The AJ Small Projects issue presents gems of design, all proving that within the smallest budgets creativity flourishes. The 20 shortlisted schemes for 2024 demonstrate what can really make a small project sing: it’s about material choices, attention to detail, and a good understanding of the social and environmental issues within each site-specific context.
We also present two building studies: the London College of Fashion by Allies and Morrison, and a Jenga-like hotel in Manchester by Stephenson Hamilton Risley STUDIO.
In News, we interview four architects who have ‘jumped the fence’ to go client-side, discovering how many of our interviewees have found new opportunities from constraints.
For Culture, the first UK show dedicated to pioneering Italian designer Enzo Mari is reviewed, as is the Atlas of Never Built Architecture, a new book published by Phaidon.
Also in the issue are the latest competitions, including the Helsinki Museum of Design, and opinion columns by Toko Andrews on going viral, and the Secret Architect, who bemoans an insufferable ex-colleague.
This month’s sketches are provided by Chris Dyson, and Hellman draws the House of Fun (aka 66 Portland Place).
