Featuring buildings equipped with meandering balconies and terraces that fan out like leaves, this roundup collects 10 of the most dramatic sculptural balconies published on Dezeen.

Kaktus Towers, Denmark, by BIG

Danish architecture studio BIG's Kaktus Towers comprises two jagged buildings that hold 495 residences and are equipped with angular balconies. The homes are linked by a raised public park sloping between them.

The residencies have rotated floor plates, which provide each home with a view of Copenhagen's Vesterbro district from the balconies.

Find out more about Kaktus Towers ›

Q Residences, The Netherlands, by Studio Gang

Q Residences by US firm Studio Gang includes an eight-storey structure called Qube and a 23-storey structure called Quartz, which are connected by a public plaza.

Protruding concrete fins line Quartz's facade, which gives each of the residencies an angled balcony that appears to "migrate in and out of the facade", the studio said.

Find out more about Q Residences ›

Barangaroo House, Australia, by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

Barangaroo House has tiered balconies clad in charred timber dowels. The dowels house restaurants that provide views across Sydney's redeveloped Barangaroo South precinct.

The balconies on the upper floors are encircled by raised planters and equipped with operable glazing that connects the balconies to the building's internal spaces.

Find out more about Barangaroo South ›

Apartment complex, France, by Peripheriques Marin+Trottin and Jumeau Architectes

Meandering balconies bordered by metal balustrades characterise this Parisian apartment complex in L'Ile-Saint-Denis.

The complex includes eight storeys with duplex apartments incorporated on the top level. Its wavy balconies create private spaces outside each apartment, whilst maintaining a communal thoroughfare along the length of the building.

Find out more about apartment complex ›

MN15 Ibirapuera, Brazil, by Königsberger Vannucchi Arquitetura

MN15 Ibirapuera is a residential building equipped with irregularly glass-lined balconies that appear slanted from a distance, giving the building a sculptural appearance.

Some of the balconies jut outwards, while others are recessed. Along the corners of the building, the balconies appear to shift in different directions, creating a lively silhouette.

Find out more about MN15 Ibirapuera ›

L'Arbre Blanc tower, France, by Sou Fujimoto

This tower in Montpellier, France, is modelled on the shape of a tree and includes 114 apartments with cantilevering balconies designed to promote outdoor living.

Many of the balconies cantilever to over seven metres. The duplex flats' balconies are also connected by stairs, which aim to encourage residents on different floors to interact.

Find out more about L'Arbre Blanc tower ›

Iqon skyscraper, Ecuador, by BIG

Pixellated box-like balconies define the residential Iqon skyscraper, also designed by BIG, which includes 220 apartments. The balconies are made from concrete and feature plants and trees native to South America.

The 133-metre-high skyscraper is also equipped with commercial and office spaces.

Find out more about Iqon skyscraper ›

Seafront apartment block, Australia, by Koichi Takada Architects

This mixed-use apartment block on Queensland's Gold Coast features undulating balconies equipped with retractable slatted wooden screens that were informed by the structure of a pine cone.

The 1,012-square-metre seafront site includes 15 apartments, two penthouses and a ground floor with a gym, pool and sauna. The curved balconies overlap each other to provide areas of shade to the residencies below.

Find out more about Seafront apartment block ›

Sky Yards Hotel, China, by Domain Architects

Sky Yards Hotel has 48 rooms and features balconies that are designed to focus views upwards, framing the mountainous skyline.

Shanghai-based Domain Architects refers to the balconies as "micro yards" and each has an opening cut out of an exterior wall. These micro yards are deep and were designed to be spacious enough to include gardens and outdoor bathtubs.

Find out more about Sky Yards Hotel ›

Chongqing housing development, China, by Safdie Architects

The 42,740-square-metre Eling Hill development (above and main image) has an interlocking design that gives each of its 126 apartments a harmonious, undulating facade.

The building overlooks the Yangtze River in Chongqing, China, and its balconies are partly shaded by swooping rust-coloured slats.

Find out more about Chongqing housing development ›

The post Ten buildings that make a sculptural feature of their balconies appeared first on Dezeen.

Design studio Raw Edges has created Sense of Surface, a 3D-printed installation exploring the interplay between light and textured surfaces that was shown at trade show IMM Cologne.

Sense of Surface consisted of a semi-transparent printed curtain and four 3D-printed "volumetric spheres" that were design to appeared as if they were floating freely in the space.

"The installation is a captivating exploration of the interplay between light and textured surfaces, created specifically for IMM Cologne 2024," said Raw Edges.

The installation's 3D structures, which were hung from above, were constructed using a Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printer that fused together layers of polymer power.

Once printed, the pieces were joined into three-dimensional volumetric shapes on-site "almost like a tailor's work", according to Raw Edges co-founder Shay Alkalay.

The installation responded to IMM Cologne's 2024 theme The Sensuality of Surfaces and examined how a flat surface can be transformed into a "complex and three-dimensional body".

"For a long time we have been fascinated by the relationship between 2D graphic patterns and three-dimensional forms," Alkalay told Dezeen.

"It can be seen in our wood-dyed Endgrain collection, where we turn flat graphic surfaces into three-dimensional objects and enjoy the distortions and how they affect each other."

Lighting levels were manipulated throughout the space, altering the 3D structures' appearance.

"We started to play with the idea of see-through surfaces, patterned structures and transparency and to see how light can interact with it," Raw Edges told Dezeen.

"We were interested in exploring how three-dimensional structures can feel transparent in a space when there is no light, but become more diffused and opaque when illuminated. "

Alongside the sculptural forms, a curtain was made from Apollo – a semi-transparent textile created from German textile brand Rökona.

The pattern was 3D printed onto the fabric using pigment ink developed by printing brand Kornit.

"The result is a see-through printed surface that beckons visitors to step into the installation, creating an immersive and interactive experience," said Raw-Edges.

Raw Edges designed Sense of Surface in a bid to create an area of tranquillity for visitors to enjoy while experiencing the trade show.

"It is an immersive installation that was there to let visitors take a break from the busy fair and to step into a different environment that allows you quietly to focus on the way light can interact with the surfaces," said Raw Edges.

Raw Edges was launched in 2007 by Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay to transform everyday objects into playful and inventive furniture, product, interior and installation designs.

IMM Cologne took place from 14 to 18 January 2024. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

The post Raw Edges suspends "volumetric spheres" at IMM Cologne appeared first on Dezeen.

Underwear brand Modibodi and illustrator Justyna Green have collaborated on the relaunched First Period Kit, which includes a comic that speaks to teenage girls' first experience of getting their period.

The kit includes a comic and sticker kit designed by Green and several Modibodi products, including a waterproof bag for changing, two pairs of Black Hipster Bikinis and a handheld mirror intended for exploring the body.

Green's comic tells the story of two teenage friends – Rosie and Riya – and begins on their school bus when Riya gets her first period.

Green aimed to depict Riya's experience in an "honest and warm way", intending to normalise the physical changes teenage girls go through during puberty while depicting the various emotions they can experience during the time, from embarrassment to anger.

The comic aims to break the taboo around female anatomy that has "left too many girls disconnected from their bodies, or even worse – ashamed of them," said Green.

In the comic, Riya holds up the kit's mirror to inspect her vulva for the first time.

According to Green, this was a conscious choice in prompting teenagers to understand their body parts better, which the illustrator says is the first step toward wider change needed to destigmatise periods as "shameful and taboo".

"It's important to break the taboo around female anatomy so that people with vulvas, vaginas, clitorises, uteruses, labias majoras and minoras can confidently describe their body parts, understand them better and in turn communicate their needs better too," Green told Dezeen.

"And for everybody regardless of their sex, to be able to say 'vulva' without looking away or blushing."

Green believes that there is a gap for content that is both entertaining and humourous to tackle female health and wellbeing.

"It's paramount that girls know their bodies so that they can take care of them and communicate their needs," said Green. "I want the girls who read it to have a laugh, grab a mirror, take a look at their vulva, and get to know their bodies."

The comic's visuals are translated into a sticker pack and on the kit's packaging assets.

Modibodi's First Period Kit was first launched in 2021 in a bid to take the uncertainty out of the experience.

Other period-related projects published on Dezeen include a smart menstrual cup that tracks periods automatically, a sanitary pad washing device for refugees and a portable menstrual cup cleaner designed to save water.

The post Modibodi's First Period Kit aims to destigmatise periods as "shameful and taboo" appeared first on Dezeen.

In the final interview of our Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series, chief people officer at Studio Gang Claire Cahan discusses what catches her eye in an application.

Anna Marks: What new skill sets are you looking for candidates to have?

Claire Cahan: Our ethos of  "actionable idealism", which describes our desire to design places that create a positive impact on people, communities, and the environment, extends directly into how we shape our culture and approach hiring.

Strong design skills are one very important aspect we consider. At the same time, candidates who also demonstrate a love for the process – collaborating, communicating, and engaging deeply – will stand out.

When we review portfolios and meet candidates, we look for an interest in and familiarity with a range of design and communication tools. Rather than looking for candidates who specialise in one technique or programme, we seek out people with diverse skill sets.

That may include hand sketching, photography, physical modelling, digital modelling, 2D and 3D construction drawing, strong writing and graphic design, just to name a few.

Anna Marks: Are you looking for candidates with traditional routes to the position? What would catch your eye in an application?

Claire Cahan: We believe our studio benefits most from people who have followed various routes throughout their education and career, and our current team reflects this.

Our staff represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures, colleges and universities, and types of degrees or specialities. We love how diverse perspectives can enrich our studio and the collaborative ideation and research-based process that defines our work.

We also value experience or skills in fields outside of architecture, because these can introduce new ideas to the design process and can also contribute to the culture of our studio.

In addition to being trained in architecture, many of our staff have backgrounds in ecology, engineering, digital technology, community engagement and organising, climate action and fabrication, among others.

Anna Marks: During the interview and application process, is there anything that you're doing differently than you did 10 years ago?

Claire Cahan: We've expanded our hiring team to include designers, architects, and administrative staff across all levels of the studio. This group intentionally reflects the geographic, gender and racial diversity of the studio, and the members come from different backgrounds, communities and educational and career paths.

We have also invested in developing a more robust hiring pipeline for students and young people. In addition to attending career fairs and portfolio reviews to help us connect with candidates, we offer paid internships to encourage upward paths of professional mobility.

We regularly hire graduate students of architecture as interns, and many go on to become full-time staff members when they graduate. We also participate in local programs that provide opportunities to young people from communities who have traditionally had less access to opportunities in architecture and related industries.

Anna Marks: What advice can you give people looking for a role in the company?

Claire Cahan: We are looking for designers and people who want to grow with the studio, so be specific about why you're interested in Studio Gang.

Knowing what attracted you to our work and how you see yourself contributing to it helps us get a better sense of your values and your goals. We value strong communication and curiosity, so we always appreciate it when you ask questions during the interview process.

Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series

This article is part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit, a series of interviews to mark Dezeen Jobs turning 15, which explores changing hiring practices and future recruitment needs for companies around the world.

The post "We are looking for designers who want to grow with the studio" says Studio Gang appeared first on Dezeen.

As part of our Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series, managing director at Snøhetta Design Hedda Foss Lilleng explains where the studio currently stands on recruitment.

Anna Marks: Can you talk me through Snøhetta Design's projects?

Hedda Foss Lilleng: Snøhetta Design is part of [architecture studio] Snøhetta, but we also function as an independent design studio. Half the work we do is with the architects and half the work we do is independent. Our approach is contextual, sensory and technologically curious.

Together with Snøhetta's other disciplines within architecture and design, we do exhibition designs and interactive experiences, wayfinding, placemaking, hospitality and retail, and environmental graphics. We also design books relating to architecture, placemaking, exhibitions and editorial design.

In branding, we handle digital projects and create web pages for brands developed in collaboration with clients. Additionally, we engage in special projects – for instance, last year, we partnered with the Norwegian Cancer Society as part of its Making a Christmas campaign.

Anna Marks: Where do you currently stand on recruitment?

Hedda Foss Lilleng: Recruitment is always evolving because the disciplines are always evolving and people are constantly changing their way of looking at work.

People want a flexible workspace, to have home offices and choose the hours they work but still be present, just digitally. At Snøhetta we want to create good spaces to be in so that people want to be at work. People are also increasingly looking for a place where they can make a difference.

We've always been conscious of diversity, but more and more our studio in Oslo is very multinational – it has 35 nationalities now. We have eight more studios around the world that we collaborate with regularly, which contribute even more to a rich and diverse array of ideas and perspectives.

Increasingly, we're using social media to recruit and we've had many people contact us via LinkedIn or Instagram. We often have dialogues with people via Instagram and email initially, and keep the dialogue going if it is interesting. It isn't really targeted at recruiting somebody, but often leads to opportunities when the right one comes up.

Anna Marks: Are you looking for candidates to have any new skill sets?

Hedda Foss Lilleng: As a baseline, they need to be excellent designers. But because of the changing world, the energy crisis, the health crisis, and the environmental crisis, we're increasingly looking for people who are resilient.

By resilient I don't mean tough or hard-working, I mean people who are in contact with themselves. All our work is done in teams, so the ability to learn from and to teach others, be curious about what other people do and have a growth mindset is important.

As artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over parts of our tasks, human empathy and our ways of being human are becoming more important. And, of course, being curious about AI itself is also important – how to use it as a creative tool, and how to achieve inspiring and engaging co-creative processes with AI at the ideation level, all while maintaining the designer's creative leadership.

A conscious attitude and interest in sustainability have always been crucial at Snøhetta. However, I think now we're even more explicitly seeking individuals with knowledge and curiosity about sustainable methods and solutions.

Anna Marks: During the interview process, is there anything you do differently than you did 10 years ago?

Hedda Foss Lilleng: We have added some things into the process and one of them is that candidates do a test. It's not precisely a personality test, but it might have similarities with one. In many ways, it works as a learning process for the individuals themselves and it helps us to get to know them and evaluate how they would fit into the team.

Anna Marks: What advice can you give people who are looking for a role at Snøhetta Design?

Hedda Foss Lilleng: Reach out if you want to get noticed and make sure that you have a well-functioning web page, or have a good Instagram account and engage in other people's work. Make sure to comment. Don't send a lengthy email and no visual references.

Also, make sure that you show that you're interested in the discipline and what we've done – it's like dating, right? If you want a person to like you, don't sit there and talk about yourself, you start having a conversation and be curious.

I get a lot of people emailing me saying "Snøhetta would be a perfect place for me to work and develop" – but I am thinking, how can you contribute? What are you truly curious about, what are your ambitions for the discipline of architecture and design and what's the weird stuff you're doing?

Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series

This article is part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit, a series of interviews to mark Dezeen Jobs turning 15, which explores changing hiring practices and future recruitment needs for companies around the world.

The post "We're looking for people who are resilient" says Hedda Foss Lilleng appeared first on Dezeen.

As Dezeen Jobs turns 15 this year we've interviewed a number of industry leaders on where their practice currently stands on recruitment.

The series of interviews examines the skill sets studios are looking for, where they see recruitment heading and the impact that AI has had not only on their recruitment process but on their practice as a whole.

Here we have rounded some of the key comments from the first five interviews within the series, featuring director at dRMM, Saskia Lencer; creative director at Toogood, Jan Rose; global design director and partner at Henning Larsen, Jacob Kurek; director at Tonkin Liu, Anna Liu; and director of Megan Grehl design studio, Megan Grehl.

Saskia Lencer, director at dRMM

Lencer spoke about how architecture studio dRMM has grown in the last 10 years and how the studio's recruitment process is now nearly all virtual.

The director explained that an untraditional route through architecture catches her eye in an application, particularly if a candidate has worked abroad.

Lencer also stressed that when applying for a role at dRMM, it is important for candidates to have developed on-site experience to demonstrate their technical knowledge.

"One of the most important things is really understanding how materials work, how they come together and how they can be used," said Lencer. "This sets the candidate on the right path to understanding how we work."

View more of the interview ›

Jan Rose, creative director at Toogood

Creative director Rose explained that the design studio Toogood has become increasingly rigorous in its recruitment process in order to expand the studio's network as much as possible.

The studio has a motto of "restless experimentation" and Rose says that Toogood is looking for people who have experience in physical model-making, which he says is a key part of the studio's design process.

Rose also said that when candidates are developing their portfolios, they should have an understanding of material sensibilities and have an aesthetic that aligns with the studio, while also displaying their individual ways of thinking and designing.

"The biggest mistake we normally see is endless portfolios," said Rose. "Be bold in your choice, show us your three or four best projects – that should describe you better than 10 or 12 when half of them are not as polished."

View more of the interview ›

Jacob Kurek, global design director and partner at Henning Larsen

Kurek discussed how architecture practice Henning Larsen's stance on sustainability is a key recruitment driver. The director also spoke about how he does not see AI as a recruitment threat as architects are being asked to facilitate AI processes in projects from the beginning to the end.

Kurek also spoke about how the skills and competencies that are needed in today's practice might not be the ones that we see 10 years from now.

"The world has started to look more seriously at sustainability and our industry's carbon footprint," said Kurek. "Addressing the climate crisis will require more specific skills and competencies to ensure we can have the impact we need."

"I can only see that recruitment will grow and we must get a move on, otherwise, we will be dinosaurs."

View more of the interview ›

Anna Liu, director at Tonkin Liu

Director Liu said that Tonkin Liu is on the lookout for candidates who have an "understanding of what good design is" and how their portfolio needs to show a level of rigour in the way that they think and develop a project.

Liu also discussed how AI in design shouldn't be feared or put on a pedestal in the design process. She explained that the studio has found that when introduced too early, the team has found it has clouded their instincts and instead, AI is better introduced at a later stage for tasks that respond to speed and efficiency.

"I think the future is an ideal marriage of AI and 'the hands' because hands are very intuitive and they lead you to much more interesting answers than if you were to solely rely on AI," said Liu. "Drawing on a computer or relying on the machine cuts you off from the ability to think intuitively, and to choose, from the myriad of AI options, the most holistic design solution."

View more of the interview ›

Megan Grehl, director of Megan Grehl

Designer Grehl discussed how she looks for confident individuals in the recruitment process.

In the interview, Grehl also spoke about how she doesn't see AI as a threat in the design process and that she believes that if studios don't keep up with the latest software trends they're at risk of falling behind.

The designer also discussed how 3D modelling is important when looking for a role at her studio and how understanding "spatial connections and the interactions of scale and proportions, 3D modelling is key".

"The other thing is having great taste," commented Grehl. "I think taste is something you're born with, it's not something you can teach. People who have good taste will be more efficient and picking beautiful objects, knowing proportions and knowing how we can solve a problem."

View more of the interview ›

Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit

This article is part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit, a series of interviews to mark Dezeen Jobs turning 15, which explores changing hiring practices and future recruitment needs for companies around the world.

The post Five interviews with industry leaders on where their practice stands on recruitment appeared first on Dezeen.

Italian lighting brand Lodes has collaborated with Tokyo-based design studio YOY to create Hover, a lamp with a shade designed to look as though it's floating.

Designed to "surprise and create the unexpected", Hover was recently shortlisted for in the Dezeen Awards. Available as a table or floor lamp, it has a lampshade that is detached from its base and connected by a single cable running through the lamp's stem.

"Extremely poetic in its simplicity, Hover perfectly exemplifies Lodes' commitment to balancing technical know-how with contemporary design," said Lodes.

"The Hover series includes a table lamp and floor lamp where the lampshades appear magically hovering in the air."

The lamp has a matte white finish, which according to Lodes is informed by Japanese aesthetics "offering a light, minimalist touch".

"The Japanese influence is clear in the aesthetic – allowing Hover to fit into several environments or moods seamlessly," said the brand.

Lodes describes the technological process behind Hover as "extremely complex".

The light's cable runs through the inside of the stem and then emerges from it "ensuring a continuity that gently supports the shade".

Here, the cable is partly made from a metal pipe, which joins the shade and the pole, creating the illusion that the shade is floating.

Both variations of light feature a dimmer that's controlled by a power switch situated on the upper part of the stem.

"The Hover collection marks an opportunity to play with new materials," said Lodes.

"While the base is made of a white painted metal, the shade comprises a sheet made from a special compound of paper and polymer film, which further emphasises the lightness of the design language while extending its durability."

Hover was shortlisted in the lighting design category for this year's Dezeen Awards. Other lights shortlisted in the category include the Soft Serve light, which was informed by meringue and ice cream and Tom Dixon's Portable lamps.

The post Hover lampshade appears to be "magically hovering in the air" appeared first on Dezeen.

Industrial designer Arik Levy has created Ice of Genesis, a collection of decorative surfaces for Spanish brand Compac that was informed by the Arctic's frozen lakes.

The surfaces, which are made from quartz, aim to replicate "the sensation of walking on ice" when used for flooring, Compac said.

Ice of Genesis can also be used for kitchen countertops or cladding and has been shortlisted for a 2023 Dezeen Award in the product design (bathrooms and kitchens) category.

"From the frozen lakes of the Arctic, Arik Levy has created a surface with a visual effect of depth never seen before, achieved through veins that penetrate the material," said Compac.

During the making of Ice of Genesis, Levy used a specialised industrial technique allowing him to develop a surface that had depth but was also flat and manageable to install.

The material mimics the patterns found in ice and was described by Levy as "a balance between solid and liquid".

"The juxtaposition of gravity and mineral is very important. What I hope is that gravity will bring that stationary sort of sensation and the mineral brings a certain kind of beautiful fragility," said Levy.

"It looks like it's made out of a block, but it isn't made from a block, so it is a very unique piece in essence," he added.

"We are able to match the veins, and their energy, and the way they look."

The product comes in either Ice Black or Ice White and was designed to be resistant to stains, scratching, abrasion, dirt and humidity, according to Compac.

"With a much more sustainable reformulation to benefit the entire environment with which the material interacts from the beginning of its production to the end user, the technological quartz developed by Compac is a material of exceptional beauty and durability," said the brand.

Ice of Genesis will compete against projects including Studio Inma Bermúdez' Nu taps in the product design (bathroom and kitchen) category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

The post Arik Levy designs quartz surface collection to mimic "the sensation of walking on ice" appeared first on Dezeen.

Spanish firm Studio Inma Bermúdez has created Nu, a collection of taps designed to reference vibrant Mediterranean colours and featuring a hidden detail.

The Nu collection taps have a playful feel that is evident when the taps are turned on.

"The red and blue dots that indicate cold and hot are discreetly placed under the handles so that when the tap is turned on, the design creates a smiling face, a bit like that of a little English Guardsman with a top hat and raised sword," the studio said.

The faucets, which were designed for Spanish brand Roca, are made from brass, which the studio says is known for its longevity and durability, while the handles are made from lightweight Zamak.

The taps are finished with Cr3, a trivalent chromium compound that Studio Inma Bermúdez says is resistant to corrosion and ensures the taps last longer.

"Using Cr3 in finishes helps minimise the release of harmful substances during the manufacturing process, reducing pollution and environmental impact," Studio Inma Bermúdez said.

The collection comes in six colours – green, blue, yellow, black, white and chrome – that were "inspired by Roca's Mediterranean DNA," according to the studio.

It has been shortlisted for a 2023 Dezeen Award in the product design (bathrooms and kitchens) category.

Nu takes its name from the French word for 'nude' and Studio Inma Bermúdez sought to design a minimalist collection, "eliminating unnecessary elements and retaining only what they deemed essential".

"From the outset of the project, consideration for people and the planet played a central role," said Studio Inma Bermúdez. "Nu is manufactured in Europe to avoid unnecessary transportation."

"The design is slim, with a diameter of 35 millimetres, to minimize weight and material usage," continued the designers.

The taps feature Cold Start technology, which means that when the tap is turned on, the water is cold by default.

Users can turn the handle to the left to introduce hot water, which results in saving energy on household bills as the boiler's engagement is limited.

Nu also features flow limiters, including a fine mesh that captures and blocks particles. According to the studio, this ensures clean water and extends the faucet's lifespan by preventing blockages or damage.

Photography is by Klunderbie.

The post Studio Inma Bermúdez creates Nu faucets with "smiling face" detail appeared first on Dezeen.

As part of our Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series, Kate Jarrett, senior designer at David Collins Studio, explains where the practice currently stands on recruitment.

Anna Marks: Please talk me through the type of projects the studio works on.

Kate Jarrett: David Collins Studio is an award-winning interior design, architecture and product studio, creating internationally recognised hospitality, residential and retail destinations across the globe. The studio works with brands that represent the best in their fields as well as private clients who share our obsession with detail, craft and refinement.

As a multi-sector design studio with nearly 40 years of experience, we have recently added maritime to our portfolio – working with Cunard on their latest cruise ship Queen Anne. This year the studio has delivered womenswear spaces for Harrods, an Italian restaurant at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel.

We are working on several projects, ranging from standalone restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs to full-scale luxury hotels. It is an exciting time to work at David Collins Studio, as we have an unprecedented number of new projects completing in the next few months – F&B spaces within the new Studio Gang-designed St. Regis Chicago, a hotel in Vegas and an art-inspired all-day brasserie in Monaco.

Anna Marks: Where do you currently stand on recruitment in comparison to 10 years ago?

Kate Jarrett: I think both recruitment practices and candidates have changed considerably over the past 10 years. The process is far more rigorous, with several rounds of interviews and portfolio reviews. With information at our fingertips, thanks to technology and social media, we are looking for more than just technical skills.

Our recruitment avenues have also broadened, meaning we can attract new talent from a much wider pool. We are lucky to have a strong social media presence so advertising on Instagram and LinkedIn really boosts our exposure. I would say it is far more about what you know, rather than who you know. This is reflected in the diversity of our team, who come from across the world.

In the post-pandemic era, candidates are also increasingly aware of what companies can offer them. We have had to adapt in line with increasing expectations and understand that people take a much more holistic approach to job hunting.

Anna Marks: What new skill sets are you looking for candidates to have?

Kate Jarrett: We have a far greater emphasis on 'soft skills' when recruiting candidates. As we try to rebuild our studio culture post-Covid, fostering an environment of openness, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving is more important than ever.

Technological skill is also key. Different client requirements require design teams to work across programmes, whether that be CAD, SketchUp, Rhino, 3D Maxx or Photoshop. Streamlining the process and enhancing efficiency is important and that goes hand in hand with technology.

Anna Marks: During the interview/application process is there anything that you're doing differently than you did 10 years ago?

Kate Jarrett: The application process is far more rigorous than it was in the past I think. New hires often come to us through personal recommendations, however, we increasingly rely on recruiters and job platforms like LinkedIn and Dezeen to broaden our reach and advertise to a larger pool.

In line with our D&I policies, we also request all CVs and portfolios come to us without pictures or personal information so that decisions are made purely based on the experience and work shown.

We have taken steps to improve our interview process, holding first interviews via phone or online to offer candidates greater flexibility. Second and third-round interviews are conducted by the teams themselves, as they know the skills required for their particular projects. The directors come in at the end of the process to meet applicants if they are successful. We find giving the senior designers the autonomy to hire their own teams far more effective.

We also work with a fantastic charity called United In Design (UiD), which works to address the lack of diversity within UK interior design. Since 2020, David Collins Studio has been offering work experience opportunities to UiD apprentices.

Anna Marks: From the candidates that are applying for the roles that you have recently listed, do you see a pattern in their experience?

Kate Jarrett: We find that people applying for roles at David Collins Studio have a range of experience, often from similar luxury studios, working on high-end hospitality and residential design.

However, candidates often come from studios of a far different scale or sector, that would like to develop and diversify their skills by working with us on ultra-luxury interiors, with larger budgets, timeframes and detail required. Designers also tend to move more frequently these days, with two to three years being the average.

For large-scale hotel projects, this means that a designer may never have seen a project all the way through from concept to completion. This is a key area of experience that is often lacking in candidates.

Anna Marks: What advice can you give people looking for a role in the company?

Kate Jarrett: Passion – I think this is the most important quality we look for when hiring new talent. An ability to adapt and be hands-on is also key – we work across all aspects of a project, right through from concept creation to on-site implementation. Also, make sure you’ve done your research – be familiar with our projects, our clients and our multi-sector offer. Tailor your portfolio and cover letter accordingly in order to stand out.

Anna Marks: Please can you tell me your go-to resources for recruitment?

Kate Jarrett: Our recruitment comes from several channels – we work closely with specialist recruitment agencies as well as job posting sites like Dezeen. We also advertise directly through our website and social channels and get a lot of interest through Instagram and LinkedIn.

Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series

This article is part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit, a series of interviews to mark Dezeen Jobs turning 15, which explores changing hiring practices and future recruitment needs for companies around the world.

The post "Both recruitment practices and candidates have changed considerably over the past 10 years" appeared first on Dezeen.

As part of our Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series, Anna Liu, director at Tonkin Liu in London, explains what the practice looks for when it hires new staff and the impact of technology on its recruitment process.

Anna Marks: Please can you talk me through Tonkin Liu's work and current projects?

Anna Liu: At Tonkin Liu we deliver buildings, artwork, landscapes, bridges and sometimes master plans, so we're quite versatile and diverse. The current big project for the studio is delivering a pair of buildings for York Minster Cathedral, which is the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft.

Here we're developing two workshop buildings that include an apprentice workshop and accommodation; a community of rooms around a courtyard. As a member of the public, you can look into the workshop and see the masons working. And that's one of the client's intentions – to express and inspire interest in what the masons are doing and attract future generations of craftspeople to join the workforce.

We're also working on a project that encompasses a landscape and buildings on the Thames Riverfront and an artwork project in Toronto. We're very fortunate that we generally have landscape, building and artwork projects in parallel at the same time. The studio has a really nice variety and considers architecture as holistic entities of buildings, nature, and identity.

Anna Marks: In comparison to 10 years ago, are there any skill sets that you don't need candidates to have in light of technological advancements?

Anna Liu: Definitely not. Architects always need more skills, not less because it's such a broad career and it's what makes it really exciting – you not only have to be an artist, you also have to be very technically minded. You have to be quite practical, always be thinking three-dimensionally and be a good communicator.

We need someone who understands what good design is. You can see it from the quality of their work and the way they think about a project – it has a certain level of development and refinement. It's not just about nice, beautiful images, there is a kind of rigour in the way they think, develop and look at a project.

Anna Marks: What impact has AI and technology had on your recruitment process, if any?

Anna Liu: AI should be neither feared nor put on a pedestal as a magic tool. We have found that if introduced too early in the process, it clouds our judgement and design instincts – instincts that could have drawn on a lateral, sub-conscious connection, or an experience from a precedent-building visit.

At a later stage, where the process is iterative, AI introduces a level of speed and efficiency, but will still look to us to choose "which one?" We are not a young practice, but we do embrace digital tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper alongside working with our hands.

I think the future is an ideal marriage of AI and 'the hands', because hands are very intuitive and they lead you to much more interesting answers than if you were to solely rely on AI. Drawing on a computer or relying on the machine cuts you off from the ability to think intuitively, and to choose, from the myriad of AI options, the most holistic design solution.

Anna Marks: Looking into the future, where do you see architecture recruitment heading?

Anna Liu: I feel like it's going to become a more personal approach. We're probably going to come across some tough times, a convergence of environmental, planning and rising labour and material cost issues. Things are going to be quite tough for clients and for architects. To build something of integrity and quality, a project will need to recruit architects who are committed, resilient, and perseverant.

Anna Marks: Do you have any positions that you wish your practice had?

Anna Liu: The first thing that comes to mind is an inventor. In the last economic downturn, we did a lot of research and invented things that came out of trial and error, and that was good in that it was made possible through quiet times. Rather than waiting for projects to turn up, we should be observing and recognising gaps in the needs of our world and creating projects that don't yet exist.

Anna Marks: What advice would you give someone who wants to join your practice?

Anna Liu: We would prefer that people do not work beyond 9 to 6pm, but we would love for them to be an "archivore" which is a term I invented to describe people who "eat" see, live, experience and dream about architecture in the broadest sense of the architecture. Most people's definition of architecture is far too narrow. All you have to do is go for a walk and there are lessons of architecture to be had – spotting geometry in a leaf, congregation patterns on the street corner, rust patterns on the wall...it's not about efficiency or capability and software skills, it is about how much they see architecture as part of life.

Anna Marks: Why do you recruit through Dezeen Jobs?

Anna Liu: It is definitely more targeted. In our ads, we try to describe the project so that candidates know exactly what they'll be working on. As a multi-disciplinary practice, we may be more likely to find candidates who think in a multi-disciplinary way through Dezeen.

Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series

This article is part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit, a series of interviews to mark Dezeen Jobs turning 15, which explores changing hiring practices and future recruitment needs for companies around the world.

The post "Relying on a machine cuts you off from the ability to think intuitively" says Anna Liu appeared first on Dezeen.

Global design director and partner at Henning Larsen Jacob Kurek explains how artificial intelligence has changed the practice as part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit Series.

Anna Marks: Please can you explain what projects Henning Larsen works on?

Jacob Kurek: Henning Larsen has been around for 60 or so years and we work on international projects across architecture, landscape, urbanism and interior design. We're working a lot around circularity, transformation and creating impact via social sustainability.

We've worked on the Royal Opera House in Copenhagen and also nearly completed an experience centre for Volvo and are working on transforming a former airport in Toronto.

We've won a project to work on the new National Theatre in Canberra, Australia, and we're also doing many timber projects – like a multi-tenant office building in Denmark, which is going to be the largest wooden building in the country.

Anna Marks: Where do you currently stand on recruitment in comparison to 10 years ago?

Jacob Kurek: Our recruitment success stems from our genuine commitment to sustainability. Many young talents are drawn to our mission and are eager to contribute.

We are great believers in sustainability – particularly in research, development and computational design – combined with traditional reporting around design excellence and methodology.

Young talent wants innovation and to make a positive impact on the planet, which makes Henning Larsen an attractive company to work at. We have a broad variety of competencies and a sincere interest in sustainability.

In comparison to 10 years ago, there is definitely greater diversity in who we are hiring. Not only cultural backgrounds but also educational backgrounds, as we have much more of an international presence.

Anna Marks: Are there any new skill sets you're looking for candidates to have?

Jacob Kurek: Design excellence and sustainability are the ticket in many aspects but also more specific experience – whether that's computational skill sets, artificial intelligence (AI) or expert knowledge of biodiversity and circular ecosystems.

There are multiple doors of opportunity you can walk through to become a part of Henning Larsen and many ways you can grow in the practice. Formerly there was more focus on design excellence or project management, but now there are multiple ways, which can only enrich the studios and the culture we have.

Anna Marks: What effect has technology and AI had on your practice?

Jacob Kurek: It has been huge and it is only really just getting started. You can see the effect on the wider industry over the last 10 years and that will only explode further.

It's crucial to grasp not just the utilization of AI tools, but more significantly, how to extract their benefits – how we, as architects, can both contribute to and leverage AI for a positive impact on the design process and decision-making.

Our aim is progressiveness, driving the development of Henning Larsen through informed, forward-thinking decisions.

Anna Marks: In terms of looking into the future, where do you see recruitment heading?

Jacob Kurek: I can't see it declining because as technology develops we as architects and consultants are being asked to facilitate processes from the beginning to the end. Skills and competencies, in ways that we may know them today, may not be the ones that we see 10 years ahead of us.

The world has started to look more seriously at sustainability and our industry's carbon footprint. Addressing the climate crisis will require more specific skills and competencies to ensure we can have the impact we need. I can only see that recruitment will grow and we must get a move on, otherwise we will be dinosaurs.

Anna Marks: What advice can you give people looking for a role at Henning Larsen?

Jacob Kurek: It's important that you are an exceptional team player – that you're driven by impact and by curiosity.

You don't have to be the best in all aspects, but have the desire to learn and explore. And then, of course, you need to have your basic toolbox in order to know your methodology and make informed decisions.

Anna Marks: What do you think of Dezeen?

Jacob Kurek: It is the first website that I look at in the morning. It is an excellent place to start the day and see what projects other studios are delivering. I think you're really good at being in the epicentre of architecture and design.

Anna Marks: How has Dezeen Jobs helped build your company?

Jacob Kurek: If you want to get global attention when looking for a candidate, it's one of the better places to be. We have been quite successful in getting candidates and attention and we're pleased with the outcome and the outreach it generates.

Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series

This article is part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit, a series of interviews to mark Dezeen Jobs turning 15, which explores changing hiring practices and future recruitment needs for companies around the world.

The post "There are multiple doors of opportunity you can walk through to become part of Henning Larsen" appeared first on Dezeen.

Are you running an event or exhibition during Miami art week? If so, you can feature in Dezeen Events Guide's digital guide to the Miami-based festival.

Miami art week takes place from 6 to 10 December 2023 and includes over 20 art fairs, 1,200 galleries and a number of pop-ups, installations and exhibitions, featuring the work of thousands of designers and artists.

The event takes place throughout Miami and Miami Beach – including Miami Design District – and attracts thousands of art and design enthusiasts, collectors and buyers.

This year, design platform Alcova, which usually shows as part of Milan design week, will also take part. The Miami edition will feature both established and emerging designers.

Dezeen's digital guide will spotlight the key events and brands taking place during the festival.

Get listed in Dezeen's digital guide to Miami art week

Get in touch with the Dezeen Events Guide team at eventsguide@dezeen.com to book your listing or to discuss a wider partnership with Dezeen. There are three types of listings:

Standard listings cost £100/$130 and include the event name, date and location details plus a website link. These listings will also feature up to 50 words of text about the event.

Enhanced listings cost £150/$200 and include all of the above plus an image at the top of the listing's page and an image in the listing preview on the Miami art week guide page. These listings will also feature up to 100 words of text about the event.

Featured listings cost £300/$400 and feature everything as part of an enhanced listing plus inclusion in the featured events carousel, social media posts on our @dezeenguide channels (one post per channel: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) and up to 150 words of text about the event.

This text can include commercial information such as ticket prices and offers and can feature additional links to website pages such as ticket sales, newsletter signups etc.

About Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide is our guide to the best architecture and design events taking place across the world each year.

The guide is updated weekly and includes virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions and design weeks. For more details on inclusion in the Dezeen Events Guide, including in our guide to Miami art week, email eventsguide@dezeen.com.

The illustration is by Justyna Green.

The post Get listed in Dezeen's digital guide to Miami art week appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen has teamed up with The World Around to stream its In Focus: Radical Repair event, where designers will reflect on architecture's responsibility over the climatic crisis. Watch it live here from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Milan time.

In Focus: Radical Repair invites eight interdisciplinary designers to reflect on the historic responsibility that design and architecture have on climate change, while examining the role the industry can play in "creating, inventing and enacting radical forms of repair".

Throughout the evening, experts will discuss how design can become a leading voice in repairing political, social and ecological issues across communities, and between humans and other species.

The discussions will also focus on how designers and architects can protect vulnerable communities without further harming the planet.

Speakers include architect Yasmeen Lari, who will give a keynote discussing a career dedicated to activism, while coordinator of The Green Wall Initiative, Paul Elvis Tangem, will discuss a project that introduces "radical resilience" in Africa's dry lands through restoration projects and sustainable land management.

Founder of Space Caviar and creative director of Design Academy Eindhoven, Joseph Grima, will speak about "mapping a new generation of non-extractive architecture practices", while Chicago-based architect Jeanne Gang will examine how existing buildings can be reinvented and expanded.

Architect Freddy Mamani will also discuss his work exploring the history of the city of El Alto in Bolivia through buildings based on indigenous crafts and architecture, while Japanese architect Junya Ishigami will discuss a radical approach to ecology, landscape and architecture.

Co-founder of Amateur Architecture, Lu Wenyu, will speak about recycling traditional materials in rural China and Nigerian Poet Aziba Ekio will read a poem commissioned for the event.

In Focus: Radical Repair was created by non-profit organisation The World Around and art museum Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, in collaboration with design institution Triennale Milano.

In addition to In Focus: Radical Repair, The World Around and Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain are also collaborating on two additional architectural public programmes. The second programme will be held at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2024. The details of the third programme have yet to be announced.

"The time of business as usual for designers and architects has come to a close," said The World Around executive director Beatrice Galilee.

"While not uniquely responsible for the climate crisis, architecture as an industry owes a debt to our planet, and there are so many brilliant designers from across the world who are working every day towards repairing the damage: from improving lives of the smallest families to registering change for communities to envisioning a future for tens of millions of people," she continued.

"I'm so excited to welcome this extraordinary line-up of inspiring speakers to Milan, to me, the most important city for design in the world."

The event will be curated by Galilee, along with Fondation Cartier director of curatorial affairs Béatrice Grenier and Triennale Milano president Stefano Boeri.

The World Around is a non-profit organisation founded by Galilee, which hosts critical discussions with experts on design, architecture and culture.

The Fondation Cartier is a contemporary art museum that promotes projects, exhibitions, lectures and programmes with practitioners.

Triennale Milano 2023 is a cultural institution based in the Palazzo dell'Arte where it puts on exhibitions, shows, meetings and workshops that "illustrate today's world from new points of view".

To view more about the event, visit its website.

Partnership content

Dezeen is a media partner for The World Around 2023. Find out more about our partnership content here.

The post Watch The World Around's In Focus: Radical Repair live at Triennale Milano appeared first on Dezeen.

As part of our Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series, architecture studio dRMM's director Saskia Lencer explains what the practice looks for when it hires new staff and how its recruitment needs have changed over the years.

Anna Marks: Please can you talk me through dRMM's past and current projects?

Saskia Lencer: We've been involved in a large variety of projects, from very small interventions to town centre regenerations. We've built great schools and have worked on hotels, workspaces, large-scale mixed-use residential-led schemes, as well as infrastructure and cultural projects.

Our projects are linked in that they have the ambition to support sustainable communities – that's the driver behind all of them. dRMM just completed WorkStack, a multi-storey building primarily constructed in cross-laminated timber (CLT).

We're also waiting for the final tenant to move into Wick Lane, a mixed-use project that combines homes, workspaces and industrial users in Hackney Wick. In addition, we're working on the Tustin Estate, which is a regeneration project for Southwark in London, as well as other large-scale mixed-use projects.

A lot of community engagement is involved in our projects and that's getting more important, and now also supported by clients. We're also working on a Passivhaus scheme in Exeter and some externally funded research projects.

Anna Marks: Where do you currently stand on recruitment in comparison to 10 years ago?

Saskia Lencer: dRMM has been growing constantly in the last 10 years. It has always been a very strong diverse team with collaborative individuals and it hasn't changed in that regard. We try to recruit from within the team as much as we can and let individuals find their roles within dRMM.

The one change in the process itself is that the application process is now mainly virtual – we do our first interviews virtually rather than in-person. However, I think it is always important to see the applicant in person before hiring. Virtual interviews have allowed us to attract younger individuals from further away so they can do the interview abroad and it has helped in that regard.

Anna Marks: Has your interview process changed?

Saskia Lencer: Diversity has always been on our agenda but we have concentrated on it even more recently. We're much more aware of minimising unconscious bias in our recruitment process. All our team members who are involved in interviewing responsibilities attend unconscious bias training.

Whenever possible, we have a 50/50 gender balance in terms of interview attendance. Having said that, we've always been at least 50/50 in terms of gender balance within the team. It has always been part of us but we're much more aware of it than we were in the past.

Anna Marks: Are there any new skill sets you require?

Saskia Lencer: The team members at dRMM have to be really well-rounded in Revit. We also need the team or the individual to be able to work in a hybrid mode – to work from the office or at home.

Having outspoken team members has always been very important to dRMM so that they communicate their wishes and thoughts.

The most important thing for us is that the individual fits into our studio. It is about the individual and for them to understand our ethos – who we are – and about collaboration.

Anna Marks: What catches your eye when looking at an application?

Saskia Lencer: Personally, anything that is not necessarily traditional. If the applicant has been abroad that's one of the things that catches my eye instantly.

If they also have had experience on-site or have actually had experience building their own projects, that is something that is a very useful skill because they have technical knowledge already, but 'making' actually isn't the most important thing.

One of the most important things is really understanding how materials work, how they come together, and how they can be used. This sets the candidate on the right path to understanding how we work.

Anna Marks: Has AI had an impact on your recruitment process?

Saskia Lencer: We've been through a very large recruitment process recently and I've seen a lot of cover letters where AI has been used. Cover letters have become much more streamlined but you can always find certain wording and phrases that are now repeated throughout.

I don't necessarily see an issue with it, as long as it shows a true understanding of our studio and the role, and conveys the personality of the applicants.

Anna Marks: What advice would you give people who wish to join dRMM?

Saskia Lencer: It is always good to understand why the candidate has decided to apply and wants to work for us. They should be clear and communicate their interests and ideas.

Anna Marks: How has Dezeen Jobs helped build your company?

Saskia Lencer: Dezeen Jobs is providing us with a very good balance of interesting people from all over the world. I think it's one of the few sites where we actually find that.

Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit series

This article is part of Dezeen Jobs: How We Recruit, a series of interviews to mark Dezeen Jobs turning 15, which explores changing hiring practices and future recruitment needs for companies around the world.

The post "Having outspoken team members has always been very important to dRMM" appeared first on Dezeen.

Featuring houses that reach daringly out over steep bluffs and a T-shaped home in Sweden, this roundup collects 10 of the most dramatic cantilevered buildings recently published on Dezeen.

Casa Himmel, Paraguay, by Bauen

Nestled in the forests of Guaira, Paraguay, Casa Himmel features three concrete walls projecting out over the site's lush, hilly landscape.

According to architecture studio Bauen, the glass and steel structure was manufactured in 60 days and assembled in only seven.

Find out more about Casa Himmel ›

The Nova Residence, USA, by Harding Huebner

Located in Asheville in northern California, The Nova Residence includes a cantilevered steel structure that allows it to lean out over a wooded slope.

The L-shaped, two-storey home was designed by US studio Harding Huebner and is made up of rectilinear volumes topped with a low, overhanging rooftop.

Find out more about The Nova Residence ›

Casa Encoique, Chile, by Izquierdo Lehmann

Designed by Izquierdo Lehmann, Casa Encoique includes wood-clad en-suite bedrooms that cantilever out from a circular glass pavilion, which sits within a forest.

Located near Lago Ranco in southern Chile, the building is attached via a concrete walkway to an existing holiday home, allowing the site to accommodate multiple generations.

Find out more about Casa Encoique ›

Wabi Sabi Residence, USA, by Sparano + Mooney Architecture

Wabi Sabi Residence is clad in blackened-cedar and includes two envelopes that slide over a canyon outside Salt Lake City, Utah.

Designed by US studio Sparano + Mooney Architecture, the three-bedroom home's floor-to-ceiling glazed end levitate over the ranch's natural landscape.

Find out more about Wabi Sabi Residence ›

CH73 House, Mexico, by LBR&A

CH73 House, designed by LBR&A, includes a dramatic cantilever overlooking a sloping site located within Mexico City's Bosques de las Lomas neighbourhood.

The residence is designed to "break the imposed paradigms of construction" in a site where development has reportedly had a detrimental effect on the natural landscape.

Find out more about CH73 House ›

Hub of Huts, Italy, by Network of Architecture

The Hub of Huts wellness centre, designed by international architecture studio Network of Architecture, is informed by reflections in water.

Part of the Hotel Hubertus in South Tyrol, it resembles an upside-down village held in mid-air by tree-like columns.

Find out more about Hub of Huts ›

Olancha Drive, USA, by Anonymous Architects

Los Angeles-based The Olancha Drive house by US studio Anonymous Architects features a concrete plinth that cantilevers off the site's steep angle.

The 1,000-square-foot (93 square metre) building balances on friction piles driven into the earth.

Find out more about Olancha Drive ›

T House, Sweden, by Spridd

This T-shaped house by Stockholm architecture studio Spridd is covered in raked concrete and slotted into a sloped site on the island of Nacka in Stockholm.

The central body of the house fits between the surrounding rocks and expands outwards at its top storey, forming two cantilevered structures that house an open-plan living space.

Find out more about Spridd ›

House on a Bay, USA, by Elliott Architects

Maine-based Elliott Architects created a seaside house that includes a dramatic, cantilevered volume stretching towards the ocean.

The upper volume sits astride a similarly proportioned rectilinear ground floor and is supported by stilts at either end.

Find out more about House on a Bay ›

Caddy Shack, USA, by Olson Kundig

The rusted steel-clad Caddy Shack by US practice Olson Kundig includes a stilt system that enables it to hover above a suburban neighbourhood.

Located in Austin, Texas, the building's cantilevered deck contains both a swimming pool and hot tub.

Find out more about Caddy Shack ›

The post Ten residential buildings with cantilevered hovering volumes appeared first on Dezeen.

London-based designer Selene Sarı has created an air-purifier called Vox Aeris that is also designed to work as a speaker.

The device's dual-purpose is the result of three modes of operation – a cleaning mode, a listening mode and a Vox mode, which not only plays music but also cleans the air.

Vox Aeris purifies the air via a scientific process called agglomeration, which Sarı, explained is a method where particles group together, "much like how snowballs form".

The agglomeration process is formed via turbulence, which is produced by a vortex created by the device's internal fans and also by acoustics, created by low-frequency sounds from its speaker.

These methods push air particles into a recyclable "laser-engraved filter", which then filters the air.

The dials on the device have a mix of speaker and purifier functions. A screen on the device's top left displays the current environment's air quality level and the dials on the bottom control the sound's tone and volume level.

Vox Aeris can be plugged into the wall but it also has an internal battery that can be used as a portable speaker for outdoor use.

According to Sarı, we spend 90 per cent of our time indoors, which she says can be five times more polluted than outdoor environments.

During her research in developing Vox Aeris, Sarı found that there is a lack of awareness regarding air purification and how that impacts health.

"Temporal discounting for air purification is a significant factor deterring us from cleaning our indoor air," she said.

"This is because even if our surroundings are filled with unsafe levels of particulate matter, they are completely invisible and their most dangerous effects ranging from Alzheimer's to cancer typically show themselves in the long term, not immediately."

Sarı aims to show that improving air quality can be seamlessly integrated into our lives to give us increased control over our health. The designer believes that through the design's dual use, there is an opportunity to address a much larger audience and give more people a chance to breathe cleaner air.

"My aim is to change the perception we have about indoor air quality: cleaning our air should not be a luxury or a neglected chore, it should be something that is seamlessly integrated into our lives and give us control over the most frequent activity we do each day: breathing," Sarı said.

"Vox Aeris cleanses the air through sound and music."

According to Sarı, current air purifying solutions tend to be costly and have filters that are expensive to charge, non-recyclable or have an "unappealing medical device outlook".

In comparison, Vox Aeris was designed to be affordable and also "engaging and approachable". According to Sarı, it offers an alternative by using low-cost and recyclable fabric filters.

Other air purification projects featured on Dezeen include a wearable air purifier designed by tech company Respiray to fend off allergens and a set of headphones by Dyson that were designed to be used in urban environments to filter air pollution.

The post Selene Sarı designs air-purifying speaker that "cleanses the air through sound and music" appeared first on Dezeen.

Body care brand Billie has developed a limited-edition board game that explores the contradictory expectations and demands placed on women in a patriarchal society.

No Worries If Not mixes elements of popular board games like The Game of Life and Snakes and Ladders with a hyper-vivid colour scheme to reflect the satirical tone of the game.

Although presented as fun and optimistic, Billie devised the game to be rigged against the player, who is faced with impossible double standards and pointless solutions such as over-apologising, people-pleasing and overthinking.

The mechanics of No Worries If Not are based on interviews with groups of women about the pressures and challenges they face in their lives.

"We found a lot of shared experiences, but some of the most salient consistencies were around the contradictions and extraordinary expectations women specifically are held to," Billie co-founder Georgina Gooley told Dezeen.

"We considered a number of ways we might shed light on this but kept coming back to the idea that existing as a woman in today's world can ultimately feel a bit like you're playing a rigged game that you can't win. So we decided to turn it into one."

Gooley says that the first step in developing the game was to work out its mechanics, as it needed to be both "creatively compelling but also strategically sound in order for it to be functional".

"We test-played quite a few games to see what we liked and took inspiration from a few different places," she explained.

"Then we partnered with a set of game strategists to put the pieces together," she added. "Collectively we mapped out the general framework including gameplay, components and goal."

The game works similarly to a traditional board game in that each player starts with a token, which they can move across the board after rolling the dice.

Along the way, they encounter a number of "pitfalls" such as The Wage Gap, Smile More Street, Self Doubt Spiral and Fertility Forest. Throughout the game, players also pick up cards, which arbitrarily set them back or move them around the board.

The aim is to reach the final destination called No One's Man Land without getting knocked off the main path, although Gooley says the game itself is designed to be pretty much "unwinnable".

"We hope that by pointing out the absurd and contradictory cycles of judgment women face in everyday life, this board game helps women feel a bit more empowered to tune out external measures of their worth," she said.

Other game designs that combine play with social critique include LifeCredit, which envisions a dystopian future ruled by a social credit system, and the Minecraft library built by Reporters Without Borders, which provides gamers with "a safe haven for press freedom".

The post "Unwinnable" board game No Worries If Not explores sexist double standards appeared first on Dezeen.

Designer Aphra Hallam has created the Zera Cooling Crescent, a wearable device designed to relieve the hot flushes women can experience during menopause.

The Zera Cooling Crescent is made from reusable silicone and aluminium, and was designed to stick comfortably to the back of the neck.

The device uses thermoelectric technology to create a cool sensation that tackles the hot flushes that people can experience during menopause.

The technology works via a thermal control device called a Peltier module, which works by applying a voltage between two electrodes and is connected to an aluminium strip.

The module cools the metal strip and targets the skin's blood vessels, which helps the user cool down when having a hot flush.

"Placing something cool on the back of your neck is one of the most effective ways to quickly cool down the body; application of the device here allows it to deliver the cooling successfully and efficiently," Hallam told Dezeen.

The device is controlled via an app, also called Zera, allowing users to control it throughout the day. This includes a tracking feature that enables women to track their menopause symptoms.

The crescent shape of the design was chosen as it considers the contours and movements of the human body, allowing the Zera Cooling Crescent to sit comfortably on the back of the neck.

The placement is also to ensure that it can be hidden under a shirt collar or under hair "to give women the confidence to wear it daily".

The device is charged via a portable charging case that can be kept discretely in a bag, leaving it ready to use when the symptoms appear.

Hallam said she was also "on a mission to include a range of darker skin tones" as part of the design process. The product comes in a range of skin tones and aims to address the racial disparities in reproductive ageing.

"Through my research, I also discovered how menopause symptoms affect women of different races disproportionately, something which is not always highlighted in research and symptom solutions," Hallam said.

"As a Black woman, I also felt it was important to be able to highlight this, whilst still designing something that was accessible to all women," she added.

The project also aims to highlight how although there is an abundance of research on menopause, it is not often used to create solutions for symptoms.

Hallam says her device can be used day to day to "give women in the menopause the ability to go about everyday life comfortably and confidently".

The Zera app also includes a community space that features blog posts, supportive chat rooms and informative articles written by various experts in the health sector, giving women the opportunity to engage with others also going through menopause.

Other projects on Dezeen that aim to tackle menopause are a concept for a menopausal treatment called Luma that uses AI to develop pills to help alleviate users' symptoms and a wristband for that is designed to regulate and alleviate hot flushes.

The post Aphra Hallam creates wearable cooling device to relieve menopause symptoms appeared first on Dezeen.

An oversized roof and wooden structure define this pavilion by Chilean studio DRAA, which aims to bring "a piece of Patagonian shade" to Le Festival des Cabanes in France.

Aptly named Patagonian Shadow Cabin, the pavilion is designed by DRAA architects Nicolas del Rio and Felipe Camus to offer individuals a shaded space to enjoy views of a nearby lake.

According to the duo, the structure takes cues from buildings in the region of Patagonia in South America – specifically those with "simple, seemingly useless roof structures".

Instead of covering the top of a building and protecting it against the weather, these roof structures are used to provide shade and serve as signposts or indicate property.

"Apparently useless or at best over-designed single roof structures become milestones, indicate ownership or road signs," said DRAA.

"Many times, they cover nothing, they just provide shade," it continued. "While directing the view towards the alpine landscapes, our wish is to offer a piece of Patagonian shade."

Patagonian Shadow Cabin was designed for Le Festival des Cabanes, an annual event in Annecy also known as The Cabin Festival, which presents a series of competition-winning wooden pavilions.

It comprises a wooden structure sheltered by an oversized red-vinyl roof and is designed to be occupied by one person at a time.

Patagonian Shadow Cabin's structure is formed of a pod-like shelter that rests on an off-centre pillar, which is supported by buttresses.

DRAA said this design is intended to create the illusion that the pavilion is "resting" on the landscape and avoids the need for four support columns.

The use of wood for the structure is also a reference to buildings in Patagonia, such as those developed by European settlers who travelled there in the 19th century.

"North Patagonia was developed mainly by German settlers at the end of the 19th century, who found nothing but timber to build their structures in central European style," DRAA told Dezeen.

"In the nearby island of Chiloe, they found skilled carpenters who had been building their particular ships and Jesuit churches entirely out of wood, with elaborate timber joinery," added the studio.

"Both groups benefited from their previous backgrounds and came to be a school of carpentry that built many structures in this fashion."

Approximately 13 cabins are displayed at Le Festival des Cabanes each year, after being selected through a competition process.

The contest is open to qualified architects and aims to explore the relationship between architecture and nature. Each winning structure is made from wood found in the surrounding forests.

DRAA is an architectural studio founded by del Rio in 2012 in Santiago, Chile. Its other recent projects include an A-frame house designed for a Chilean ski resort and a charred timber cabin in Chile that is raised over a mountainous hillside.

Other pavilions recently featured on Dezeen include the 12-metre-high Wedding Cake by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos and another made from mycelium at Glastonbury festival 2023 by set designer Simon Carroll.

The photography is by Felipe Camus.

The post Oversized red roof shelters Patagonian Shadow Cabin in France appeared first on Dezeen.

A sunken living room and decorative red tiles define this residential extension, which architecture studio Bureau de Change has added to Clay House in East Finchley, London.

The rear extension is designed for a family of three and offers them a space for leisure and entertainment activities while accommodating their extended family.

Bureau de Change's design takes visual cues from the Victorian architecture of the existing semi-detached house, as well as sunken boxing rings from the same era.

According to the studio, Victorian boxing rings informed the design of a conversation pit that occupies the part of the extension between the kitchen and garden.

"In the early Victorian era, the sunken boxing ring design was employed to optimise spectator views, enabling a clearer sightline of the events unfolding inside the ring," said the studio's co-founder Billy Mavropoulos.

"This typology was also intended to establish a natural barrier between the fighters and the audience, a characteristic we harnessed to form the interior spatial divisions, complemented by a shift in materials from the kitchen to the living area," he told Dezeen.

Meanwhile, the extension is clad in red clay tiles in a range of shapes, intended to echo those on the Victorian home's original curved window, roof and porch.

"These tiles exhibit a distinctive and traditional profile, showcasing elements like club and square cuts," said Mavropoulos. "Recognising the exceptional value of this existing architectural feature, we were determined not to overlook it but rather leverage its uniqueness to craft a surprising yet contextual new addition."

Alongside the sunken lounge, Clay House comprises an open-plan kitchen and dining room that leads into a living area at the front of the home.

The extension is described by Bureau de Change as having an "unorthodox geometry", which Mavropoulos said is a response to an adjacent extension and local planning laws that required a separation of 45 degrees between neighbouring homes to minimise disruption.

"To optimise the internal space, the extension incorporates the existing party wall of the neighbour's rear extension, using its lowest height to determine the eave height," said Mavropoulos.

"As a result, it takes on a skewed, faceted shape that is directly informed by the immediate surroundings."

Clay House is complete with a pared-back material palette, with off-white walls and wooden floors and furnishings.

Large windows that puncture the extension help illuminate the space while framing views out to the rear garden.

London studio Bureau de Change was founded by architects Mavropoulos and Katerina Dionysopoulou in 2012. Its other recent projects include the interior design of a mixed-use development in an art deco building in Fitzrovia and a home in south London that uses concrete to mimic the motifs from surrounding 1930s brick housing.

Other recent extensions featured on Dezeen include an addition to a home in Stoke Newington by Whittaker Parsons that is clad in copper and larch and another in Australia by Grotto Studio that is clad in charred timber.

The photography is by Gilbert McCarragher.

The post Bureau de Change references Victorian boxing rings for London house extension appeared first on Dezeen.

Architecture and design studio Fettle has unveiled the refurbished interior of the San Carlo restaurant in Liverpool, UK, which was informed by northern Italy's coastline.

Located in Liverpool's city centre, Fettle's refurbishment was designed to reinvigorate the restaurant and offer a "spectacularly opulent and contemporary take on traditional Italian dining", the studio said.

During the redevelopment, Fettle stripped the building back to its existing shell and redesigned each element, from the walls to the flooring.

The 280-square-metre restaurant also contains a feature bar and a private dining room named The Rosa Room and Wine Sellar, which is located on the lower ground floor.

San Carlo's colour palette takes cues from the hues of the northern Italian coastline and includes greens, blues and pinks.

Fettle adorned the space with contrasting materials, including timber, brass and marble, which were softened by patterned upholstery made from mohair and leather.

The furniture was designed specifically for the project and was informed by the furniture found in grand Milanese villas and gardens.

This included fluted oak bar stools with green leather seats and brass bases, marble and timber tables, curved-legged dining chairs and velvet leather seating.

"The restaurant offers a spectacularly opulent and contemporary take on traditional Italian dining with elegant interiors inspired by Grand Milanese villas and gardens," the studio said.

The lighting was chosen to add a sense of softness to the interior, and includes a mixture of bespoke-designed statement chandeliers, pendant fillings and wall and table lamps to give the space an "intimate glow".

The floor was equipped with colourful terrazzo in a mix of cream, orange and green tones, while the walls were clad in high gloss timber panelling.

According to the architects, its colour is similar to that of luxury Italian sports cars and the water taxis of Venice.

The restaurant was also equipped with antiqued mirrored panels that aim to add to the glamour of the space.

Three eclectic abstract murals by Los Angeles-based artist Jessalyn Brooks are positioned opposite the bar and on the rear wall of the restaurant.

"We're excited to unveil the transformation of San Carlo Liverpool," said the managing director of San Carlo, Marcello Distefano. "The new design is representative of the evolution of San Carlo, a journey we began in 1992."

Fettle was founded by designers Tom Parker and Andy Goodwin and specialises in hospitality design and interior architecture.

Previous projects include the restoration of an art deco hotel in Santa Monica, California, and the conversion of a members' club for 1 Warwick members' club in Soho, London.

Other interior projects recently featured on Dezeen include the transformation of a three-story home into a restaurant in Bogotá that uses natural materials and a travelling gallery by multidisciplinary designer Vanessa Heepen, which includes vintage furniture pieces.

The post Fettle revamps San Carlo restaurant with interiors informed by Milanese villas and gardens appeared first on Dezeen.

East London football club Walthamstow FC has unveiled kits featuring designs by mid-19-century designer William Morris's company Morris & Co.

To produce the kit, Walthamstow FC teamed up with Walthamstow-based William Morris Gallery, which is housed in a listed building that was once Morris's family home.

The home and away kits, along with a jacket, all feature a botanical pattern named Yare, which was created around 1892 by John Henry Dearle – a textile designer who worked for Morris and Co.

Dearle's design features turquoise and green leaves with small blue, red and yellow flowers against a dark background. Originally the design was block printed onto cotton at Merton Abbey in southwest London.

Wood Street Walls, an art collective also based in Walthamstow produced the kit over the course of three years.

The collective redrew the pattern digitally, which was then colour-matched onto sportswear fabric by British sports manufacturer Admiral.

The home kit is dark blue with light pale blue leaves and pale pink flowers. The away kit is an aqua replica of John Henry Dearles' design with a V neck collar. Both shirts come with matching shorts.

"Full access to the gallery's archive was given, allowing the design team to explore the full collection of textiles and wallpaper to choose the pattern which was digitally re-drawn and colour matched to be sublimated onto the clothing, taking over a hundred hours of research and design," said Walthamstow FC.

According to Walthamstow FC, part of the kit's proceeds will help establish a women's football team in addition to supporting Walthamstow FC as they "climb the football pyramid".

Morris was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. Dearle was a stained glass and textile designer who was trained by Morris. He produced many of Morris & Co's textile and wallpaper designs in later years.

The William Morris Gallery displays a large collection of Morris & Co's designs in addition to Morris' history alongside contemporary exhibitions and events programmes.

Other notable football kits include Adidas' leopard-print kit for its women's team designed by British designer Stella McCartney and Coventry City's kit informed by the city's cathedral, which was designed by sports brand Hummel to mark the building's 60th anniversary.

The post Walthamstow FC unveils William Morris-informed floral kits appeared first on Dezeen.

Kenyan architectural studio Cave Bureau has examined issues surrounding decolonialisation and decarbonisation by spotlighting the history and architecture of Kenya's volcanic caves.

The Anthropocene Museum exhibition, which is on show at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark, features a number of Cave Bureau's projects that use natural architecture to highlight cultural and environmental issues.

As part of its research process, the studio 3D-scanned the insides of Kenya's million-year-old caves before translating the structures into installations and architectural projects.

Among the installations in the exhibition is a recreation of the Shimoni caves by the Indian Ocean, which were historically used as a waiting pen for captured slaves.

Cave Bureau's design of the caves was made from lightweight mesh.

The project, made in collaboration with the Centre for Information Technology and Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy, was informed by pre-colonial building techniques and was handwoven at the museum.

This process of scanning and translating caves' structures is part of Cave Bureau's overarching vision of exploring the relationship between nature and architecture.

The exhibition highlights how caves have been used as a shelter for refugees escaping slavery and oppression.

It also looks at how geothermal energy extraction – which has a role in the global green energy movement – can have a negative impact on nature, animals and local communities.

The Maasai, an indigenous African community, is one of the communities affected by geothermal energy extraction, according to Cave Bureau.

"The green revolution is legitimised by its positive global narrative," said the Louisiana Museum of Art.

"This makes the struggle for indigenous culture difficult, even though these groups may very well be the people who are living most sustainably and consuming the lowest amount of CO2."

The exhibition also showcases what Cave Bureau's founders Kabage Karanja and Stella Mutegi call "reversed futurism", which combines contemporary architecture with indigenous knowledge to create sustainable solutions for the future.

An example is the studio's Cow Corridor project, which aims to establish the Maasai's grazing routes through Nairobi, "which has been forbidden territory for cows since the British partition of the country", said the museum.

Also featured as part of the exhibition is The Door of No Return – a version of the gate that enslaved West Africans passed under before being shipped to the Danish West Indies.

Here, Cave Bureau has increased the gate's size and transformed it into an installation featuring limestone stalactites.

"By using critical architectural acts and propositions of resistance we address past traumas to generate projects of healing that are inclusive for all life on earth to thrive," said Karanja and Mutegi.

Cave Bureau's exhibition at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is the sixth and final exhibition of The Architect's Studio series taking place at the museum.

The first exhibition of The Architect's Studio series opened in 2017 and focused on Amateur Architecture Studio in China, which is led by architects Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu.

Other exhibitions included the work of Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena and the Elemental studio; projects by Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao, and Indian architect Anupama Kundoo.

The Anthropocene Museum exhibition is on display at Louisiana from 29 June to 26 November 2023. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

The post Cave Bureau recreates Kenya's volcanic caves for The Anthropocene Museum exhibition appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen has teamed up with innovation platform The Mills Fabrica to livestream a number of talks that explore design solutions to planet-related issues on 11 May 2023 as part of London Craft Week.

London Craft Week returns to London for its ninth edition from 8 to 14 May 2023.

The Mills Fabrica event, named Planet-Saving Innovations, includes a series of keynotes, panels and talks where industry leaders will discuss tackling some of the biggest challenges our climate is facing through design.

You can watch the event on Dezeen's YouTube channel from 9:30am London time.

Amongst the speakers is  Manel Torres, founder of technology company Fabrican and inventor of the technology behind the viral spray-on Coperni dress modeled by Bella Hadid at Paris Fashion Week.

The featured speakers also include chief design officer at biomaterial innovation brand Biofabricate, Amy Congdon and sustainable business specialist at luxury fashion platform FARFETCH Hannah Carey.

"Partnering with the London Craft Week here at The Mills Fabrica is a perfect example of how we are continuing to build a community of like-minded innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs with the same vision of making the textile and apparel industry more sustainable and better for our planet," said global head of The Mills Fabrica, Nikita Jayasuriya.

Alongside the talks, Fabrica X –  Mills Fabrica's innovation gallery and concept store – will present an exhibition on biomaterials that showcases products and materials made from both traditional and new, scientific techniques.

Brands included in the exhibition are Arda Biomaterials, a material brand transforming spent grain waste from breweries into a plastic-free leather alternative, and BioFluff, the world's first 100 per cent plant-based fur brand.

Read on for Planet-Saving Innovations' full line-up.

Presentations
9:00am to 14:00pm

› Dr Manel Torres, founder of Fabrican
› Amy Congdon, chief design officer at Biofabricate
› Yudi Ding, founder of Hide Biotech
› Brett Cotten, co-founder of Arda Biomaterials
› Patrick Baptista Pinto, co-founder of Really Clever
› Lauren Bartley, sustainability and CSR director at GANNI
› Louisa Tholstrup, stakeholder engagement and experience at The Earthshot Prize
› Emily Bullman, investor at True Global
› Nikita Jayasuriya, general manager of Europe, The Mills Fabrica
› Tiffanie Darke, director at Story Studios
› Hannah Carey, senior sustainable business specialist at Farfetch
› Keith O'Brien, senior PR and communications manager at ISKO
› Chet Lo, designer at Chet Lo
› Idan Gal-Shohet, co-founder and CEO at Fibe
› Julian Ellis-Brown, co-founder & CEO, SaltyCo
› Max Easton, global innovation director, Smartex
› Walden Lam, co-founder and CEO, Unspun

The Mills Fabrica is the innovation partner of London Craft Week 2023 for the third year running.

It aims to support the techstyle and agrifood industries' transition to a more sustainable future and "create success stories between innovators, entrepreneurs, organisations and corporate brands, that together, drive positive change for future generations".

London Craft Week takes place from 8 to 14 May 2023. In a bid to celebrate both British and international creativity, the event brings together more than 700 established and emerging creators, designers, brands and galleries from around the world.

The post The Mills Fabrica to host design talks at London Craft Week appeared first on Dezeen.

There's still time to be listed in our upcoming digital guide to NYCxDesign 2023, which lists the numerous events including exhibitions, installations, trade fairs, talks and open studios in New York City.

NYCxDesign runs from 18 to 25 May 2023 and is now in its 11th year. In previous years, it has seen more than 300,000 international visitors attend.

Dezeen's digital guides

Dezeen's digital guide will provide visitors with all the key information about the festival with listings for the must-see events.

Dezeen's NYCxDesign festival guide follows the success of our digital guides to Stockholm Design Week, London Design Festival and Milan design week.

Listings start at £100

Get in touch with the Dezeen Events Guide team at eventsguide@dezeen.com to book in your listing or to discuss a wider partnership with Dezeen. There are three pricing tiers:

Standard listings cost £100 and include the event name, date and location details plus a website link. These listings will also feature up to 50 words of text about the event. Standard listings are included at the discretion of the Dezeen Events Guide team.

Enhanced listings cost £150 and include all of the above plus an image at the top of the listing's page and an image in the listing preview on the festival guide page. These listings will also feature up to 100 words of text about the event.

Featured listings cost £300 and feature everything as part of an enhanced listing plus inclusion in the featured events carousel, social media posts on our @dezeenguide channels.

This includes one post per channel: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and up to 150 words of text about the event. This text can include commercial information such as ticket prices and offers and can feature additional links to website pages such as ticket sales, newsletter signups etc.

Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide is our guide to the best architecture and design events taking place across the world each year. The guide is updated weekly and includes virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions and design weeks.

For more details on inclusion in Dezeen Events Guide, including in our guide to NYCxDesign 2023, email eventsguide@dezeen.com.

The illustration is by Justyna Green.

The post You can still be listed in Dezeen's digital guide to NYCxDesign 2023 appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen has teamed up with The World Around to stream its 2023 summit, which features talks by Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo, artist Es Devlin and design critic Alice Rawsthorn. Watch it live here from midday New York time.

Throughout the day, experts will discuss projects that aim to tackle a range of diverse issues, including climate change, social equity and ecology.

The World Around is a non-profit organisation founded by curator Beatrice Galilee, which hosts critical discussions with experts on design, architecture and culture. This year's summit takes place at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

The programme is split into three sessions and will also include awarding the winners of The World Around's Young Climate Prize 2023 – a mentorship initiative for young designers that supports their work in tackling the climate crisis.

Read on for the full line-up and watch the livestream at the top of this article.

Session One
12:00pm New York time (5:00pm London time)

In the summit's first session, interdisciplinary architects, production designers, curators and artists will discuss ideas that are "captivating imaginations and inspiring change all around the world".

The industry experts will discuss the projects they've worked on, from the restoration of native forest habitats in Jordan to the creation of a centre for intercultural knowledge in Colombia.

Also in the first session there will be a conversation about The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic show based on a video game of the same name, which follows the story of survivors of a global pandemic caused by a fungus that infects humans.

Project presentations

› Tosin Oshinowo, architect, designer and curator of the 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial
› Andrés Jaque, founder of the Office for Political Innovation, the Dean of Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
› Ana Maria Gutiérrez, Colombian architect and artist
› Deema Assaf, Jordanian architect, urban forester and founder of research studio TAYYŪN
› Es Devlin, artist and designer

In Conversation: The Last of Us

› John Paino, production designer of The Last of Us
› Liam Young, architect and film director
› Lucia Pietroiusti, curator

Session Two: Inhabiting the World Around
2:00pm New York time (7:00pm London time)

In this second session, The World Around shares exclusive previews of some of the newest projects that are focused on developing and building sustainable communities.

Among the projects being discussed include a new educational and research centre on the coast of the Sea of Cortes and new models of urban living being developed in the US.

Project presentations

› Tatiana Bilbao, Mexico City-based architect
› Pirjo Haikola, underwater designer
› Claire Webb, director of the Berggruen Institute's Future Humans programme
› Fernando Laposse, Mexican product designer
› Dominic Leong, founder of Leong Leong
› River Claure, photographer, filmmaker and sculptor from Bolivia
› Vishaan Chakrabarti, architect, founder of PAU

Session Three: Voices of The World Around
4:00pm New York time (9:00pm London time)

This final session includes a number of discussions by leading voices in the design industry such as how an extra-institutional platform can help design a more progressive urban environment, and how a historic lack of diversity in design criticism has led to "disastrous consequences".

The Young Climate Prize award winners will also share and discuss their award-winning projects and talk about their perspectives as the voices of the future.

Presentations

› Alice Rawsthorn, design critic and co-founder of Design Emergency
› Joseph Zeal-Henry, co-founder of Sound Advice
› Kyong Park, curator

Dezeen is a media partner for The World Around 2023.

The post Watch The World Around 2023 summit live appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Events Guide has launched a digital guide to Milan design week, which highlights the hundreds of events taking place across the city next month.

This year Milan design week takes place from 17 to 23 April 2023 and hosts hundreds of events including exhibitions, installations, workshops, product launches and talks.

Dezeen's guide to Milan design week 2023

Dezeen's dedicated guide acts as an informative resource for visitors who are attending Milan design week. The guides outline the key events taking place at the festival and includes their dates, times and locations.

The guide follows the success of last year's guide, which was viewed over 50,000 times.

Dezeen's guide to Salone del Mobile

Alongside the guide, Dezeen will also launch a guide to the furniture fair Salone del Mobile, which is the largest event to take place during Milan design week.

Contact eventsguide@dezeen.com to be considered for inclusion in the Salone del Mobile fair guide, as well as to book a spot in the festival guide to Milan design Week, which will continue to be updated in the weeks leading up to the event.

Salone del Mobile is located at the Fiera Milano exhibition centre from 18 to 23 April 2023.

Dezeen's Salone del Mobile guide will present the best brands showcasing furniture, lighting, electrical appliances, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor and workspace products.

It will document the location of the brand's stands in Fiera Milano and similarly to our festival guide, document the key information visitors need to know.

About Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide is our guide to the best architecture and design events taking place across the world each year.The guide is updated weekly and includes virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions and design week.

For more details on inclusion in Dezeen Events Guide, including in our guide to Milan design week, email eventsguide@dezeen.com.

The illustration is by Justyna Green.

The post Dezeen Events Guide launches digital guide to Milan design week 2023 appeared first on Dezeen.

Non-profit architecture forum The World Around has announced the 25 finalists of its Young Climate Prize, which celebrates young creatives who have developed projects that address and mitigate the impact of climate change.

The 25 creatives are from diverse socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds and have been selected by The World Around for their ingenuity.

Some of the finalists include researcher Anushuka Shahdadpuri, who is developing a network of ways to accelerate clean water in India; photographer Aida Namukose, who has documented women in the food industry in Uganda affected by climate change; and designer Esther Olalude, who has created affordable sanitary pads from recycled waste.

Other finalists include designer Moemen Sobh, who has developed a fish-skin leather with the aim of supporting the fishing industry in Egypt, and Joseph Nguthiru, a chemist who has invented a biodegradable plastic made from water hyacinth.

Each of the 25 creatives will be mentored by a leading name in the architecture and design industry who will support and coach them. Among the 25 mentors is MoMa curator Paola Antonelli, Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao and South African architect Sumayya Vally.

After the mentorship, three designers will be invited to New York City to present their work at The World Around's annual Summit at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum on Earth Day, 22 April 2023.

"The World Around is committed to focusing on what is happening now and how it can change the future," said founder and director of The World Around Beatrice Galilee.

"This group of inspiring young activists, inventors, entrepreneurs, writers and poets have shown us where the world's attention should focus. Their generation has a vested interest in finding solutions to our biggest challenges."

The World Around is a New York City-based platform that was established in 2020 by Galilee and Diego Marroquin.

It is dedicated to sharing the latest design and architecture through an interdisciplinary and global lens, which aims to spotlight unique and radical design projects dedicated to climate resilience.

The finalists have been grouped into five different themes: Words Matter, Creating Connections, Innovators and Inventors, All About Water and Radical Reuse.

Below are the 25 finalists of The World Around's Young Climate Prize mentorship initiative:

Words Matter

Alfonse Chiu, researcher
Project/research topic: examining neocolonial flows of tropical fruits
Location: Singapore
Mentor: Paola Antonelli, MoMA curator and author

Aziba Ekio, poet
Project/research topic: a poetry collection called The Colour Green
Location: Nigeria
Mentor: Sumayya Vally, architect

Pamela Elizarrarás Acitores, writer and photographer
Project/research topic: a project focused on climate change called Climate Words
Location: Mexico
Mentor: Mariana Pestana, architect, researcher and curator

Mangaliso Ngcobo and Sam Harding, writers and editors
Project/research topic: TWIST magazine
Location: South Africa
Mentor: Susan Sellers, founding partner and executive creative director of 2x4

Nastia Volynova, researcher
Project/research topic: examining changes in forms of labour due to climate change
Location: Russia
Mentor: Carson Chan, curator and writer

Aida Namukose, photographer
Project/research topic: documenting women working in the food industry in Uganda who are affected by climate change
Location: Uganda
Mentor: José Esparza Chong Cuy, curator

Creating Connections

Marilita Quintana Molina, artist
Project/research topic: collecting plastic waste from her local region in Chile with the intention of using it to improve her community
Location: Chile
Mentor: Abraham Cruzvillegas, artist

Shariffa Amolo Anguria, activist
Project/research topic: research focusing on the impacts of traditional gold mining
Location: Kenya
Mentor: Joar Nango, architect and artist

Raihan Rabbannee Hendrawan, facilitator
Project/research topic: a project focused on engaging young people in climate action
Location: Indonesia
Mentor: Emma Osore, co-managing director at BlackSpace

Sophia Tabibian and Lulu Goulet-Hofsass, community leaders
Project/research topic: an online climate hub for global activists
Location: USA
Mentor: Bruce Mau, designer

Sahithi Radha, activist
Occupation and research topic: developing an e-waste collection and recycling initiative
Location: India
Mentor: deputy director of education and public engagement at The Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, Cyra Levenson

Hannah Segerkrantz, product designer
Project/research topic: the use of hemp as an eco-friendly building material through an open-source design
Location: Estonia
Mentor: Wael Al Awar, principal of Waiwai design

Innovators and Inventors

Jin Gao, researcher
Project/research topic: researcher examining the survival of bees in volatile climate conditions
Location: China
Mentor: Alder Keleman Saxena

David Andrés Vega Monsalve, artist
Project/research topic: using virtual reality to spotlight the effects of flooding in Pakistan
Location: Colombia
Mentor: Camila Marambio, curator

Ichor Joshua Keghnen, mechanical engineer
Project/research topic: a device to monitor pollution in boreholes and water wells
Location: Nigeria
Mentor: Max Fraser, design writer

Chris Vrettos, energy advocate
Location: Greece
Project/research topic: a project focusing on Greece's first all-solar community.
Mentor: Aric Chen, curator

Esther Olalude, designer
Location: Nigeria
Project/research topic: creating affordable sanitary towels from recycled waste
Mentor: Etta Madete, architect and co-founder and director of Zima Homes

All About Water

Namra Khalid, researcher
Location: Pakistan
Project/research topic: producing Pakistan's first socio-climatic map to address floods in Karachi, Pakistan
Mentor: Henk Ovink, environmental leader

Anushuka Shahdadpuri, designer
Location: India
Project/research topic: developing a network of ways to accelerate clean water in India
Mentor: Noura Al Sayeh Holtrop, architect and curator

Joseph Nguthiru, chemist
Location: Kenya
Project/research topic: a biodegradable plastic made from water hyacinth
Mentor: Jan Boelen, designer

Radical Reuse

Gabriela Angelina Bernal Ibáñez, engineer and architect
Location: Mexico
Project/research topic: a research project investigating the use of recycled panels in Mexico
Mentor: Ensamble Studio, architecture practice

Foday David Kamara, researcher
Location: Rwanda
Project/research topic: a social enterprise in Rwanda with the aim of reducing plastic waste
Mentor: Dominic Leong, co-founder of Leong Leong Architecture

Moemen Sobh, architect
Location: Egypt
Project/research topic: the development of a leather from fish skin
Mentor: Nelly Ben Hayoun, designer

Mohammed Dimma Mawejje, designer
Location: Uganda
Project/research topic: using agriculture waste and second-hand clothes to create bags, earrings and dresses
Mentor: Isabelle Quivelly, head of Creative Shop, Facebook UK

Stanley Anigbogu, designer
Location: Nigeria
Project/research topic: a project providing access to energy for students and refugees in Nigeria
Mentor: Harry Pearce, designer

The post The World Around announces 25 finalists in its Young Climate Prize mentorship initiative appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen School Shows: from a "library of blood" to a meat-growing lab, we've picked five of the weirdest student projects featured on Dezeen School Shows.

Students are encouraged to push the boundaries of their imagination, and the results can be even more outlandish than anything found in the professional design industry.

This roundup includes a project focused on hair, a "library of blood" and a 3D augmented reality recipe book app that can be used to generate 3D models of anatomical baked goods.

The projects come from students enrolled on architecture, photography and fashion courses at international institutions including Glasgow School of Art, University of Art and Design Linz, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and UCLA.

Read on for five of the weirdest student projects featured on Dezeen:

Hair by Meihui Zhang

This project by photography, illustration and graphic design student Meihui Zhang's explores how hair is an object that can be "shaped, traded and even collected".

Focusing on race and culture, it examines the significance of hair while also exploring the possibilities of hair from a photographic perspective.

"Hair means care, race, culture, defiance and punishment," said Zhang. "It is sacred and to be protected. It is private and intimate, but it is also public and political."

Student: Meihui Zhang
School: Glasgow School of Art
Course: School of Design, MDes Photography, Illustration and Graphics

View the full school show ›

Invert by Tania Pérez Hérnandez

Fashion and technology student Tania Pérez Hérnandez created a digital project that explores and distorts human and non-human bodies, depicting images that merge to create a range of abstract forms.

"Peeling off these new body surfaces creates abstract patterns that are transferred back into textile surfaces and three-dimensional, wearable objects," said Hérnandez. "Invert dissolves our ideas of the body to create new analogue and digital physiques."

Student: Tania Pérez Hérnandez
School: University of Art and Design Linz
Course: Fashion and Technology

View the full school show ›

Hemotheque by Dylan Rundle

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student Dylan Rundle designed a "library of blood" called Hemotheque that explores society's relationship with knowledge and the media as an "instrument of  theoretical, cultural and physical war".

The project also examines how emerging forms of biotechnical interfaces can redefine disciplinary relationships.

"This thesis project revisits the monolithicity and centralised authority of civic institutions by proposing new typologies of civic architecture that consider the built environment as both a tectonic assemblage of materials and an ecosystem of technologies – interweaving people, information and ecologies through networks, the cloud, analytics and artificial intelligence," said Rundle.

Student: Dylan Rundle
School: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Course: Architecture

View the full school show ›

Yummy Recipes for Learning Human Anatomy by Humayra Tabassum Bakar

Medical visualisation and human anatomy student Humayra Tabassum Bakar created a 3D augmented reality recipe app that can be used to generate 3D models of anatomical baked goods.

According to Bakar, anatomy can be complex for people to visualise. The recipe book enables people to learn about the anatomy of specific organs, such as the brain, and enhance their STEM learning skills.

"Certain anatomical relationships can be complex for lay people to visualise and understand the spatial relationships and orientation between anatomical structures," said Bakar. "I wanted to create a 3D augmented reality recipe book app to teach the public about specific human organs, such as the brain, lungs and intestines."

Student: Humayra Tabassum Bakar
University: Glasgow School of Art
Course: MSc Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy

View the full school show ›

Meat Culture: From Lab to Table by Akana Jayewardene and Sunay Rajbhandari

UCLA students Akana Jayewardene and Sunay Rajbhandari imagined a lab in Los Angeles that cultures meat and insect-based protein. The project explores the challenges in moving away from the reliance on conventional meat sources.

"We imagine a future in which Los Angeles has moved away from its reliance on conventional meat sources and toward a diet of cultured meat and insect-based protein," said Jayewardene and Rajbhandari.

"As old habits and desires linger, the graphic and grotesque character of meat culture's troubled past encounters the clinical sensibilities of scientific research and the culinary arts to establish new aesthetic qualities."

Students: Akana Jayewardene and Sunay Rajbhandari
University: UCLA
Course: Future (Hi)Stories

View the full school show ›

Partnership content

These projects are presented in school shows from institutions that partner with Dezeen. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Five of the weirdest student design projects featured on Dezeen School Shows appeared first on Dezeen.

Italian fashion start-up Cap_able has launched a collection of knitted clothing that protects the wearer's biometric data without the need to cover their face.

Named Manifesto Collection, the clothing features various patterns developed by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to shield the wearer's facial identity and instead identify them as animals.

Cap_able designed the clothing with patterns – known as adversarial patches – to deceive facial recognition software in real-time.

The garments have been tested with YOLO, which is the fastest real-time object detection system, according to Cap_able.

Wearers are either undetectable by the software or are identified as animals whose print is embedded into the adversarial patch.

"People who wear Cap_able's garments are not recognized as such by the software [YOLO], which instead identifies dogs, zebras, or giraffes within the fabric," said the brand.

Cap_able's founders, Rachele Didero and Federica Busani developed the collection after nine months of research and testing various images, algorithms, knitting machines and materials.

Didero created a system to converting digital adversarial patches onto a 3D knitted textile using a single yarn in order to control the knit and ensure it kept the patch's adversarial properties.

"I wanted to obtain a knitted textile because, in knitwear, I can control the material of the single yarn and work on the final texture," Didero told Dezeen.

"To obtain a knitted textile, I had to work on specific computerised knitting machines with a certain gauge and yarns."

The collection includes jumpers, t-shirts, trousers and dresses that are knitted from 100 per cent Egyptian cotton quality by Filmar, a brand that adheres to the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), according to Cap_able.

According to Didero, the Manifesto Collection aims to raise awareness of the right to biometric data privacy, which is an issue she says that is "often underrepresented despite affecting the majority of citizens around the world".

Didero and Busani believe that facial information should be thought of in the same way as information gained from DNA and fingerprints.

The duo's garments aim to stimulate discussion on protection from non-ethical use of facial recognition cameras, which would have an impact on people's expression and movement in public spaces.

"In a world where data is the new oil, Cap_able addresses the issue of privacy, opening the discussion on the importance of protecting against the misuse of biometric recognition cameras: a problem if neglected, could freeze the rights of the individual including freedom of expression, association and free movement in public spaces," said Didero.

The use of facial recognition software is a growing concern with Owen Hopkins stating that   the technology "is a fundamental threat to society" in an opinion piece on Dezeen.

Others that have created products to protect against facial recognition include Brooklyn-based designer Sara Sallam who designed facial jewellery to protect the wearer from surveillance cameras without concealing their features and Polish designer Ewa Nowak who developed a mask that makes the wearer's face undetectable to surveillance cameras.

The post Cap_able blocks facial recognition software with knitted clothing appeared first on Dezeen.

French interior designer Marion Mailaender has completed a seafood bar in Paris named Citrons et Huîtres, which features oyster-shaped door handles and a stainless steel counter informed by fishmongers.

Mailaender, who specialises in creating spaces "with a great sense of humour", designed the bar to resemble an elevated market stall, where guests can dine inside or take away platters of oysters and shellfish.

Citrons et Huîtres has a raw steel facade informed by the storefronts of local fishmongers, which have floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the streets of Paris.

Guests enter the bar through a door with a bronze handle shaped like an oyster shell, while a matching neon sign is fixed on the facade above the bar's name.

Inside, the space has a vaulted ceiling that reaches more than four and a half metres in height, which is painted blue together with the walls to create the impression of "diving into an amazing aquarium", the owners said.

The walls are decorated with prints by Mailaender's husband, the artist Thomas Mailaender, who used a cyanotype printing process dating back to 1842 to produce ethereal blue photographs of coastal scenes.

Countertops are rendered in stainless steel and finished with a "pearly sheen", while coral-coloured stools line the bar.

The bar serves local French oysters from Brittany, presented on stainless steel trays that complement the interior.

"Like a market stall with its stainless steel seafood counter, Citrons et Huîtres invites guests to savour the most incredible oysters while sipping on a glass of white," the bar's owners explained.

The name Citrons et Huîtres was chosen to reference a still-life by French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who once had his studio in the same building that now houses the oyster bar.

"At the height of his glory in 1900, Renoir created Citrons et Huîtres, a piece of art that celebrates the most beautiful shellfish, classified as a national heritage of French art," said the owners.

Other oyster bars with interiors informed by the food on offer include Vancouver's ShuckShuck, which is traversed by a curving concrete counter, and Watchman's in Atlanta with its "spare nautical" interiors.

The photography is by Thomas Tissandier.

The post Citrons et Huîtres oyster bar creates impression of "diving into an aquarium" appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen has teamed up with hotel One Hundred Shoreditch to launch an exhibition showcasing the work of five rising design talents from the London borough of Hackney.

Curated by Dezeen, the Designed in Hackney exhibition presents work spanning product design, fashion, sculpture, animation and visual art by five creative talents from the east London borough.

Each rising star has been nominated by one of Hackney's most prominent designers.

Camille Walala has nominated artist and designer Coco Lom, Nelly Ben Hayoun has nominated animator Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Roksanda Ilincic has nominated fashion designer Marie Lueder, Lee Broom has nominated furniture designer Amechi Mandi and Pearson Lloyd has nominated ceramic designer Bisila Noha.

The exhibition takes place at One Hundred Shoreditch from 26 November to 4 December 2022 and is open from 10:30 to 6:30pm every day except Mondays.

Coco Lom specialises in abstract patterns and creates large murals using a bright and bold colour palette.

Lom has been nominated by Walala, who said: "I have been following the work of Coco Lom for a while and I love her very distinctive style – vibrant and bold – which combines a primary colour palette and bold monochrome patterns. I also really like her playful design approach and am looking forward to seeing more of her artworks around Hackney."

Danielle Braithwaite-Shirley's work combines animation, video game development, sound and performance

Danielle Braithwaite-Shirley produces work that combines animation, video game development, sound and performance. Her practice focuses on retelling the stories of Black Trans people, which is informed by both lived experiences and fiction.

She has been nominated by Ben Hayoun, who said: "Danielle designs work centered on Black Trans lives and explores the worlds of gaming through her many projects. Her non-linear approach to storytelling is unique and so are the aesthetics that she develops into her work – none are expected and they all challenge ideas of representation, characters and bodies."

Marie Lueder is the founder of her eponymous fashion brand Lueder. A Royal College of Art graduate, Lueder launched the brand in 2020 and has since showcased four seasons at London Fashion Week.

Lueder was nominated by fellow fashion designer Ilincic, who said: "I first met Marie during lockdown and it has been such a pleasure to follow her journey with Lueder since. Her modern, innovative approach to menswear is truly refreshing and I especially admire how she commits her craftsmanship to addressing mental health and sustainability through fashion. The way her designs equip those facing challenging mental obstacles with metaphorical armours is incredibly unique and inspiring!"

Amechi Mandi produces products that are informed by his African heritage. His work includes colourful cushions, throws, mirrors and ceramics and he is also working on a series of rugs in a collaboration with flooring brand Floor Story, which will be launched in 2023.

Mandi has been nominated by lighting designer Broom, who said: "Amechi's work is inspired by his Nigerian and Cameroonian heritage; it has a real point of difference and by tapping into his own heritage, it makes his work authentic and distinctive. He started with ambitions to work in the fashion industry, which resonates with my own background studying and working in fashion."

Bisila Noha is a ceramic artist whose work aims to challenge Western perceptions of craft and art. Noha's work includes wheel-thrown ceramics as well as more sculptural pieces made by combining multiple techniques.

Pearson Lloyd said: "We have known of Bisila for a relatively short time but I think what resonated so quickly was the sense of process and tactility within the work. The pieces are simple yet complex. The traces of the hands on what often start off as simple forms suggest a narrative beyond the object itself and speak to time and a sense of history. In an era when we are trying to reconnect with ourselves, our sense of identity, and our planet, they seem most relevant."

The Designed in Hackney exhibition follows on from an initiative Dezeen launched 10 years ago to celebrate the incredible diversity of creative talent in Hackney in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

A decade on, Hackney is home to a whole new generation of creatives, so Dezeen asked five high-profile designers based in the borough to each select a rising star, whose work is showcased in the exhibition.

Designed in Hackney takes place from 26 November to 4 December 2022 at One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JQ, UK. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

The post Dezeen spotlights upcoming designers with Designed in Hackney exhibition appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: Spanish furniture brand Sancal has collaborated with Dutch design studio Raw Color to develop a playful seating collection, formed from modules that resemble giant squishy chain links.

The Link & Loop range includes the Link sofa, which is made from interconnected "links" that are strung together to form a couch of the desired length.

A more tubular version of these modules is also used to form the Loop pouf, with a backrest added to create a matching armchair and sofa.

"Link & Loop are visually connected by the cylinder," said Raw Color founders Daniera ter Haar and Christoph Brach. "The essential geometry allows the overall volume to be soft and tactile in its appearance."

Both seating families are available in a range of plain colours, in addition to the speckled Kvadrat x Febrik Sprinkles collection.

The range also comes in a Designer's Edition, which combines different tonal colours into one patchwork design.

All of the colours featured in the collection were chosen to play with light, shadow and volume, in a bid to manipulate perception.

"Illusion is not only a state of mind," Sancal said. "It's also part of a visual effect that Raw Color achieves when connecting light, shadow, colour and volume in softly rounded geometries."

According to Sancal, the project was originally conceived as "the pandemic raged, with the conviction that one day we would sit together once again".

"Raw Color seeks to create new joyful ways of sitting," the brand explained.

That's also why, during the design process, the collaborative project was known under the working name Party.

Raw Color is based in Eindhoven and its previous projects include an Elbow Sock for coronavirus sneezing and a textile collection that visualises climate change data.

The studio's Loop and Link collection has been shortlisted in the seating design category of Dezeen Awards 2022 alongside Sabine Marcelis's sculptural Boa pouf and a wooden armchair called Lotte, which is designed to help people with age-related impairments stand up and sit down without assistance.

Collection: Loop and Link
Designer: Raw Color
Brand: Sancal

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Link & Loop furniture provides "joyful ways of sitting" appeared first on Dezeen.

Design studio Hakuten has created a three-dimensional map of Ginza, Tokyo, that presents the ecology that exists in the district.

The Ginza Ecological Map, which was featured in the Japanese makeup brand Shiseido's Hakuten's window, was designed to "carefully express the impression of the location and the history of the city, with a hidden story of Ginza".

It spotlighted the natural elements found throughout the district, including samples of trees, plants, insects and earth, with the intention of enhancing the local community's knowledge of its district's ecology. Each item was presented in one of 72 windows – similarly to how scientific specimens are exhibited in museums.

The exhibition ran throughout 2021 and across two themes: Organisms, which presented insects and cuttings from plants, and Earth – showcasing the diversity of soils found throughout the district.

"We care­fully displayed this ecology in the window as if they were scientific specimens," said Hakuten.

"The exhibition ran throughout the year across two different ecological themes – Organisms and Earth – and brought to light a new and beautiful Ginza that had not been seen before in the form of the Ginza Ecology Map."

The materials were collected during a number of fieldwork studies in addition to the knowledge gained from speaking to people local to Ginza. Once collected, the items were exhibited in creative ways with the aim of becoming a tool to communicate the connection between Ginza's natural world and society.

For example, the plant named glothistle was collected from under the city's Wako clock tower, and as part of the exhibition was displayed in a clock-like motif to represent it.

In addition, the district's ginkgo biloba trees were planted in 1906, and according to the designers, they represent a "turning point for modernisation in the city".

As a nod to the tree's heritage in the district, images of Ginza's buildings were printed onto the collected ginkgo tree leaves as part of the exhibition.

"Unlike most window displays that show objects and installations that only suit its occasion, not only did Ginza Ecological Map provide a new perspective of Ginza city, but through research from local residents it also expanded into a communication tool between the city and the people," said Hakuten.

"By looking at the usually unseen ecology that exists in a metropolis, we were able to rethink the relationship between the city, people, and nature in an attempt to approach a more sustainable society."

As part of the Earth theme, the colour of the soil across the district was documented, including samples collected from sidewalk ditches and from around various plants such as dogwood and camellia.

The exhibition also shed light on creating a number of creative resources from the city's soil – including pottery and crayons – and clothing dyed using local plant's pigments.

According to the studio, the pandemic provided the opportunity to reflect on the human-nature relationship as Ginza was "emptied" because of the pandemic.

The project was conceived of this change, and aimed to rethink the district's approach towards creating a society more mindful of enhancing and protecting its nature.

"In Covid-19 where we were provided with more opportunities to deeply reflect upon the global environment, this project allowed us to rethink the relationship between the city, people, and nature in an attempt to approach a more sustainable society," said Hakuten.

Ginza Ecological Map has been shortlisted in the exhibition design category at this year's Dezeen Awards alongside, Weird Sensation Feels Good – The World of ASMR, Greenwood Rising: Black Wall Street History Center exhibition and Journey of the Pioneers.

The post Ginza Ecological Map designed by Hakuten presents the "hidden story of Ginza" appeared first on Dezeen.

German studio Atelier Brueckner and its design partners have created an immersive exhibition at the Museum of the Future in Dubai that aims to investigate the world in 2071.

Named Journey of the Pioneers, the permanent exhibition was created for the recently opened Museum of the Future, which was designed by local studio Killa Design.

Atelier Brueckner split the exhibition, which was shortlisted for this year's Dezeen Awards, into three sections that aim to investigate what the world may look like 50 years from now. The sections focus on life in space, bioengineering developments and the future of wellbeing.

According to Atelier Brueckner, each district was designed using different materials and methods to represent their distinct but interconnected narratives.

The first district focuses on life in a space station, the second on an organisation that aims to regenerate endangered ecosystems, and the final district examines the future developments of well-being rituals.

"The experience touches on subjects and narratives that are relevant in the present day and foreseen to be still the challenges that we will face in the future," said Atelier Brueckner.

"The experience is both informative and transformative and calls on the visitors to embark upon an expedition to a future for which they will, through individual choices, become part of a collective effort to create a better future for all humanity."

The first district presents the OSS Hope space station – the "largest man-made object in space". Within the exhibition, visitors can look out from "space" to see a digital image depicting the Earth 50 years from now.

During the immersive experience, visitors are "recruited" to undertake a fictitious mission aligned to the space station's overall aim – "to use the sun's energy to provide power for mankind by harvesting it from the moon and then transmitting it down to the Earth".

As a nod to its futuristic theme, the exhibition's surfaces were 3D-printed, according to Atelier Brueckner.

The second district is named the HEAL Institute – an organisation that uses bioengineering to help regenerate damaged ecosystems.

Also included is a "digital Amazon", which intends to showcase how life in the rainforest is interconnected.

"In 'the Forest', visitors gaze upon a majestic Ceiba tree at the sound of rain, as thousands of dancing point clouds overlay the scenery with the choreographed, but invisible life, that infuses the Amazon," said Atelier Brueckner.

This district also features The Library, which includes 2,400 laser-engraved crystal jars that represent different species. This includes single-cell organisms, plants and mammals, which will either be alive or extinct by 2071.

The third and final district is described by Atelier Brueckner as "the space where the pioneers encounter themselves". It aims to be a space where visitors can reconnect to their senses while exploring what the future of well-being will look like in an increasingly technological world.

The district includes a number of therapies and treatments using technologies, such as "Movement Therapy" where visitors can explore and discover the benefit of dance. Additional therapeutic areas in the space include Grounding, Connection, and Feeling.

The district also includes "The Centre", which is designed as a space for relaxation and contemplation, and Atelier Brueckner chose earth and clay-like tones on the district's walls to be in keeping with its theme.

"The design approach for the whole experience was an exercise in the creation of suspension of disbelief, crafting convincing environments through the choice of materials and the overall spatial design, and through the intricate score-like staging of the various narrative & sensorial components," said Atelier Brueckner.

"With moments of tension and moments of release, rhythmic crescendos and climaxes, and phases of decompression and contemplation."

In addition to the main exhibition, the museum includes a space showcasing future innovations and products, in addition to a space with an "immersive and engaging landscape dedicated to children".

The exhibition's design was created in collaboration with creative studio Framestore; VR platform Altspace; media studio, Galerija 12; research studio, Superflux; digital art collective, Marshmallow Laser Feast;  creative studio, Certain Measures; design agency DeepLocal; artist and author, Emilie Baltz; and design studio, Jason Bruges Studios.

The exhibition is a Dubai Future Foundation project and under the creative direction of designer and curator Brendan McGetrick.

Journey of the Pioneers been shortlisted in the exhibition design category at this year's Dezeen Awards alongside Ginza Ecological Map, Weird Sensation Feels Good – The World of ASMR and Greenwood Rising: Black Wall Street History Center exhibition.

The post Journey of the Pioneers exhibition presents the world in 2071 appeared first on Dezeen.

Designer Sara Martinsen has created a sculptural object called Red Oak Circuit Presented as part of Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022, which intends to demonstrate the qualities of American red oak.

Martinsen's Red Oak Circuit is a circular sculpture made from small rectangular pieces of red oak that show the distinct patterns of the wood's end and cross grain.

According to Martinsen, red oak is underutilised in comparison to European white oak and Red Oak Circuit intends to highlight the wood species as an alternative.

It was selected as one of 10 pieces included in the Mindcraft Project – a yearly event that aims to showcase forward-thinking Danish design.

"Red Oak Circuit is part of a continuing exploration into the traits of various natural materials through a combination of theoretical knowledge building and a hands-on approach to form," said The Mindcraft Project.

"Whilst investigating the over-reliance on European white oak within the furniture and interior industry, Martinsen spotted the potential in American red oak species that share the aesthetic qualities and strength of the former."

According to Martinsen, white and red oak differ as red oak has an open end grain, while white oak's is closed. This makes red oak increasingly porous and provides the ability for smoke and air to pass through it.

Martinsen intends to encourage users to interact with the piece while promoting awareness of its material qualities through  "balanced and well-proportioned shapes coming together in mathematical harmony".

"Mathematically precise yet aesthetically minimal, Red Oak Circuit expresses these characteristics through the repeated shift in end and cross grain sections of wood," said The Mindcraft Project.

"Using off-cut rectangular pieces of red oak, the final form aims to highlight the relevance and beauty of unused material."

Red Oak Circuit was made in collaboration with American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and furniture brand Brdr Krüger.

Martinsen is based in Copenhagen and intends to create designs that "tell stories with centuries-old materials" while gaining an understanding of natural materials' strengths and weaknesses.

She aims to combine a hands-on experimental approach to design with theoretical knowledge based on craft history and natural science and creates not only free-standing objects but large wall and ceiling sculptures.

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022 is a partnership between Dezeen and Copenhagen Design Agency. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Sara Martinsen creates sculpture that presents the qualities of an underutilised wood species appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen has teamed up with Danish initiative The Mindcraft Project to present 10 designers' works as part of its annual digital exhibition, which showcases experimental design at the junction of technology, craft, art and architecture.

Every day for ten days from 4 October, Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022 will profile a different Danish designer's work in a series of videos.

Organised by Copenhagen Design Agency (CDA), The Mindcraft Project is an annual digital exhibition that focuses on the explorative work of Danish practitioners who utilise new digital methods in their design process, in addition to traditional craft techniques and materials.

"Our digital format reaches a global audience and presents the Danish designers and studios to a very large group of relevant people around the world," said co-directors of CDA Anders Kongskov and Kristian Kastoft.

"Furthermore, our format gives insight into the designers' creative process and the stories behind the objects with in-depth descriptions, bios and videos," Kongskov and Kastoft continued.

"On top of showing the excellent design and art pieces, we invite the audience into the minds of the makers."

Among the designers chosen for the 2022 exhibition are Sara Martinsen, who has created a sculptural free-standing object expressing the value of underused wood, and Kristine Mandsberg, who has made a series of sculptural textile forms that imitate the shape of organic forms.

Others include design duo Frederik Gustav, which has created a sculptural installation from steel and paper, and Iben Høj, who has made a series of delicate textile containers using both hand-made and machine-made processes.

This year's exhibitors were chosen with input from the CDA's new Curator Advisory Board, which has a "diversified knowledge and insight into the contemporary Danish design scene", according to Kongskov and Kastoft.

The Curator Advisory Board includes the founder and creative director of architecture and design practice Studio David Thulstrup; creative director and founder of Tableau Julius Værnes Iversen; and head of design at Fritz Hansen Marie-Louise Høstbo.

The Mindcraft Project 2022 is supported by The Danish Arts Foundation, VOLA, Augustinus Fonden, Beckett Fonden and Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond.

The Mindcraft Project digital exhibition is online from 4 October at mindcraftproject.com.

Watch all the videos on Dezeen as we publish them at: www.dezeen.com/the-mindcraft-project-2022

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022

Dezeen x The Mindcraft Project 2022 is a partnership between Dezeen and Copenhagen Design Agency. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Dezeen and The Mindcraft Project showcase experimental work by Danish designers appeared first on Dezeen.

We have now published over 1,000 products on Dezeen Showroom, which has received over four million page views since the service launched in 2020.

Dezeen Showroom is an affordable platform for brands to launch their products and showcase their collections, putting them in front of Dezeen's huge global audience and benefitting from Dezeen's incredible SEO.

Since its launch in October 2020, the platform has been extremely popular with both brands and readers, with over 1,000 products listed and over four million page views generated to date.

Dezeen Showroom is an ideal launchpad for brands to showcase their latest products 

Dezeen Showroom is the ideal launchpad for lighting and furniture brands, retailers and designers, to ensure product launches are seen by the largest audience.

The section features a wide range of products including seating, tables, lighting and accessories, as well as products for the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom, and wall and floor finishes for interior spaces.

Dezeen Showroom product posts are specially written by the Dezeen team and are published on a news feed that is constantly updated with new products.

This appears on the Dezeen Showroom section at dezeen.com/showroom as well as in a special widget on Dezeen's home page, which gets eight million page views per month.

Products promoted to daily newsletter audience of over 180,000

Each post also features in Dezeen Daily, our daily newsletter, which gets sent to 180,000 subscribers, and in a weekly Dezeen Showroom round-up post, which appears on Dezeen's home page.

Dezeen Showroom also includes an index, which allows visitors to easily find products by type and brand. It also features a highlights bar at the top, to showcase the best and most newsworthy launches.

Contact showroom@dezeen.com to discuss how to launch your products with Dezeen Showroom.

The post Dezeen Showroom reaches one thousand products and four million page views appeared first on Dezeen.

This week the design community descends on London for London Design Festival 2022, which runs from 17 to 25 September. Find out about all the key events in our digital guide to the festival.

This year's London Design Festival includes over 300 events, exhibitions, talks and installations, which are spread across 12 design districts.

Our digital guide to the week on Dezeen Events Guide features all the key details about the festival to help you plan your week. Click here to see the guide.

Dezeen's guide to London Design Festival 2022

Dezeen's dedicated guide to London Design Festival 2022 is an informative resource for visitors who are attending the week. It includes information about each of the 12 design districts throughout the city that are hosting events as part of the festival.

Also included is a selection of individual exhibitions, installations and other events taking place around the city, which will continue to be updated during the festival.

London Design Festival takes place from 17 to 25 September 2022. Please note that due to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, which takes place on 19 September, many events due to take place on that day may be rescheduled for later in the week.

About Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide is our guide to the best architecture and design events taking place across the world each year.

The guide is updated weekly and includes virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions and design weeks, as well as up-to-date information about what events have been cancelled or postponed due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and Covid-19.

For more details on inclusion in Dezeen Events Guide, including in our guide to London Design Festival, email eventsguide@dezeen.com.

The top illustration references one of London's iconic red buses and is by Rima Sabina Aouf.

The post Dezeen Events Guide launches digital guide to London Design Festival 2022 appeared first on Dezeen.

Berlin-based watch brand Lilienthal Berlin has designed a watch with a case made from recycled coffee grounds, which the brand says makes it smell like coffee when worn.

Coffee Watch by Lilienthal Berlin, which has been shortlisted for a Dezeen Award 2022, has a case made from a coffee-based material invented by its partner Kaffeeform, while its core is made from stainless steel and its strap from natural leather.

More than 20 million tonnes of waste coffee grounds are collected every year in Germany alone, according to Lilienthal Berlin, leading the brand to launch Coffee Watch in a bid to reduce this waste.

To create the case containing the movement and dial, Kaffeeform uses waste coffee grounds that are collected by bicycle couriers from cafes across Berlin, then dried in community workshops and prepared for processing.

The grounds then undergo an upcycling process that turns them into a material that is "traceable, eco-friendly and tells a story," Lilienthal Berlin said.

"With the Coffee Watch, we want to show just how exciting a sustainable lifestyle can be. That it's worth challenging the status quo," said the brand.

"That it's possible to make a watch out of something as seemingly useless as coffee grounds – that good-looking accessories can be compatible with premium quality and sustainability."

In addition, the watch's colour and texture were designed to resemble the look and feel of coffee. Its strap comes in a range of colours, named Americano, Expresso, Latte and Macchiato, which range from dark to light brown.

Coffee Watch also features a minimal Bauhaus-style dial that has a "subtle sun-burst effect" and was designed to be robust and fully recyclable, the brand said.

The aim of the design was to not just create a "nice watch", but draw attention to upcycling.

"We are also doing more than just showing a nice watch here," said Lilienthal Berlin.

"When it comes to lifestyle products, sustainability still doesn't play a big role as it does when it comes to food, fashion, or many other products we see every day. In our industry though, things are developing a bit slower. And this is exactly what we want to change."

Coffee Watch is among the shortlisted projects for Dezeen Awards 2022 in the wearable design category, where it will be competing against projects including Tenuto 2, a wearable vibrator designed to tackle erectile dysfunction, and breast pump Elvie Stride.

The post Lilienthal Berlin uses beans to creates Coffee Watch with "subtle coffee aroma" appeared first on Dezeen.

Today is International Dog Day so Dezeen has put together a roundup of architectural canine beds, including a kennel informed by the stones of ancient henges and another based on Star Wars.

Also featured is a dog kennel that uses the same technology as cars to reduce noise and a hand-built geodesic kennel made from cherry wood that was designed by architecture studio Foster + Partners.

These products reflect a growing trend for high-end designs and architecture for pets. In July this year, EKAR Architects created a dog hotel in Thailand, which is designed for dogs and humans to live side-by-side, while in January, Spanish architects Eeestudio and Lys Villalba designed Educan, a colourful dog training centre near Madrid.

Here are seven kennels and beds created by architects and designers:

Dog Pod by RSHP and Mark Gorton

Architecture studios Mark Gorton and RSHP created a "space-age" dog kennel informed by the spacecrafts in Star Wars. The kennel has a hexagonal and tubular form and is supported by adjustable feet that raise the kennel slightly above the ground.

The design's elevated structure allows for airflow to cool the kennel on warmer days and keep the interior warm on cool days.

Find out more about Dog Pod ›

Bonehenge by Birds Portchmouth Russum Architects

Bonehenge is an oval-shaped dog kennel designed by British architecture studio Birds Portchmouth Russum Architects that features columns designed to resemble bones.

The kennel is informed by the stones of ancient henges and was built with Accoya wood. It features an oval-shaped skylight and also has a wooden roof with a lip around its edge that directs rainwater towards a spout, ensuring the inside remains dry in all weather.

Find out more about Bonehenge ›

Dome-Home by Foster + Partners

British architecture firm Foster + Partners designed a geodesic wooden dog kennel that is hand-built by English furniture maker Benchmark.

The exterior of the kennel is made from cherry wood and features a padded interior with a rectangular opening at its front. The  interior has a removable padded fabric lining that continues the tessellating geometry theme.

Find out more about Dome-Home ›

The Dog Room by Made by Pen and Michael Ong

Melbourne-based architect Michael Ong and Australian design brand Made by Pen created a miniature wooden house for dogs. The design of the kennel is simple and based on a child's drawing of a house.

It is equipped with a black-painted aluminium frame, while the front of the kennel is half open and half covered with a wooden panel. There are also two circular windows at the rear, allowing for airflow and views for owner and pet alike.

Find out more about The Dog Room ›

Noise Cancelling Kennel by Ford

Car manufacturer Ford created the Noise Cancelling Kennel in an effort to shield dogs from loud noises from fireworks, which is the most common source of anxiety in canines.

The kennel features tech used in Ford's Edge SUV to mask engine noise. Microphones pick up high levels of noise from outside the kennel, which then sends opposing signals via an audio system.

The sound waves are designed to cancel each other out, reducing noise. Ford's design is also made from high-density cork cladding for additional soundproofing.

Find out more about the Noise Cancelling Kennel ›

Heads or Tails by Nendo

A dog bed and a range of transformable accessories are included in Japanese design studio Nendo's range for dogs. The Heads or Tails collection includes a dog bed, toys and dishes, all of which can be used in two ways.

The bed is made from artificial leather and pops up to become a little hut or can simply be used as a cushion.

Find out more about Heads or Tails ›

Kläffer by Nils Holger Moorman

Kläffer by German furniture maker Nils Holger Moormann is a dog-sized version of the brand's human-sized flat-pack beds made from European birch plywood.

The bed is made up of metal-free pieces which are designed to be easily slotted together, making the product portable.

Find out more about Kläffer ›

The post Seven playful dog kennels created by architects and designers appeared first on Dezeen.

Los Angeles designer The Shoe Surgeon has collaborated with Dutch beer brand Heineken to create the Heinekicks trainers, which have transparent soles filled with beer.

The limited edition sneakers were created by The Shoe Surgeon, whose real name is Dominic Ciambrone, to mark the launch of the beer brand's Heineken Silver beer.

In total 32 pairs of trainers were made with transparent soles filled with Heineken Silver allowing users to "walk on beer".

The beer was injected into the sole using a surgical method so the alcohol is securely trapped, while a transparent tube that runs across the upper exterior of the shoe is also filled with beer.

According to Heineken, the sole was designed to create a smooth walking experience that mirrors the smooth taste of Heineken Silver.

"Partnering with Heineken for their new beer was a fun challenge," said Ciambrone. "We both share a passion for innovation and pushing boundaries and created a design to reflect that."

"The shoe not only embodies the energy of Heineken Silver but literally carries it," he continued.

The custom sneakers also include design elements informed by the appearance of Heineken's beer bottle. Its exterior features its colourways – red, green and silver – while the laces and interior are red.

The tongue of the shoe includes a removable metal bottle opener, which allows users to enjoy a beverage "whenever the occasion arises".

"Heineken has always been passionate about brewing innovation that aligns with the culture and taste profile of drinkers," said Heineken brand director Rajeev Sathyesh.

"Heineken Silver does just that, with a smooth and perfectly balanced taste profile that matches the more informal social occasions of today," he continued. "Being able to represent that through an exclusive collaboration with The Shoe Surgeon is a fantastic project and a great manifestation of the purpose of Heineken Silver."

Ciambrone is known for creating unusual sneakers and his clients include musicians LeBron James, DJ Khaled and Drake.

More sneaker designs include HySpeed trainers by McLaren and Athletic Propulsion Labs that are informed by the brand's supercar design and Satan Shoes by American musician Lil Nas X and Brooklyn brand MSCHF, which were customised with human blood.

The post The Shoe Surgeon and Heineken unveil sneakers with beer-injected soles appeared first on Dezeen.

Are you exhibiting at this year's London Design Festival? Get your event listed in our digital guide to the week on Dezeen Events Guide, which will feature the festival's key events.

Taking place from 17 to 25 September 2022, London Design Festival features hundreds of events across the city, including the trade fair Design London and a programme of must-see events, exhibitions, talks and installations.

Dezeen's guide will go live one week before the London Design Festival. It will provide visitors with all the information they need to know about the festival.

The digital guide will benefit from Dezeen's high-ranking SEO and will sit on Dezeen Events Guide, which has received over 700,000 views since it launched in 2020.

It follows the success of our digital guide for Milan design week 2022, which received over 40,000 page views.

To be considered for inclusion in the guide, email eventsguide@dezeen.com. Events will be selected by the Dezeen team to ensure that the best events are included.

Get listed in Dezeen's digital London guide

For only £100, you can include your event in the list, which includes up to 75 words of text, the date, location, a link to your website and an image.

For more information about partnering with us to help amplify your event, contact the team at eventsguide@dezeen.com.

About Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide lists events across the globe, which can be filtered by location and type.

Events taking place later in the year include Tallinn Architecture Biennale 2022, Design Miami 2022 and Top Drawer S/S 2023.

The illustration is by Rima Sabina Aouf.

The post Get listed in Dezeen's digital guide for London Design Festival 2022 appeared first on Dezeen.

The UK's Crafts Council has unveiled the winners of its Craft School: Yinka's Challenge competition, which was developed together with London designer Yinka Ilori to help children explore empowerment through craft.

The British charity's competition, which was open to schools across the UK, aimed to celebrate "making by young people" and explore how craft can be a tool in which to reflect on diverse cultures and identities.

Children aged five to 16 were invited to explore themes of play, storytelling and empowerment through craft, with six winning projects chosen by Ilori from 100 entries.

"We wanted learners to really feel confident to explore their own idea of craft and creativity by using different materials in a way that gave them their own creative signature and outcome," said Ilori.

"Learners were asked to complete 10 hours of making towards a final model," he continued.

"We wanted them to have the opportunity to explore different craft materials and practices, with tons of hands-on making and most importantly letting them enjoy experimenting!"

The winning projects are currently on display at the Craft School: A Summer of Playful Making exhibition in London.

Among the winners are Matilda Tuck of Southborough CofE Primary School in Tunbridge Wells, who created an upcycled chair in bold colours that was designed to reflect her interest in music.

Students from Richard Cloudesley Special School in Islington also won for their hanging mobile made with reclaimed materials, including CDs and felt.

Fatima Tabib and Shreya Jondhale from King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls in Birmingham repurposed a drinks bottle to represent the concept of freedom and "spreading your wings".

Also among the winning projects was a zen garden, created by Eko Pathways in East Ham, London, while Diane Mwamikazi at Bury College in Bury created a colourful and patterned miniature pavilion informed by the clothing of her Rwandan and Congolese family.

"All the winner's work was so creative, you could read a narrative in all their work," said Ilori.

"They all explored different materials and you could see how the briefs had shaped their works but how their ideas reflected them personally, which was so good to see – such individuality and originality, the winners' work was also joyful and spoke about their communities."

As part of the project, a teacher prize was awarded to teacher Beverleigh Claypool at Bury College for her commitment to the Craft Council's Make First programme, which encourages children to explore crafts.

According to the Crafts Council, craft education is in steep decline in UK schools. Make First aims to help young people to get involved with craft and allow "open-ended and instinctive making through material exploration and development".

Craft School is part of the Crafts Council’s Make! Craft! Live! Programme, which is a series of nationwide exhibitions, fairs, events and digital activities that "celebrates the value of craft to empower, enrich and connect our society".

Craft School: A Summer of Playful Making takes place in London from 9 July to 3 September. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

The post School children create colourful projects for Yinka Ilori-led Crafts Council competition appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: a kitchen designed for outside entertaining and a tapware range informed by traditional farm pumps are among the furniture designs on Dezeen Showroom that were showcased during Milan design week.

Seven top brands released a number of products during Milan design week, including a lighting collection designed to spotlight the beauty of metal and an outdoor sofa that can be arranged into multiple configurations. Below is the second round up of products that were released during the week.

Milan design week took place from 6 to 12 June and is the world's most important design event, featuring shows and events in hundreds of venues across the city's design districts. For a list of events that took place, visit Dezeen's dedicated guide.

Here's a selection of the latest products on Dezeen Showroom that were presented during Milan design week.

Outdoor collection by Very Simple Kitchen

Italian brand Very Simple Kitchen launched a modular kitchen concept called Outdoor collection, which was designed for outdoor entertaining.

The kitchen was made from lightweight steel modules and includes a number of features such as barbecues, closeable sinks and weatherproof benchtops in stone or stainless steel.

Find out more about Outdoor collection ›

RUT seating system by Thomas Bernstrand and Stefan Borselius for Blå Station

RUT is a modular seating system designed by Thomas Bernstrand and Stefan Borselius and made of contrasting materials and square shapes.

The furniture is distinguished by its square modules and its soft cushioning with an industrial base.

Find out more about RUT ›

Forked Lighting by Buster and Punch

The Forked Lighting collection created by Buster and Punch founder and architect Massimo Minale aims to showcase the beauty of metal through multiple techniques.

Forked Lighting comes in ceiling and pendant variations. The lights feature a forked detail above their shade and are made from a combination of cast, machined and hand-spun solid metal.

Find out more about Forked Lighting ›

Solaria modular sofa by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba

Solaria modular sofa made by designers Ludovica + Roberto Palomba for Italian furniture brand Poltrona Frau is an outdoor sofa that can be arranged into multiple configurations.

The sofa was designed for poolsides, gardens, decks and terraces or decks, and is part of the brand's Boundless Living Outdoor collection.

Find out more about Solaria modular sofa ›

DNA Outdoor furniture collection by Gandi Blasco

Gandi Blasco has added to its DNA collection of outdoor furniture to include furniture pieces finished in aluminium.

The collection includes dining tables, outdoor beds, serving carts and sofas, which were designed for a variety of outdoor spaces, including gardens.

Find out more about DNA Outdoor furniture collection ›

Atlante kitchen by L'Ottocento 

The Atlante kitchen by Italian brand L'Ottocento was designed to be an extension of the living room.

The kitchen was designed in collaboration with design consultancy Makethatstudio and made from solid Italian walnut.

Find out more about Atlante kitchen ›

Starck tapware collection by Phillipe Starck for Axor

Designer Philippe Starck had created the Starck tapware collection for Axor, which has a reduced appearance informed by simple hand pumps.

Starck based the faucet range on traditional water pumps, and the collection has options for shower, basins and bathtubs.

Find out more about Starck ›

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

Dezeen is on WeChat!

Click here to read the Chinese version of this article on Dezeen's official WeChat account, where we publish daily architecture and design news and projects in Simplified Chinese.

The post Seven furniture, kitchen and lighting designs showcased at Milan design week appeared first on Dezeen.

A discussion with IKEA and H&M about their "ideas factory" Atelier100 is among the events featured in this video of yesterday's IKEA Festival highlights, which Dezeen is publishing as part of our partnership with IKEA during Milan design week.

Hosted by Swedish journalist Amie Bramme Sey, the video showcases the events, talks and performances included as part of the festival.

Sey met chief creative officer of Ingka Group Marcus Engman, global brand innovation manager at H&M Camilla Henriksson, founder of Palazzo Monti Edoardo Monti and one of the first creatives at the Atelier100 programme Zoe Horgan to discuss IKEA and H&M's "ideas factory" which aims to enhance the careers of small-scale manufacturers and designers.

"We are working in two curious companies," said Henriksson. "We really want to explore how to find new creative talents for both companies and how we can tap into the different communities."

"It's so exciting that I can take something that's already existing and make it commercially viable," Horgan commented. "And to have mentors that can mentor and push me in the right direction. Having that guidance is integral."

Sey also met creative leader at IKEA James Futcher and designer at IKEA Friso Wiersma who spoke about the new Swedish House Mafia furniture collection, named Obegränsad.

"We've got three products that we're revealing," said Futcher. "This amazing record player, a really nice comfy chair for listening to music and we've also got this great desk to help music producers make great music."

"What's nice about Swedish House Mafia is that everything they do is a super strong statement and it's also minimal, and that's the same for IKEA – we want to be basic and simple yet super effective and they're the same in that," explained Wiersma.

IKEA also handed the stage over to IKEA Foundation and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to host a range of talks and documentaries.

In one talk named Cities of Growth and Solidarity, mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala and mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone Aki-Sawyerr discussed a collaborative project to develop connections between creatives in the fashion industry.

Also featured was a documentary called Unfreedom of Movement by Sierra Leonean-British artist Julian Knxx and a short film called Concepts of Home by poet and activist Emtithal Mahmoud, which highlighted the "challenges and triumphs that forcibly displaced and stateless people experience every day in their quest to rebuild their lives".

Included in the video is a snapshot of IKEA's five-week festival called H22, taking place in Helsingborg, Sweden, which is "packed with food, exhibitions and shops" and a performance by musicians, Viagra Boys.

Running from 6 to 12 June, IKEA Festival includes exhibitions, installations and talks alongside the Swedish furniture brand's latest product and collaboration news.

Dezeen is a partner for IKEA Festival and has published video highlights from the festival throughout the week.

Find out about the full programme here.

IKEA Festival takes place from 6 to 12 June 2022 at BASE, Via Bergognone 34, 20144 Milan, as part of Milan design week 2022, which takes place from 6 to 12 June 2022. See our Milan design week 2022 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.

Dezeen x IKEA Festival

This article was written by Dezeen for IKEA as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Highlights from IKEA Festival yesterday include discussion with IKEA and H&M on their "ideas factory" project to support local designers appeared first on Dezeen.

A discussion with Swedish DJ Axel Boman on his relationship with IKEA and a performance by musician Jamie XX feature in this video of yesterday's IKEA Festival highlights, which Dezeen is publishing as part of our partnership with IKEA during Milan design week.

Hosted by Swedish presenter and journalist Amie Bramme Sey, the video showcases the exhibitions, events stage and product launches that were part of the festival.

Yesterday IKEA hosted a Democratic Design Talk that focused on IKEA and H&M's Ideas Factory called Atelier100, which launched in April 2022 and aims to support small-scale designers and manufacturers.

In London, 20 creatives were chosen for its programme and have been funded and given "expert mentorship to bring their products to life by this autumn".

Speakers included chief creative officer of Ingka Group Marcus Engman, global brand innovation manager at H&M Camilla Henriksson, founder of Palazzo Monti Edoardo Monti and creative at the Atelier 100 programme Zoe Horgan.

Sey met DJ Boman who discussed his relationship with IKEA products, including the Expedit Kallax shelf that is perfect for displaying vinyl records, according to Boman.

"There's one shelf that every Swedish DJ grows up owning several of their whole life, and that's the Expedit shelf," said Boman. "It's the one with the squares perfectly fitted for vinyl records."

Yesterday IKEA revealed a furniture range created by musicians Swedish House Mafia, which was designed for making and listening to music at home. Called Obegränsad, the collection is made up of a desk, armchair and record player.

Sey also met designer Sabine Marcelis who launched a lighting range with IKEA called Varmblixt.

"I'm presenting these lights as part of the Varmblixt collection," said Marcelis. "There's also an invitation to be creative because they can be used in multiples or just one or opposite each other."

In the video, Sey also explored other designs being launched in Milan, including a seating collection made from wood salvaged from demolition construction sites in Los Angeles.

She also met Marimekko designer Mikael Axelsson, who discussed the launch of the Bastua pattern collection, which features a playful rhubarb leaf design.

"Rhubarb grows around the saunas and that's where the inspiration came from," said Axelsson. "A lot of inspiration from nature and all the stuff around the sauna, as well as the sauna."

IKEA Museum presented a talk that focused on the "Folkhem" era of Sweden where "one million households were being built in record time".

The talk discussed the period at which IKEA established its vision in designing stylish and affordable homes. Also featured yesterday were performances by musicians Seinabo Sey, Viagra Boys and Teodor Wolgers.

Running from 6 to 12 June, IKEA's six-day festival includes exhibitions, installations and talks alongside the Swedish furniture brand's latest product launches. Dezeen is a partner for IKEA Festival and will be publishing video highlights from the festival throughout the week.

Find out about the full programme here.

IKEA Festival takes place from 6 to 12 June 2022 at BASE, Via Bergognone 34, 20144 Milan, as part of Milan design week 2022, which takes place from 6 to 12 June 2022. See our Milan design week 2022 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.

Dezeen x IKEA Festival

This article was written by Dezeen for IKEA as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Highlights from IKEA Festival yesterday include Swedish House Mafia collection launch appeared first on Dezeen.

A range of talks and videos that explore the role of design in addressing global migration and displacement are among the events taking place today as part of IKEA Festival, which Dezeen is partnering with during Milan design week.

IKEA Festival is currently taking place in Milan and includes the Swedish brand's latest collaboration and product news in addition to a range of design talks and exhibitions.

Today at the festival the brand is handing the stage over to IKEA Foundation and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to host a range of documentaries and talks.

In one talk, the mayors of Milan and Freetown, Sierra Leone will discuss a collaborative project that aims to develop connections between creatives in the fashion industry.

Find out about the full programme here and read on for some highlights from today's programme.

Concepts of Home by Emtithal Mahmoud
Screenings throughout the day

Poet and activist Emtithal Mahmoud has created a short film called Concepts of Home, which will be played on a cinema screen throughout the day. The film highlights the "challenges and triumphs that forcibly displaced and stateless people experience every day in their quest to rebuild their lives".

Mahmoud worked with 10 individuals to produce the film, which showcases their interpretations of the word "home" and experiences of rebuilding their lives and environments.

The project is a collaboration between Mahmoud, the IKEA Foundation and UNHCR's Journalist Mentorship Programme, which supports displaced people and provides training in journalism and advocacy.

Data and design – making stories visible
13:00 Milan time

Visual and information designer Federica Fragapane will be in discussion with Phaidon publisher Emilia Terragni to examine the relationship between data, information, design and people in order "to communicate stories of migration and the contribution of migrants and refugees to societies".

Unfreedom of Movement
14:30 Milan time

By Sierra Leonian and British artist Julian Knxx, Unfreedom of Movement is a documentary produced in partnership with the fashion brand Labrum and non-profit organisation ODI, which will be screened during the festival.

Cities of growth and solidarity
14:40 Milan time

Mayor Sala of Milan and mayor Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone, will discuss their collaborative project to create skills and jobs for designers and textile manufacturers in Milan and Freetown.

The project aims to weave "new connections between creative minds and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry across continents".

Evening performance by Jyoty
19:30 Milan time

The day at IKEA Festival will be concluded with an evening performance by London-based singer Jyoty.

IKEA Festival takes place from 6 to 12 June 2022 at BASE, Via Bergognone 34, 20144 Milan, as part of Milan design week 2022. See our Milan design week 2022 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.

Dezeen x IKEA Festival

This article was written by Dezeen for IKEA as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Documentaries exploring design's role in addressing global migration feature today at IKEA festival appeared first on Dezeen.

A discussion with designer Ilse Crawford on her fragrance collection and editor of Us and Our Planet book Maisie Skidmore feature in this video of yesterday's highlights from IKEA Festival, which Dezeen is publishing as part of our partnership with IKEA during Milan design week.

Hosted by Swedish presenter and journalist Amie Bramme Sey, the video showcases the events stage and installations that are part of the festival. Sey met designer Crawford who discusses her fragrance collection, which includes eight new candles informed by natural scents.

"We wanted to make a scent that was in a way directly connected to nature but also strongly connected to the identity of IKEA, so to do something around wood – Scandinavian wood, the interiors of wood, the wooden floors, the wooden furniture – felt clear," said Crawford.

"We went to one of the best perfume labs in Paris and worked on a proper fragrance with all the complexity that you would normally get from a top-level scent."

The newly published US and Our Planet which IKEA collaborated with Phaidon Press on earlier this year also feature. The book explores "the life of people living all around the world and how they can create happier and more sustainable ways of living".

In the video, editor of Us and Our Planet Maisie Skidmore discussed how the IKEA and Phaidon team travelled the world and visited people in their homes to gain knowledge of "home as a concept" through the lenses of time, space, food, rest, play and togetherness.

"We wanted to speak to a huge array of people," Skidmore said. "Activists, artists, entrepreneurs. We spoke to athletes. We looked at families – there's one women who looks after a forest in Japan, for example. We wanted as diverse array of people as we could, and to get a sense of the little things that make different ways of living unique."

Also included in yesterday's festival line up was a talk about the new IKEA print range created in collaboration with Marimekko, which was informed by the self-caring rituals of Nordic sauna culture.

Speakers included Marimekko creative director Rebecca Bay, IKEA of Sweden designer Mikael Axelsson and IKEA of Sweden range and design leader Henrik Most.

In the video, Sey also met Latin American creators Diana Ordonez and Trini Guzman, who discussed a colourful mural painted for IKEA Festival that represents carnival design.

Sey also spoke to Swedish author and economics professor Micael Dahlén who discussed the future of wellness and design.

"The future needs to be playful," said Dahlen "It's our opportunity and responsibility to be fun, be playful and experiment."

A short "throwback talk" saw learning and activity manager at IKEA Museum, Per-Olof Svensson discuss IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad's interest in Italy and the importance of the brand's research into the diversity of people's homes.

Yesterday also saw Marcelis and range and design manager lighting Anna Granath discussing the importance of atmosphere and lighting in a talk to mark the launch of Marcelis' IKEA lighting range.

The winner of the IKEA Open Design Competition, Marcus Badman, was also revealed. The competition was part of H22, a city Expo in Helsingborg, Sweden where IKEA Design students across the globe were asked to create a natural shelter that would protect them in the wilderness.

Badman's winning design aims to deepen the relationship between humans and nature and references "his local setting of an island in the Stockholm archipelago where nature grows wild".

Other highlights included a workshop with IKEA designers and performances from Italian rapper Ghali and London-based musician Jamie XX.

Running from 6 to 12 June, IKEA Festival includes exhibitions, installations and talks alongside the Swedish furniture brand's latest product launches. Dezeen is a partner for IKEA Festival and will be publishing video highlights from the festival throughout the week.

Dezeen is a partner for IKEA Festival and will be publishing video highlights from the festival throughout the week.

Find out about the full programme here.

IKEA Festival takes place from 6 to 12 June 2022 at BASE, Via Bergognone 34, 20144 Milan, as part of Milan design week 2022. See our Milan design week 2022 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.

Dezeen x IKEA Festival

This article was written by Dezeen for IKEA as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Highlights from IKEA Festival yesterday include Ilse Crawford talk and Sabine Marcelis collection launch appeared first on Dezeen.