Monocle on Design

A reflection on the life and legacy of Finnish furniture designer Yrjö Kukkapuro. Petri Burtsoff reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We recap the recent Stockholm Design Week and Zona Maco Diseño in Mexico City. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast dives into the 'Distillation of Architecture' exhibition, showcasing imaginative collaborations between Japanese architects and artists. It spotlights innovative designs that rethink furniture, such as a portable bar merging British and Japanese influences. The discussion also emphasizes installations that promote community interaction and sustainability. Lastly, contemporary practices in Japanese architecture are explored, particularly renovation techniques that address urban challenges, creating a bridge to similar issues in Europe.

We meet George Smart, founder of the architectural archive US Modernist, and visit a contemporary craft exhibition in Leicester. Plus, a preview of the stories hitting newsstands in Monocle’s latest issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nic Monisse reflects on the importance of historic craft guilds in France and where the remnants of their design legacy can be found today.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pernille Stockman, the Senior Curator of the Nanna Ditzel exhibition, highlights the life of the innovative Danish designer known for her multifunctional pieces and vibrant colors. The conversation dives into Ditzel's impact on contemporary furniture design, including her emotional journey and the blend of tradition with modern needs. They also explore the pivotal role of acoustics in architecture from 1951, discussing how sound enhances spatial experiences, alongside a fascinating look at the craftsmanship behind Mylands, a historic UK paint manufacturer.

Explore the Niwar Collection, where traditional Indian textiles meet contemporary design through a collaboration between Phantom Hands and Swiss studio Big Game. Discover the innovative challenges faced in merging aesthetics with heritage. The discussion also unveils the evolving trends in Indian furniture, highlighting a shift towards minimalism and the global rise of Indian brands. Join the conversation about infusing tradition with modernity and shaping the future of furniture design.

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of the Maison&Objet trade fair in Paris, where emerging design studios like Amca Oval showcase sustainable decor. The intersection of furniture and architecture takes center stage as bespoke projects enhance home environments. Marvel at the allure of aluminum in contemporary design and its historical roots in France. Finally, explore the beauty of coastal landscapes and their influence on personal design memories, particularly in striking rug collections.

This exhibition at Poster House in New York explores how the US graphic designer translated concepts of European modernism into art for local audiences. Curator Angelina Lippert explains the importance and techniques used in three series of Beall posters produced for the Rural Electrification Administration in the 1930s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, writer Jennifer Lucy Allan explores the rich human history of clay, revealing its significance in art and architecture. Co-founder of Clayworks, Adam Wiseman shares insights into using clay as a sustainable building material, emphasizing its transformative potential in modern design. They delve into the cultural stories behind ceramics, the artistry involved in pottery, and the environmental benefits of integrating clay into contemporary construction. Listeners are invited to appreciate this ancient material’s relevance in our everyday lives.