MAGAZINE

Pritzker prize's 2023 laureate is Sir David Chipperfield, a celebrated British architect and designer renowned for his minimalist aesthetic and meticulous attention to materiality and detail. He has designed a wide range of projects including museums, galleries, residential buildings, commercial developments, and public spaces, whose timelessness, functionality and beauty have earned Chipperfield worldwide acclaim and rightful recognition as one of the most influential architects of our time.

Over lunch in 1928, three women launched the radical idea of founding a museum in New York just to exhibit modern art, giving birth to the MoMA less than a year later. Today, no museum has as much power to bring furniture design into the mainstream spotlight and present iconic designs to the general public as the Museum of Modern Art in New York. We explore the depths of the MoMA archives, taking a journey through modern design history to present a bite-sized account of some of the key developments of the previous and current century, as exemplified by five iconic chairs.

As the hype surrounding the Salone del Mobile 2023 slowly begins to fade, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the current trends in the furniture and design world spotted at the industry’s most significant event. Vibrant colours and patterns, textural richness, soft organic shapes and versatile modular systems with an emphasis on comfort and informality were at the fore at this year’s edition of the Salone, indicating that the seventies are indisputably making a comeback in interior design. 

Built to last 150 years, its design hasn’t changed since 1944, ultimately demonstrating that great design shouldn’t be judged solely by the eye, as is often the case, but by the effectiveness with which it serves its intended purpose. The Navy Chair’s story is one of a quiet, but enduring star, whose trajectory can be traced from the Second World War, through high-end commercial interiors to cinema’s cult classics.

Self-taught British designer Tom Dixon rose to fame with his innovative welded designs made from salvaged steel in the eighties. Recognizable for his unconventionality, Tom Dixon strives to surprise. Receiving an OBE for his services to British Design, this distinguished contemporary designer has come a long way from his beginnings in his welding studio in London.  

With the ever-changing nature of the modern office environment, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and modular sofas are just one example of an increasingly popular seating option that can help meet the evolving needs of businesses. Our latest showcase explores some of the best-designed modular seating solutions in regards to their versatility, flexibility, and ability to encourage collaboration in a contemporary office setting.

In a world of fierce business competition, brands are turning to creative collaborations to set themselves apart. From fashion to vehicles, top furniture manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of design by teaming up with brands from a range of fields. In this article, we showcase five innovative collaborations that demonstrate the power of cross-industry partnerships.

Dating back to ancient times, the practice of product branding and labeling based on the place of origin has a long and rich history. As global trade increased and trade barriers were removed in the 20th century, the importance of country-of-origin labeling grew. Starting with its origin, we explore how Made in Italy became one of the most well-known country-of-origin labels.   

Dutch designer Marcel Wanders has been termed an anomaly in the design world and the Lady Gaga of Design by the New York Times. Beginning his career as a furniture designer, Marcel Wanders developed an affinity for interiors and has over 1,900 designs in his portfolio to date. Finding inspiration in the likes of Phillipe Stark, Antonio Gaudi, Issey Miyake and Frank Gehry, extravagance is a defining element of Wanders’ work. 

Hotel Lutetia has stood tall for over a century, an impressive architectural achievement and a technical marvel of the time. From its Art Nouveau and Art Deco design to its role in the resistance movement during World War II, this iconic hotel bears witness to the city's rich cultural legacy and the ever-changing tides of history.

Architect and designer Lina Bo Bardi was an unstoppable force – emigrating from Italy to Brazil in 1946, she played a pioneering role in shaping Modernist design in post-war Brazil. Lina Bo Bardi was perhaps best known and loved for bringing the arts to the people with her socially inclusive designs. Ironically, today she still largely remains academia’s carefully guarded secret, which, once unraveled, opens up a world dedicated to the everyday instead. 

The latest in our showcase series features outstanding acoustic lighting designs from top manufacturers to inspire you in creating a more comfortable and quieter environment. Ranging from simple and understated to bold and expressive, we showcase the range of possibilities regarding acoustic lighting, to match different interior styles and functions.

As furniture companies seek to breathe new life into iconic designs by infusing them with fresh creative perspectives, interdisciplinary collaborations are growing in popularity. Inspired by the enchanting Dior by Starck collection presented at the Salone del Mobile, we explore five creative collaborations that have reinvented some of the most iconic furniture designs.

Our showcase series kicks off with a focus on clever and visually striking interior partitions, which, when done well, can become a defining visual element of spaces, while providing privacy or improving the functionality of large open spaces.

Beginning his career in the 60s, Mario Bellini rose to prominence as a furniture and product designer and an architect. Described by the New York Times as “one of the last great protagonists of Italian design,” his designs shaped and reflected the context in which he created – an era of technological innovation, and the rise of counterculture and pop art.