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An architectural exhibition in Mumbai talks about the micro and meta-narratives in the problem-intervention-problem rat-race, to generate and sustain an interest in living-in and loving a city. Check it out here...

In architecture,  it is a rare occasion that an image of a built structure is as striking as the concept drawings. It is a sad truth, but often the structure has to be walked in and felt in order for its true aesthetic to shine through. In fact, often the more innovative and arresting the concept image, the less chance that the building will even be built. However, there are the rare few that actually outshine their concept images and intrigue us as to how they were ever constructed. World-renowned architects Daniel Libeskind have done just that with the completion of the incredibly 'Reflections at Keppel Bay' development.

Architecture has traditionally incorporated a number of fields in its complex processes. From mathematics to the arts, architecture involves a highly varied skill base. But one area that has not been incorporated into architecture is biology. Until now. In recent years, the correlation between biology and architecture has aligned and the two are increasingly become more intertwined. In light of increasing carbon emissions and the rise of the green building sector, architects are becoming increasingly more innovative in their design schemes.

Towers are marketed as iconic places to work, live, visit and simply experience. It is important that they keep up their appearance. But the maintenance and cleaning of tall buildings can be a complex and costly business for building owners. Conversely, the integration of large and unsightly building maintenance units (BMU) can potentially compromise the architectural design integrity. Modern BMU designs combine the integration of efficient, cost effective cleaning and maintenance procedures with a solution that maintains the aesthetic ambitions. The cleaning technology options are numerous; from traditional abseiling techniques to self climbing cradles and davit arms, through to monorail systems and BMU machines.

Arguably one of Melbourne's most controversial construction projects has been given final approval, leaving a trail of both dismayed and jubilant responses. The major architectural redevelopment project at the focus of this almost five year long drama is the Windsor Hotel, and its semi-demolition by the Halim Group in early 2013.  The project has been marked as one of Victoria's most prominent in the latest state analysis, and comes with a sizeable price tag. The $250 million redevelopment will see the refurbishment of the interiors of the building, which was built in 1883. The interior restoration will maximise the amount of rooms available, increasing the capacity from 180 to 300 rooms. The ballroom and other rooms will also be upgraded and redeveloped, with Heritage Victoria approving everything.

The announcement that Melbourne is set to receive one of its largest redevelopments on record has set the tongues of both the nation, and the globe, wagging. Finding even further international acclaim last year when it was deemed the World's Most Liveable City, Melbourne has seen a massive population surge, topping 85,000 new residents a year, causing both industry and government leaders to put together in a scheme which aims to perform the dual function of expanding and refurbishing the central Melbourne area. Much like Sydney's Barangaroo project, this latest CBD expansion is too large and high-impact to go unnoticed, for both positive and negative reasons.

Australian architecture authority Archicentre has sent out a warning to the national architectural community that aging city buildings must be properly maintained in light of a recent, and dangerous, building related incident. The accident occurred when a large slab of marble located on the façade of a commercial skyscraper on Melbourne's Collins Street became unattached and fell causing damage to both the building and side walk area, highlighting the potential threat that these unmaintained buildings hold. Defects that the architecture authority have urged building owners to crack down on include façade staining or discolouration, sealant failures, efflorescence, rising dampness and water penetration, corrosion, buckling or deflection and plaster of tile delamination, says Manager for Archicentre West Australia Maureen Letter.

MVRDV designs a colossal mixed-use building that surpasses conventional notions of living, working and recreational joy as each apartment has a unique plan and each facet of the building offers a different perspective! Check out what is termed as the World's Best Skyscraper 2021 by theEmporis Skyscraper Awards!