Architectural Cases

Julianakerk Church Transforms into Modern Residential Project JUUL

In a remarkable act of architectural revitalization, the Julianakerk church, which suffered severe damage from a fire almost a decade ago, has been reborn as the JUUL residential complex in Rotterdam's picturesque Heijplaat garden village. This ambitious undertaking by HA-HA Design & Development has transformed the charred remnants of the old church into four distinct modern residences, symbolizing renewal and progress.

This project stands as a testament to innovative adaptive reuse, skillfully integrating the historical essence of the church with contemporary living needs. The design philosophy behind JUUL emphasizes sustainability and a thoughtful engagement with the site's past, creating living spaces that are both unique and environmentally conscious. The conversion not only provides new homes but also preserves a significant piece of local heritage, demonstrating how damaged historical structures can be given a vibrant second life.

The successful completion of the JUUL project highlights the potential for blending historical preservation with modern urban development. It serves as an inspiring model for communities grappling with derelict heritage sites, showing that with creative vision and dedicated effort, forgotten places can once again become integral and cherished parts of the urban fabric. Such transformations encourage a deeper appreciation for history while forging pathways to a more sustainable future.

Luxembourg Pavilion to Address Residential Overconsumption at 2027 Venice Biennale

A panel of distinguished art and architecture professionals has recently unveiled the selected curatorial proposal for the Luxembourg Pavilion at the upcoming 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale. The chosen exhibition, titled "Excess! On the Overconsumption of Living Space," will be spearheaded by housing specialist Céline Zimmer and architects Bùi Quý Sơn and Paul-Antoine Lucas, co-founders of the acclaimed spatial practice Exutoire.

Luxembourg Pavilion to Spotlight Housing Overconsumption and Global Disparities at 2027 Venice Biennale

On September 30, 2026, a distinguished jury of art and architecture experts officially announced the curatorial team for the Luxembourg Pavilion at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale. The exhibition, entitled "Excess! On the Overconsumption of Living Space," will be curated by housing expert Céline Zimmer and architects Bùi Quý Sơn and Paul-Antoine Lucas, co-founders of Exutoire, a critical spatial practice recognized with an ArchDaily 2026 Next Practices Award. This thought-provoking display will be housed on the first floor of the Sale d'Armi in the historic Arsenale, opening its doors to the public on May 8, 2027.

The core of the exhibition’s message revolves around the uneven distribution of living space, identifying it as a symptom of broader patterns of excess contributing to contemporary housing and ecological challenges. The curators aim to spark a vital discussion by juxtaposing the housing landscapes of Luxembourg, one of Europe's wealthiest nations and a constitutional monarchy, with those of Vietnam, a rapidly developing Communist state in Southeast Asia. This comparative analysis seeks to highlight contrasting realities and foster a deeper understanding of spatial consumption from diverse global perspectives. The curatorial team brings a wealth of experience, incorporating insights from housing systems, social justice in design, and queer theory within architecture to enrich the exhibition's narrative.

The 20th edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale, running from May 8 to November 21, 2027, is themed "Do Architecture — For the Possibility of Coexistence Facing a Real Reality," curated by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu of Amateur Architecture Studio. The Luxembourg Pavilion's contribution will stand alongside other national presentations, including Germany's "CONVIVERE," which explores coexistence and democracy; Ukraine's "Pool of Questions," addressing displacement and shared space; and Türkiye's "Spolia Futures," focusing on reuse and memory.

This initiative represents a critical moment for architectural discourse, offering a platform to scrutinize how our societies inhabit and consume space. By drawing parallels between Luxembourg's high per capita housing floor area and Vietnam's rapid growth, the exhibition promises to unveil profound insights into the complex interplay of economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability in shaping our built environment.

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Architectural Transparency: Unveiling Albania's Urban Evolution

Albania has emerged as a significant hub for construction activities across Europe over the past two decades. Numerous international architects have undertaken projects within the country, aiming to redefine its urban fabric and infrastructure, a process crucial for a nation still navigating its post-century transitions. Recognizing this evolution and the accompanying changes in its environment means appreciating that every structural form encapsulates a narrative, with archival records offering profound insights beyond the mere physical presence of buildings.

Edited by Anneke Abhelakh and published by Lars Müller Publishers, "The Albanian Files" meticulously chronicles twenty years of architectural endeavors by sixty global firms in Albania. This substantial volume, distinguished by its format, color, and impactful presentation, serves as a critical commentary on the country's recent historical trajectory. The publication functions as an expansive record, mapping the lasting impacts of these development processes. It illuminates power dynamics, commissioning strategies, and controversial outcomes, underscoring the importance of revealing truths that should never have been obscured. Albania, with its aspirations for global integration, including a burgeoning tourism sector and the prospect of European Union membership, critically requires such clarity.

This comprehensive review of Albania's architectural landscape signifies a move towards greater openness and accountability. By openly addressing the complex interplay of architectural projects and their societal implications, "The Albanian Files" champions the values of transparency and integrity in national development. It highlights that true progress is achieved not by concealing, but by thoroughly examining and understanding the foundational stories embedded within its built environment.

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