Building Design+Construction’s Design Innovation Report presents projects, spaces, and initiatives—and the AEC professionals behind them—that push the boundaries of building design. This year, we feature four novel projects and one building science innovation.
From an airport terminal that takes biophilic design to new heights, to a rural health clinic that is optimized for harsh conditions using AI tools, these projects offer a fresh perspective on commercial architecture and building design.
We hope you enjoy BD+C’s 2023 Design Innovation Report!
Reinforced concrete walls and fins stiffen and shade the National Bank of Kuwait skyscraper
When the National Bank of Kuwait first conceived its new headquarters more than a decade ago, it wanted to make a statement about passive design with a soaring tower that could
withstand the extreme heat of Kuwait City, the country’s desert capital. Read the article.
HDR uses artificial intelligence tools to help design a vital health clinic in India
Architects from HDR worked pro bono with iKure, a technology-centric healthcare provider, to build a healthcare clinic in rural India. Read the article.
Meet The Hithe: A demountable building for transient startups
The Hithe, near London, is designed to be demountable and reusable. The 2,153-sf building provides 12 units of business incubator workspace for startups. Read the article.
India's mammoth new airport terminal takes ‘back to nature’ seriously
On January 15, 2023, Phase 1 of the Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2, in Bengaluru, India, began domestic operations. The 2.75 million-sf building, designed by
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), is projected to process 25 million passengers annually, while providing its travelers with a healthier environment, thanks to extensive indoor-outdoor
landscaping that offers serenity to what is normally a frenzied experience. Read the article.
Watch: Trends in urban design for 2023, with James Corner Field Operations
Isabel Castilla, a Principal Designer with the landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations, discusses recent changes in clients' priorities about urban design, with a
focus on her firm's recent projects. Read the article.
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile
that acts as a water collector and evaporator. Read the article.
Related Stories
Airports | May 20, 2019
How the Internet of Things will transform airport environments
Connected devices and their wealth of data have led to significant improvements in operational efficiency and passenger experience in airports.
Hotel Facilities | May 16, 2019
JFK’s TWA Flight Center has been reimagined as a hotel
MCR and Morse Development spearheaded the project.
Airports | May 9, 2019
Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport’s new terminal culminates early plan
$40 million redevelopment brands hub as true boutique airport.
Airports | May 1, 2019
The Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport opens in Israel’s Negev Desert
Amir Mann-Ami Shinar Architects and Planners designed the facility in partnership with Moshe Zur Architects.
Airports | Apr 1, 2019
Home team wins O’Hare terminal design competition
Studio ORD, which includes Chicago-based Studio Gang, is chosen from five finalists.
Airports | Mar 21, 2019
First photos inside the nearly completed Jewel Changi Airport addition
The addition is set to open this spring.
Airports | Feb 28, 2019
Renovation of Tampa International Airport’s Main Terminal completes
Skanska and HOK led the design-build team.
Airports | Feb 26, 2019
Design team unveils Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport
The terminal’s design philosophy combines nature, technology, and community.
Airports | Feb 21, 2019
Self-service bag drops and the challenges of speeding up airport baggage check-in
More airports are asking passengers to check their own baggage. What’s the ripple effect?
Airports | Feb 10, 2019
Chicago searches for the right design to expand O’Hare Airport and make passenger connections less stressful
Competition finalists took different approaches to rethinking the logistics of a gigantic, hectic space.