Marina Sassu Architects, Inc.

06/02/2026

https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-dig-treasures-paris-archaeology-roman-dae41f792c1402faf32a87c154cc9a77

Archaeologists are digging beneath Notre Dame cathedral to explore as far back as Roman Paris from 2,000 years ago.

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

The Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York, designed by I.M. Pei and completed in 1968, is an iconic example of Brutalist architecture. This museum is notable for its stark, angular form and the extensive use of poured-in-place concrete, which exemplifies the Brutalist aesthetic of expressing functionality through raw construction materials. The building's unique design features bold geometrical shapes and an asymmetrical layout, creating a dynamic interaction between the structure and its urban environment. The interior spaces are designed to facilitate the flow of visitors and the thoughtful display of art collections, showcasing Pei’s ability to blend practicality with sculptural form in his architectural designs.

05/21/2026

Rem Koolhaas’s quote reflects his critical view on the complex role of architecture in society. Koolhaas often addresses the tension between an architect's vision and the constraints imposed by external forces—politics, economics, and regulations. The "power" in architecture comes from the profession's ability to shape cities and influence the built environment. However, "impotence" refers to how these grand ambitions are often restricted by budgetary limits, bureaucratic decisions, and client demands. Koolhaas’s work, especially in projects like the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing, demonstrates how architects must navigate this balance, creating impactful structures despite significant limitations.

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport, completed in 1962, is a symbol of the Jet Age's futuristic optimism. Its iconic bird-like shape, flowing curves, and sweeping concrete forms reflect Saarinen’s vision of movement and flight. Inside, the expansive, open spaces and sleek lines evoke a sense of drama and elegance, making the terminal a celebration of modern travel. The building remains one of Saarinen’s most recognizable works, seamlessly blending form and function, and setting the standard for modern airport design.

05/21/2026

Zaha Hadid, photographed by Brigitte Lacombe. This portrait captures Hadid during the peak of her international recognition, following projects like the Phaeno Science Center (2005) and before the completion of MAXXI in Rome (2009). Known for challenging the orthodoxy of architectural form, Hadid consistently worked at the intersection of parametric design, fluid geometry, and urban speculation. By the time of this photograph, she had already shifted from conceptual drawings and deconstructivist experiments in the 1980s to large-scale built commissions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her work reframed the role of curvature and complexity in contemporary practice.

© Brigitte Lacombe