The Year in Architecture

Two of the country's most famed and respected architecture critics have produced a list of the "good, bad, and the pink" of architecture in 2017.

1 minute read

December 20, 2017, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Cupertino

Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock

The annual review of the year in architecture produced by Alexandra Lange, architecture critic for Curbed, and Mark Lamster, architecture critic for the Dallas Morning News, is a fan and Planetizen favorite. This year's list continues the tradition of previous mixing some fun in with some snark for an irreverent approach to the year's events in a usually stuffy field.

Among the list are some recognitions that have the fingerprints of planners too, such as the "Best Disappearing Act," which goes to the design leadership at Apple: "From the 11,000-car garage at Apple “Park,” to the company’s claim that stores are “town squares,” the behemoth has lost the plot," according to the post.

There's also a "Honk Twice for Sustainability Award," which goes to Totota for "[dumping] plans for their own LEED-rated Texas headquarters in suburbia, with 6,500 parking spaces and effectively zero public transit."

Planetizen picked up news of Lange and Lamster's annual architecture review in 2016 and 2014. The annual architecture review pairs well with a review of the year in landscape architecture, published earlier this month and written by Charles A. Birnbaum.

Monday, December 18, 2017 in Curbed

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog