Monocle on Design

The discussion opens with the fascinating Future Impact 3 Design Nation exhibition, spotlighting Singapore's design talent and global perspectives. Experts dive into how design shapes societal structures and urban development in Singapore. Insights on the vital relationship between home, community, and thoughtful design highlight their role in well-being. The conversation also examines urban landscapes, focusing on Lagos and Singapore, emphasizing sustainable practices and local materials. Lastly, the influence of modernist heritage on architecture is explored, showcasing innovative sustainable solutions.

Trey Trahan, the lead architect for the USA Pavilion, discusses the structure on show as part of Expo 2025 Osaka.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Sculptor of Ultima Thule’ is an exhibition celebrating the 110th anniversary of Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala’s birth. Co-produced by the Espoo Museum of Modern Art, the Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation and Blue Sheep, it features more than 300 of Wirkkala’s works. It is also headlined by the exhibition’s namesake collection, created in partnership with Finnish glassware specialist Iittala. We’re joined by Petra Wirkkala, Janni Vepsäläinen and Tsuchida Takahiro to discuss Wirrkala’s legacy in Finland and Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More conversations from this year’s edition of the fair. We hear from multidisciplinary maker Omer Arbel and visit the cavernous design gallery Nilufar Depot. Plus: a continents-spanning conversation with researcher Wong Eng Geng and Nifemi Marcus-Bello. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Milan Design Week, Argentine digital designer Six N Five (Ezequiel Pini) discusses his move into the material realm via a collaboration with the Italian furniture brand Poltrona Frau.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Rockwell, a renowned architect from the Rockwell Group, joins to discuss the innovative Cork Collective Initiative. They explore the sustainable use of cork and its significance in contemporary design. Rockwell shares insights about immersive installations that recycle wine corks, emphasizing their role in the circular economy. The conversation also highlights challenges in creating engaging exhibition spaces at trade fairs and contrasts the playful, collaborative spirit of Milan Design Week with its commercial aspects. Glean unique perspectives on modern design trends!

Architect Hugh Broughton and the artist James Lambert discuss their designs at a newly upgraded public facility on the Victoria Embankment in London. Monocle’s Francesca Gilks reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore experimental ways of living thanks to a new exhibition in Tokyo and we imagine sunnier futures at the ‘Solar Biennale’ in Switzerland. Finally, a cooling dip in the pool as we visit ‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’ at London’s Design Museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a trip down memory lane to find out why this toy offers a glimpse into a much bigger moment in design history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We visit a floating office in Rotterdam and meet industrial designer Tej Chauhan in Helsinki. Plus, a preview of some of the design stories in the latest issue of ‘Konfekt’ magazine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.