like

  • An intelligent navigation system ensures thorough cleaning.
  • UVC lamp for additional sanitation and disinfection.

What we dislike

  • Limited to fabric surfaces; not suitable for hard floors.
  • Requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

7. Ultrasonic Cleaner

This ultrasonic cleaner is unlike typical ultrasonic cleaners out there. It includes a metal tray that holds the cleaning liquid and the objects to be cleaned. It is embedded in a bowl-like structure, which is designed to hold something important and precious. The black bowl is further placed on top of a paraboloid structure which functions as a base.

The cleaner resembles a large goblet without any details. It merges functionality with artful design, creating an ultrasonic cleaner that redefines the cleaning experience with elegance and class. It can be placed in your home with ease since it will harmoniously merge with it.

Why is it noteworthy?

Its elegant appearance makes it a discreet addition to any room, encouraging more frequent use and thereby enhancing cleanliness. By using ultrasonic waves, it effectively cleans delicate items like jewelry and glasses, removing dirt and grime without harsh chemicals. This helps maintain a spotless home by ensuring even small, often-used items are kept clean and sanitized.

What we like

  • Stylish design that integrates well with home decor.
  • Effective cleaning of delicate items without harsh chemicals.

What we dislike

  • Limited to small items; not suitable for larger cleaning tasks.
  • A lack of traditional controls may limit the customization of cleaning cycles.

8. Obile

Called Obile, this cleaning tool looks like a piece of art infused with the warmth of the sun. It features an elegant tilt which reminds you of sunlight streaming in through a window. It is designed for pet-loving households. It isn’t simply functional, it is designed to be poetry in motion. It has an oblique design which symbolizes the sun’s comforting rays, bringing some warmth to your home.

It showcases natural hues which have been selected to mimic the golden tones of sunlight. It looks like an interior piece as much as a cleaning device. It can be propped in its cradle or used to clean fur-lined corners, and it feels like a natural extension of your home, instead of an intrusive gadget.

Why is it noteworthy?

Obile is unique in the world of vacuum cleaners due to its dual-nozzle system, which includes a basic nozzle and a specialized fur brush nozzle. This makes it particularly effective for pet owners, as it tackles pet hair and dirt with ease. The nozzles tuck neatly into a hidden drawer in the cradle, keeping everything tidy and within reach. Its wireless charging cradle powered by a USB-C connection ensures that Obile is always ready for action, making it a convenient choice for busy homemakers.

What we like

  • Elegant design that doubles as a decor piece.
  • Wireless charging makes it convenient and always ready to use.

What we dislike

  • May not have the suction power of larger, traditional vacuums.
  • Limited to small and medium cleaning tasks due to its compact size.

9. Footloose

Cleaning litter boxes is a chore no one looks forward to. But think about the last time you encountered an unflushed toilet—unpleasant, right? Cats, known for their impeccable cleanliness, deserve a spotless “bathroom” just like we do. Enter Footloose, the innovative solution designed to keep your cat’s litter box pristine.

After your feline friend does their business, Footloose kicks off an 8-minute countdown before starting a cleaning cycle that efficiently funnels waste into a securely sealed receptacle. With Footloose, maintaining a clean litter box is as easy as pressing a button!

Why is it noteworthy?

Footloose revolutionizes pet care by automating the tedious task of litter box cleaning. Its OmniClean technology ensures thorough cleaning, reducing odors and maintaining a fresh environment. By automatically managing waste, it not only keeps your home smelling fresh but also minimizes the spread of bacteria and allergens. For multi-cat households, its SiftAutonomy algorithms can even distinguish between different cats, ensuring efficient operation. This contributes significantly to a cleaner, more hygienic home.

What we like

  • An automated cleaning cycle reduces manual maintenance.
  • Intelligent technology adapts to multi-cat households.

What we dislike

  • May require a learning curve to understand and use all features.
  • Higher price point compared to traditional litter boxes.

10. MagBak Halo

Sanitize your phone in the time it takes to wash your hands, ensuring that clean hands always touch a clean phone. Halo uses UV-C light to eliminate germs and viruses in just 30 seconds. Its swift cleaning process lets you sanitize your phone every time you wash your hands, killing 99.9% of germs safely and effectively.

Just drop your phone in to start the process, and once sanitized, it’s conveniently raised and ready for you to grab, preventing any cross-contamination. So you don’t need to worry about contracting germs from your phone. Your smartphone will be fully sanitized and ready for use always!

Why is it noteworthy?

The MagBak Halo is a vital tool for maintaining hygiene in the digital age. Given how frequently we handle our phones, they can quickly become breeding grounds for germs. Halo’s UV-C light technology effectively sanitizes phones, reducing the risk of transferring germs to other surfaces in your home. Its compact, stylish design makes it easy to place in any room, encouraging regular use and promoting a cleaner, healthier living environment.

What we like

  • Rapid sanitation process ensures phones are quickly germ-free.
  • The compact design fits easily into any space.

What we dislike

  • Limited to phone-sized items; not suitable for larger objects.
  • Requires access to a power source for operation.

The post 10 Best High-Tech Appliances To Help Homemakers Achieve A Spotless Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen Awards 2025 will open for entries in February

Dezeen Awards, in partnership with Bentley, will open for entries in February 2025. Read on for key dates and information about how to prepare for next year’s awards.

Following last month’s spectacular Dezeen Awards party at Hackney Church in London, the next date in the Dezeen Awards calendar is February 2025 when entries open.

Key dates to put in your diary:

February 2025: Dezeen Awards opens for entries

March 2025: early entries close

May 2025: standard entries close

June 2025: late entries close

June-October 2025: judging period

September 2025: longlist announced

October 2025: shortlist announced

November 2025: winners announced at the Dezeen Awards 2025 party in London

Why enter Dezeen Awards?

Dezeen Awards celebrates the world’s best architecture, interiors and design. It is entered by studios large and small and provides a platform for new talent and established names. It has become the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across the globe.

You could have the chance for your work to be seen by the industry’s leading names and published on Dezeen for global recognition.

“Dezeen is so widely renowned within our industry, an accolade from such an esteemed platform is invaluable,” said Dezeen Awards judge and designer Faye Toogood speaking to Dezeen earlier this year.

Start planning your entry by exploring our categories and prices. Check out this year’s longlisted, shortlisted and winning entries.

Dezeen Awards is open to all architects, designers and registered companies worldwide. Detailed eligibility criteria will be available when entries open in February.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact awards@dezeen.com and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Sign up for our Dezeen Awards newsletter to be the first to stay updated with all Dezeen Awards-related news ahead of next year’s launch.

The photography is by Luke Fullalove.

Dezeen Awards 2024 in partnership with Bentley

Dezeen Awards is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across the globe. The seventh edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley’s architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.

The post Dezeen Awards 2025 will open for entries in February appeared first on Dezeen.

Stempel & Tesar perches black-steel villa on hill overlooking Prague

Villa Sidonius by Stempel & Tesar

A steel-framed box has been perched across large concrete supports like a bridge to form Villa Sidonius, a home in the Czech Republic by local studio Stempel & Tesar.

Situated on a steeply sloping site surrounded by trees in a town outside Prague, Villa Sidonius is designed as a modern take on the varied villas that have historically defined the area.

Stempel & Tesar has elevated the home in what it termed a “structural, architectural and technological experiment”, aimed at capturing views of the nearby Berounka valley and to maximise sunlight on the shaded site.

Top view of Czech house by Stempel & Tesar
Stempel & Tesar has completed Villa Sidonius near Prague

“The location is a beautiful residential neighbourhood with generous villas, some over a hundred years old,” the studio’s co-founder, Jan Tesar told Dezeen.

“The new villa maintains a similar scale but was designed to be single-story, barrier-free, full of sunlight, and extensively glazed – a design seemingly at odds with the land’s morphology,” Tesar added.

“Ultimately, all requirements were met thanks to the concept of a bridge structure.”

Exterior of Villa Sidonius by Stempel & Tesar
The house sits across concrete supports like a bridge

Positioned atop concrete supports is a prefabricated structure of black steelwork, similar in design to a footbridge and chosen for its ability to be easily transported to the site along narrow roads.

The steel frames full-height windows and sliding doors that wrap the entire structure and are emphasised by minimal, monochrome interiors.

Steelwork of Czech house
It is formed of a prefabricated steel structure

A tunnel accessed from street level leads through the hill into an elevator concealed in one of the concrete supports, providing an accessible route directly into Villa Sidonius’s living area.

Organised as a large singular space, this living, dining and kitchen area at the centre of rectilinear volume is flanked by a main bedroom to the northwest and two children’s rooms to the southeast.

Courtyard of Villa Sidonius by Stempel & Tesar
Sliding doors open onto a sheltered garden terrace and swimming pool

To the north, the large windows of Villa Sinodius capture views out over the landscape, while to the south sliding doors open onto a sheltered garden terrace and swimming pool.

“The protruding parts of the ‘bridge’ contain two different worlds: the world of children’s rooms on one end and the primary bedroom with bath and views on the other,” explained Tesar.

The entrance to the home sits at the base of the hill, where it faces the road with an exposed concrete wall and a white volume containing a garage and fitness area.

This space overlooks a small courtyard through full-height windows and is topped by a terrace with a glass balcony.

Open-plan kitchen and living room
Large windows capture views of the landscape

Villa Sidonius’s external spaces were designed in collaboration with landscape architect Vladimír Sitta, with the rear garden being kept as grass and the sloping front of the site finished with slate chips and birch trees.

Previous projects by Stempel & Tesar include a curved home in a village outside Prague that fans out to offer views of a garden and forest.

The photography is by Filip Šlapal

The post Stempel & Tesar perches black-steel villa on hill overlooking Prague appeared first on Dezeen.

Madonna Songbook

A shout out to CH Contributor Giulio Mazzoleni and his new book, Madonna Soundtrack. Having worked with the artist for years he was inspired to tell the stories behind her songs in a comprehensive way for the first time. This compendium covers more than 500 songs from the 1970s on, and features a range of interviews, tour coverage and playlists. This thoroughly researched and meticulously completed book is a must for any Madonna fan.

Madonna Songbook

A shout out to CH Contributor Giulio Mazzoleni and his new book, Madonna Soundtrack. Having worked with the artist for years he was inspired to tell the stories behind her songs in a comprehensive way for the first time. This compendium covers more than 500 songs from the 1970s on, and features a range of interviews, tour coverage and playlists. This thoroughly researched and meticulously completed book is a must for any Madonna fan.

Madonna Songbook

A shout out to CH Contributor Giulio Mazzoleni and his new book, Madonna Soundtrack. Having worked with the artist for years he was inspired to tell the stories behind her songs in a comprehensive way for the first time. This compendium covers more than 500 songs from the 1970s on, and features a range of interviews, tour coverage and playlists. This thoroughly researched and meticulously completed book is a must for any Madonna fan.

"Social housing is not the place for minimalism" says commenter

David Chipperfield riverside development Lyon France

In this week’s comments update, readers are discussing a trio of buildings completed by David Chipperfield Architects that are part of a riverside development in Lyon, France.

David Chipperfield Architects constructed a social housing block, an office building and a mixed-use high-rise for the part of the development called Lyon Confluence.

David Chipperfield riverside development Lyon
David Chipperfield adds social housing and offices to Lyon riverside development

“Austerity and monotony never got on well with social housing” 

Commenter Jean Paul was impressed, lamenting “I wish they would make buildings like this in the outer areas of central London”. They commended “well done Lyon for showing us how it can be done”.

Rd was on the fence. “I can see it’s pretty but it’s also pretty stark,” they wrote before suggesting “a bit of brick in the mix wouldn’t have hurt”.

Rutledge agreed, writing “I love Chipperfield, but social housing is not the place for minimalism”. They went on “we should select architects that provide more warmth, nature and humanity in their designs”.

Other commenters were far less forgiving. “Austerity and monotony never got on well with social housing,” observed David Foster.

Carla de Livry branded it “Socialist Cold War architecture its best”. They continued, “a repeat of the drab and inhuman… what a pity”.

What do you make of it? Join the discussion ›

Sculptural water tower with cows grazing
White Arkitekter completes sculptural water tower “that will stand for centuries”

“When the eyesore is this sublime, let my eyes bleed”

Also providing plenty of fodder for commenters this week was Våga Water Tower, a wave-like reservoir made of concrete and elevated on nine columns created by White Arkitekter in Sweden.

Some commenters struggled to get to grips with the design. “I mean, there’s generally a good reason why water towers are always cylindrical/conical, right…? asked a dubious RK“.

Ghost of Mike Brady concurred, saying “seems to be more visually intrusive than a standard water tower – sort of a behemoth”.

Meanwhile, Crazy House Cat posed the question “are we assuming it’s a good thing for these man-made monsters to be there for centuries?”. They put forward that “such primitive insistence to ‘leave our mark’ is oh-so-100BC”.

However, on the other side of the coin, Luke Grey said “when the eyesore is this sublime, let my eyes bleed”.

Meanwhile, Rd chipped in to defend the design, highlighting that “the brief specifically asked for a non-standard design”. They added “I think it’s a beautiful design and it brings a fantastical quality with it”.

Which side are you on? Join the discussion ›

Entrance to Tiny House India with deck chair
Tiny House is an affordable and “aspirational” housing prototype in India

“It seems small but nicely done” 

Also splitting opinions in the comments section this week was a micro home on the outskirts of Indore called Tiny House, designed as a prototype in response to India‘s shortage of affordable housing.

“Architects who never have to live a day in their nightmare creations,” stated Ray Fernandes.

But Robert Dobbs wasn’t standing for it, challenging “how is it a nightmare?” They were of the opinion that “it’s small but seems nicely done”.

MHz was even more enthusiastic. “So inspiring to see small space design principles being applied to a ‘tiny’ house on foundations rather than wheels – congratulations! they exclaimed”

What do you think of the Tiny House? Join the discussion ›

Comments Update

Dezeen is the world’s most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.

The post “Social housing is not the place for minimalism” says commenter appeared first on Dezeen.

The top 10 Chinese architecture projects of 2024

One-kilometre-long museum

Continuing our review of 2024, Dezeen’s China editor Christina Yao rounds up this year’s most impressive Chinese architecture, including a one-kilometre-long museum and a conical viewing tower.


One-kilometre-long museum
Photo by Arch-exist

Zaishui Museum, Rizhao, by Junya Ishigami

Japanese architect Junya Ishigami created a one-kilometre-long, linear museum that stretches the length of an artificial lake in Rizhao, Shandong Province.

Parallel columns rise from the lake to support a continuous concrete roof. Between the columns glass was used to enclose the building, with gaps left to allow water to flow into the museum.

Find out more about Zaishui Museum ›


Sun Tower by OPEN Architecture
Photo by Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Sun Tower, Yantai, by Open Architecture

Standing 50-metre-tall, this conical, sea-side venue and viewing tower was designed by Open Architecture in Yantai, northeast China.

The sea-facing side of the building appears to be sliced open, revealing two layers of the structure, which are connected by horizontal slabs and contain a library and viewing deck.

Find out more about Sun Tower ›


Beijing City Library by Snøhetta
Photo by Yumeng Zhu

Beijing City Library, Beijing, by Snøhetta

In Beijing, international studio Snøhetta topped a library with a roof that resembles a canopy and is supported by tree-like columns.

Inside the building, a series of hill-like mounds lined with tiered seating, stairs and bookshelves with a winding walkway running through its centre were designed to represent the region’s natural landscape.

Find out more about Beijing City Library ›


Photo by Fangfang Tian

UCCA Clay Museum, Yixing, Kengo Kuma and Associates

In Yixing, Japanese studio Kengo Kuma and Associates unveiled a pottery museum with a roof that resembles a series of mountain peaks.

The studio used handmade ceramic tiles on the roof to pay homage to the rich history of pottery production in the region.

Find out more about UCCA Clay Museum ›


Mountain church in China
The photography is courtesy of Inuce

Mountain Church of Julong, Julong, by Inuce

Designed to evoke the form of a biblical ark resting on a rock, this church steps up along a sloped site with a series of four rock-like terraces forming its base.

The main hall of the church is located in the ark-like form, which is raised at the front to form an open-air entrance atrium that offers views of the town. A small library, study rooms and conference facilities are also incorporated into the building to provide spaces for the local community.

Find out more about Mountain Church of Julong ›


ZGC International Innovation Center in Beijing by MAD
Photo by Arch Exist

ZGC International Innovation Center, Beijing, by MAD

Chinese studio MAD topped this conference centre in Beijing with a sweeping curvy roof with soft petal-like overhangs that provide shade for outdoor public spaces. Lighting placed under the louvres creates a rippled pattern on the roof.

On top of the conference centre, a green park tops the roof and was intended to blend the building in with the surrounding landscape.

Find out more about ZGC International Innovation Center ›


Photo by Qingyan Zhu

Twisted Brick Shell Library, Longyou County, by HCCH

This shell-like brick pavilion encloses a multifunctional space designed to encourage visitors to observe their surroundings or stay and read.

Two brick hemispheres are connected by a twisting section of wall built from perforated steel plates and concrete cast in situ, which mimics the appearance of the typical brick buildings found in the nearby town.

Find out more about Twisted Brick Shell Library ›


Beijing Art Centre by Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Photo by Yumeng Zhu

Beijing Art Centre, Beijing, by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Perkins&Will

Another project with a sweeping roof structure is the Beijing Art Centre by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Perkins&Will, which contains an opera house, theatre and concert hall – each in a building that sits on a shared elevated podium.

The roofs of each of the buildings were informed by the shape of a granary that once occupied the site, which sits alongside the Grand Canal. Their folding facades are also a nod to the sails of old canal boats and the movement of theatre curtains.

Find out more about Beijing Art Centre ›


Skybowl by Society Particular
Photo by Ying Liu

Skybowl, Qingdao, by Society Particular

Architecture studio Society Particular added a rooftop extension to the Hisense Plaza mall in Qingdao, which includes an amphitheatre-style terrace that has views of the nearby waterfront.

The freely accessible events space, terrace and stage were finished in orange-brown recycled EDPM rubber, with an underlay of TPU foam that gives an “uplifting” feeling for those sitting on it.

Find out more about Skybowl ›


Woven Gateway and Sky Ring by Line+ Studio
The photography is courtesy of Line+ Studio

Woven Gateway and Sky Ring, Zhejiang Province, Line+ Studio

In Zhejiang Province, architecture practice Line+ Studio created a doughnut-shaped meteorological balloon and woven timber tunnel to enhance the tourist experience of the region.

Named Woven Passage, a 20-metre-long tunnel made from a curved structure of interlocking timber elements was informed by the area’s history of bamboo weaving. While Sky Ring, in a nearby field, is a donut-shaped balloon tethered above an outdoor gathering area that doubles as a meteorological balloon.

Find out more about Woven Gateway and Sky Ring ›

The post The top 10 Chinese architecture projects of 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Awards China 2024 winners to be revealed next week

The winners of Dezeen Awards China 2024, in partnership with Bentley, will be announced live next week at a ceremony in Shanghai.Taking place at Zhang Yuan in Shanghai on 18 December, we will celebrate the winners of Dezeen Awards China 2024 with over 150 leading architects and designers from the Chinese design community alongside our illustrious Dezeen Awards China judges.

Judges including Tao Liu and Chunyan Cai from Atelier Tao+C, Kuang Ming Chou and Vera Chu from design studio Vermillion Zhou, designer Mario Tsai and architectural theorist Xiangning Li will join the party for the highly anticipated winner announcements.

Over 90 shortlisted projects vying for accolades on the night

The 95 shortlisted projects, from 40 cities across China, are in the running to win one of the 19 project category awards across architecture, interiors and design.

Shortlisted projects vying for accolades this year include a twisted Brick Shell Concept Library in Zhejiang, a permanent historical exhibition at Hong’en Temple in Beijing and a chair made from ash wood.

Woven Passage to Cloudy Peaks is one of the projects competing this year. Photo by Arch-Exist Photography

Each of the 19 project category winners will also go head-to-head to be named overall project of the year winners.

We will also reveal the six China Designers of the Year winners selected from 23 shortlisted studios. These six categories reward the best emerging and established talent across architecture, interiors and design.

This year’s winners ceremony will be held at Zhang Yuan, a preserved building in the Shikumen style – a blend of Western and Chinese architecture – in the heart of Shanghai.

The winners will be awarded their trophies at Zhangyuan in Shanghai, photo is courtesy of Zhang Yuan

The recently renovated district comprises over forty buildings of more than 20 different styles including Western-style garden villas as well as traditional Chinese buildings, some of which date back over 100 years.

The invitation-only event will include champagne on arrival, cocktails and canapes – as the perfect networking opportunity. Afterwards, at the ceremony we’ll raise a toast to this year’s winners followed by music and dancing into the night.

All guests will receive a personalised invitation this week. For those who are unable to join us in person, Dezeen’s WeChat video channel will live stream the event online.

Hand-crafted trophies made from Paper Factor

All winners will receive a bespoke trophy designed by architect Riccardo Cavaciocchi and Bentley’s Chris Cooke, hand-crafted from Paper Factor – an evolution of papier-mâché and a certificate using seaweed paper, as well as a dedicated page on the awards website.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email awardschina@dezeen.com or send a message to our WeChat account DezeenCN and someone from the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Dezeen Awards China 2024 in partnership with Bentley

Dezeen Awards China is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across China. The second edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley’s architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.

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