Bookmarks (60)

The furniture company creates beautifully simple designs using Finnish pine and works with local craftspeople and factories in Finland Photography courtesy of Vaarnii featuring the Kolmio Dining Table and Bench Words by Joe Lloyd Finland is Europe’s most forested country. And the forest plays a huge role in the Finnish imagination. Farmers used to pray […] The post How young studio Vaarnii is making...

From Iceland to Norway, building in remote rural spots requires an entirely different way of thinking – and a host of unusual challenges Photography by Diephotodesigner.de featuring Snøhetta’s Reindeer Pavilion Words by Ellinor Thunberg In the remote fishing and farming area of Skarðsströnd in western Iceland – itself one of the least densely populated countries […] The post Remote architecture in the Nordic wilderness...

From Vaspaar, their Milan digital gallery, Andrea Grecucci and Kaisha Davierwalla sell classics of midcentury design to a growing band of discerning collectors Photography by Mattia Balsamini featuring Kaisha Davierwalla and Andrea Grecucci The ancient Persian name Vaspaar translates as ‘the provider of all things’, rooted in Zoroastrianism religion. It is also a Milan-based digital […] The post The founders of Milan digital gallery...

Just a 15-minute boat ride from Helsinki, the waterside off-grid cabins designed by architect Pekka Littow inhabit a different world Photography by Chikako Harada Words by Dominic Lutyens In Helsinki, nature is omnipresent thanks to its abundance of green spaces. At its largest one, Central Park – a 20km-long tract of lightly managed woodland offering […] The post On Helsinki’s archipelago Pekka Littow’s Majamaja...

Clerkenwell Design Week, the UK’s leading design festival, returns to London between 23 – 25 May 2023 with a stronger-than-ever programme including the exciting addition of Design London Photography courtesy of Clerkenwell Design Week ‘With the global design community descending on London in May, Clerkenwell Design Week is the perfect new home for Design London,’ […] The post Clerkenwell Design Week announces new partnership...

The 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner was one of India’s most influential architects, celebrated for his humanist philosophy and sustainable approach to architecture Photography by Iwan Baan, 2018, featuring Balkrishna Doshi at Sangath Architect’s Studio, Ahmedabad, 1980. As seen at Balkrishna Doshi: Architecture for the People, Vitra Design Museum, 2019 Interview by Priya Khanchandani In […] The post In Memoriam: Balkrishna V. Doshi (1927-...

A new residential development in Southwark embraces a European model of collective housing with the aim to enrich the community Photography by Tim Crocker Words by Mandi Keighran The conversation around delivering high-quality housing in the UK has become increasingly necessary in recent years. And, it’s a discussion that is all the more pressing as […] The post Anglo-Dutch architecture firm Studio Woodroffe Papa...

Don’t let fear of getting it wrong stop you from trying to do the right thing, says Design Can, a community and active resource platform calling for an inclusive and representative creative industry Visuals by Not Flat 3 Words by Bisila Noha It was just over three years ago that Design Can launched. At the […] The post What the fight for inclusion needs...

The new building intends to introduce commercial art to the residents of Shiyihe, China, and help foster a new creative community around it Photography by ZC Architectural Photography Studio Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova As part of China’s drive for rural renewal, practice AD Architecture, based in Shenzhen in southeastern China, has completed Future Artspace H, […] The post AD Architecture reimagines an art and...

Eero Aarnio’s iconic Bubble Chair is a clear, ball-shaped seat that hangs from the ceiling Photography courtesy of Eero Aarnio Originals featuring the Bubble Chair by Eero Aarnio  Words by Debika Ray The Bubble Chair is a true icon of the 1960s. Designed by celebrated Finnish designer Eero Aarnio, the chair was decidedly futuristic at […] The post A short history of the Bubble...

Creative Director of LOVE, Russell Ashdown, shares how filmmakers use pace for dramatic effect and how designers can apply this to creating more impactful brand experiences Photography by Marius Gire, Unsplash By Russell Ashdown Experience designers should go to the cinema more often. One of the most memorable film scenes of recent times popped into my […] The post Why brand space needs pace: what...

Nestled on the corner of rue Robert Blache and rue du Terrage, the practice seeks to reinterpret the characteristics of faubourienne architecture Photography by Cyrille Lallement Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova French practice Mobile Architectural Office (MAO) has just completed a low-carbon residential and commercial timber building in the heart of Paris for the city’s public […] The post Mobile Architectural Office unveils low-carbon building...

Working in rainbow-bright colours and bold patterns, Yinka Ilori puts a welcome face on public spaces, giving the city back its sense of fun Photography courtesy of Yinka Ilori. London Design Festival Landmark Project ‘Bring London Together’, 2021 Words by Riya Patel When an ice cream van passes his north London studio, Yinka Ilori stops mid-conversation […] The post Yinka Ilori brings the feel-good factor...

Designed for a family of four, the modern residence allows its occupants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the calm of nature Photography by Raphaël Thibodeau Nestled in the village of Morin-Heights, Québec, the Schnee-Eule chalet – which is the German word for the snowy owl – was realised by […] The post Architecture firm Atelier L’Abri designs all-white...

GRAFF’s iconic Ametis Collection leads the way in luxury spa showering Designed by Davide Oppizzi, the Ametis Collection brings new dimensions of wellness and relaxation to the bathroom. Look to the Ametis Ring Shower. A symbol of the fusion between the universe above and the oceans below. Biophilic design at its finest, it was designed […] The post Ametis Ring Experience by GRAFF appeared...

The Bauhaus lasted less than 15 years but its influence has extended for a century The post From the Archive: A short history of the Bauhaus appeared first on ICON Magazine.

Situated a two-hour drive west of Helsinki, the former tuberculosis sanatorium takes a humanistic approach to architecture Photography by Fabrice Fouillet Words by Joe Lloyd In 1928, an architectural competition was announced for the construction of a 184-bed tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, a tiny town on Finland’s southwestern coast. Among the architects who heeded the […] The post Architecture Icon: Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium...

The first season of the Next Cultural Producer programme, and a series of exhibitions, is on view until 5 February 2023 Photography courtesy of Power Station of Art and CHANEL Culture Fund A creative partnership between Shanghai-based contemporary art museum Power Station of Art (PSA) and CHANEL Culture Fund sees the launch of the Art […] The post Shanghai-based art museum Power Station of...

The UK House, a mixed-use building located at a prestigious West End address on Oxford Street, stands out as a landmark in the city centre Basel-based architecture practice Christ & Gantenbein recently completed the interior design of a lobby and basement in London. Located on Oxford Street, the grade II listed building dates back to […] The post Christ & Gantenbein adds a contemporary...

The apprenticeship workshop, entitled The LAB, aims to preserve the quality and craftsmanship of Denmark Photography courtesy of Carl Hansen & Søn featuring two apprentices in The LAB Danish furniture company Carl Hansen & Søn has set up its own apprentice workshop, The LAB, which aims to train more cabinet makers to meet growing demands […] The post Carl Hansen & Søn launches apprenticeship...

Designed in the fifties, the Egg Chair is a design classic that has become one of the most recognisable and copied chairs of all time The post From the Archive: A short history of the iconic Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen appeared first on ICON Magazine.

As the year draws to a close, the collaborative gift set, which is available now, focuses on the theme of reflection and intention Photography courtesy of Reia and Charlotte Trounce Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner While the worlds of skincare and art don’t often converge, self-care brand Reia is no stranger to creative cross-pollination. Established by […] The post Self-care brand Reia collaborates with illustrator...

The low carbon bricks have been developed for the construction of the new wing of the Design Museum Gent Photography courtesy of Carmody Groarke Words by Roddy Clarke With the built environment being a huge contributor to global related carbon emissions, 39% according to a 2019 report by the World Green Building Council (of which […] The post Design Museum Gent uses bricks manufactured...

The London-based design duo has collaborated with The Fall to design its new retail concept store in East London Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner London-based design duo Studio Jey has joined forces with The Fall, one of the city’s leading purveyors of contemporary bridal wear, to design a new retail destination in East London. Aimed at […] The post Studio Jey pairs architectural features with...

A new exhibition at M+, Hong Kong’s global museum of visual culture, peels back Kusama’s complex life of art, thematically and chronologically Photography by Nicolas Leung featuring Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin, 2022 at M+, Hong Kong. Collection of the artist Words by Frona Akil  Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has dazzled the world with her universe of […] The post Hong Kong’s M+ retrospective celebrates Yayoi...

To mark Alvar Aalto’s 125th birthday in 2023, Finnish design brand Iittala will be launching a series of new items from the Alvar Aalto Collection alongside its delicate Tundra glassware line by Oiva Toikka Photography courtesy of Iittala featuring the Alvar Aalto Collection When (Alvar) Aalto – also Finnish for wave – first introduced his […] The post Iittala celebrates Alvar Aalto and Oiva...

The contemporary benches combine music, light and design for a collective experience in public spaces Montréal-based art and design studio, Daily tous les jours, co-founded by Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat in 2010, recently unveiled Daydreamer, a new sculptural series of illuminated, slowly rotating public benches, accompanied by gentle music. Leading an emergent field of practice […] The post Canadian art studio Daily tous les...

The Dutch brand expands its reach with two colourful, design-led hotels in the US Photography courtesy of citizenM featuring the hotel’s Miami location Words by Claudia Baillie Since its launch in 2008, ‘affordable luxury’ has remained the focus for award-winning Dutch hotel brand citizenM, and with new properties recently opened in Miami and Chicago – […] The post citizenM opens new art-filled properties in...

Espoo’s EMMA art museum showcases a unique collection of exquisite Finnish glass and ceramics Photography by Rauno Träskelin featuring Helena Tynell, Vases from Series Polar, 1959. Collection Kakkonen / EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art Words by Dorothea Gundtoft From Denmark to Sweden to Norway, design enthusiasts will be familiar with most of the […] The post Espoo Museum of Modern Art unveils...

This industrial space, perched next to a canal in East London, features a rolling supply of mid-century Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish furniture and home accessories Bringing vintage Scandinavian finds and one-off collectible pieces to east London’s Hackney Wick is Ælfred, a new 300 sq m showroom of mid-century furniture and top-quality vintage objects established […] The post London’s biggest showroom of vintage Scandinavian...

Boss Design shares insights on how their latest task chair, Sia, reimagines what’s possible in today’s workspace by minimising environmental impact, whilst maximising visual appeal Reduce When designing Sia, the goal Boss Design set themselves was to create one of the most sustainable task chairs on the market – and they’ve come extremely close to […] The post Discover Boss Design’s sustainability journey and...

Modern life can be overwhelming. As dynamic and exuberant as urban living can be, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to escape the stimulus overload of densely populated areas Photography courtesy of Jonathan Leijonhufvud featuring the Chapel of Sound in Chengde, China Words by Billy Picton An affinity for inner-city architecture and design can only […] The post Top 5 architectural hideaways from around...

The Brixen Public Library in South Tyrol is a hybrid urban living room and vibrant community gathering place Photography by Lorenzo Mason Words by Dominic Lutyens A public library with an arresting new extension in Brixen, the oldest town in South Tyrol, northern Italy, appears at first to reject the traditional aesthetic of its more […] The post Architectural firm Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli completes...

In ICON 210, we journey from Helsinki to Turku and beyond to bring you the architecture and design highlights of Finland Log in or register for free below to read the digital issue now With pristine landscapes, snow covered wilderness and first-class design, in ICON 210 we journey from Helsinki to Turku and beyond to […] The post ICON 210 : Winter 2022 appeared...

Scott and Caroline designed and built The Bide by hand during lockdown. A labour of love, the design combines the couple’s passion for contemporary design and interiors Words by Shawn Adams  On a picturesque Dorset farm near Milton Abbas, sits a striking architectural jewel. Titled The Bide, the crimson cabin acts as a contemporary departure […] The post Meet the couple who designed and...

Taking inspiration from specific sculptures and installations, the groundbreaking artist layers pattern and multiple craft techniques to create a unique collection for Knoll Textiles Words by Vasia Rigou ‘Hello. I’m Nick Cave. Artist, instructor, teacher, messenger.’ This laconic, powerful introduction best describes the internationally-renowned Chicago-based artist. Cave has been creating ground-breaking work at the intersection […] The post Nick Cave and Knoll Textiles collaborate...

Its design proved so universal – and disposable – that it’s now facing bans. But, asks Tara Okeke, was this the future the bag’s Swedish inventor expected? March 2022 marked the opening of Plastic: Remaking Our World at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Billed as an unpacking of the ‘utopian appeal’ of, arguably, the […] The post Crimes Against Design: The plastic shopping...

What if fashion could capture carbon instead of being a major contributor to the world’s emissions? Post Carbon Lab designer DJ Lin explains the studio’s research into algae-based textiles Photography courtesy of Post Carbon Lab Words by Flo Wales Bonner While the fashion industry continues to be among the world’s most polluting, a growing number […] The post Meet the practice developing photosynthetic textiles...

Art and basketball combine to help East London borough with highest child poverty rate Words by Harriet Thorpe In East London, a community basketball court has been revived with a renovation and colourful painting by artist Alvaro Barrington. The court, which is operated by charity Weavers Adventure Playground in Bethnal Green is attended by 70 […] The post Alvaro Barrington basketball court in Bethnal...

Now with a new lease of life as a guest house for corporate visitors, Fritz Haller’s revolutionary modular design for a 1969 house for USM owner Paul Schärer is as much a work of art as a family home Words by Roddy Clarke Nestled among trees on the top of a slope above USM’s Münsingen […] The post Franz Haller’s iconic Buchli house at...

Designing local isn’t easy. It may bring extra complications but there are good reasons why it’s worth going the extra mile Photography courtesy of Matteo Fogale Words by Nasim Köerting Today, it’s not uncommon for a company to root their identity in locally sourced materials or products made with local skills. The locality brands are […] The post Why using local products and materials...

Sony’s portable cassette player The Walkman changed the way people listen to music long before the iPod was on the scene The post From the Archive: A short history of the Sony Walkman appeared first on ICON Magazine.

We need to do more to expand access to the profession from a young age Wealdstone Youth Workshop in London, 2018. Photograph: Thomas Adank Words by Nisha Kurian Here in the UK, architecture as a profession is predominantly white, male and middle class. To be anything other than this means you often feel like an […] The post The problem of a lack of...

Benjamin Hubert’s design journey has been captured between the covers of a tactile hardback that gives readers an inside view of this complex industry Photography courtesy of LAYER and Phaidon Phaidon, the premier global publisher of the creative arts, has released a new book charting the work of London-based design agency LAYER. Set in the […] The post The story of Benjamin Hubert’s LAYER...

The Guggenheim opened its museum in Bilbao 25 years ago, transforming a once industrial city into a vibrant tourism hub Photography by Erika Ede, FMGB, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, 2017 Words by Joe Lloyd One of the world’s most emblematic buildings has just celebrated its 25th birthday. The Guggenheim Bilbao has cast an enormous shadow in the worlds of […] The post Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum celebrates its 25th...

The competition invites young people to work in partnership with professionals from the design, construction and creative arts industries to create their own temporary pavilion Photography by Luke O’Donovan featuring People’s Pavilion 2021 Words by Shawn Adams Creative practice Beyond The Box Consultants has recently launched their second iteration of the People’s Pavilion competition. The […] The post Beyond the Box Consultants launch second...

Non-profit social enterprise Common Knowledge has taught 120 people to build mobile tiny homes using innovative hemp corrugated panels and other eco-conscious materials The tiny home movement has taken off across the world. More than just a type of house, it’s based on a philosophy that advocates for downsizing living spaces. With less focus on […] The post Margent Farm partners with eco-conscious social...

Yngve Ekström’s 1956 Lamino chair is a well-loved classic of Swedish design. Now it has been given a new lease of life by emerging design studio Lab La Bla Photography courtesy of Lab La Bla With its latest project, design studio Lab La Bla looks at Swedish furniture history and craft traditions through a contemporary […] The post Lab La Bla takes a new...

The Copenhagen-based design brand transformed 7115 by Szeki, a contemporary boutique in the heart of Brooklyn, using natural and reclaimed materials Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner While the line between the digital and physical worlds of retail has become increasingly blurred, brick-and-mortar stores continue to have appeal. Providing customers with tangible and multi-sensory experiences, physical shops […] The post FRAMA creates minimalist interior for a...

Swedish design brand JOY Objects joined forces with Très Bien in Soho to launch Snow & Chartreuse, a new colourway of CHAIR ONE, exclusively for Très Bien Photography courtesy of JOY and Très Bien Founded in 2021 as an open space, JOY OBJECTS is the brainchild of Stockholm-based creative Fredrik Paulsen, who has emerged in […] The post JOY launches exclusive chair for multi-brand...