At the recent AECtech 2025 Conference, part of a unique, week-long conference that brings together designers, engineers, technologists, and builders from around the world to advance innovation across the built environment, Zahner Lead Research and Development Engineer, Burcin Nalinci, presented “Innovation in Four Dimensions: From Tacit Craft to Computational Knowledge.”
Frank Gehry’s passing marks the close of a remarkable chapter in architectural history, one defined by fearless experimentation and daring creativity.
Jennifer Luce, founder of LUCE et Studio Architects, has always been drawn to the workshop-atelier model that values conversation, collaboration, and design. And it shows in both her work and her working relationships. With a rich family history in textile design and production, Luce’s design signature of using metals as story-bearing media has further burnished her firm's reputation for buildings that are resolutely modern and dependent on a high level of craft. When metalcrafting and design collaboration are needed, Luce calls Zahner. With Zahner as a partner in design, engineering, fabrication, and installation, Luce elevates metal from material to language, creating architecture that feels alive and enduring.
There's been a clear shift in contemporary design toward materials that embody drama and depth. And nothing captures that aura better than blackened steel and blackened stainless steel.
From sleek, minimalist interiors to bold, industrial facades, these dark-hued metals have been capturing the imagination of architects and designers alike for many years now. Let’s explore the origins, applications, appeal, and selection guidance for blackened metals.
When the design vision pushes beyond the conventional, HKS turns to partners who thrive in the unknown. That’s why HKS LINE—an experimental studio within the global architecture firm—has forged a long-standing relationship with Zahner. From the mass-customized skin of SoFi Stadium to the story-etched perforations of Pacific Plaza Pavilion, the two teams have collaborated on projects that blend artistry, advanced computation, and real-world fabrication. With shared values of innovation, trust, and craft, HKS and Zahner are redefining what’s possible in architectural metal.