Bookmarks (74)

RAK Ceramics will host a captivating interview with ICON at Clerkenwell Design Week RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world specialising in ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles and sanitary-ware. You can now ‘Imagine your Space’ at the RAK Ceramics Design Hub, a brand-new go-to destination opening on the […] The post Join RAK Ceramics at Clerkenwell Design...

The Madrid-based architecture studio utilised raw and industrial materials to create an eclectic interior that blends various styles and motifs together Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  Madrid’s experimental architecture studio Burr has been occupied with preserving the city’s industrial heritage. Over the past several decades, its warehouses and industry have increasingly been pushed out to the […] The post Industrial aesthetics inform this quirky Madrid...

First Nations people in Canada have long suffered from unacceptable housing conditions – and that needs to change, writes Caroline Monnet Artwork: Memories Unravelled, 2021, by Caroline Monnet. Courtesy of Indigenous Art Centre, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of Canada, MMFA, Jean-François Brière The abhorrent housing conditions faced by many northern Indigenous communities […] The post Artist Caroline Monnet highlights the urgent...

When Axel Springer, the global media and technology company decided to move from print to digital media, its new building needed to act as a symbol and a tool of this transition. © Laurian Ghinitoiu For this task they joined with OMA, one of the most prestigious architectural firms worldwide. In the classical newsroom, each […] The post A new building for Axel Springer...

Stockholm’s rising designer, Simon Skinner, builds on his Afro-Caribbean heritage to tell a broader story of Swedishness Words by Francesca Perry 30-year-old Swedish designer Simon Skinner is challenging what Swedish design means, and who it represents. The Stockholm-based creative is trained in industrial design – with projects ranging from lighting and benches to sculptural explorations […] The post ICON meets the industrial designer interrogating...

The modern residential building by Atelier Rampazzi brings together old and new architecture in the Swiss town of Minusio Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  Atelier Rampazzi’s new five-storey apartment building linking to Villa Belforte in the Swiss town of Minusio is a shining example of how new architecture can sit happily alongside historic buildings.  Rendered in […] The post Atelier Rampazzi completes five-storey apartment block...

Most public art is made by adults, without taking children’s perspectives into account. Play Contract turns this on its head and invites children to become a part of the design process Play Contract, a project by Copenhagen-based art and design studio Superflex, is a series of playful pink marble sculptures in the town of Billund, […] The post Superflex’s co-designed play sculptures in Billund...

A decision to explore local waste material streams led an Icelandic studio to some new design discoveries Photography by Saga Sigurðardóttir Words by Riya Patel The genesis of Icelandic design studio Flétta was not a product, but a map. In 2014, founders Birta Rós Brynjólfsdóttir and Hrefna Sigurðardóttir set out to research where waste materials […] The post Design studio Flétta takes discarded materials...

The Met has chosen Mexican architect Frida Escobedo to design the new Oscar L Tang and HM Agnes Hsu-Tang wing, taking over from David Chipperfield Architects Photography by Carlos Torres Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  Philanthropists and trustees of the museum Tang and Hsu-Tang have recently pledged $125 million to help with the renovation of its […] The post Frida Escobedo leads new project for...

The Playground, an installation by Architensions, is unveiled at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Photography by Lance Gerber Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  Design firm Architensions has created a phantasmagorical installation, dubbed The Playground, on the grounds of the Californian music festival Coachella. The Playground consists of four steel-framed towers painted in magenta, yellow and cyan – colours […] The post Architensions creates phantasmagorical installation in California...

A new exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Motion: Autos, Art, Architecture, celebrates the artistic dimension of the automobile Photography: F1 Pit Stop I (F1Boxenstopp I), 2007. Fondation Louis Vuitton/Marc Domage Words by Joe Lloyd Norman Foster has always been open about his passion for automobiles. As a child, he won a place in grammar […] The post Norman Foster curates new automobile exhibition...

Trampolín aims to democratise the creative industries by giving all people equal opportunity to realise their creative potential Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  The Spanish city of Valencia, World Capital of Design for 2022, has been at the forefront of design and innovation for some time. As part of its recent celebrations, the city has supported […] The post New platform Trampolín launches to nurture...

The exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum brings together objects of the pop era as well as contemporary designs and smart concepts for waste reduction Photography: Bakelite leaflet, 1930s; Courtesy of Amsterdam Bakelite Collection Words by Joe Lloyd Ask someone to pick out a plastic, and it’s likely they can do so without trouble. Plastics […] The post Plastic: Remaking Our World examines the...

The five-year project, led by David Chipperfield Architects Milan and commissioned by Generali, reunifies the sixteenth-century structure Photography by Alberto Parise Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  St Mark’s Square is one of the most recognisable spots in Venice. The classical Procuratie Vecchie, which dates back to the first half of the 16th century and runs along […] The post David Chipperfield Architects Milan unveils restoration...

The postmodern apartment complex in Spain’s Manzanera, Calpe, has now been shot from an entirely new perspective Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  La Muralla Roja: When the sun goes down III, a new photo series by Spanish photographer Andrés Gallardo, beautifully captures architect Ricardo Bofill’s housing project in the Spanish town of Calpe.  Gallardo, who grew […] The post Spanish photographer Andrés Gallardo captures La...

Portuguese studio Atelier Data has created a contemporary house, Casa Mãe, in Alcácer do Sal using traditional methods and materials Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  Located in Alcácer do Sal, a rural area in central Portugal, Sítio da Lezíria is an extensive property consisting of a manor house and former stables dating back to the turn […] The post Atelier Data designs minimalist house in...

The British designer’s striking piece of furniture is made exclusively from consumer waste recycled plastics Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Recycling plastic and the circular economy might be a common enough concept today but that wasn’t always the case. British designer Jane Atfield was one of the first to pioneer the use of recycled plastics to […] The post Emma Scully Gallery celebrates 30th Anniversary...

SBFI Group creates superior work environments by combining progressive design, quality, and environmental awareness in everything they do SBFI Group provides desks, workstations and supporting accessories with distinctive identities across their house of brands, directly from their own global manufacturing centres. Market leaders in trading floors and financial furniture, the brand supports over 80% of […] The post SBFI Group – Designing the future...

Following a five-year renovation, Glasgow’s noted Burrell Collection has reopened to the public Photography by Dylan Nardini Words by Crystal Bennes Comprising 9,000 objects accumulated by shipping magnate William Burrell, the collection was donated to the city of Glasgow in 1944. Not until 1983, however, and the opening of a new building to house it […] The post Glasgow’s Burrell Collection reopens after £68m...

Argentine-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone has reinvented the brand’s iconic Archibald armchair in the style of boundary-pushing art Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova To mark its 110th anniversary, the storied Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau has collaborated with contemporary artist Felipe Pantone on a new take on its iconic Archibald Armchair.  The Argentine-Spanish artist is known for his frescoes, […] The post Poltrona Frau celebrates 110th Anniversary with...

A private house located in North London has become the first residential building in the UK to be verified as net zero carbon Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Max Fordham House, the home of the British engineer and pioneer of sustainable design, has just become the first to be verified as a net zero carbon home, […] The post North London house becomes the UK’s...

The formation of the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, a new nonprofit organisation, aims to bring the lessons of Ray and Charles Eames to those looking to solve today’s most challenging issues Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova  Designers Ray and Charles Eames left behind not only a remarkable legacy but also an extensive body of work. Now, a […] The post The Eames Institute brings Ray and...

The two new collections, Chess and Phoenician, are brought to life by skilled artisans, in homage to Lebanese traditions Chess Collection. Photography by Lara Zankoul Emerging global design house BEIT Collective, founded by Emilie Skaff in 2021, seeks to perpetuate Lebanese craftsmanship through the promotion of the creativity and talent of Lebanese designers and artisans. […] The post Adam Nathaniel Furman designs hand-blown glass...

The Finnish capital’s new industrial-scale venue – Dance House Helsinki – has its own architectural rhythms Photography by Hannu Rytky Words by Lee Marable Almost nine decades after renowned Finnish dancer Maggie Gripenberg first proposed a dedicated space for dance in Helsinki, Finland’s capital finally has its Dance House. Totalling 6,800 sqm and constructed for […] The post JKMM Architects complete Dance House Helsinki...

Organised by Form/Design Center, Southern Sweden Design Days will showcase a selection of new work from ten designers and studios Render from the virtual exhibition at ‘Lokstallarna’ in Malmö, Sweden. Photography courtesy of ADORNO Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Sustainability-focused design fair Southern Sweden Design Days returns for its second edition in Malmö in May. One of […] The post Digital gallery Adorno teams up with...

It was the car that drove Italy’s economic miracle – but it never escaped the sense that its designers were having a bit of a laugh The post Design Icon: The Fiat Nuova Cinquecento brought driving to the Italian masses appeared first on ICON Magazine.

From oyster shells to orange peel, food waste could be the design material of the future Photography by Emeli Höcks and Carolina Härdh Words by Ellinor Thunberg ‘Can I try it?’ I ask, peering down at a curious handmade bench. The answer, from designers Carolina Härdh and Emeli Höcks, is yes, of course. I sit […] The post The designers using food waste to...

The second edition of the international art exhibition features 15 artists exploring ideas of mirage and oasis under the theme sarab Claudia Comte, Desert X AlUla 2022. Photography by Lance Gerber Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Desert X AlUla, a site-responsive, international art exhibition, is currently underway in AlUla, an ancient desert in Saudi Arabia. Home to […] The post Desert X AlUla places contemporary artworks...

The polycarbonate panels create a translucent façade and transform this family home into a glowing beacon at night Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova The translucent polycarbonate sleeve, wrapped around a three-bed family home in Yanakacho, Japan, turns it into a gently glowing beacon at night, while by day it adds to its sense of lightness and airy […] The post KACH wraps Yanakacho family home in...

Architect@Work returns to the Truman Brewery for 2022 edition on April 13 & 14 Je Ahn – Finsbury Circus ARCHITECT@WORK reaches higher than ever before with lofty ambitions to explore air and architecture when it returns to its physical format at London’s Truman Brewery for its 2022 edition. Visitors are invited to attend and meet […] The post Air and Architecture appeared first on...

The façade of this housing block in Kodla, Karnataka, features a play of geometric shapes, cubic forms and bold primary colours Mumbai-based architecture practice Sanjay Puri Architects has unveiled the design for Studios 90, a mid-rise building complex located in Kodla, Karnataka, India. The mixed-use building aims to combine multiple functions, including a combination of […] The post Sanjay Puri Architects complete multi-faceted residential...

Architect, educator and social activist, Kéré has been selected as the 2022 laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, architecture’s highest honour Léo Doctors’ Housing. Photo courtesy of Francis Kéré Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Born in Gando, Burkina Faso, and based in Berlin, Diébédo Francis Kéré is known for empowering and transforming communities through the process of […] The post Diébédo Francis Kéré receives the 2022...

The report uncovers how design reflects society, key trends in typography and branding, and how the creative world is adopting technology Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Monotype, the biggest type foundry in the world, has released its annual Type Trends report, a comprehensive guide to how modern typography is helping to shape both culture and commerce.  By […] The post Monotype Studio releases 2022 Type Trends...

Students at IAAC propose a solution to food and energy production in cities with this prototype solar greenhouse Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova The resilience of cities, the circular economy as well as food and energy poverty are topics that architects and urbanists have been interrogating for some time. Now, students and tutors on the Advanced Ecological […] The post This solar greenhouse puts forward a...

  Log in or register for free below to read the digital issue now This special ‘Nordic’ issue of ICON celebrates the best design and architecture across the Nordic countries, from influential Danish architect Dorte Mandrup to emerging Icelandic circular design studio Flétta. We delve into the world of a new wave of maximalist designers […] The post ICON 207 : Spring 2022 appeared...

Australian contemporary artist Ian Strange and acclaimed American musician and producer Trevor Powers come together for major new film work and photographic series Photography: Dalison 1 by Ian Strange Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Communities ebb and flow, with some springing up and then disappearing just as fast. As they vanish, their stories – and histories – often vanish […] The post Ian Strange and Trevor Powers collaborate...

The British Council has announced the curatorial team that will represent Great Britain at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia Image courtesy of British Council Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova The British Council has selected a team of architects and curators to represent the UK at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice […] The post Curatorial team unveiled for British Pavilion...

Adapting and opening up urban harbours to contemporary needs is vital to improving resilience and wellbeing, says Hanna Harris Words by Hanna Harris When I moved from London back to Helsinki some years ago, one thing was clear: I wanted to live within walking distance of the sea. Located on a peninsula and surrounded by […] The post Why coastal cities should adapt their...

The Lagos-based Nigerian architect has been announced as the curator of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial’s second edition opening in 2023 Tosin Oshinowo. Photography by Spark Creative Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova Sharjah Architecture Triennial, a platform for architecture and urbanism from West Asia to South Asia and the African continent, has announced the appointment of Lagos-based […] The post Tosin Oshinowo appointed as curator of...

Set up by two East London studios and featuring 55 photographic prints, proceeds will be donated to the British Red Cross, Ukraine Crisis Appeal Emma Summerton Vilma’s ‘Embrace’, 2020 To stand in solidarity with Ukraine, East London studios Have A Butchers and Hempstead May & May Print have teamed up to launch a print charity sale with […] The post Have A Butchers and Hempstead May...

March sees the inauguration of Melbourne’s collectible design fair, the first of its kind in Australia Marta Figueiredo’s Totem ‘M’, 2018. Photography by Jonathon Griggs Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova An initiative of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Melbourne Art Foundation, Melbourne Collectible Design Fair will present limited-edition and one-of-a kind collectable designs […] The post NGV and Melbourne Art Foundation announce...

How can we rethink digital spaces – and design a better kind of social media? Somewhere Good, a new initiative from entrepreneur Naj Austin, attempts to do just that Words by Allyssia Alleyne For many, social media stopped being fun a long time ago. Twitter promotes itself as ‘a free and safe space to talk’, […] The post Somewhere Good creates more nurturing digital...

CarverHaggard has expanded and improved the 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning hub in south London, steeped in the area’s radical history Words by Francesca Perry In Brixton, south London, local practice CarverHaggard has completed the retrofit, redesign and expansion of a long-running community arts hub. 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning started life in 1988, founded […] The post Retrofit gives historic Brixton community arts...

Architecture of Normal: The Colonization of the American Landscape documents the extensive impact of transport-driven development Outlets, 2017. Photo by Daniel Kaven Words by Francesca Perry A new book by architect and artist Daniel Kaven explores the ways in which transport infrastructure – from roads to airports – has reshaped the landscape of the US, with a focus on the […] The post How did transport shape the American...

The Milan-based architect and designer has applied her love of colour and comfort to the project in the US city of Holland Acclaimed Milan-based architect and design Patricia Urquiola has designed a 48-bedroom hotel in the city of Holland in Michigan, US. The project was delivered in collaboration with global furniture company Haworth, which actually […] The post Patricia Urquiola designs Haworth Hotel in...

A new exhibition at the Danish Architecture Center explores the work of SAGA Space Architects and their origami-inspired LUNARK project Words by Francesca Perry In 2018, Copenhagen-based SAGA Space Architects began to design and develop a prototype lunar habitat, called LUNARK. Two years later, co-founders Sebastian Aristotelis and Karl-Johan Sørensen travelled to a remote landscape […] The post The Danish architects designing a lunar...

Landscape designer Petra Blaisse has spent over three decades shaping spaces. Now 70 of her practice’s projects are celebrated in a striking show in Rome Inside Outside | Petra Blaisse: A Retrospective at MAXXI. Photograph by Anna van Dorp, AVD productions Words by Veronica Simpson Since founding her studio in 1991, Petra Blaisse has been […] The post Inside Outside retrospective opens at MAXXI...

Foster Wilson Size has delivered a home for the Brixton House theatre which invites the community into the foyer and commercial tenants into its crown Words by Herbert Wright Brixton House is the name of both a distinctive new Foster Wilson Size-designed five-storey building in the south London neighbourhood of Brixton, and what had been […] The post London gains a new theatre and...

Make Good: Rethinking Material Futures includes annual displays – with its first featuring work by Mac Collins, Marjan van Aubel and Fernando Laposse Bodge Bench, by Gitta Gschwendtner. Photograph: Jason Orton The V&A Museum has launched a 10-year project, Make Good: Rethinking Material Futures, dedicated to exploring the use of renewable, natural materials – particularly […] The post V&A launches 10-year project exploring sustainable...

Delivered for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the new project includes solar panels, a roof garden, and inclusive social spaces Hawkins\Brown has completed the new student centre for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the northern British city of Preston, which includes a large-scale public square outside. The 7,560 sq m building faces […] The post Hawkins\Brown designs new student centre and...