Design Vanguard 2007 Features

For our eighth annual selection of the world’s top emerging designers, RECORD finds a diverse group of firms that are committed to making architecture count.

Looking at this year’s Design Vanguard winners, the first things you notice are the graceful lines and intriguing forms of the built work. You think: accomplished, thoughtful, pleasing. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover that this year’s group of 10 emerging designers is doing more than just making appealing architecture. Without a lot of fanfare or noise, these practitioners are engaging with issues larger than just form-making and are addressing audiences beyond the world of architects.

	Studio Pei-Zhu Studio Pei-Zhu commits to an energetic urbanism in modern China. Photo: © Courtesy Studio Pei-Zhu
	Leven Betts Studio Leven Betts Studio crafts its project-specific solutions at a variety of scales. Photo: © Michael Moran
	estudio.entresitio estudio.entresitio reinterprets Spanish traditions with a sensitive touch. Photo: © Raúl Belinchón
	Höweler + Yoon Höweler + Yoon blurs edges between art and architecture with digital aplomb. Photo: Courtesy Höweler + Yoon
	Moongyu Choi+GaA Architects Moongyu Choi+GaA Architects stacks the deck with multi-layered designs. Photo: © Yongkwan Kim
	Tatiana Bilbao Tatiana Bilbao, an early urban advocate, seeks an inclusive audience. Photo: © Max Von Werz
	Sebastian Mariscal Sebastian Mariscal mixes design with business and social responsibility. Photo: Courtesy Sebastian Mariscal Studio
	Sou Fujimoto Sou Fujimoto fractures plans and sections while bringing together people. Photo: © Daici Ano
	BROISSINarchitects BROISSINarchitects blazes a trail for the next generation of Mexican architects. Photo: © Paul Czitrom
	Atelier Kempe Thill Atelier Kempe Thill finds ways to bring together continuity and innovation. Photo: © Ultich Schwarz