This week saw a mix of major announcements, from ambitious urban redevelopments to the thoughtful preservation of modern landmarks. We’re also seeing a continued focus on creating dynamic public spaces and empowering community involvement in design. Here’s a look at some of the key stories that caught our eye.
-
Herzog & de Meuron to Helm Eames Design Museum
Herzog & de Meuron, in partnership with EHDD, is set to convert a 1960s warehouse campus in California into a new design museum for the Eames Institute. The project will renovate the former Birkenstock campus, preserving its industrial character while creating a new public space dedicated to the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames.
Published: July 31, 2025
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/07/31/eames-design-museum-herzog-de-meuron-birkenstock-campus/ -
New Life for Abandoned NYC Airport Site
A major plan has been announced to redevelop the long-vacant Flushing Airport site in Queens, New York. Led by S9 Architecture, the project aims to build approximately 3,000 new homes alongside 60 acres of public green space on the 80-acre site. This ambitious proposal seeks to address New York’s housing shortage while transforming the overgrown former airfield, with construction slated to begin in 2028.
Published: August 4, 2025
S9 Architecture is behind a plan to build 3,000 homes at former Flushing Airport site -
Chicago Program Empowers Residents in Urban Planning
The Chicago Architecture Center has launched a free program to give local residents a greater voice in urban planning. The initiative aims to demystify the development process and teach Chicagoans how they can actively participate in shaping their own neighborhoods. By providing essential tools and knowledge, the program encourages direct community engagement with city planning.
Published: July 29, 2025
This Free Program Is Teaching Chicago Residents How to Have a Voice in Urban Planning -
Corgan Acquires Dyer Brown in Major Expansion
Global architecture firm Corgan has acquired the Boston-based firm Dyer Brown & Associates, a strategic move to expand its East Coast presence. The acquisition combines Corgan’s extensive portfolio with Dyer Brown’s 56 years of experience in workplace, hospitality, and retail design. This merger aims to strengthen both firms’ capabilities, particularly in creating innovative, employee-centered workplace environments.
Published: August 4, 2025
https://bostonrealestatetimes.com/corgan-acquires-dyer-brown-to-expand-east-coast-footprint-and-strengthen-workplace-design-expertise/
Tools & Tips
-
OpenSpace Air:
This reality capture platform could be a game-changer for construction administration. It consolidates all your visual site data—from drones, 360-degree cameras, and laser scanners—into one comprehensive and navigable visual record. It’s a powerful way to improve planning accuracy and keep tabs on a project’s progress from anywhere.
https://www.openspace.ai/products/air/ -
UpCodes Copilot:
Navigating building codes just got a little easier. This AI-powered assistant allows you to ask code-related questions in plain English and get answers with cited code sections. It’s a handy tool for quick checks during early design or for clarifying a specific requirement during construction.
Copilot | UpCodes
Fun Fact
Ever heard of a building made with eggs? A 17th-century bridge in Lima, Peru, called the Puente de Piedra (Bridge of Stone), was built using a mortar that was mixed with an estimated 10,000 egg whites instead of water. The builders believed the egg whites would create a stronger, more durable binder.
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Architecture events or utilized new Architecture tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.