The Archdaily 2022 New Practices Is Now Open for Submissions

As the growing complexity of our world presents us with ever-growing challenges at an unprecedented speed, our built environment has become one of our society’s most critical questions. From energy scarcity to inequality, density, diversity, waste, food production, circular economy, and identity—it all converges into the built environment. To face this, architecture needs to evolve and scale. 

Oversized Mirrors in Architecture: The Illusion of Larger and Brighter Spaces

Humans have always been fascinated by reflections. Although they are no more than light bouncing back after striking a surface, there will always be something mystical and fascinating about them –whether it be a lake mirroring a beautiful landscape or a small hand mirror reflecting our face. This explains why some ancient cultures considered mirrors to be sacred objects with magical powers, while others associated them with portals leading to an unknown world. Since then, mirrors have evolved to adopt many valuable functions that are indispensable in everyday life, being found in cars, medical equipment and, of course, in countless architectural applications, especially in interiors. Experimenting with the reflection and perception of space has become an easy way for architects, designers and homeowners to transform any room. And when looking to maximize this impact, the power of exceptionally large mirrors is unparalleled. After all, the bigger the mirror, the bigger the impact.

Billie Holiday School Complex / BPM Architectes

Located in the Bastide Niel district in Bordeaux, the Billie Holiday school complex hosts an elementary school, a kindergarten, a childcare center, and company accommodations. Reflecting the history of the district, its fertile land, and its industrial and military past and in keeping with the school's current ecological and social issues, the project is a landmark building, a place of convergence.

Meet the Winners of the 2022 Architecture Drawing Prize

Currently in its 6th year, The Architecture Drawing Prize continues to celebrate the art of drawing in three categories: hand-drawn, hybrid and digital.

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