Webvision is the web design company behind the Architect’s Journal and the Architectural Review’s online formats. Just look at how creative they have been in providing websites that clearly separate the two UK competing architecture publications.

Been to the AJ website recently? No, well no need, here’s a screenshot:

And here’s a screenshot the AR’s:

Such diverse. Many different.

Webvision it seems have gone to as much effort as they can to divide the two publications. No lazy web design here.



Ok maybe, I’m being harsh. Turns out the AJ and AR are offering a joint subscription package. A trip to info.architectural-review offers a refreshing aesthetic change and sheds some light on the matter. Also, they both use an online service known as EMAP publishing which allows for easier migration to online formats from print and generally makes online publishing and subscription services easier to manage. More info here.

And in the eyes of Webvision, that’s solid enough reasoning to use practically the exact same web template. This would be acceptable if the AJ and AR were merging, but as far as I’m aware they’re not, they’re still competitors.

In addition to this, It looks as if the AR has got a rough deal. None of the design fits their aesthetic and the design looks far more tailored to the AJ’s needs. The AR requires more elegance, something to match its Bodoni typeface which currently looks very out of place when compared to the AJ’s bold red stripe and use of Franklin Gothic.

Anyway, here’s a look at what elements are exactly the same.

Not to mention that the header banner is replicated exactly, excluding changes in typeface. This is essentially the template both websites use.

Scroll down and the story continues…

Maybe, maybe this is a sign? Maybe they will merge? Both publications are touted to ditch their printed formats so a merge wouldn’t be so out the blue, especially on this evidence.

I just feel sorry for BDO whose web design looks as if it was stuck in 2008. Look at them using the most standard screen font (Georgia). Talk about basic. What next? Emails in Times New Roman? And did they not even get the red white and black memo? Orange is so last decade…