Welcome to the new age of mass timber. In Toronto, a couple of innovative developments push the climate-conscious, carbon-sequestering building material to new heights. Montgomery Sisam’s Koffler Scientific Reserve on the Oak Ridges Moraine and Moriyama Teshima’s Limberlost Place in the downtown core demonstrate – each in their unique way – research-driven methods for expanding CLT’s structural possibilities and for conceptualizing exciting built forms that house warm, dynamic spaces.

Timber is just one subject we explore in our Nov/Dec 2025 issue, which coincides with AZURE’s second annual Human/Nature conference (taking place at Evergreen Brick Works from October 29 to 30). We also set our sights on Mexico, where some of that nation’s most renowned architects, including Fernanda Canales and Bernardo Quinzaños, have worked within a federal government program to revitalize hundreds of urban spaces. Many are on the fringes, such as the border town of Agua Prieta, where Canales has created a library and a linear park that provide shade and a variety of ways for gathering together, both for learning and recreation.

Next, we catch up with Boonserm Prethada, whose architecture for elephants in his native Thailand is earning him acclaim around the world. And we stop in on a British thatch-roofed “housestead” that runs on renewable energy by Sanei + Hopkins. From the institutional to the domestic, the best climate action design reaches for vibrant possibilities.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Groundbreaker: Herzog & de Meuron and Piet Oudolf Make Art

The Calder Gardens in Philadelphia merges architecture and landscape in a refined manner that would make its namesake proud.

SPOTLIGHT: Inspirations for the kitchen

A compendium of projects and appliances that appeal to all the senses.

‘Tis the season: AZURE’s Annual Gift Guide

Only the best finds, curated to impress your discerning design friends.