France; a country rightfully recognised for producing some of the world’s most discerning architects and designers – from Jean Nouvel, Le Corbusier and Jean de Chelles through to Gabrielle Bonheur and Christian Dior. While the nation’s cities and towns boast historically-significant ornamental architecture that flank its charming bars and cafes, the contemporary designs produced both for and from this design-rich realm are equally notable. Here, FC&A explores one of France’s modern-day designs – a kaleidoscope-like ‘veil’ concealed inside a Parisian mall by Canadian-based practice, UUfie.

The outer curved profiles and internal sweeping geometries of the prominent Oslo Airport extension may call to mind FC&A’s lighting feature from back in January. Those who checked in to our first issue of 2018 will recall the airport’s stunning illumination design which synchronises with Norway’s daylighting in a bid to save energy. Here, FC&A explores the Nordic – Office of Architecture-designed extension and finds out just how the scheme lives up to its appellation as ‘the world’s greenest airport’.

Scandinavia is currently the centre of attention on the global stage as the world goes mad for its clean, minimalistic aesthetic and interesting lifestyle trends such as ‘hygge’. However, Norway and Oslo, in particular, seems to be at the hub of it all. Here Leonard Design Director, John Morgan, discusses ‘the Oslo factor’ as the city is named the fastest-growing capital in Europe.

Bee’ah, the Middle East’s leading fully integrated environmental and waste management company, has commissioned Zaha Hadid Architects to build its new headquarters in Sharjah, UAE, following the 2013 international competition.

British Architect Will Alsop’s practice, aLL Design, in collaboration with The Spadina Group Associates (TSGA) – a joint venture of IBI Group, LEA Consulting and WSP – has designed and completed two of six stations on the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) new TYSSE (Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension).