d+a - Issue 111

In this issue

Earlier this year, the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission from the UK released a report entitled Creating space for beauty. In it, it states, “Beauty is a part, not the whole part but an inescapably necessary part of the good life, of what, long ago, the Greeks called eudemonia. And beauty should be shared and democratic[,] not forgotten.”

We were heartened to learn about the existence of this organisation and excited to read how it wants “to put beauty back on the agenda”. This is something we try to do ourselves and, we hope, inspire our audience to follow.

Case in point is the project on our cover this issue, the UCCA Dune Art Museum by OPEN Architecture, in Qinhuangdao, China. Its beauty lies in how it is partially submerged beneath natural sand dunes and composed of organically-shaped, interconnected, grotto and cave-like segments that mediate the space between land and sea.

Equally good-looking are the three bungalows that we have featured – each set in a slightly different tropical context. The first is in Malaysia, by MJKanny Architect, that uses a funnel to build anticipation up towards the view, enhanced by a half-radial layout. The second is in Thailand, by Sunday* Architects, and draws on classic Mid-century Modern design elements. The third is in Indonesia, by Saota, a collection of buildings connected by gardens, courtyards and planted terraces.

Still on the topic of homes, our anchor feature is on affordable housing and the architectural firms that are innovating in this space. The lack of reasonably-priced homes to be offered to the masses is a global issue and governments are now examining the challenge on their hands. This story spotlights a few projects and the architects who are behind them.

Architecture And Affordable Housing

With careful planning and sustainable means, designing homes at reasonable prices can be realised and offered to the masses.

5 mins

Dense And Complex

After 27 months of construction, Funan has reopened.

5 mins

Green Fluidity

The newly-revealed Golf Clubhouse at Tanah Merah Country Club breathes modernity into its surroundings.

4 mins

Taking Flight

Inspired by the organic shapes found in the Negev desert, Israel’s Ramon International Airport is a futuristic mirage in an ancient place of passage.

4 mins

Mediating Land And Sea

Submerged within the sand dunes of a beach resort community in Hebei, China, UCCA Dune Art Museum by OPEN Architecture encourages the appreciation of both art and nature.

3 mins

Off The Beaten Track

Stylish yurt guest rooms and an eco-friendly design makes this new barefoot luxury resort a model hospitality project.

3 mins

Captured Horizon

A site-inspired scheme reflects an architect’s original take on a detached dwelling in the Negeri Sembilan countryside.

3 mins

Pure Harmony

Sunday* Architects has designed a weekend retreat in southern Thailand in the Mid-century Modern style.

4 mins

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d+a Magazine Description:

d+a is a bimonthly design magazine that covers the latest trends and developments in design, architecture, and technology. The magazine is known for its high-quality photography and in-depth articles on a wide range of topics, including:

* Design: d+a covers the latest design trends in everything from product design to interior design to graphic design. The magazine also features profiles of leading designers and design studios.
* Architecture: d+a covers the latest architectural projects from around the world, with a focus on sustainable and innovative design. The magazine also features interviews with renowned architects and architecture firms.
* Technology: d+a covers the latest technological innovations that are shaping the world of design and architecture. The magazine also features articles on how technology is being used to create new and exciting design possibilities.

d+a is a must-read for anyone who is interested in design, architecture, and technology. The magazine provides readers with a unique perspective on the latest trends and developments in these fields, as well as insights from leading designers, architects, and technologists.