Architecture News

OMA has embarked on an ambitious project, transforming Houston's historic J.A. Folger & Co. coffee plant, dating back to the 1930s, into the Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music and Arts (FLAMA). This tuition-free public charter school, covering 6,050 square meters, is dedicated to music, creative learning, and community involvement. The initiative, led by OMA partner Jason Long and project architect Salome Nikuradze, is situated along Houston's Buffalo Bayou East corridor, adjacent to the forthcoming Turkey Bend development. Currently in its construction phase, the project exemplifies the adaptive reuse of an industrial building, coupled with a spatial design philosophy that views education as a holistic cultural journey.

Central to FLAMA's design is the creation of collaborative learning environments, structured across three levels to accommodate students of varying ages. The architectural layout subtly guides younger learners to the lower floors, progressing to older students on the upper levels. This thoughtful arrangement, drawing inspiration from Montessori principles, promotes self-sufficiency, transparency, and cooperative engagement through a network of shared spaces, affectionately termed 'neighborhoods' by OMA.

Innovative Shared Learning Environments

The design of FLAMA ingeniously organizes its educational programs by student developmental stages, placing younger children on the ground floor and gradually advancing older students to higher levels. This approach emphasizes shared spaces as integral to the educational experience, fostering independence, openness, and collaborative learning. Each floor is anchored by two central gathering areas, or 'cymbals,' around which classrooms, practice rooms, and academic programs are thoughtfully arranged. This design intentionally blurs the lines between circulation and learning, transforming hallways into dynamic zones for informal gatherings, independent study, project work, and performances, thereby allowing a rich overlap of daily activities.

On the ground floor, the youngest students benefit from an intimate common area designed for play, movement, and drum circles, reflecting a Montessori emphasis on physical development. Adjacent to this, students in grades one and two congregate in a larger open space, distinguished by a sculptural staircase that evokes the form of a French horn, serving as an informal performance venue. As one ascends to the upper floors, the shared spaces evolve to support more focused activities such as reading and collaborative study. Grades three through five utilize an open library featuring flexible furniture, ideal for group projects and after-school activities. Above, a second library common caters to grades six through eight, offering more secluded areas for independent work. These two libraries are interconnected by an 'f'-shaped opening in the floor, a clever nod to the forte symbol in musical notation and the f-holes found on string instruments, as well as the academy's name. Beyond its visual appeal, this opening facilitates the passage of light and sound between the two distinct learning environments. At the heart of the school, a double-height cafetorium serves as a central hub for lunch, assemblies, and performances. A large circular opening and a curved auditorium staircase, reminiscent of a banjo's body, transform this daily dining area into a vibrant space for collective gathering and musical expression.

Harmonizing Industrial Heritage with Modern Pedagogy

OMA's transformation of the former coffee plant into an academy brilliantly marries its industrial legacy with contemporary educational needs. A key challenge, infusing natural light into the deep industrial structure, was met by strategically placing classrooms along the building's exterior and introducing new circular skylights that illuminate central shared areas. The project conscientiously preserves the building's industrial character, restoring and upgrading original windows on the street facades to meet current energy efficiency standards. Internally, a landscaped courtyard introduces a playful aesthetic, featuring vibrant geometric window patterns that imbue the historic edifice with a fresh identity. This courtyard acts as a symbolic bridge, connecting the building's rich industrial past with its innovative future as a dynamic learning institution.

Paris is preparing for its most anticipated art and design celebration in 2026, an event that will honor both historical legacies and future trends. Museums, galleries, historic sites, and temporary installations across the city will present a rich program encompassing fashion archives, modernist furniture, contemporary sculpture, photography, craft, and experimental hospitality projects. Many exhibits will prompt reflection on how objects and images gain significance over time.

Central to this dynamic week, Art Basel Paris will return to the Grand Palais, while Design Miami.Paris takes over the Hôtel de Maisons. Beyond these major fairs, various cultural institutions across Paris will feature projects spanning art, fashion, architecture, and design. Highlights include Ibrahim Mahama's exploration of Ghanaian cultural histories at Fondation Cartier, Prune Nourry's reevaluation of women sculptors at the Petit Palais, Jenny Holzer's textual and visual interventions at the Musée d'Orsay, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs' celebration of 40 years of fashion collections. Additionally, galleries will delve into themes of material memory and transformation, showcasing works from Jean Prouvé's architecture to Japanese ceramics. Unique temporary initiatives, such as WE ARE ONA's collaboration with Rirkrit Tiravanija and chef Dalad Kambhu, will blur the lines between artistic disciplines, making a shared meal an integral part of the art experience. This comprehensive guide details the must-see events across Paris during Art Basel Paris and Design Miami.Paris 2026.

The 2026 Paris Art Week offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from grand international fairs to intimate local showcases. It underscores the city's role as a global epicenter for artistic and design innovation, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives. This fusion of tradition and modernity, coupled with a commitment to critical engagement, creates a vibrant and inspiring environment for both creators and audiences.