Every chapter of the book you’re reading is about code, steel, and concrete. Greetings from UN Studio’s 2025 adventure. The firm has been a center for innovation since 1988, when Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos first proposed parametric curves. The swooping Erasmus Bridge (1996) transformed the skyline of Rotterdam into a ribbon, while the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart (2006) bent gravity into whimsical geometry.
The practice, now known as UNS, is more of a thriving constellation of architects, programmers, biologists, and community DJs remixing space than a firm. UNS is creating living, breathing playgrounds that adapt, delight, and welcome everyone to join in the enjoyment, as shown in Abu Dhabi’s solar dune sculptures that dance with light and Amsterdam’s underground park parties under glass canopies. The studio has transformed into a global constellation of makers, thinkers, and community catalysts since changing its name to UNS. The most recent work by UNStudio goes beyond the conventional profession of “building design” to become a comprehensive investigation of how architecture can adapt, regenerate, and inspire, from the canal banks of Amsterdam to the dunes of Abu Dhabi.
Generative AI with a Human Touch
“Sentient Schemata,” a hybrid AI-human design approach that blends generative diffusion engines with conventional drawing, was formally introduced by UNS in early 2025. Machine-learning pipelines produce hundreds of facade, massing, and spatial layout diagrams per day. The most striking concepts were selected and honed that same afternoon by seasoned architects, the firm called “imagineers.” They emphasize cultural significance, climatic responsiveness, and contextual relevance. This algorithm-artisan collaboration technique guarantees that the designs are inventive works based on site-specific intelligence and human empathy rather than merely lifeless outputs or nostalgic imitations.
A powerful example of how Sentient Schemata may revolutionize design is One Helix. It all started with UNS’s sophisticated AI models, which examined infection control factors, daylight dynamics, and patient flow data to produce an astounding 150 design iterations for a twin-helix research pavilion. After carefully sorting through these options, the design team introduced shapes that improved wayfinding throughout the room and optimized natural light.
The following events were nothing short of magical. They carried out façade experiments in a single night, investigating dynamic photovoltaic glazing patterns and creative smart ventilation combinations. The crew was prepared for physical mock-ups by morning with workable prototypes. The result? A stunning building defined by its fluid curves and adaptable exterior, effortlessly merging cutting-edge technology with the warmth of human-centric artistry.
Living Architecture
The “Crystal Corridor,” as the Raffles City Hangzhou skybridge is lovingly called, is where UNS’s biophilic fantasies come to life in a breathtaking show of color and vitality! Imagine yourself floating 250 meters above the bustling city below through a magnificent 300 meters of terraced gardens. While tranquil water lilies float elegantly over sparkling reflecting pools that shine at nightfall like liquid stars, you can feel the soft touch of native bamboo waving in the breeze.
Your feet sink into plush moss carpets as soon as you enter the Sky Gardens. Under tall bamboo canopies, automated misting clouds glide overhead, providing a cool embrace.
Reflecting basins that collect rooftop runoff are one of the water features included into the winding bridge. LED ribbons illuminate the river as twilight approaches, turning the bridge into a glittering ribbon that hangs between skyscrapers and the sky.
Spend some time on a limestone bench that brightly indicates increases in air quality and soil moisture. Mycelium-based whimsical wayfinding signs gently glow as they lead you through fragrant gardens brimming with in-season herbs.
UNS transforms a roadway into a multisensory experience in Raffles City, Hangzhou, demonstrating architecture as more than just steel and glass, it is a living, breathing environment.
Architecture You Can Hear, Smell, and Feel
You’ll feel as though you’ve joined a live exhibit that appeals to all of your senses when you enter Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Museum retrofit! Here’s how UNS turned a routine stroll into a memorable event:
Interactive Sound Zones: The sound of roaring engines, tire screeches, and the faint click of gear shifts fill the room as soon as you tread onto pressure-sensitive floor panels. The roar of the legendary 300SL grows louder as you walk around it, giving you the impression that the vehicle is coming to life in front of you. It’s the kind of thing that stops you cold, leaving you speechless and enthralled.
Fragrance Milestones: As you approach the vintage cockpit display, you can smell the distinct smell of leather in the air you’re walking through. A fragrance of high-octane petrol is then detected as you approach the racing legends. The scent of pine and moss welcomes you in the forest-themed exhibit, which recreates the atmosphere of a picturesque journey through the Black Forest without requiring you to leave the museum.
Tactile flooring: Here, your feet go on their own voyage. You can go across warm, ribbed parts that evoke the heat from a roaring engine block after stepping onto sleek, cool tiles that seem like a polished automobile chassis. Visitors can’t stop talking about it on social media because of its unusual blend of science and nostalgia.
Light and Shadow Choreography: To create a cozy ambiance, the LED ribbons incorporated into the museum’s walkways alternate between shining spotlights and gentle ambient glows as you pass through. These luminous ribbons give you the impression that they are leading you through the history of automobiles, improving your experience at every turn.
Surprise “Easter Eggs”: Interactive displays with secret surprises provide even more delight. When someone claps close to the smart bench, a speaker with a historic race countdown bursts into life. Visitors are enticed to return and discover more of the museum’s wonderful mysteries because of these entertaining, tiny features.
At the Mercedes-Benz Museum, UNS has crafted more than just rooms, they’ve created an immersive experience that captivates your senses. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and education, offering a thrilling journey through the world of automobiles.
Transforming Skylines: K.Wah G72 Mixed-use Development
At K.Wah G72 in Hong Kong, enter a world where the commonplace becomes exceptional. Tucked away on the lively Kai Tak’s recently reclaimed runway, this building is more than simply a structure; it’s a window into what urban life may look like in the future!
Discover stunning rooftop retreats sculpted by nature itself as you meander through the Terraced Sky Gardens. Imagine doing yoga at dawn, surrounded by the sweet scent of orchids in bloom, or having private meals beneath the soft bamboo swing while the stars shine overhead.
The enthusiasm on the Living Market Floor is infectious! Here, ingenious app-controlled louvres adapt to the weather, offering comfortable cover in the event of rain and opening wide to greet crowds during vibrant festivals. Imagine exploring busy stores, trying delicious food from food vendors, and seeing impromptu performances that liven up the neighborhood. Additionally, don’t overlook the Energy Carousel. In addition to being a beautiful feature, it has solar panels that capture sunshine, powering hydroponic fields and ensuring that the neighboring café always has a supply of delectable, fresh fruit. That extra energy creates a breathtaking vision across the bay when night falls, lighting up the sky gardens like a miraculous display of sparkling lanterns.
Thanks to the Community Pulse Dashboard, an entertaining touchscreen that provides you with real-time occupancy, air quality, and noise levels, the lobby is bustling with activity. It also makes making eco-friendly decisions a bit of a game! Choosing the stairs instead of the elevator earns you a green leaf icon, which adds a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment to sustainable living. Look closely at the Runway Remnants, which are hidden beneath the transparent plaza panels. Using an AR guide, you can see these runway ruins come to life and learn about the area’s rich history. They contain fascinating stories of the past.
Since its grand opening, G72 has revitalized the neighborhood, increasing foot traffic by an impressive 20% and earning prestigious accolades like the CTBUH Urban Innovation Award. This place proves that a building can be so much more than just bricks and mortar; it can be a vibrant community hub filled with creativity, commerce, and connection.
Adaptive Reuse: Mercedes-Benz Museum Retrofit
With the Mercedes-Benz Museum back in Stuttgart, the UNS team has accomplished something very remarkable. The house seems to have been given a colorful makeover that takes you back in time! With photovoltaic glass panels that gleam like silver ribbons in the sunlight, they have turned the old spiraling atrium into a magnificent space rather than simply adding a new addition. You’ll discover as you explore the museum that interactive exhibits that truly bring automotive history to life are powered by the enthusiasm of all those eager visitors. And those LED strips that adhere to the well-known double helix? They provide a contemporary touch while guiding you through the exhibitions, so they’re not merely there for decoration.
But there’s even more! This brilliant upgrade has cut the museum’s annual energy costs by an impressive 35%. Additionally, with the footfall sensors, the lighting and audio adjust based on how many people are nearby, turning quieter corners into cozy little spots just waiting to be discovered. It’s not just a museum; it’s an adventure waiting to unfold!
Awards and Future Horizons
By late 2025, UNS’s real-world magic show has achieved the following accolades:
- CTBUH Eco-Skyscraper Prize for One Helix
- CTBUH Urban Innovation Award for K.Wah G72
- BDI Gold Medal for sustainable retrofit at the Mercedes-Benz Museum
As we look to the future, UNS is already envisioning incredible innovations: floating wellness pods that hover above flood-prone neighborhoods, public benches that respond with soundscapes at a touch, and lighting that changes color based on your mood. These ideas are the initial sparks ignited by the studio’s founders. Caroline Bos, whose early interest in how spaces affect our emotions continues to inspire UNS’s biodesign labs, first noted the floating pod concept on napkins during a late-night conversation about resilience. Ben van Berkel, known for his provocative approach, challenged his team one night: “Design a bench that listens back,” which led to the development of haptic-seat experiments. Their lively discussions, Bos’s poetic empathy meeting van Berkel’s technical skill, are the secret ingredient of UNS.
Under their dynamic leadership, UNS is actively shaping the future of architecture by designing structures that are joyful, regenerative, and deeply aligned with human needs. These innovative designs reflect a commitment to creating spaces that enhance quality of life while promoting sustainability.
References:
- One Helix at Amsterdam UMC
https://www.unstudio.com/project/one-helix-amsterdam-umc - K.Wah G72 Mixed-use Development
https://www.unstudio.com/project/g72-mixed-use-development - Mercedes-Benz Museum Retrofit
https://www.unstudio.com/project/mercedes-benz-museum - Raffles City Hangzhou “Crystal Corridor”
https://www.unstudio.com/project/raffles-city-hangzhou - “In Conversation with Ben van Berkel of UNStudio,” Vladimir Belogolovsky, ArchDaily, February 13 2025
