Amid a information cycle sopped by headlines of monetary cuts to the packages that matter most and requires the demolition of long-standing authorities services, cities and cities throughout the nation reeled within the wake of pure disasters and academic establishments pushed for a voice and alter. By sturdy reporting and images, this yr AN gave readers a take a look at aftermath of the wildfires that worn out elements of Altadena, California; and the flooding that introduced Kerrville, Texas to its knees. On a lighter word we gave readers a glimpse into New York’s area of interest neighborhood of mannequin makers and the world of architectural competitions. We additionally celebrated 100 years of artwork deco and 250 of the US Postal Service.
Because the yr involves a detailed AN has appeared again on the information tales and controversies that formed the final 12 months, listed here are the long-form items AN lined this yr which might be memorable for his or her putting imagery, impactful messages, and hopeful drive for what’s to come back.
Wildfires ravaged Southern California
After Southern California caught ablaze in ravenous wildfires, Tag Christof went into the sphere along with his digicam and captured Altadena, one of many Los Angeles communities hit hardest. AN contributor Shane Reiner-Roth wrote about his expertise. His poignant phrases had been paired with harrowing photos by Christof in a young meditation about California’s future.
“We packed the automobile with little forethought whereas monitoring the scenario on Watch Obligation, a real-time map of wildfire and firefighting data,” Reiner-Roth stated. “Nonetheless in want of visible proof earlier than abandoning our dwelling, nevertheless, we took to the rooftop with our neighbors, exchanging names in between intimate exchanges of hopes and fears. Lastly, on the opposite aspect of a hill within the close to distance, we noticed the flames stretching out and upward with our personal eyes, unmediated by any information program or cellphone app. We drank wine straight from the bottle.”
Unpacking the San Quentin Rehabilitation Heart plans by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and DLR
Steve Brooks, an incarcerated journalist at San Quentin Rehabilitation Heart, and the previous editor in chief of San Quentin Information, criticized an ongoing renovation plan for San Quentin.
Brooks and AN information editor Daniel Jonas Roche co-wrote an article collectively about plans for the advanced by Schmidt Hammer Lassen and DLR Group. Is the “Nordic mannequin,” typically used interchangeably with the “California mannequin,” transferable in a state the place jail labor is a multi-billion greenback business? When, if ever, is it moral to design carceral areas?
Journal of Architectural Schooling’s “Palestine” subject
In February, the Affiliation of Collegiate Faculties of Structure (ACSA) canceled the Fall 2025 subject of the Journal of Architectural Schooling (JAE) themed on Palestine and fired its interim govt editor. This resulted within the resignation of all 20 members of the JAE editorial board on March 10, shortly earlier than the annual ACSA assembly. AN contributor Zach Mortice reported on what led to the controversial cancellation.
Kerrville, Texas, residents mentioned rebuilding after flooding
Within the early hours of July 4, when the riverbanks had been crowded with vacationers and campers, a stalled tropical storm system dumped months’ value of rain on Central Texas in just a few quick hours. The Guadalupe River’s ranges rose 26 ft inside 45 minutes close to Kerrville.
Within the months after, architect Jessie Temple and photographer Leonid Furmansky set foot in Kerrville. They shared what they noticed in a considerate photographic journalism piece for AN.
United States Postal Service at 250
The US Postal Service (USPS) reached a significant milestone this yr when it turned 250-years-old on July 26, 2025. By buildings, stamps, and murals, we are able to observe an establishment form shift in keeping with the aesthetic and political proclivities of the occasions. AN internet editor Kristine Klein spoke to historians on the USPS to be taught concerning the service’s architectural and graphic evolution that acquired its begin earlier than the nation gained its independence.
Three generations of architects at Robert P. Madison Worldwide
Kelly Beamon interviewed agency management at Robert P. Madison Worldwide (RPMI) about its previous, current, and future. Cleveland-based RPMI turned 70-years-old this yr. Based by Robert P. Madison, the agency is now managed by Sandra Madison, Robert’s niece by marriage, the agency’s CEO, chairperson, and a majority proprietor; together with co-owners R. Kevin Madison, the agency’s president (Sandra’s husband and Robert’s nephew), and Robert Klann.
RPMI is right now Ohio’s largest Black-female-owned structure agency, and RPMI’s women-led staff contains Robert’s daughter Jeanne Madison, the agency’s enterprise supervisor, and Sandra and Kevin’s daughter Maya Madison, a mission supervisor. After 70 years in observe it has no plans of slowing down.
An in depth take a look at New York’s unbiased and in-house mannequin makers
Mannequin makers don’t get sufficient credit score. Structure companies name upon them to forged digital designs and paper plans into materials objects. AN contributor Diana Budds gave us an enormous window into the small world of New York’s mannequin makers this yr in reporting that featured interviews with Ed Wooden, Radii’s director and founding accomplice, and others.
How consultants are shaping museums competitions
Museum and flagship cultural establishment commissions are massive fishes for any structure agency. Places of work spend hours on renderings and designs for initiatives they might by no means be commissioned for. Who’re the massive wigs behind organizing the competitions deciding on those that do land the land?
Budds delved into the brand new area of consultants that emerged prior to now 30 years, starting from cultural strategists to competitors organizers employed to make the method extra honest and efficient for all events concerned.
Kyle Miller diagrammed three a long time of architectural Tasks
A diagram revealed in AN‘s September subject drew many eyes and opinions, particularly on social media. The polemical chart in query, penned by Syracuse College professor Kyle Miller, tries to make sense of crucial architectural observe and architectural training at tutorial establishments over the previous three a long time.
