Büro Ziyu Zhuang Designs Immersive Cultural Complex in Xianning, China
Büro Ziyu Zhuang has created the Zi Museum in Xianning, China, integrating four cultural buildings into a sprawling parkland alongside Zishan Lake. The complex, featuring a 3,000-square-meter museum with a multi-layered concrete structure and a central courtyard, a meditation tower, a rammed-earth workshop, and a lakeside bookshop, is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. The project prioritizes flexible access and a free-flowing visitor experience, fostering both academic exhibition and relaxed social interaction within its natural setting.
Lady Gaga's Former NYC Penthouse Hits the Market for $7 Million
A luxurious penthouse in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, once home to Lady Gaga and other celebrities, is now available for $7 million. Located atop the historic Hit Factory recording studio, the duplex offers 3,700 square feet of living space, a large private terrace, three bedrooms, and modern amenities. This property provides a unique blend of celebrity history and contemporary urban living, making it an attractive offering in the high-end real estate market.
Oxford Street's Transformation: A New Era of Pedestrian Experience in Central London
A significant portion of London's iconic Oxford Street has officially transitioned to a vehicle-free zone, marking a major step in its pedestrianization. This initiative aims to transform the bustling shopping district into a more accessible and enjoyable public space. The initial phase, spanning nearly a kilometer, restricts all vehicular traffic, rerouting it to adjacent streets. This change is part of a broader redevelopment led by East architecture studio, with full completion anticipated by 2028, promising new public squares, seating, and green spaces.
The Dezeen Awards 2026 have announced the winners of their public vote for interior design, with 14 exceptional projects chosen by readers. These selections showcase a diverse range of innovative and captivating interior spaces from around the globe, reflecting current trends and public preferences in architectural aesthetics and functionality. The revealed winners represent a significant recognition from a broad audience, highlighting designs that resonate with a global community of design enthusiasts.
This year's public vote has spotlighted several notable projects, including an inventive co-working space in Berlin, described as far from a typical office, and a charming, family-oriented cafe in Toronto that offers a 'third place' experience. Additionally, an office in Kyiv caught the public's eye with its blend of vintage furnishings, artworks, and distinctive details like repurposed paint swatches, emphasizing creativity and personalized touches in workplace design. These winning entries underscore a collective appreciation for spaces that are not only visually appealing but also offer unique experiences and solutions to modern living and working environments.
Public's Choice: Diverse Interior Triumphs
The Dezeen Awards 2026 public vote has celebrated 14 interior projects, showcasing a wide array of design categories and geographical locations. Readers cast their votes for their favorite designs from a shortlist of 392 projects across various sectors. These winning entries exemplify innovation and aesthetic appeal, ranging from a dynamic co-working hub in Berlin to an inviting, family-friendly cafe in Toronto, each demonstrating unique approaches to interior architecture. The selection process, held between September 28 and October 16, reflects the diverse tastes and preferences of Dezeen's global readership.
Among the standout projects were a Berlin co-working space lauded for its unconventional and engaging environment, and a Toronto cafe recognized for its "quietly magical" ambiance, catering to families. An office in Kyiv also garnered significant public support, notable for its integration of vintage decor, artistic elements, and playful details like paint swatches, creating a distinctive and inspiring workspace. These winning projects highlight a trend towards interiors that prioritize user experience, comfort, and unique character, demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform everyday spaces into extraordinary environments that captivate and inspire. The success of these projects in the public vote signifies a collective appreciation for designs that push boundaries while maintaining accessibility and relevance to a broader audience.
The Awards and Beyond: Celebrating Design Excellence
The public vote is distinct from the main judging process, which involves an expert panel assessing entries based on stringent criteria. This separation ensures that both popular appeal and professional merit are recognized. The ultimate winners, including the coveted "Interiors Project of the Year" sponsored by Gaggenau, will be announced at the Dezeen Awards 2026 party on November 16 at the Royal Opera House in London, an event that brings together leading figures in architecture and design.
The Dezeen Awards 2026, supported by Trimble, continue to honor excellence and innovation in design globally. The awards celebrate projects that challenge conventional boundaries and set new standards in architectural and interior design. With the architecture winners already revealed and design winners on the horizon, the upcoming ceremony in London will be a culmination of a year-long celebration of creativity and groundbreaking design. Attendees, including nominees, winners, and judges, will gather to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of designers and architects who are shaping the future of built environments. This event provides a platform for industry leaders to connect, share insights, and celebrate the transformative power of design.