Artist James Turrell plans monumental land art amidst AlUla’s striking landscape, the design year kicks off with Maison&Objet, and the hospitality industry continues to offer support to Southern California. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Inside Norman Foster’s architectural empire
The Six Senses Southern Dunes, the Red Sea resort in Saudi Arabia features architecture by Foster + Partners; photo courtesy of Six Senses
An in-depth profile by The New Yorker highlights British architect Norman Foster for his expansive ambition and the creation of an unparalleled design empire. The 89-year-old’s firm, Foster + Partners, which he founded in 1967, has become a global powerhouse, specializing in architecture, interiors, engineering, and urbanism. The article delves into Foster’s meticulous image management and his influence on modern architecture, underscoring his role in shaping contemporary urban landscapes. “Foster’s overarching achievement is his company,” writes Ian Parker. “He traded on a refined reputation without losing it; he built an architectural machine that could execute acclaimed, precise work at an unprecedentedly high volume.”
Tourism hits record high in 2024 and travel trends shift for 2025
American Airlines’ Admirals Club, designed by DMAC Architecture & Interiors, overlooks a runway at DCA in Arlington, Virginia; photo by Anthony Tahlier
Tourism roared back in 2024, with international arrivals hitting a record 1.4 billion, according to The New York Times. Spain, Japan, and Morocco all shattered visitor records, and 2025 looks even brighter, with a 24 percent rise in trips anticipated. The piece details several trends that highlight travelers’ evolving priorities: sustainable travel is gaining traction as travelers focus on minimizing social impacts, while luxury resorts respond with high-end, all-inclusive experiences. Europe sees a shift toward “detour destinations” and bespoke train trips, while air travel caters to premium fliers with new lounges and elevated cabin options. Cruises introduce private islands and mega-ships, and solo vacations now embrace group dynamics. And, amid mixed pricing forecasts, tech-free getaways are also capturing imaginations.
Maison&Objet’s January edition abounds with intrigue and inspiration
Inside Hotel Uchronia, an installation by Paris-based designer Julien Sebban at Maison&Objet; photo by Felix Dol Maillot
The first major design event of the year, Maison&Objet, concluded its January edition on Monday in Paris. The trade fair, held at Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, explored the faux and the bizarre via the theme of Sur/Reality, an invitation to play with digital technology and the infinite possibilities AI. On the show floor, Uchronia founder Julien Sebban was given carte blanche to create the What’s New? In Hospitality installation. The result was Hotel Uchronia, a richly layered 2,153-square-foot space sheathed in vibrant red, purple, orange, and pink hues courtesy of social media-fueled brand Tonester Paints and featuring a custom round bed from Tréca Paris. In tandem, the Maison&Objet In the City tour extended the fair throughout the city with a curated itinerary of 100 showrooms, galleries, and beyond to visit.
James Turrell’s Skyspaces set to illuminate the Arabian Desert
Rendering courtesy of James Turrell Studio and the Royal Commission for AlUla
As part of the AlUla Arts Festival, Wadi AlFann Presents: James Turrell showcases the California Light and Space master’s works, from early pieces like Alta (1968) to more recent projects, reports Artnet. The exhibition also previews Turrell’s upcoming monumental Wadi AlFann commission in the Saudi Arabian desert—a series of his iconic Skyspaces and chambers within a canyon that celebrate the region’s crisp desert light. Set in a planned 25-square-mile arts venue, the project will join other large-scale works by artists like Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater. The current show runs through April 19th.
The hospitality industry maintains support as new wildfires erupt in Southern California
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Even with rain forecasted over the weekend, the catastrophic wildfires that have plagued Southern California over the past several weeks continue to burn, reports the LA Times. In addition to a comprehensive directory compiled by Travel + Leisure, many other hospitality organizations and professionals have stepped up to offer assistance and funds for those affected. Mother Wolf Los Angeles, for example, is donating some proceeds to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and Mother Wolf Group managing partner Giancarlo Pagani recently launched an urgent petition to LA’s government to ask for support for small businesses affected by the wildfires. Additional resources and calls for support can be found via NEWH, Inc. and the NEWH Los Angeles Founding Chapter.
