Dedicated to the future of nature, the November issue of Domus features a striking cover photo of British Columbia’s lush forests by Edward Burtynsky. This issue marks the culmination of Norman Foster’s tenure as Guest Editor for 2024.
The renowned English architect, a leading figure in both the 20th and 21st centuries, bids farewell to Domus readers with a reminder: in architecture, as in life, the only constant is change. This theme has been woven throughout his ten issues, delivered with his characteristic understated brilliance, and applying his signature method: focusing on the micro to illuminate the macro. It's a lesson that will undoubtedly leave its mark on the history of architecture and the Domus community.
In this issue, Foster emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable and effective climate strategies and energy solutions that challenge conventional thinking. He revisits his long-standing interest in nuclear power, drawing on insights from Jacopo Buongiorno, Fabio Duarte, and Carlo Ratti, who echo physicist John Lovelock’s view that nuclear energy is "the only ecological solution." Italian physicist Stefano Buono’s article further explores how existing nuclear know-how can be safely and cost-effectively reactivated.
Domus November also showcases a range of sustainable and ecological architectural projects. Highlights include the Northeast Pavilion, a bamboo exhibition space in western India that celebrates the fusion of traditional construction techniques and local knowledge with nature. In Memphis, Tennessee, Studio Gang has created an inclusive park on the banks of the Mississippi River, embodying a regenerative approach to site ecology. A historic residence on the slopes of Mount Rokko in Japan, reimagined by Osama Morishita, features a series of pavilions designed to harmonize life and work with nature.
Back in Europe, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a building born from research by the Institute for Computational Design at the University of Stuttgart stands as a manifesto for construction using wood and natural linen fiber. This innovative approach resonates with the Vertical Farm in Beijing by Van Berger Kolpa Architecten. This pioneering Chinese urban food innovation center is a transparent landmark where every process is visible. Finally, in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Sordo Madaleno has designed Amelia Tulum, a mixed-use complex that seeks to preserve historical memory from the encroaching forces of tourism and gentrification. The complex’s geometric design, interwoven with the jungle, the sea, and the built environment, creates a dynamic interplay across three levels.
In the design and art section, Domus November spotlights three intriguing concepts: Lightmass, a lighting brand from London-based studio Raw Edges that prioritizes sustainability throughout its production process; Pyri, a wax and coal detector designed by the Alexandre-Gunadi-Goodwyn-Yu team to help prevent forest fires; and a study of moving photography by Irish artist John Gerrard, which offers a subtle yet powerful commentary on the depletion of fossil fuels.
The magazine’s "Diary" section, curated by the editorial team, provides a thought-provoking reflection on current events. Highlights include Loredana Mascheroni’s exploration of Helsinki’s evolving identity as a cultural capital; Paola Carimati’s piece on Studio Siriana’s "Garden of Delights" in Amsterdam’s NDSM district; Javier Arpa Fernandez’s analysis of the urban regeneration of Lusail in Qatar; and Elena Sommariva’s article on a children’s library in Zanzibar inspired by the elements.
This month’s Domus also includes the "Contract" supplement, which delves into the evolving concept of luxury. No longer defined solely by expensive materials, luxury now encompasses the creation of authentic and personalized experiences. The goal of luxury design is to create spaces that seamlessly blend beauty and practicality, tradition and innovation, offering a sense of well-being and comfort. Exclusivity lies in personalization, respect for the local context, a commitment to sustainability, and the use of local suppliers. In today’s world of information overload, true luxury is found in discretion and the opportunity to reconnect with oneself in a harmonious environment.