This month, Apple opened a redesigned Aventura, Fla., outpost outside Miami. Conceived by the company's longtime design collaborators, Foster + Partners, the new design features an undulating vaulted roof "reminiscent of the city’s nautical and architectural roots," says the firm in a press release. "The language and materiality at Apple Aventura Mall are inspired by Miami’s white Art Deco traditions and climate, making it an expression of its place and culture," said Foster+ Partners head of studio Stefan Behling in the same release. "This is the first Apple store to feature white precast concrete as the predominant structural system and it is also a continuation of the materiality we explored at Apple Park.” [Foster + Partners]
WeWork parent group The We Company is planning to acquire New York–based competitor Spacious, an on-demand workspace provider. This is the latest in the company's growing list of acquisitions, signaling continued growth despite questions about the group's profitability ahead of a reported IPO. "Spacious’s team and real estate and operational expertise will help enable WeWork to continue to give our members access to the workspace they want, when they need it,” said WeWork chief product officer Chris Hill in a press release. “We’re thrilled to welcome Spacious to WeWork.” [WeWork]
Canadian developer Henson Developments has revealed plans to construct the world's tallest Passive House skyscraper in Vancouver. Designed by U.K.-based WKK Architects, the 60-story residential tower will be among the city's tallest. The Passive House Standard requires a rigorous, energy-efficient design, including an airtight building envelope, high-performance windows, and minimal space conditioning. According to a Vancouver Courier article, the plans are currently being reviewed by city officials before a report is offered for public hearing. [Vancouver Courier]
From 113 entrants in the 16th annual AL Light & Architecture Design Awards, judges recognized nine projects in the categories of whole building lighting, exterior lighting, interior lighting, and exhibition lighting and temporary installations. Outstanding Achievement winners include the Gateway Arch Museum and Visitor Center in St. Louis, the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium, and the Centro Comercial Diagonal Mar shopping center in Barcelona, Spain. [Architectural Lighting]
