Monocle on Design

The rise and rise of Brazilian design with Jig. Plus: touring the Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht.

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Fernando Augusto Pacheco visits Jig, a new furniture shop in London’s Soho that champions contemporary Brazilian design. Then: Exploring De Stijl at the Rietveld Schröder House and we look forward to Salone del Mobile 2026.

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Just deserts: Exploring AlUla’s pioneering design residencies with curator Emily Marant

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Emily Marant discusses how residencies, cultural infrastructure and site-specific creation are redefining AlUla. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton on the new flat-pack Eames house and Salone del Mobile 2026.

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What is ‘Hyakkō’? A deep dive into Japan’s thriving craft scene with curator Nagata Takahiro

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

At a Japan House exhibition in London, curator Nagata Takahiro details the practice and philosophy of craftspeople working across Japan today. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton flick through the new issue of Monocle and discuss some of their favourite design pieces.

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Simone Brewster on the narrative of objects. Plus: the Dominican Republic’s rising design scene

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Nic Monisse joins Simone Brewster at the London Design Museum to discuss her latest exhibition. Then: Gregory Scruggs explores the Dominican Republic’s booming design scene. Plus: our take on this year’s Pritzker Architecture Prize.

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Matter and Shape, part two: Architecture and Genius Loci, Larger Than Life, Through the Looking Glass

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The final part of our series from design salon Matter and Shape with Dan Thawley and Nic Monisse. We blur the boundaries between inside and out with Jayden Ali and talk about scale and sculpture with Birkenstock 1774. Plus: Connecting jewellery, interiors and object design with Repossi and Sabine Marcelis.

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Co-design and luxury hospitality: Sour’s Pinar Guvenc and GA’s Jessica Morrison on the creative process

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Sour's Pinar Guvenc discusses how local community is helping shape better buildings. Then: GA’s Jessica Morrison on what luxury hospitality means in 2026? Plus: Nic and Grace dissect designers from a month of fashion weeks.

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Matter and Shape, part one: Investigating Editions, New Cultural Landscapes and Olfactory Oral

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Across a two-part series, we recap design salon Matter and Shape. We hear from three brands editing new and archival works, talk cross-cultural pollination with Villa Hegra and consider how we can design with scent.

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What can Korean craft teach us about our possessions? Hyo Jung Lee on her book ‘Jeong’

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Korean craft has long been overlooked. We speak to author Hyo Jung Lee about her book exploring the full scope of the country’s design practice. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss the design landscapes of Cape Town and Marrakesh.

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Do local materials make objects better? Emmie Massias on the rise of Vietnamese design

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Design in Ho Chi Minh is on the up: we speak with one designer who is using the city’s signature restaurant stools as a canvas. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton pick highlights of The Monocle 100 from the March issue.

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Is it time to go back to human-centred design? TF Chan on Collect 2026

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

As London craft-and-design fair Collect gets under way, Nic Monisse chats with director TF Chan about the philosophy of “fewer, better things”. Plus: buttons and handles are coming back to our vehicles but will Nic and Grace Charlton give them the green light?

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New Materials: Range Rover

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

We speak to Phoebe Lindsay, Materiality Senior Manager for Range Rover. Hear how the storied automaker uses materials to shape emotions and tell stories. Plus, taking a holistic approach to design strategy.

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Honouring brand legacy with the Pantone Colour Institute and the Louis Kahn Foundation

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

How do you pick a unique brand colour and does it matter? Pantone Color Institute’s vice-president joins to discuss. Then: Tallinn architecture students pay homage to Louis Kahn. Plus: Nic and Grace on brand collaboration.

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Defining Brand: Range Rover

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

We speak to Will Verity, Brand Design Chief for Range Rover, at Design Miami. Hear how sound, scent and space shape our experience of brand. Plus, drawing inspiration from the colour black and modernist architecture.

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Japan’s future plazas with Met Team Architects and sculpture as jewellery with Giles Miller

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

As Japan’s train designs race into the future, their plazas return to nature. Ryuma Takahashi speaks to the architect behind new plans for Iida station. Then: Giles Miller on sculpture as jewellery, plus our view on new proposals for Washington Dulles airport.

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Telling stories through design with Andu Masebo and creative studio Birch

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

How do designers tell stories with their work? London-based designer Andu Masebo discusses his social approach to “simple, efficient objects”. Then: James Allen of creative studio Birch explains how strategy-design in the luxury space requires well-researched taste. Plus: Nic and Grace on 25 years of the Serpentine Pavilion.

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Nichecraft and placemaking with Luca Nichetto and David Galullo

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Italian designer Luca Nichetto on nichecraft and the limits of treating design as purely collectible. Then: The office’s future with Rapt Studio’s David Galullo. Plus: Nic and Grace on Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Arts Festival.

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How does a city affect design? Miminat Shodeinde and Joris Laarman on process and place

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

We round-up Paris Dećo Off and Maison&Objet. Then: collectable design with London-based creative Miminat Shodeinde. Plus: Dutch designer Joris Laarman on drawing inspiration from nature.

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Design in Dubai with ARDH Collective and Some Kind of Practice

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The best of Dubai Design Week. Nic Monisse talks with ARDH Collective co-founders Alyina Ahmed and Max Tettamanzi on turning waste into building materials. Then: Exploring courtyards with Some Kind of Practice’s Omar Darwish.

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Taking design cues from nature with Altere Studios and Tom Kundig

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Grace Charlton explores how good design can assist new year workouts with Alberto Lambert, CEO and founder of Altere Studios. Plus: making the practical beautiful with American architect Tom Kundig.

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The best of 2025

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton share thier favourite moments from across 2025 on Monocle on Design and pick out what they're looking forward to in the year ahead.

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Moving forward via tradition with Tekla. Plus: Balkrishna Doshi at the Vitra Design Museum

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton on where to get your last-minute design Christmas goodies. Plus: Grace talks to the Tekla team about their new London shop. Then: We explore Balkrishna Doshi's work at the Vitra Design Museum.

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How to spot timeless design and make DIY chic with SCP and MG&Co

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

We speak with British designer Sheridan Coakley of SCP about his journey into furniture-making and his philosophy about what makes design last. Then: Matilda Goad of MG&Co on elevating DIY. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton give us the Monocle view of the Pantone colour of the year.

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Design Miami with Jen Roberts and Moderne Gallery

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton report from Miami. Plus: Grace discusses the rise of collectible design with Design Miami’s CEO, Jen Roberts. Then: Nic explores the work of George Nakashima with Moderne Gallery.

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Making the bed: The importance of design for our bedrooms with Thuma and Rise & Fall

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

What are the key ingredients to a well-designed bedroom? Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss their must-haves. Then: modern bedroom-furniture maker Thuma on moving into the living room space. Plus: clothing and homeware brand Rise & Fall on why good ideas begin between the sheets.

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Yinka Ilori and Kjetil Thorsen on the role that design can play in shaping mood and memory

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori discusses childhood joy and co-design with Nic Monisse. Then: Snøhetta’s Kjetil Thorsen talks about creating heritage architecture. Plus: gift recommendations for design enthusiasts.

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The aesthetics of functionality with Nifemi Marcus Bello and Wes Anderson

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

We discuss usage with Lagos-based designer Nifemi Marcus Bello and explore a new book on Wes Anderson’s approach to colour. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton consider how good design can help us enjoy our A to B.

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‘Designers on Sofas’ special: Why the couch is so often overlooked, with Ilse Crawford and Eran Chen

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the release of ‘The Monocle Book of Designers on Sofas’, editors Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss their highlights from the book, featuring interviews with designer Ilse Crawford and architect Eran Chen.

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Rethinking timekeeping for the 21st century with luxury watchmakers Ressence

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 20:13:59 +0000

Benoît Mintiens, founder of luxury watchmakers Ressence, explains the out-of-the-box thinking that goes into reimagining the mechanics of timekeeping for the modern day.

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Frieze Connect’s Charlene Prempeh on the unexpected effects of good art and design

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Nic Monisse discusses the social benefits of good art and design with Frieze Connect’s Charlene Prempeh. Then: New Delhi-based craft entrepreneur Vikram Goyal tells us about the search for a “modern Indian design language”.

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‘A fingerprint isn’t a flaw’: Michael Anastassiades on the art of small details

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Cypriot born London-based design pioneer Michael Anastassiades discusses the importance of noticing smaller details. Plus: furniture maker Seitz unpacks the concept of “slow living” in Switzerland.

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Extra: ‘Bad Language’

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:30:04 +0000

Photographer Max Creasy discusses the relationship between architecture and pictures, and his new exhibition at the Architectural Association in London.

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Driving Forward: Range Rover

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:36:15 +0000

We speak to Andy Wheel, Director of Production Design at JLR at Range Rover House Daylesford. Hear how a strong brand identity and an innovative approach to design continue to drive the brand forward.

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Lessons learned

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:25:44 +0000

We reflect on what can be gleaned from years of design discussion and studio visits, featuring highlights from Do Ho Suh, Faye Toogood and Bisila Noha.

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Extra: St Wolfgang station, home to the Schafberg cog railway

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

We visit Austria’s St Wolfgang station. In addition to being the starting point for the vertiginous Schafberg cog railway, it has also received accolades from the highest levels of the architectural community.

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Artek at 90, Michael Bennett and Dennis Cheung

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:50:00 +0000

We celebrate Finnish brand Artek at 90 and athlete-turned-spatial designer Michael Bennett shares how creativity can be found everywhere. Plus: Dennis Cheung, a Hong Kong-based designer, on how he is taking cues from bamboo.

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Extra: Dulwich Picture Gallery

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:55:04 +0000

We venture to South London’s Dulwich Picture Gallery to marvel at the new pavilion and more recent developments at the UK’s first purpose-built public art museum.

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British Ceramics Biennial, October issue preview and Vienna Design Week

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:33:07 +0000

We visit the ninth edition of the British Ceramics Biennial and preview the October issue of Monocle. Plus: A stopover at Vienna Design week.

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Extra: Emre Arolat

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:52:08 +0000

In a conversation recorded at Monocle’s most recent Quality of Life Conference, Turkish architect Emre Arolat discusses the design of the Sancaklar Mosque on the outskirts of Istanbul.

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London Design Festival, Studio Brière and Katie Treggiden

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:55:12 +0000

Our highlights from London Design Festival, including everything from material innovation to new furniture and design circularity with journalist Katie Treggiden.

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Extra: POV Budapest

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:30:00 +0000

We visit the second edition of the design conference in the Hungarian capital.

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Helsinki Design Week at 20, London’s Open House Festival and Zurich Design Weeks

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:57:12 +0000

Helsinki Design Week turns 20 this year and we explore this year’s Open House Festival in London. Plus: An interview with the founder of furniture organisation H100 at Zurich Design Weeks.

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Extra: Willie Williams

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000

The designer discusses his work at the National Theatre’s production of ‘Inter Alia’ in London – and how to strike the balance between performer and technology onstage, including with previous collaborators David Bowie and U2.

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Quality of Life Conference design round-up

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0000

A recap of the design-minded discussions at this year’s conference, including Bofill Taller de Arquitectura and a lighting masterclass from Santa & Cole and Marset. Plus: the importance of craft and context for any project.

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Extra: Hyu Lim

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000

California-based designer Hyu Lim discusses his brand, Maju, the lamp series inspired by both his Singaporean heritage and the design systems that he encountered while working in the tech industry.

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World Design Congress and the ‘Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings’ exhibition

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:35:12 +0000

The Design Council’s CEO, Minnie Moll, previews the World Design Congress at London’s Barbican Centre. Plus: Abe Rogers discusses his curation of the ‘Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings’ exhibition at Sir John Soane’s Museum.

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Extra: Dharma Taylor

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:20:36 +0000

Multidisciplinary maker Dharma Taylor reflects on the similarities between producing fashion and designing textile and furniture works. We also discuss her contribution to the ‘Dwellings, Rehomed’ exhibition at London’s Design Museum.

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Obin, haptic feedback and the conclusion to our summer series

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Indonesian textile and fashion powerhouse Obin discusses bringing batik to contemporary audiences. Plus: Sam Hecht of Industrial Facility discusses haptic feedback and the last instalment of our summer series.

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Extra: Cabin Fever 2025

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:48:55 +0000

We visit the architectural summer school run by the studio Hello Wood. Helena Kardová reports from this year’s one-of-a-kind adventure, which took place in a former textile factory in the town of Česká Kamenice, Czechia.

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Summer schools

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:20:42 +0000

We hear from Alexander von Vegesack, founder of Domaine de Boisbuchet – an international research centre for design and architecture in southwest France that hosts workshops for students and professionals.

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Extra: ‘Perfection’

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Vincenzo Latronico’s new novel ‘Perfection’ is a launchpad for Monocle’s associate editor, Grace Charlton, to explore ideas of materialism.

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Supermundane, architecture and landscape and another instalment of our summer series

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:14:59 +0000

Artist, illustrator and writer Rob Lowe, also known as Supermundane, joins us in the studio for another instalment of our summer series. Plus: the team discusses the link between architecture and landscape.

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Extra: Who was Lorenzo Homar?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:55:53 +0000

The printmaker and poster designer is celebrated at the Poster House in New York in an exhibition that charts the pioneering work of the creative.

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‘Pictograms’ at Japan House and Robert Wilson

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:16:24 +0000

A review of the ‘Pictograms’ exhibition at Japan House in London. Then: we remember the late, great Robert Wilson. And: we kick off our summer series highlighting design essentials for the season.

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Extra: Bora

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:42:41 +0000

We head to Portugal to meet João Xará, one of the co-founders of this design collective, to discuss why the group formed and the power of experimentation.

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‘More Than Human’, Marco Sousa Santos and Bolaji Teniola

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:34:18 +0000

The Design Museum in London explores how we might design beyond human needs in its latest exhibition. Then we visit the showroom of Portuguese furniture brand Branca and sit down with interdisciplinary designer Bolaji Teniola.

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Extra: On performing good taste

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:50:42 +0000

Monocle’s associate editor of design and fashion, Grace Charlton, muses on the importance of enjoying good design rather than the performance of merely owning it.

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Karimoku furniture, Austrian concrete and ‘Slop Magazine’

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:23:16 +0000

We’re in Japan to visit furniture manufacturer Karimoku. Then we consider the use of concrete in Austrian architecture and the team behind ‘Slop Magazine’ discuss graphic design and client relationships.

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Extra: Temitayo Ogunbiyi

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:59:49 +0000

The Lagos-based artist’s exhibition, ‘You will wonder if we would have been friends’, is on at The Noguchi Museum in New York. Ogunbiyi’s artworks playfully blur the line between functional design and art.

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The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2025, ‘Xisto’ and Bogdan Ciocodeica

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:21:00 +0000

Lulu Harrison, winner of The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2025, discusses her ‘Thames Glass’ project. We also head to Lisbon’s Made in Situ gallery to see its ‘Xisto’ collection. Plus: Romanian designer Bogdan Ciocodeica.

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Extra: Norman Foster

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:21:36 +0000

The celebrated architect discusses the future of mobility and his project, ‘Gateway to Venice’s Waterways’, at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition.

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IKAT Indonesia, Nordic design news and Hamrei

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:45:19 +0000

Didiet Maulana, founder of Ikat Indonesia, discusses bringing historical textile techniques to a contemporary audience. Plus: Nordic design news and we hear from the founder of collectible design brand Hamrei.

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Extra: How cars shaped modern architecture

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:52:59 +0000

Writer Christopher Beanland considers the cultural and architectural impact of cars in shaping our built environment.

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Timber: Darren Appiagyei, Material Cultures and Oregon lumber

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:50:00 +0000

We visit the studio of wood artist Darren Appiagyei, find out why Portland, Oregon, has become a mass-timber hub and design organisation Material Cultures shares why timber isn’t the only vital woodland resource.

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Extra: Lahti International Poster Triennial

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:51:43 +0000

First held in 1975, the event has grown into one of the world’s most respected poster-design competitions, drawing submissions from top talent across the globe. Petri Burtsoff reports.

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3 Days of Design: Area Luce, Nau, Forma and ‘Home from Home’

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000

We hear from a global cohort of creatives at Copenhagen’s de facto design week, 3 Days of Design.

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Extra: ‘Eastern Blocks II: Concrete Landscapes of the Former Eastern Bloc’

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:55:57 +0000

The second photographic survey from independent publishing house Zupagrafika considers the building style that dominates much of Eastern Europe. Architectural historian Kateryna Malaia tells us more.

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‘The Shakers: A World in the Making’, Falé and the Hannah Ryggen Triennale

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:27:00 +0000

The Vitra Design Museum considers how Shakers have inspired designers. Then: we head to Senegal to meet the co-founder of Falé, a brand focusing on hand-spun cotton. Finally, the Hannah Ryggen Triennale in Norway.

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Extra: ‘Across the Spooniverse’

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:55:24 +0000

In San Diego the Mingei International Museum’s latest exhibition explores how the humble spoon is a vessel for human creativity across the world.

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London Design Biennale, Finnish Glass Biennale, Art Deco in Shanghai

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:56:39 +0000

The London Design Biennale’s director, Victoria Broackes, and experiential designer and author Rachel Botsman discuss this year’s event and the latter’s “Roots of Trust” installation, which reimagines a historical design artefact.

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Extra: Mariana Ralo

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:40:07 +0000

As part of this year’s Lisbon Design Week, artist Mariana Ralo produced a vast tapestry crafted from nautical rope and rubber for the courtyard at Locke da Santa Joanna hotel.

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Marina Tabassum, Lisbon Design Week, Dan Thawley

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:41:49 +0000

Architect Marina Tabassum discusses her inspiration for this year’s Serpentine Pavilion. Then: a report from the third edition of Lisbon Design Week. Plus: we meet Dan Thawley, artistic director of Matter and Shape.

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Extra: ‘Visibly Invisible – Artek’s Drawing Office 1936–2004’

Thu, 29 May 2025 18:16:04 +0000

The in-house design team at Finnish furniture company Artek is the focal point of The Alvar Aalto Museum’s summer exhibition. Petri Burtsoff reports.

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The fabric architecture of Do Ho Suh, Romanian Design Week

Tue, 27 May 2025 16:48:55 +0000

South Korean artist Do Ho Suh discusses his ongoing fabric-architecture series and the laborious process of producing these structures. Plus: a recap of Romanian Design Week.

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Extra: Designmonat Graz

Thu, 22 May 2025 10:38:36 +0000

The second edition of Designmonat Graz has taken over Austria’s second city. It explores the melding of analogue and digital worlds under the theme “The New Real”. Alexei Korolyov reports.

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Venice Architecture Biennale – Part 2

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:10:59 +0000

The second of our two episodes dedicated to the Venice Architecture Biennale’s international showcase. We stop in at the pavilions of Australia, Germany, Togo and the USA.

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Extra: ‘Embracing Craft, Connecting Culture’

Thu, 15 May 2025 13:38:06 +0000

We visit Crafts On Peel’s exhibition, Embracing Craft, Connecting Culture, which showcases rattan, neon and metalsmithing among other practices. It’s one of many events taking place during London Craft Week.

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Venice Architecture Biennale – Part 1

Tue, 13 May 2025 17:22:44 +0000

In the first of two dedicated episodes, we visit the pavilions of Denmark, Brazil and Switzerland at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

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Extra: Inner-city Ikea

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:18:27 +0000

We visit the Swedish homeware and furniture giant’s newest retail location on London’s Oxford Street.

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Monocle Design Awards 2025

Tue, 06 May 2025 16:16:44 +0000

We’re celebrating the fifth edition of the annual Monocle Design Awards by discussing highlights from this year’s cohort of winners. We hear from medallists Manuel Cervantes and Eva-Marie Eriksson.

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Extra: On the Sq

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:16:15 +0000

In east London a four-storey house has been renovated and transformed into a design wonderland, with bespoke works made in response to the site. The project’s curator, Irenie Cossey, tells us more.

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'Morris Mania', Ethnicraft, MAKE Southwest

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:37:16 +0000

The William Morris Gallery celebrates the versatility and popularity of the designer’s patterns in its latest exhibition.

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Extra: Bronze-casting in Benin City

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:11:16 +0000

Artist and maker Bisila Noha presents a diary of the processes and experiences of learning at famous casting epicentre Igun Street.

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Type and textiles

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Graphic designer and co-founder of Dinamo Typefaces, Johannes Breyer discusses storytelling through type and rebranding Spotify. Plus: curator and historian Mary Schoeser discusses the link between textiles and people over history

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‘Future Impact 3: Design Nation’

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

‘Future Impact 3: Design Nation’ is an exhibition produced by Design Singapore Council, which enjoyed its first outing at the most recent edition of Milan Design Week. Curated by Tony Chambers, Maria Cristina Didero and Hunn Wai, it featured both established Singaporean names and rising stars. The event – and Monocle – also brought a host of international talent through the door to discuss the future of design.

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Extra: Expo 2025 Osaka: The USA Pavilion

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:08:22 +0000

Trey Trahan, the lead architect for the USA Pavilion, discusses the structure on show as part of Expo 2025 Osaka.

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‘The Sculptor of Ultima Thule’

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

‘The Sculptor of Ultima Thule’ is an exhibition celebrating the 110th anniversary of Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala’s birth. Co-produced by the Espoo Museum of Modern Art, the Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation and Blue Sheep, it features more than 300 of Wirkkala’s works. It is also headlined by the exhibition’s namesake collection, created in partnership with Finnish glassware specialist Iittala. We’re joined by Petra Wirkkala, Janni Vepsäläinen and Tsuchida Takahiro to discuss Wirrkala’s legacy in Finland and Japan.

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Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2025 – Part 2

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:22:30 +0000

More conversations from this year’s edition of the fair. We hear from multidisciplinary maker Omer Arbel and visit the cavernous design gallery Nilufar Depot. Plus: a continents-spanning conversation with researcher Wong Eng Geng and Nifemi Marcus-Bello.

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Extra: Six N Five

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:11:17 +0000

At Milan Design Week, Argentine digital designer Six N Five (Ezequiel Pini) discusses his move into the material realm via a collaboration with the Italian furniture brand Poltrona Frau.

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Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2025 – Part 1

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:25:00 +0000

The team report from the Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan, with interviews from architect David Rockwell, the CEO of Italian manufacturer Artemide and the design duo behind the studio Formafantasma.

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Extra: Finding relief

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:58:52 +0000

Architect Hugh Broughton and the artist James Lambert discuss their designs at a newly upgraded public facility on the Victoria Embankment in London. Monocle’s Francesca Gilks reports.

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‘Living Modernity’, ‘Solar Biennale’ and ‘Splash!’

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

We explore experimental ways of living thanks to a new exhibition in Tokyo and we imagine sunnier futures at the ‘Solar Biennale’ in Switzerland. Finally, a cooling dip in the pool as we visit ‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’ at London’s Design Museum.

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Extra: My First Sony Cassette recorder

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:07:34 +0000

We take a trip down memory lane to find out why this toy offers a glimpse into a much bigger moment in design history.

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Powerhouse, Tej Chauhan and a ‘Konfekt’ preview

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:50:37 +0000

We visit a floating office in Rotterdam and meet industrial designer Tej Chauhan in Helsinki. Plus, a preview of some of the design stories in the latest issue of ‘Konfekt’ magazine.

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Extra: Orla Kiely: ‘A Life in Pattern’

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:40:40 +0000

The National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, Ireland, celebrates the bold patterns and organic shapes found in Orla Kiely’s work in its latest exhibition.

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Vince Frost, ‘The Craft of Carpentry’, Mirkku Kullberg

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:38:58 +0000

Graphic designer Vince Frost reflects on his decades in practice; plus Japan’s carpentry culture is front and centre at a new exhibition in London. We then meet Mirkku Kullberg, CEO of Swedish rug company Kasthall.

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Extra: From fashion to furniture

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:51:28 +0000

Monocle’s design editor Nic Monisse reflects on the blurred boundaries between the design and fashion industries.

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Matter and Shape, ‘Brutalist Japan’, Make Play

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:45:13 +0000

Highlights from the second edition of Parisian design salon Matter and Shape. Then: we learn about brutalism in Japan. Plus: we visit the Young V&A in London to meet designer Charlie Boyden.

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Extra: ‘About Consuming Books: The Nijhof & Lee Collection’

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:50:08 +0000

The current exhibition at the London Centre for Book Arts explores the legacy of the Dutch design bookshop, Nijhof & Lee.

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Collect 2025, Christopher Dresser, Jaipur Rugs and Shyam Ahuja

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:02:14 +0000

Highlights from the most recent edition of the Collect 2025 art and design fair, and we preview one of the stories in Monocle’s latest March issue. Plus, we find out more about the designer and theorist Christopher Dresser as a trove of his works go to auction in London.

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Extra: Madrid Design Festival 2025

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:09:52 +0000

Monocle’s Liam Aldous reports from the 8th edition of the annual Madrid Design Festival.

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