Muna Mohammed is the Head of Content at INJ Architects, specializing in architectural research and in-depth industry analysis. Explore her latest articles and insights into modern architecture and design.
Introduction: When Scent Becomes a Design Language Architecture has long been associated with space, structure, form, and light. But what happens when we extend its… Read More »The Architecture of Smell: Designing with Scent Memory
Introduction: The Rise of Imperfection in Architecture In an era that often prizes seamless visuals and flawless finishes, a counter-current in architectural design celebrates cracks,… Read More »Cracked Surfaces: Embracing Imperfection in Architecture
In luxury architecture projects, marble becomes more than just a finishing material—it is a visual statement and a central element in shaping architectural identity. However,… Read More »Marble Sorting in High-End Projects: From Pallets to Architectural Harmony
Understanding the Climate Challenge Architecture in arid and windy climates presents a unique set of environmental challenges that push designers to balance form, function, and… Read More »Architecture in Arid and Windy Climates: Designing for Dust, Wind, and Extremes
Introduction: From Static to Smart In a world where climate adaptation and energy efficiency have become critical to architectural success, the building envelope is undergoing… Read More »Kinetic Facades: When Architecture Becomes Responsive
Introduction: When Space Works Against You We often associate architecture with comfort, beauty, and function. But architecture is just as capable of inducing unease —… Read More »The Architecture of Discomfort: When Design Becomes a Tool of Control
Introduction: The Architecture of Memory In the realm of contemporary design, memorial architecture occupies a distinct space where the emotional, historical, and spatial converge. Rather… Read More »Memorial Architecture: Designing with Absence and Loss
Introduction: What Lies Beneath the Surface When we speak of architecture, we often refer to what we can see: façades, materials, shapes, and interiors. Yet,… Read More »Hidden Infrastructure: The Invisible Side of Architecture
Introduction: What Is Sensory Architecture? Architecture is often perceived as a visual discipline — a field dominated by sketches, renders, and façades. But real architecture… Read More »Sensory Architecture: Designing for the Full Human Experience
Introduction: Designing the Pause In architecture, what lies between two destinations is often overlooked — hallways, lobbies, corridors, staircases, waiting rooms. Yet these are not… Read More »Transitional Architecture: Designing the Spaces In-Between
Rethinking Sound in the Built Environment For decades, architecture has primarily been a visual endeavor — driven by form, proportion, light, and material. But increasingly,… Read More »Ceilings That Listen: The Rise of Acoustic Conscious Architecture
Rethinking Decay: Is Architectural Aging Always a One-Way Street? In contemporary architecture, the concept of progress often implies building new, sleeker, and more efficient structures.… Read More »Architecture in Reverse: What Happens When Buildings Age Backwards?
Architecture, beyond its physical form, is a reflection of social structures and power dynamics. One of the most subtle yet profound ways this manifests is… Read More »The Politics of the Floor Plan: Who Gets the Window?
Architecture is traditionally viewed as a static art — a collection of fixed forms and structures designed to stand the test of time. However, some… Read More »Architectural Timing: Designing for Weather, Light, and Seasonality
In contemporary design discourse, functionality and form often take center stage. However, a growing movement in architecture emphasizes a third, more elusive quality — atmosphere.… Read More »Atmospheric Architecture: Designing for Emotion Through Light, Sound, and Texture
In the world of architecture, we often strive for clarity, originality, and a sense of completion. Yet, some of the most powerful spaces are not… Read More »Architectural Palimpsest: Layering Time Within the Built Environment
Introduction Ceiling height is a fundamental architectural element that significantly influences how people perceive and experience a space. Beyond structural or aesthetic considerations, the vertical… Read More »Ceiling Height in Architecture: How Vertical Space Shapes Emotion and Power
In architectural discourse, light often takes center stage — celebrated for its power to define space, volume, and atmosphere. Yet, just as crucial and far… Read More »Shadow in Architecture: Designing with Light’s Counterpart
Introduction: What Happened to Architectural Craft? Architecture once celebrated intricacy — in carved woodwork, delicate ceiling medallions, and thoughtful spatial hierarchies like service stairs and… Read More »Obsolete Architectural Details: What We Don’t Design Anymore and Why It Matters
Introduction: Ensuring Excellence Before Handover The pre-delivery phase is critical in architectural projects, marking the final step before the client takes possession. Proper documentation and… Read More »Pre-Delivery Phase: How to Document the Quality of Your Project?
Introduction: Indecisiveness as a Design Crisis In the lifecycle of any architectural project, the greatest challenge isn’t always technical or financial — sometimes, it’s human.… Read More »The Indecisive Client: How Architects Manage Shifting Decisions
Introduction: The Bridge Between Design and Execution Sample approval is a critical checkpoint in any architectural project. It ensures that the selected materials—be they stone,… Read More »Sample Approval in Architecture: Between Vision and Reality
Introduction: The Return of Timber to the Modern Architectural Scene While steel, concrete, and glass have long dominated contemporary architecture, timber is making a compelling… Read More »Timber in Architecture: Natural Warmth in Outdoor Design
Introduction: The Timeless Appeal of Marble Facades Marble has long been associated with timeless elegance in architecture. When applied to building facades, marble elevates the… Read More »Marble Cladding in Facades: Luxury with Geometric Precision
A Historical Glimpse: From Baroque Ceilings to Modern Floors The term Trompe-l’œil, meaning “deceive the eye” in French, originated in classical painting, especially in Baroque… Read More »Trompe-l’œil Flooring: Optical Illusion Beneath Our Feet
Artistic and Historical Beginnings: Optical Illusions Through the Ages The use of geometric marble in flooring dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and… Read More »Geometric Marble Flooring: Marble as an Optical Illusion Element in Architecture
In the world of architectural detailing, Opus Sectile stands as one of the most refined and intellectually engaging flooring techniques. This ancient Roman art of… Read More »Opus Sectile: When Marble Becomes a Geometric Art Piece
In a world that increasingly gravitates towards visual simplicity, the art of marble inlay stands out as a technique in architecture that belongs to the… Read More »Marble Inlay: The Art of Marble Inlay in Luxurious Architecture
Introduction: Rising Waters, Rising Solutions As climate change accelerates and sea levels rise, coastal cities face an urgent dilemma: adapt or drown. From Jakarta to… Read More »Floating Cities: Architecture for Rising Sea Levels
Introduction: From Concrete to Canopy As climate change accelerates and biodiversity declines, “rewilding” is emerging as a powerful movement to reconnect urban spaces with nature.… Read More »Rewilding Urban Spaces: Turning Cities into Forests