# Global Architecture and Design Highlights of the Week From Kengo Kuma’s Copenhagen bathhouse to new cultural landmarks in Sydney. - **Source:** [Dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c8c7ccd9-e856-4bd3-b9b8-5f26ae8a02e7 ## Kengo Kuma's Copenhagen Bathhouse Japanese designer Kengo Kuma has unveiled the Kai Water Culture House in Copenhagen, nearing completion this week. The 5,800-square-metre facility features distinctive pyramidal towers and will house ten indoor and outdoor pools. Kuma collaborated with Danish firms Cornelius Vöge, Søren Jensen, and Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects to finalize this aquatic centre project. ## Sydney's New Cultural Landmark The Powerhouse Parramatta museum officially opens this weekend in Sydney, Australia. Designed by studios Moreau Kusunoki and Genton, it is considered the nation's largest cultural project since the iconic Sydney Opera House. Located on the Parramatta River, the building is notable for its unique steel-lattice exoskeleton wrapping the entire structure. ## Designart Tokyo Event Highlights Designart Tokyo is currently showcasing 150 diverse projects across the Japanese capital. Notable exhibits include an exploration of human perspectives on forests and an accordion-style lamp. The Alter exhibition also debuted, featuring unconventional works such as an AI-powered tea ceremony and furniture crafted from traditional washi paper, highlighting local material innovation. ## Fiat's Flexible Concept Vehicle Automotive brand Fiat has introduced the Multiplay concept car, designed to transform from an SUV into a pickup truck. The vehicle features a multifunctional Petsenger seat and a highly flexible interior layout. This launch emphasizes the industry's growing focus on modular design and adaptability to meet diverse consumer needs in urban environments. ## Jaguar's Knightsbridge Store Redesign Jaguar has redesigned its flagship store in London's Knightsbridge district to serve as a specialized showroom. It remains the exclusive global location where the recently unveiled Type 01 electric car is currently on display. This move reflects a strategic shift in how luxury automotive brands present their new electric vehicle lineups. ## Lacaton Vassal Wins Prestigious Prize French studio Lacaton Vassal Architectes, led by Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, has been awarded the Le Prix Charlotte Perriand 2027. The Créateurs Design Association recognized the firm for its significant contributions to contemporary architecture, specifically focusing on the transformation and improvement of existing buildings rather than solely relying on new construction. ## Popular Residential Design Trends Recent architectural projects gaining attention include an arched apartment building in London by Alison Brooks and a former workshop converted into a Japanese home. A quiet garden studio also emerged as a popular design feature. These projects highlight a broader trend toward adaptive reuse and the integration of soft, organic forms. ## Architectural Industry Economic Outlook Recent industry discussions have turned toward the economic realities of the profession, specifically regarding architect salaries in the United Kingdom. Podcasts and industry forums are currently debating the structural reasons behind stagnant pay scales. This ongoing dialogue underscores the tension between high-profile design achievements and the financial sustainability of architectural practices. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/11/07/kengo-kuma-pyramidal-brick-bathhouse-copenhagen/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._