Architectural Cases

In the heart of Willisau, Switzerland, the Grundmühle Apartment Block stands as a testament to contemporary residential design, an innovative creation by dolmus Architekten. This striking building, completed in 2026, integrates sophisticated architectural concepts with practical living solutions. The structure is characterized by its use of robust materials such as concrete and brick, which not only contribute to its durability but also lend it a distinctive aesthetic that complements the local urban fabric.

The design philosophy behind the Grundmühle Apartment Block focuses on optimizing both communal and private spaces, ensuring a high quality of life for its inhabitants. Each apartment is thoughtfully laid out to maximize natural light and ventilation, featuring private balconies that offer residents outdoor retreats with views of the surrounding landscape. The building's exterior is a blend of modern clean lines and functional elements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and aesthetically pleasing architecture. Inside, the interiors are designed with a minimalist yet warm approach, incorporating natural wood and glass to create inviting and spacious living areas.

This residential project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban living, where design transcends mere functionality to create environments that foster community and well-being. The Grundmühle Apartment Block not only provides housing but also contributes to the architectural landscape of Willisau, showcasing how thoughtful design can enrich daily life and inspire a sense of belonging. The careful consideration of materials, the integration of green spaces, and the focus on resident comfort collectively underscore a vision of architecture that is both responsible and aspirational.

The Barbican Centre proudly announces an upcoming immersive exhibition titled "In Other Worlds," spearheaded by the visionary speculative architect and filmmaker, Liam Young. This groundbreaking showcase, scheduled from May 21 to September 6, 2026, will redefine the iconic Brutalist complex by transforming its spaces into a series of cinematic environments. The exhibition delves into critical themes such as architectural evolution, the future of our climate, and the concept of planetary urbanism, offering a thought-provoking journey for visitors. Developed through extensive collaboration with a diverse group of writers, scientists, filmmakers, musicians, and performers, the project integrates large-scale projections, intricate LED installations, immersive soundscapes, compelling graphic narratives, unique costumes, and speculative artifacts, all designed to leverage fiction and spatial storytelling as powerful tools for engaging with environmental and technological shifts.

Central to Young's ongoing exploration at the intersection of architecture, cinema, and environmental research, "In Other Worlds" transcends mere predictions. Instead, it utilizes narrative as a means to rehearse potential future scenarios and re-evaluate the intricate relationships between urban centers, natural landscapes, technological systems, and ecological balance. The exhibition experience commences at the Barbican's Silk Street entrance, where a public LED installation presents animated depictions of fictional inhabitants from one of Young's imagined futures. Visitors then proceed through The Curve gallery and into the Barbican's deeper infrastructural zones, encountering large-scale moving-image installations that weave compelling narratives around resource extraction, strategies for climate adaptation, the pervasive influence of automation, and the imperative of collective survival.

Among the featured works is the Barbican-commissioned film, World Machine (2026), displayed on a colossal 12-meter screen. This work, a fusion of CGI and live-action footage, envisions a future where renewable energy infrastructures and AI data centers fundamentally reshape planetary landscapes. Complementing this, other exhibits address concepts of urban density, territorial governance, and ecological restoration through various speculative architectural proposals. "Planet City" (2021), initially premiered at the Tribeca Festival, portrays a future where the entire global population resides within a single, hyper-dense metropolis, leaving the rest of Earth to revert to wilderness. Additionally, "The Great Endeavour" (2023), previously showcased at the Venice Architecture Biennale, visualizes a worldwide carbon-removal system conceptualized as a unified global undertaking. These pieces, alongside Young's illustrative narratives and intriguing speculative artifacts, collectively emphasize architecture and urban planning as interconnected cultural and environmental frameworks that operate across both regional and global scales. The exhibition's interdisciplinary nature is further enriched by significant collaborations with an array of talented writers, scientists, actors, and musicians. Following its presentation in London, "In Other Worlds" is slated for a national and international tour, aligning with Barbican Immersive's broader commitment to contemporary culture, emerging technologies, and digital artistic expression.

Ultimately, Liam Young's "In Other Worlds" challenges us to envision possible futures shaped by our present choices. It encourages a proactive and imaginative approach to urban planning and environmental stewardship, suggesting that through art and interdisciplinary dialogue, we can collectively craft a more sustainable and equitable world. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that our creative capacity is an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of environmental and technological change, fostering hope and inspiring innovative solutions for generations to come.