Portraits

Sitting down with imm cologne creative director Dick Spierenburg on the fair's 2024 theme of ‘Connecting Communities’ in a changing landscape and why the trade fair is returning to its January date...

At this year's reenvisioned imm cologne, the speakers for our Architonic Live Talks provided inspiration, exclusive anecdotes and a healthy dose of humour. We round up what you may have missed and explain how ChatGPT played a role.

Created by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, the story of the iconic PH5 pendant lamp is one of experimental science, and continues to guide both lighting and interior designers to this day.

In the latest in our series of Architonic interviews with leading sustainability experts globally, we pose a focused set of no-nonsense questions to Marloes Fischer, founder and managing director of Swiss-based Circular Hub. The call goes out to

David Marquardt of MACH Architektur explains why flexibility is key for modern workspaces: 'You don't need big meeting rooms, sitting empty.' Watch the video to hear what else he has to say…

Russell Potter of Soda Studio describes how workplaces are creating more engaging environments: ‘We've seen offices put in show kitchens and yoga studios.’ Watch the video for more…

'Applying international and globally recognised certifications is not enough if there is no "self-certification",' argues the award-winning office's top team.

The energy crisis, energetic thinking on sustainability and the power of lighting design.

João Tiago Aguiar of João Tiago Aguiar Arquitectos explains his affinity with using three-dimensional ceramics to create surfaces which 'bring interiors to life.' Watch the video to hear more…

Dori Sadan of m-i-r-a explains his priority when designing a project's materiality: 'We address the bones of the space first, the surfaces.' Watch the video to hear more…

Nayra Iglesias of In Out Studio explains their design process: 'We introduce a sensory diagram.' Then the architects add materiality to layer the experience. Learn more about it here…

Swedish-Spanish design duo Space Popular, working at the interface between physical and virtual space, are anything but superficial. Get their thought-provoking insights here.

Martin Postler of innovationist industrial-design studio PostlerFerguson reminds us of the challenges to, and the potential for, the design industry adopting a truly circular economy.

Energetic designer Patrick Norguet asks an evolving furniture industry to carefully balance history with its future: 'The acceleration of the world has changed.' Watch the video for more…

India Mahdavi explains the use of furniture beyond the functional: 'I use furniture architecturally as a main identifying element.' Watch the video to hear what else she has to say…

Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien of Doshi Levien discuss the future of furniture: 'An environment rich in materiality and colour is more fun and experimental.' Watch the video for more…

Global Design Agenda's Sustainability Design Week speakers stress the need to design and build sustainable cities for survival.

Michele Cazzaniga and Antonio Pagliarulo of CMP Design took to the DAAily bar Live Talk stage during Milan Design Week to explain how conviviality and friendship influence their work at every stage.

Milanese design duo Calvi Brambilla discuss the process behind their architecturally impressive fair stands at the DAAily bar during Milan Design Week.

Design grandee Alfredo Häberli argues at his DAAily bar Live Talk for the importance of physical, tactile experiences at design fairs and events, such as Milan Design Week.

Textile designer Cristian Zuzunaga describes his iconic pixelated style and design process in his Live Talk at the DAAily bar during Milan Design Week.

Architonic pays tribute to the visionary founder and editor-in-chief of Dezeen.

Jan Boelen of Atelier LUMA explains the conditions required for change: 'True innovation only happens when there's a cultural shift.' Watch the video to hear more…

Craig Robertson of AHMM explains the opposing factors of modern architecture: 'Different stakeholders have different ideas of what a good building is.' Watch the video to hear what else he has to say…

Oliver Schaper of Gensler, one of the largest architecture firms in the world and currently in partnership with UN-Habitat, discusses the circular construction model. Watch the video to learn more…

Martin Voelkle of BIG discusses sustainable architecture: ‘If it’s made from sustainable material, then you should be able to see it.’ Watch the video to hear more…

DAAily platforms launches in a super-hot Milan, while we cool down with the Global Design Agenda Bathroom Design Week

Douglas Mandry and Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally, discuss the concept behind their collaborative 30-metre-long art curtain, installed in the DAAily bar during Milan Design Week.

Stefan Diez proposes a retail revolution while introducing his mudra chair for Brunner at his DAAily bar Live Talk during Milan Design Week.

Sebastian Herkner introduces his recent Colombian-inspired, hand-woven outdoor furniture collection for Ames at his DAAily bar Live Talk during Milan Design Week.

At the well-attended DAAily bar Live Talk series at Milan Design Week, Patricia Urquiola discussed the eco-credentials and bio-material innovations found in her Nuez Lounge Bio armchair for Andreu World.

Li Wenqiang of PIG Design discusses the difficulties of designing bathrooms with limited space: 'It's a terrible experience, with knees and face against the door.' Watch the video to hear more…

Maria Papafigou of OOAK architects discusses using innovative materials to create more personal bathrooms: 'Be experimental and dare to take a leap.' Watch the video to learn more…

Marc Sadler discusses combining functional intelligence with emotional environments in bathrooms, 'Design is tech that you control and style.' Watch the video to learn more…

Matteo Thun discusses eliminating bathroom touch points: 'The future of the bathroom is touch-free. You need clean, big surfaces.' Watch the video to learn more…

Against the backdrop of a potential global food crisis, our Kitchen Design Week speakers discuss the future of the kitchen, both functionally and culturally. And, in the near future, our DAAily bar in Milan opens its doors.

Exhibiting at the DAAily bar during Milan Design Week, Douglas Mandry’s 30-metre-long Art Curtain will introduce visitors to the Swiss artist’s Monuments project, documenting climate change.

The DAAily bar is set to become one of Milan Design Week's biggest destinations, with a series of Live Talks featuring speakers from the very top of architecture and design.

Lea Korzeczek and Matthias Hiller of Studio Oink talk about why our kitchens have so many appliances, but so little food.

Cristina Acha Odriozola of Acha Zaballa Arquitectos discusses contemporary social kitchen spaces: ‘That model of the service area is obsolete.’ Hear what else she has to say…

Cristiano Pigazzini and Daniel Heckscher of Note Design Studio converse on future kitchen requirements: 'It is cheaper to get food than to prepare food.' Watch the video to hear more…

Dries Otten discusses keeping things simple in kitchen design: 'I always try to bring it down to the basic question, what do we really need?' Watch the video to hear what else he has to say…

A blend of traditional lounge club style with contemporary materials and innovative manufacturing made the Eames Lounge Chair a timeless classic.

Christina Seilern of Studio Seilern Architects discusses giving outdoor public spaces multiple characters: 'People will use it the way they want to.' Watch the video to learn more…

The Dutch manufacturer has been committed to sustainability in design since day one – and paved the way for innovation in the field with a surprisingly soft material.

Maison&Objet 2022 Designer of the Year Franklin Azzi on architectural surgery, the current state of French design and why new build could soon be a thing of the past.

MAKE's Katy Ghahremani discusses selecting furniture early in the design process: 'It's important to show clients the materiality of spaces in the context of the FF&E.' Watch the video to learn more…

Alfredo Häberli of Alfredo Häberli Design Development discusses furniture that touches the soul: 'You can ask, is this piece of furniture design talking to me or not?' Watch the video to learn more…

Benedetta Tagliabue of EMBT discusses an architect's desire to design all parts of a project, including the furniture: 'Everything goes together and everything is a whole.' Watch the video to learn more…

Sebastian Herkner discusses respecting well-designed products: 'It's important to cherish a product, to keep it as an investment.' Watch the video to learn more…

Catalan creativity, the architectural El Clásico and Italian environmentalism.

The great departed and the arrival of new voices. Welcome to 2022.

'It's never too late,' says Ibizan-born designer Eugeni Quitllet of the all-new Recycled Grey version of Pedrali's strong-selling Remind monobloc chair.

With topics ranging from community building through cultural perception to architects as business developers, the Heinze ArchitekTOUR’s ‘Out of the Box’ series identifies new approaches and new role models for how we will live tomorrow.

To advance visionary concepts, the right people need to be in the room, so Heinze has invited emerging talents as well as established industry experts to join the ArchitekTOUR supporting programme.

Strong on robustness and comfort, light on optics, new PEDRALI seating for the elements by Patrick Jouin and CMP Design provide flexible content for outdoor contract settings.

Our 10 spectacular jurors include designer Patricia Urquiola, architect Sou Fujimoto and interdisciplinary designer Karim Rashid.

'The office is going the way of the dining room,' says Jay Osgerby, one half of the innovative design duo Barber Osgerby. Watch now for more insights!

Pip, Pip, hooray! RICHARD LAMPERT’s fireproof furniture system Pip is as easy to assemble as a childhood stacking game.

Quel bilan un an après la reprise de Möbel Pfister par XXXLutz? Le rachat de l'entreprise de tradition suisse par le géant autrichien du meuble à la fin de l'année 2019 a fait couler beaucoup d’encre. Quelle position l’entreprise Möbel

UK-based lighting and furniture brand PORTA ROMANA combines a love of Italian craftsmanship with a spirit of experimentation and innovation to bring a little piece of Florence to the south of England.

Sky-Frame – Swiss specialists in frameless sliding window and door systems – continue their ‘My Point of View’ series of video portraits with architect and designer Stephan Hürlemann, who shares his perspective on design and its role in a

Challenging times call for a different perspective. PEDRALI delivers new ideas via new collaborations with Sebastian Herkner and Robin Rizzini.

Don’t miss the second installment in VitrA Bathrooms’ 'Meet the Designer' YouTube talks series: Design Director Erdem Akan in conversation with Terri Pecora!

Bjarke Ingels talks unobstructed views and architecture as a force for good in the latest instalment of ‘My Point of View’, Swiss sliding-window manufacturer SKY-FRAME's film series.

Xavier Lust alterne sans effort entre une production industrielle et des éditions limitées. Le 22 mai prochain, ce designer basé à Bruxelles inaugurera sa nouvelle exposition au penthouse new-yorkais de Ralph Pucci dans le cadre d’une

En puisant dans de riches traditions de représentation architecturale, ces studios vedettes frappent dans le mille de la production architecturale tout en élargissant les frontières de leur identité professionnelle.

Souvent accusés d’être opportunistes et butés, de nombreux architectes et designers basés à New York affichent néanmoins une volonté d’expansion dans leur façon de travailler.

Simple, meaningful designs that eschew trends in favour of long-selling products pushing typological boundaries – this is the stuff of Brussels-based studio ALAIN BERTEAU DESIGNWORKS.

If there's one manufacturer that truly understands wood, it's long-established Czech brand TON. Their steam-bending expertise and passionate craftsmanship lives in the very grain of classic and contemporary furniture designs alike.

Le son est éphémère. Il rappelle sa nature fugace à celui qui l’entend, dans la mesure où il s’évanouit plus promptement que les objets perçus par les autres sens. Qu’ils soient légers ou persistants, les échos s’apparentent à des

Moroccan-born, Belgian-based industrial designer HIND RABII gets all lyrical about light.

Das Zusammenspiel von Kunst und Architektur wurde in dieser Rubrik bisher aus Betrachterperspektive beschrieben. Wie steht es aber um den Blickwinkel, den Künstler und Architekten auf diese Kombination haben? In den folgenden Ausgaben werden wir uns

For over 50 years the Belgian manufacturer Jori has been making furniture which takes the stress out of everyday situations for its owners.

With passion and innovative processing technology, the Italian firm DE CASTELLI brings the ancient material of metal to an unexpectedly modern level.

For over 50 years, the Swiss manufacturer USM has set the standard for premium-quality, simple, flexible furniture with its modular Haller System.

L’architecture de Valerio Olgiati gravite entièrement autour de l’idée de pureté, incarnant une pureté de forme, de matériau, de lumière et d’expérience esthétique. Les structures que l’architecte conçoit avec son atelier sont

Depuis que le graphisme s’est constitué en tant que discipline, au début du xxe siècle, un pays contribue plus que tous les autres à son histoire. Ce pays à l’identité plurielle, pacifiste et plutôt discret, c’est la Suisse, bien sûr!

Premium German manufacturer ALAPE, with its innovative approach to design and technology, has been shaping the experience of water in the bathroom since 1896.

The past meets the present in leading Italian porcelain-tile manufacturer FAP CERAMICHE’s new Roma collection, which marries classical design elegance with contemporary technology.

Danish brand Erik Bagger is nothing if not consistent. The organic language of its glass and tableware finds new expression in its furniture designs.

It's often said that good design is legible design – objects that communicate their use and their usefulness. In the case of premium woodburning-stove manufacturer HARRIE LEENDERS, there's a compelling story behind many of the products, too.

When it comes to launching new products, refined Danish brand LOCA is certainly in no hurry. Why develop new pieces for the sake of it, when you can concentrate your efforts on designing for usefulness, quality and longevity?

Premium Italian kitchen brand VALCUCINE has been a market leader for years, innovating in kitchen design that marries discreet technology with quality surfaces and considered materials.

Family-run lighting brand DARØ from Denmark creates lighting products that continue to work when they're switched off. Enlightening stuff.

With its proven track record of developing products that attest to an impeccable consideration of technology, materials, function and longevity, it's no surprise that ARPER's designs have a habit of becoming instant classics.

Wood needs time and a deep understanding of its materiality to truly reveal its innate beauty. TRAPA invests not only these, but also top-notch craftsmanship, in its products, which marry the contemporary and the functional with the compellingly

(In English only) The NYC design borough that’s still mixing things up.

In spite of its rich heritage, premium lighting brand REGGIANI is looking to the future, with innovation, style and dragonfly eyes.

Despite its longevity, Italian manufacturer ACERBIS shows no signs of resting on its laurels. Quite the opposite, in fact, as it continues to pursue tirelessly its vision for the perfect living room.

A combination of skillfully combined materials such as plastic, wood and metal make PEDRALI's contract-furniture collection functional and versatile like no other.

Materials are anything but immaterial to KARPENTER – the Indonesian-based design brand that in the few short years since its launch has managed to claim a convincing stake at the table of manufacturers who truly understand the critical relation

Respected design critic and curator Klaus Leuschel pays a personal tribute to the Baghdad-born architect who, despite her non-establishment profile, would go on to become one of industry’s most influential and paradigm-shifting grandees.

Premium Italian design brand PEDRALI is celebrating ten years of its pioneering wood division, which sees the combination of traditional carpentry skills with innovative production techniques, as perfect as a dovetail joint. Maximum stability with

Move aside perfection. Here comes authenticity. ALPHENBERG, premium producer of leather flooring and wall coverings, has become the go-to partner for high-end contract and private projects internationally looking for an injection of warmth, character

Light+Building 2016 sees Taiwanese lighting brand QisDesign exhibit its award-winning LED lights. In step with the global trend for green design, QisDesign combines innovative LED lighting technology with original design to achieve creative LED

Somewhere between pop culture, childhood memory and philosophy lies In-es.artdesign, whose highly sculptural lighting products – as the brand name would suggest – are as functional in design terms as they are expressive as art pieces.

À la fois architectes, designers et entrepreneurs, Lyndon Neri et Rossana Hu se consacrent à des projets multidisciplinaires, allant de l’aménagement d’intérieur au design de produits en passant par l’architecture, conçus pour un usage

Having established itself, through its collaboration with an impressive international cohort of designers, as a premium accessories brand, MENU’s highly considered, new Modernism Reimagined collection successfully positions the high-end Danish

Ah, the great outdoors. We all love it and know the benefits it has on both mind and body. Premium furniture brand OASIQ delivers design that makes us feel as equally as good, proving that retro design and high levels of comfort needn't be at odds

All good things come to those who wait. Design legend Ettore Sottsass may have left us, but, thanks to global design brand KARTELL, a completely new collection of striking accessories authored by the maestro himself is being launched this month.

As much a long-term research project and lifestyle philosophy as it is a brand, AMURA, launched in 2015, is committed to marrying affordability with Italian quality, underpinned by second-to-none upholstery craftsmanship.

With their first-rate designs authored by the likes of Marc Sadler and Patrick Jouin, not to mention their ‘Made in Italy’ stamp, it’s no wonder PEDRALI’s products have been specified for an international array of diverse and enviable

Premium Swiss manufacturer FRANKE COFFEE SYSTEMS has been getting up at the crack of dawn for over 40 years to produce fully automatic coffee machines for an ever-growing, international customer base. The perfect blend of design, technology and

Premium Italian radiator brand TUBES, known for its collaboration with big-name designers and its striking, sculptural products, turns the heat up once again with the launch of its new ‘RIFT’ radiator, the ultimate in customisation and flexible

The Western view of Iran has long been distorted. With the suspension of international sanctions, a spirit of optimism has taken hold of the country, including its architectural and design scene. In the first part of our new series ‘Architecture

BOLZAN LETTI's new 'Care Collection' is right on trend when it comes to flexibility. With headboards and frames 'dressable' in seven different designs, it's sweet dreams for the high-end Italian bed manufacturer.

Anyone who spends too much time at their desk knows how damaging a lack of daylight can be to their psychological wellbeing. In response to this issue, lighting brand LUCTRA has developed an intelligent system that replicates natural light to lessen

His raft of enviable collaborations with the likes of Cappellini and Established & Sons, and, more recently, Retegui, Menu and Objekten, are testimony to the fact that Brussels-based designer Sylvain Willenz creates Things That People Actually

Stick a pin in the middle of a map of Switzerland and the chances are you've landed near Thun, a small town that's home to a big player in terms of materials know-how. Long-established, high-end carpenters and fitters strasserthun invite architects,

Reconnue comme l’une des plus grandes photographes d’architecture actuelles, Hélène Binet travaille exclusivement en argentique. Dans un style qui n’appartient qu’à elle, cette artiste franco-suisse a immortalisé certains des projets les

'Awards come and go,' says Benjamin Hubert. 'They're not a mark of good design, that's for sure.' You'd be forgiven for thinking that there's more than a touch of false modesty or disingenuity at work here, given the celebratory press coverage the

Love it or hate it, limited-edition design has proved over the last few years that it's more than just a passing trend. No one event has done more to encourage the growth of this particular market than Design Miami. With its European edition, Design

Peter Cook is a Washington, DC–based principal of Davis Brody Bond Aedas