Exploring Design and Architecture: Insights from Dezeen In Depth
This month's Dezeen In Depth newsletter offers a rich dive into the world of design and architecture, featuring an exclusive interview with design luminary Marc Newson, an examination of Africa's burgeoning skyscraper development, and a thoughtful commentary on the circular economy. Curated by leading experts, this edition provides comprehensive analyses and diverse perspectives on pivotal industry trends and influential figures.
Samsung to unveil human-centric technology at Milan Design Week 2026
Samsung is set to launch an exhibition at Milan Design Week 2026, themed "Design is an Act of Love." This showcase will delve into the human aspect of technology through experimental concepts and products. Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini highlights the event as a "laboratory for exploration" where technology becomes a cultural force shaped by humanity, aiming to define the future. The exhibition seeks to foster dialogue on how design can make technology more expressive and personally meaningful.
Nike's England World Cup Kits and Other Design News Highlights
This article highlights recent design news from Dezeen Agenda, focusing on Nike's newly designed England World Cup football kits, which feature traditional colors and national symbols. It also touches upon other notable design stories, including KFC's innovative Pickle Puffer jacket, a lawsuit filed by the American Institute of Architects, and Melissa Price's Brick Bonds book, offering a concise overview of significant developments in the design world.
A significant collaboration brings together music and architectural heritage, as American artist A$AP Rocky and his design enterprise, Hommemade, have undertaken the interior design of a historic modular dwelling. This distinctive project features the Walker Guest House, an early creation by the esteemed American architect Paul Rudolph from 1951. The renovated space is now showcased for Basic Space, a prominent online design gallery located in Los Angeles.
The iconic modernist guest house, recognized for its modular steel-grid structure, features wooden wind flaps weighted by metallic orbs and is elevated on stilts. Originally constructed on a secluded island in Florida, the structure was carefully moved to California in 2020 after its acquisition, where it remained in storage before being meticulously reassembled for its presentation at Basic Space. This exhibition at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles marks its inaugural public display. Hommemade’s curatorial approach emphasizes a fusion of vibrant contemporary and vintage furnishings. Notable contributions include pieces by Italian designer Gaetano Pesce, such as his Salvatore Lamp, alongside several 1980s creations from the postmodern Memphis Group, including Ettore Sottsass’s iconic Carlton Bookcase. The living area is anchored by a sofa from mid-century French designer Raphaël Raffel and the 2015 Bolotas Armchair by Brazil’s Estudio Campana. Adding a local touch, two contemporary Los Angeles-based studios, Caleb Engstrom and Willett, contributed custom-designed tables to the living space. The kitchen showcases mid-century appliances, uniquely complemented by a plush cactus sculpture, a result of a creative partnership between Gufram and Hommemade. In the bedroom, a studio piano by German industrial designer Thilo Oerke and a late 1960s bed by Florence’s Superstudio complete the ensemble, with the bed being a personal possession of A$AP Rocky and not available for purchase.
This initiative is part of the larger Basic Space.LA event, an extensive series of exhibitions centered around a primary display at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. The event also features separate showcases, including an exhibition by Rick Owens at Carpenter Workshop Gallery, and Rajan Bijlani’s presentation of Pierre Jeanneret pieces from the Chandigarh masterplan. Furthermore, the publishing house HURS has curated an exhibition highlighting the contributions of women in design, enriching the scope of the event. Basic Space.LA is renowned for its presentations of large-scale collectible items, exemplified by last year's showcase of a Jean Prouvé gas station, which was assembled on-site and subsequently sold. A$AP Rocky's Hommemade studio, launched in Miami in 2022, continues to push boundaries in design and curation through such significant collaborations. This exhibit not only celebrates architectural history but also underscores the dynamic interplay between various creative disciplines, fostering an appreciation for design innovation and artistic expression.