This week marked a milestone in architecture and technology with the unveiling of the world’s tallest 3D-printed building — a striking tower named Tor Alva, rising 30 metres in a quiet Swiss mountain village. As 3D printing continues to revolutionize construction methods, this latest achievement not only pushes the boundaries of scale but also offers a glimpse into a new era of sustainable and innovative design.Alongside this breakthrough, the architecture and design world witnessed a rich variety of events and unveilings, from commemorative mausoleums in Africa to futuristic furniture launches and cutting-edge product designs. Here, we recap the week’s highlights across global architecture and design, showcasing the remarkable breadth of creativity shaping our built environment.
Tor Alva tower: 3D printing reaches new heights
Standing tall at 30 metres, Tor Alva claims the title of the tallest 3D-printed tower worldwide. Located in a small mountain village in Switzerland, the tower’s design was inspired by the layered intricacies of a cake, showcasing the fluid potential of 3D printing in architecture. Its creators emphasize that the technology enables both aesthetic complexity and structural precision, while potentially reducing waste and environmental impact compared to traditional building methods.
This landmark project demonstrates how 3D printing is expanding beyond experimental models and small-scale prototypes to actual inhabitable structures. Tor Alva exemplifies how additive manufacturing can address architectural challenges in remote or difficult-to-access locations — important as the building industry seeks more sustainable solutions in the face of climate change.
Honouring legacy with local materials: Kéré Architecture’s mausoleum
In Burkina Faso, Kéré Architecture unveiled a deeply symbolic brick mausoleum commemorating the country’s former president, Thomas Sankara. Assassinated in the 1980s, Sankara is remembered as a revolutionary leader who sought social justice and national independence. The mausoleum, constructed with locally-sourced laterite and clay bricks, reflects a profound connection to place and heritage.
By using traditional materials and techniques, the project underscores a commitment to cultural authenticity and sustainability. Kéré Architecture’s design not only memorializes an influential figure but also celebrates the power of architecture to serve as a vessel for collective memory and identity.
Innovation and design at Clerkenwell Design Week in London
London’s Clerkenwell Design Week brought together designers and innovators, showcasing forward-thinking concepts in architecture and product design. Among the standout projects was an undulating house created by artist Alex Chinneck, merging playful sculptural forms with functional living space. Another highlight was Arthur Mamou-Mani’s 3D-printed “water corridor,” an immersive installation exploring the intersection of technology, nature, and spatial experience.
The event also spotlighted groundbreaking furniture pieces launched during the week, including a foamless sofa designed for comfort and sustainability, jelly-like stools pushing material boundaries, and a 3D-knitted seat reflecting advances in textile fabrication. Clerkenwell continues to be a hub where experimental ideas meet practical design solutions.
Design and technology news from around the world
The design world saw notable activity beyond architecture. In the US, famed designer Jony Ive’s AI startup was acquired by OpenAI, promising to blend design thinking with artificial intelligence to create a new family of products. Additionally, Ive’s studio LoveFrom completed a rebranding project for William Stout Architectural Books in San Francisco, illustrating the studio’s diverse creative portfolio.
Meanwhile, technology company Dyson unveiled its cordless PencilVac, billed as the “world’s slimmest vacuum cleaner” with a diameter of just 38 millimetres. Marketed as the “broom of the future,” the vacuum exemplifies sleek design fused with high functionality.
Forensic architecture and socially engaged design
In an exclusive interview, Eyal Weizman, founder of Forensic Architecture, discussed his organization’s pivotal role supporting the International Court of Justice case against Israel over military actions in Palestinian territories. Weizman noted that traditional investigative approaches had been challenged by the scale and intensity of the Gaza conflict, highlighting the evolving role of architecture and spatial analysis in global justice efforts.
Popular projects and design inspiration
This week’s popular architecture features spanned the globe, including an elevated Indian temple rising above the tides of the Ganges river — a poetic interplay between spirituality and natural forces. A CLT-framed house embedded in a Cornish cliffside showcased innovative use of timber and site-responsive design, while a “emotionally engaging” McDonald’s in Hong Kong offered a fresh take on fast-food architecture through thoughtful aesthetics. Complementing these was a curated lookbook featuring homes illuminated by Isamu Noguchi’s sculptural Akari lamps, blending art and light to transform living spaces with elegant simplicity.
From pioneering 3D-printed skyscrapers in Switzerland to culturally resonant mausoleums in Africa, and cutting-edge design showcases in London, this week underscored the dynamic, interconnected nature of architecture and design worldwide. As technology, heritage, and creativity continue to intersect, the future of the built environment promises both innovation and meaningful reflection on place and identity.
