2013: The year in design

27 December 2013

News image — Critics praised Zaha Hadid's Galaxy Soho project in Beijing for its futuristic curves but a Beijing heritage group mourned the continued destruction of its old town. (Hufton Crow)

Critics praised Zaha Hadid's Galaxy Soho project in Beijing for its futuristic curves but a Beijing heritage group mourned the continued destruction of its old town. (Hufton Crow)

From battery-powered exoskeletons to buildings that melt cars, this year was a notable one for design.

More amazing image galleries of the year:

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An Elizabethan mansion's secrets for staying warm

In a deadly cold period known as the Little Ice Age, clever Elizabethan designs kept a magnificent stately home unusually warm – with lessons for how we can heat our own homes better.

6 days ago

7 days ago

A blue sign with white writing on a brick wall reads "Airbus 01B Leadership University. The leaves of a tree can be seen in the left of the image, while the top of a barbed wire fence is just visible along the bottom.

Training academy a 'major investment' in aerospace

The Aerospace Skills Academy will open on the old Filton Airfield led by Weston College Group.

7 days ago

8 days ago

The image shows a person standing indoors in what appears to be a modern office or professional setting. The individual has straight, shoulder-length light brown hair and is wearing a white top with a bold black floral pattern. Around the neck, there is a delicate silver necklace with a small pendant shaped like a car. To the right side of the image, there are white lockers with visible numbering in dark text and small blue details near the locks. The background includes large windows with natural light coming through, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Engineer smashes industry fellowship record at 28

Rachel Piper is the youngest person to become a fellow with the Institution of Civil Engineers.

8 days ago

13 Jan 2026

Exterior of a modern tree house in a forest overlooking a lake and mountains (Credit: Woodnest/ Sindre Ellingsen)

10 of the world's most spectacular tree houses

Treetop living is not just for kids. These architect-designed, "nest-like" dwellings – created in forests all over the world – are the ultimate sky-high retreats from urban living.

13 Jan 2026

Photo of Ana wearing a white hard hat. She has brown hair.

First look at cathedral's restoration work

Conservators on the Restoring Pugin project have almost restored the first of three chapels.

13 Jan 2026

2013: The year in design

Should we all live in '15-minute cities'?

Inside the stunning 'new Athens' of Central Europe

How an 'erotic' body part inspires a legendary designer

A close look at the highest railway bridge in the world

Can redesigning aeroplanes save the planet?

The utopian town built by 8,000 people in the desert

The Japanese project rethinking society through its toilets

Online festival celebrates arts affected by Covid-19

Could you live in Norway’s most extreme town?

Why humanity should embrace its ‘inevitable’ extinction

'Should we create new life if we can't protect what exists?'

How incredible ‘living homes’ could save the climate

The extreme homes of maximalists and minimalists

Could Earth’s entire population live in one mega-city?

The garden of six qualities

Are we living in a man's world?

Can an island solve a Nordic housing crisis?

The world’s largest undersea restaurant

The world's most relaxing library

Designing the world’s most relaxing library

An Elizabethan mansion's secrets for staying warm

Training academy a 'major investment' in aerospace

Engineer smashes industry fellowship record at 28

10 of the world's most spectacular tree houses

First look at cathedral's restoration work