Robots could be sent to Mars to build caves for later habitation by humans, according to a proposal for the colonisation of the planet by German firm ZA Architects (+ slideshow). More about Mars Colonisation by ZA Architects
This house by architect Marlene Uldschmidt has been built into the side of a hill in Portugal and features a vertical light well that links its upper and lower floors (+ slideshow). More about Casa 103 by Marlene Uldschmidt Architects
Following the huge success of Sam Jacob’s regular opinion column, we’re proud to announce that four more world-class writers are joining us as columnists: Dan Hill, Alexandra Lange, Kieran Long and Justin McGuirk. More about Meet our new Opinion columnists!
News: the "death-ray" effect created by sunlight reflected off the glazed facade of Rafael Viñoly's Walkie Talkie skyscraper in London were predicted over a year ago by a professional CGI artist, it emerged today as developers rush to install protective screens. More about CGI artist predicted "Walkie Scorchie" effect a year ago
News: today's Google Doodle in Japan celebrates what would have been the 100th birthday of Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. More about Google Japan pays tribute to Kenzo Tange
This timber-clad house in Auckland by New Zealand studio Glamuzina Paterson Architects zigzags across its site to outline gardens on both its east and west sides (+ slideshow). More about S House by Glamuzina Paterson Architects
An old brick and timber house appears to have been cut in two inside the new Shanghai flagship store for shoe brand Camper, designed by Chinese architects Neri&Hu (+ slideshow) More about Camper Shanghai by Neri&Hu
Industrial design student Jeong Yong has created a pair of chairs with grid-like frames based on traditional Korean furniture. More about King and Queen Chair by Jeong Yong
This small wooden hut is a combined guest house and sculpture studio perching on the edge of Lake George in upstate New York (+ slideshow). More about Polygon Studio by Jeffery Poss and WORKUS Studio
Architects including Zaha Hadid, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier are depicted like vintage video game characters in these images by graphic designer Federico Babina (+ slideshow). More about Archipix by Federico Babina
Movie: in our second video interview with Konstantin Grcic in Milan, the industrial designer discusses the upsides and downsides of designing collections for multiple brands, rather than building relationships with a select few. More about "Some companies hire designers for marketing reasons" - Konstantin Grcic
The setting for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will be a lagoon-side peninsula with 15 sports venues dotted along a network of snaking pathways, as detailed in this new set of visuals by masterplanners AECOM (+ slideshow). More about Rio 2016 Olympic Park by AECOM
Product news: French design company Moustache will present new products including lights shaped like swirls of cream and visor-inspired wall lamps at Maison & Objet in Paris this weekend (+ slideshow). More about New collection by Moustache
London studio rAndom International has created a 20-metre tower of falling water at a former coal mine in Germany (+ slideshow). More about Tower: Instant Structure for Schacht XII by rAndom International
Our second recent story from Japanese architects Studio Velocity is a house shaped like a fairytale tower with five different staircases connecting its two floors (+ slideshow). More about House in Chiharada by Studio Velocity
Product news: Hannover designer Patrick Frey curved and folded a sheet of thin aluminium to create the seat of these chairs for outdoor accessories brand Vial. More about Kirk chair by Patrick Frey for Vial
Angular cutaways and a deep shaft create apertures between the floors of this family house on Shikoku Island, Japan, by Osaka studio Horibe Associates (+ slideshow). More about House in Kamihachiman by Horibe Associates
Competition: Dezeen and laminate brand Formica Group have teamed up to give readers the chance to win a limited-edition Eames table and copies of the brand's latest book. More about Competition: Formica Group Eames table and books to be won
An asymmetric tunnel leads through an all-black facade to a bright and spacious interior at this house in Chiba Prefecture, Japan (+ slideshow). More about Kiritoshi House by Sugawaradaisuke
British fashion designer Paul Smith has extended his Albemarle Street store in London to include a room lined with dominoes and a patterned iron facade by 6a Architects (+ slideshow). More about Albemarle Street store extension by Paul Smith with 6a Architects