At Place de Catalogne, a square designed by the late, great Ricardo Bofill in Paris’s 14th arrondissement, the formerly concrete roundabout is now a lush oasis where pedestrians, strollers and bicycles have formed flattened-grass paths along their daily routes. It feels like a forest in the city. And it’s just one part of Paris that has been transformed over the past decade from a car-first urban centre into a green paradise that puts pedestrians and cyclists first. By prioritizing nature as infrastructure, as contributor Alex Bozikovic makes clear in “City of Parks”, with accompanying photography by Bruno Giliberto, the city is meeting the challenge of climate change head-on.

Welcome to the Big Building Issue. Whereas we first conceived of our Fall 2026 edition with a focus on big “buildings” (noun, plural), we finally landed on “building” (verb, present participle) as our true intention. We’re talking about building — decarbonizing the city, investing in culture, designing for community — in a holistic way. In so doing, we also celebrate the wonderful architectural projects that have risen as our new landmarks. We head to Belgium, where three new and improved cultural attractions make the most of the urban fabric; and to Los Angeles, where executive editor Eric Mutrie takes in the latest act of the city’s arts boom, with scenes from the Geffen Galleries at LACMA and the Lucas Museum (page 58).

In Winnipeg, associate editor Sydney Shilling spends time with 5468796, a firm ensuring that every housing development it designs provides real opportunities for a better life for its inhabitants while also preserving and adding to the city’s unique character. And in Toronto, editor-in-chief Elizabeth Pagliacolo visits the Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where Formline Architecture + Urbanism, LGA Architectural Partners and PUBLIC WORK have crafted a building and landform in one that welcomes and encourages togetherness.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Beyond the Obamalisk

A tour through the Obama Presidential Center and its campus recalls the sense of hope and community that distinguished the U.S. leader’s tenure.

The Kitchen From Every Angle

From interiors (including by Montreal’s Perron, shown) to kitchen systems and appliances, we cover every element in the heart of the home.

Emerging Canadian Design

What inspires and drives newly established firms like Bishop McDowell? Join us as we take the pulse of Canadian design.

Best in Show: New York, Chicago and Copenhagen

Our editors present the most enduring takeaways from their trips to ICFF, Neocon and 3DaysofDesign, from home furnishings to office settings.