The fourth category in our 2017 rankings is architecture. This year, eleven new (and returning) websites were added to our list of the most visited architecture online platforms; as measured by Alexa Analytics international web traffic scores. In addition to news websites, the most visited portals are online databases and libraries of projects and products. We especially enjoyed browsing through the high-quality pictures and visuals of this year’s selection and hope that you will too.
- ArchDaily / www.archdaily.com / @ArchDaily
ArchDaily has finally taken first place. “The world’s most visited architecture website” has carved its place as the most comprehensive platform of architecture news, projects, competitions, events and much more. The website resources cover the broad range of interests among its international audience: insightful articles into architecture’s old and newest movements and trends, interviews with the most prominent and influential architects, technical information about the latest and most up-to-date software, and a catalog of products. ArchDaily keeps its readers engaged by inviting them to nominate and elect buildings of the year and to submit projects and written contributions.
2. Skyscrapercity / www.skyscrapercity.com / @sckyscrapercity
After five years, Skyscrapercity dropped to the second place of this year’s ranking. Formed in 2002, the website is home to one of the oldest and most active online communities. Its members can post and comment on a wide range of urban development and architecture topics organized under five thematic forums: World Development News, World, Infrastructure and Mobility, Photo, and Fun; three regional forums: Asian, Latin American, Caribbean and European; and a Continental forum for the rest of the world’s countries and regions. Posts and topics can also be found on the forum’s handy map.
3. Dezeen / https://www.dezeen.com / @dezeen
Dezeen might be the most influential platform dedicated to architecture and design online. Its website traffic score ranks it third in our top 20 list. News and articles published in Dezeen fall under four categories: Architecture, Interiors, Design and Technology; while editorials and columns can be found under opinion. In addition to written content, the website also shares videos of interest from its YouTube channel or other platforms. Dezeen puts great value on its reader's comments, page views, and search requests, and uses the data to generate an annual hot list of the most popular architects, designers, brands, fashion, institutions, schools, artists, events, and personalities.
4. designboom / www.designboom.com / @designboom
Launched in 1999, designboom is the first online platform dedicated to covering news in the areas of architecture, art, and design. The website has since expanded its coverage to interiors and technology and regularly conducts interviews with emergent and influential designers, artists, and architects. The website’s resources include a products library, a list of the most current design and architecture competitions, and a curated gallery of videos. Designboom welcomes reader’s submissions of design and art projects. New designers can submit their work to the website’s shop where it could be offered among a selection of objects by emergent and established brands.
5. Architizer / www.architizer.com / @Architizer
Architizer is an online database of architecture projects, firms, products, and products manufacturers. The website allows architects to showcase their work, source products, connect with brands, and build their network. Architizer is best known for the A+Awards; an annual program and event celebrating the best architecture projects and products. The program aims to connect and expose works of architecture to a broader network of professionals through a jury of more than 400 leaders in areas as diverse as real estate, fashion, and tech. Every year, a book featuring the winning projects and products is published.
6. Divisare / https://divisare.com / @divisare_
Joining our ranking this year is Divisare, the largest library of contemporary architecture online to date. Launched in 1998 as Europaconcorsi, the website, based in Rome, Italy was rebranded in 2015 as Divisare. Its high-quality pictures, an extensive collection of projects, multiple search tools, and minimalist interface make it a favorite of ours. Published projects are classified in albums rolled continuously on the website’s homepage. Search tools include an alphabetical index and a list of the most followed albums. Projects can also be explored based on their publication date and their popularity - or by searching the website’s directory of architecture firms and photographers. Divisare collections of visual and written essays can also be ordered in print - as individual books - or sets.
7. Architonic / http://www.architonic.com / @architonic
Like Architizer, Architonic is a database of projects, products, manufacturers, architects, and designers. Additionally, the website offers a directory of consultants and professionals involved in the building and construction industry. The website has advanced search tools in each category and features the newest products on its homepage; along with design solutions, fairs, and retailers. Architonic also has a dedicated section to news and stories pertaining to the industry, and a job board with opportunities primarily based in Europe.
8. Dwell / https://www.dwell.com / @dwell
Dwell is an architecture and design platform dedicated to residential architecture. The website aims to inspire and connect architects and (prospective) homeowners. To that purpose, the website has a directory of architects plus other construction and interior design professionals and hosts a discussion forum where questions and tips can be exchanged. The website’s biggest asset is its collection of homes which can be searched by location. Additional style guides and special collections of furniture and homeware can be found in their shop.
9. Archinect / http://archinect.com / @archinect
Archinect is an online networking platform for architects and architecture students. The website has an active community of users exchanging ideas, professional and educational advice, and offers the ability to share work updates through its forums and blogs. Archinect publishes news and features of architectural issues, urban planning, sustainability, academia, and technology, among other categories. The website also lists the most current events and competitions and has a dedicated job board.
10. Skyscraperpage / https://skyscraperpage.com
Not to be confused with Skyscrapercity, skyscraperpage is a database of skyscrapers and tall buildings. The website’s database includes buildings in the world’s major cities and metropolises. Each city is linked to skyscraper and timeline diagrams, maps of the buildings and ongoing development locations, and a discussion forum. The forum includes additional resources such as city photos taken around the world by local members. It’s worth mentioning that the website’s drawings are contributed by volunteering illustrators who have created more than 56,000 diagram to date.
11. Contemporist / @CONTEMPORIST
13. Designing Buildings Wiki / @DesigningB
15. Web Urbanist / @weburbanist
17. Home Adore / @HomeAdore
18. Architect / @architectmag
19. The Architects' Journal / @ArchitectsJrnal
20. The Architect's Newspaper / @Archpaper
We hope you found new sources of inspiration in this list. If there are any that we missed, let us know in the comments. We love discovering new resources. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to this year’s Top 20 Architecture Websites Twitter list and to check previous rankings from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
