Architecture News

The annual Obra Blanca exhibition is a significant gathering for professionals in architecture and interior design, providing a unique platform for material exploration and industry networking. At its seventh installment, held at Expo Santa Fe in Mexico City, the event attracted more than 23,000 attendees, emphasizing the critical interplay between tangible material properties and practical architectural application. Participants could experience a diverse array of textures and finishes firsthand, observing how different lighting conditions alter their appearance, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of their potential uses through direct interactions with manufacturers and experts.

This year's exhibition was a vibrant hub of activity, featuring 190 exhibitors spread across 13 pavilions and covering an expansive 28,620 square meters. The showcased products and finishes catered to both architectural and interior design needs. Beyond the exhibition floor, Obra Blanca 2026 offered a robust program of conferences, panel discussions, and technical workshops. A new digital utility, OB ESPECIFICA, was also introduced, designed to streamline the process of accessing and organizing product information for professionals, both during and after the event.

A core strength of Obra Blanca lies in its dedication to fostering professional dialogue and collaboration. The event convened 70 specialists for three international lectures, four national talks, four international forums, and twelve technical sessions. Collaborating with 32 strategic partners, the agenda transformed the gathering into more than just a product showcase. It became a vital forum for sharing insights and tackling the pressing issues facing the industry, as highlighted by Christele Harrouk, Editor-in-Chief of ArchDaily. The Espacio Obra Blanca, curated by Augusto Quijano Axle, further enriched this exchange with expert interviews and a dynamic CMF exhibition, 'La tendencia es emocionar,' showcasing innovative material and color trends from twelve design firms.

The integration of direct material interaction, extensive professional exchanges, and advanced technical resources positions Obra Blanca as an indispensable event for advancing architectural and interior design practices. By facilitating a deep understanding of materials and encouraging collaborative problem-solving, the exhibition empowers professionals to address complex design challenges effectively. This dynamic environment not only accelerates innovation within the industry but also shapes a future where design solutions are more informed, sustainable, and impactful. The next edition is scheduled for October 12 to 14, 2027, in Mexico City, promising continued growth and influence in the field.

The Nazuna Hakone Miyanoshita Hotel, a newly inaugurated establishment, has undergone an extensive renovation under the skilled direction of STUDIO ALUC. Originally a reinforced concrete building located in Hakone, Japan, the project's primary goal was to imbue it with the distinctive cultural essence of Kyoto, traditionally found in wooden machiya townhouses, while harmoniously integrating with its existing structural framework. The outcome is a striking reinterpretation of traditional Japanese hospitality, blending contemporary design with classic elements.

Refined Elegance in Hakone: Nazuna Hotel's Architectural Transformation

In the picturesque town of Odawara, Japan, the Nazuna Hakone Miyanoshita Hotel, conceived by the visionary architects at STUDIO ALUC, stands as a testament to thoughtful renovation and interior design. Completed in 2025, this 817-square-meter hospitality project was meticulously curated by Miwa Negoro, with design contributions from Hirona Sasaki and Jun Kameda. Photographer Kenta Hasegawa expertly captured the essence of this revitalized space. The renovation breathes new life into the existing reinforced concrete structure, showcasing a sophisticated fusion of traditional Kyoto aesthetics and modern architectural sensibilities. Guests are invited to experience a serene retreat where every detail reflects a deep appreciation for Japanese heritage and contemporary comfort.

This renovation project offers profound insights into the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern design. It demonstrates that with creative vision and a deep understanding of local aesthetics, even a challenging structural typology like reinforced concrete can be transformed to evoke the charm and elegance of a different architectural tradition. The success of Nazuna Hakone Miyanoshita underscores the importance of context-sensitive design, where innovative solutions meet a respect for place and history, ultimately enriching the guest experience and setting a new benchmark for hospitality design.