Oct 17, 2026 · 10 min listen · Last updated October 17, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 7 design and architecture stories. Let's get into it. First, from ArchDaily. Ella House / Studio Memo. Casa Ella is designed with two distinct blocks surrounding a central garden, creating a harmonious flow throughout the space.
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Daily Design Brief · October 17th
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Ella House / Studio Memo
Casa Ella is designed with two distinct blocks surrounding a central garden, creating a harmonious flow throughout the space. The layout includes a series of ramps that connect different levels, leading up to a roof garden. This thoughtful design not only enhances accessibility but also highlights the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.
The home's sculptural shape is meant to embrace and protect its residents, making it feel welcoming while also maintaining privacy. The architects focused on ensuring that natural light fills the living spaces, which adds to the overall warmth and comfort of the home.
In essence, Casa Ella stands out for its balance of privacy and openness, allowing for a seamless interaction with nature while providing a cozy retreat for those who live there. It's a beautiful example of how thoughtful architecture can create a nurturing environment.
HARMAY Changsha Guojin Street Store / STUDIO SPLASH
The HARMAY store has opened its doors in the bustling Guojin Street area of Changsha, right in the heart of the Wuyi Square commercial district. It’s designed to be part of a larger underground retail network that connects street-level entrances with transit hubs below ground. This setup creates a unique shopping experience, allowing for easy movement between different areas.
The store itself is located on the B1 level, which is strategically placed to connect with a stunning double-height atrium on B2. This positioning not only enhances the store's visibility but also makes it a key point in the busy pedestrian traffic that flows through this major intersection. The layout is all about making shopping convenient and enjoyable, with crisscrossing corridors that guide visitors seamlessly.
Overall, the design reflects a modern approach to retail, emphasizing accessibility and flow, making it a standout destination for shoppers in Changsha. The combination of its location and innovative design is sure to attract both locals and visitors looking for a fresh shopping experience.
A new weekend home designed by Barbalaco Arquitectos is taking shape in the Cañuelas district, aimed at being a cozy gathering spot for family and friends. Spanning 370 square meters, this residence is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere where loved ones can come together and enjoy each other's company.
The architects have focused on blending the home with its residential surroundings, ensuring it feels both inviting and integrated into the neighborhood. The design emphasizes open spaces and communal areas, making it easy for people to connect and share experiences.
With completion set for 2024, this project reflects a thoughtful approach to architecture, prioritizing human connection and the joy of shared moments. The use of natural materials and thoughtful layouts will likely enhance the overall warmth of the space, making it a perfect retreat for weekends and special occasions.
Photographer Federico Kulekdjian captures the essence of this project, highlighting its inviting design and the potential for memorable gatherings. Overall, it’s an exciting addition to the area, promising to be a cherished home for years to come.
Stadttempel, the only Viennese synagogue to survive the 1938 Nazi annexation, is restored
The Stadttempel, Vienna’s 200‑year‑old city synagogue, just finished a careful restoration that brings its historic charm back to the forefront while adding a few modern touches. Built in 1826 by Josef Kornhaüsel, it’s the only Viennese synagogue that survived the 1938 Nazi annexation, and it still welcomes around twelve thousand visitors a year for services, bar and bat mitzvahs, and community events.
The biggest visual change is the return of the original front entrance. For decades people slipped in through a side door, but the new work restores the main doors and re‑creates the interior openings so they echo the building’s historic paneling yet feel contemporary. Inside, the foyer that once housed shops in the ’80s has been turned into a warm, flexible gathering space with seating, wood tones inspired by Biedermeier paintings, and hidden storage that can pop out into sales stands or other setups when needed.
The sanctuary itself keeps its Roman‑style columns and the striking blue ceiling dotted with gold stars, but the seating has been completely rethought. Curved, upholstered benches now follow the oval shape Kornhaüsel originally designed for theatrical acoustics, and they’re built with integrated heating and cooling so the space stays comfortable on all three levels. The redesign even uncovered the original red limestone floor, which has been re‑interpreted in the main hall, and the Bimah was extended to showcase those historic stone slabs.
All of this took about two years of research, approvals, and coordination with the Federal Monuments Office and Vienna’s Jewish community, and the actual construction wrapped up in ten months—just in time for the high holidays. The result is a synagogue that feels both reverent to its past and ready for today’s community, with subtle details like milled wall inscriptions replacing old memorial plaques, keeping the building’s story alive for everyone who walks through its doors.
Everything you need to know about Art Basel Paris 2026
Art Basel Paris 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting event in the art world. Scheduled for October, it promises to showcase a diverse range of contemporary art from both established and emerging artists. The fair will take place at the Grand Palais Éphémère, a stunning venue that adds a unique atmosphere to the experience. Expect to see galleries from around the globe, highlighting everything from painting and sculpture to digital art and installations.
This edition of Art Basel is particularly noteworthy because it aims to foster deeper connections between artists and audiences. There’s a strong focus on inclusivity and representation, with a commitment to featuring a variety of voices and perspectives. This means visitors will have the chance to engage with art that reflects a broader spectrum of experiences and cultures.
In addition to the exhibitions, there will be a series of talks and panel discussions featuring prominent figures in the art community. These sessions are designed to spark conversations about the current state of the art world and its future, making it a great opportunity for both art lovers and industry professionals to gain insights and share ideas.
As we look ahead to 2026, the anticipation is building. Art Basel Paris is not just about viewing art; it's about experiencing the vibrant dialogue that art can inspire. So, if you’re a fan of contemporary art, mark your calendar for this event—it’s bound to be a highlight in the art calendar!
Playing with light: how designers are making stadium shows feel intimate
Lighting designers Tobias Rylander and Michael Straun are transforming the experience of stadium shows into something more intimate, especially for Hayley Williams' solo tour. When you watch her performance, the visuals are striking, with projections of her face and music videos on white drapes, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Rylander emphasizes that the goal was to make the show feel personal, moving away from the typical rock concert vibe. They collaborated closely with Williams, learning about her music and the emotions behind her latest album, "Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party," to ensure the lighting reflected her journey as an artist.
The design process was highly collaborative, with Rylander and Straun sharing ideas and references that resonated with Williams' artistic vision. They aimed to create a sense of intimacy, even in larger venues, by keeping the stage design low and wide, making it feel like the audience is right there with the band. They also cleverly adapted the show to fit various stages, using layered fabrics that allowed for flexibility in the design without relying on large video walls.
Their approach to lighting is innovative, focusing on projection rather than traditional LED screens, which helps to create a more textured and immersive experience. The show begins with minimal front light, drawing the audience into a shared experience with the entire band rather than just spotlighting Williams. This gradual reveal builds a sense of connection, making the audience feel like they’re part of something special.
Throughout the tour, Rylander and Straun have experimented with new technologies while maintaining a classic feel. They’ve used shadows and silhouettes to evoke emotion, like during Williams' cover of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," where playful hand gestures create striking visuals. The result is a show that feels both intricate and personal, highlighting the connection between Williams, her band, and her fans in a beautifully crafted environment.
Assembly Archive’s Thistle Creek House is embedded in the Wyoming landscape
Assembly Archive has unveiled its first project, the Thistle Creek House, nestled in the breathtaking Jackson Hole Valley of Wyoming. Designed by Evan Farley, the house features a striking charred timber façade that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding landscape and offers stunning views of the Teton Mountains. The design draws inspiration from the region's agricultural heritage, echoing the traditional barns and cabins that once dotted the valley.
The Thistle Creek House spans 3,800 square feet and consists of two intersecting gabled structures. This clever layout not only maximizes the picturesque views but also creates a sense of connection with the land. The exterior uses yakisugi, a Japanese technique of charring cedar wood, which enhances durability while adding a unique texture. Complemented by dark metal roofing and window frames, the house presents a bold yet inviting silhouette.
Inside, the layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate both privacy and communal spaces. The smaller volume includes a garage and a guest suite, while the main section houses three additional bedrooms, including a principal suite. The entrance hall features galleried landings that overlook the space, and the ground floor is designed to flow with the terrain, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
The interior palette combines warmth and natural materials, with lye-washed fir, white oak, and stone flooring creating a cozy atmosphere. Large windows frame the stunning meadows and mountains, reinforcing the connection to nature. Overall, the Thistle Creek House embodies a sense of modesty and durability, making it a perfect fit for its majestic surroundings.
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