Promotion: XL Extralight showcased its manufacturing process in an exhibition designed by Italian architect Andrea Caputo as an "immersive museum itinerary" during Milan design week.

Named Industream and put together by Caputo in collaboration with artist duo Invernomuto, the exhibition demonstrated the complex industrial process behind XL Extralight's footwear and foam design technology.

Although the company's core business is soles for footwear, it said its technology is leading it to other categories where lightness, durability and water-resistant properties are valued.

The Industream exhibition was held at the recently opened architecture and design centre Dropcity, founded by Caputo and occupying a previously abandoned network of warehouse tunnels behind Milan Central Station.

"At Fuorisalone 2024 we had the idea to create something completely different from previous editions," said XL Extralight foam design product and brand manager Carlo Vecchiola.

"This is why we have started a conversation with Andrea Caputo and his team to end up at Dropcity, the place to be for those who want to experiment and implement new design codes and visual experiences," he told Dezeen.

"For the first time since we have been exhibiting at the Milan design week way back in 2014, XL Extralight is unveiling its industrial process – from compounding to injection moulding – in an immersive museum itinerary."

XL Extralight, which was founded in the 1990s by Italian industrial group Finproject, designs polyolefin-based expanded and moulded foams that are super lightweight, soft and flexible while also being resistant to bacteria, UV rays, saline and chlorine.

Caputo and Invernomuto's Industream exhibition sought to emphasise the scientific aspects of the sole-making process, as well as the historic link between material innovation and human development.

At the exhibition, XL Extralight team members wore workwear-streetwear hybrid uniforms that were tailor-made by fashion house Lardini.

Recent brand collaborations by the brand include the modular Roku footwear from Camper, which features a removable sole that can be repaired and reused at the end of the shoe's life.

For more information about XL Extralight, contact Maria Elena Barbati and Bianca Maria Bertolissi at hello@barbatibertolissi.contact.

The photography is by Invernomuto for XL Extralight.

Milan design week took place from 15 to 21 April 2024. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for XL Extralight as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: designer Gordon Guillaumier combined solid wood and smoked glass in the Pols table, created for Italian brand Alf DaFrè.

The Pols table features a minimalist oak wood frame with a characterful smoked glass top that is available in two colours: Ambra or Bronzo.

The colours and textures of the different materials create a harmonious composition united by warm caramel-coloured tones.

The frame comes together with an unusual joint that emphasises the cylindrical shape of the wooden components.

Alf DaFrè describes the piece as having a contemporary style that recalls artisanal furniture manufacturing traditions through the textured imperfections in its glass surface.

The table comes in two size formats.

Product details:

Product: Pols
Designer: Gordon Guillaumier
Brand: Alf DaFrè
Contact: alf@alf.it

Materials: oak, glass

Dezeen Showroom

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Dezeen Showroom: bathroom design brand Roca has created a bathtub designed to look as though it is "floating in space" thanks to its stepped profile informed by cantilevers in architecture.

The Tura Oval tub has a base segment that is set back from the walls of the tub as well as an inner lip around the inside of the rim.

Curved ends create a comfortable backrest for the user, which is enhanced by a detachable pillow made from recycled quick-dry fabric that can be slung over the tub's edge.

The brand also designed a slim wooden shelf that sits across the bath to hold bathing products and refreshments. It sits flush with the rim by balancing at either end on the recessed lip.

"The Tura bathtub is at once voluminous and light, and its ergonomic design is meant for rest and relaxation," said Roca. "Its unique stacking shape is inspired by an architectural cantilever system, giving the impression that the bathtub is floating in space."

Tura Oval is made from Stonex, a material with anti-slip properties that is easy to clean, ensuring maximum hygiene.

Product details:

Product: Tura Oval
Designer: Andreu Carulla
Brand: Roca

Material: Stonex
Dimensions: 1300 x 450 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: designed by Jonas Forsman for Finnish brand Nikari, the ultra-slim Faneeri chair is meant to look as elegant when folded flat as it does in use.

The Faneeri folding chair is made of lacquered oak, with thin cross-laminated veneers forming the seat and backrest, which are attached to a solid wood frame.

Forsman aimed to combine comfortable seating with a lightweight structure in the design, creating a minimalist furniture piece stripped of excess elements.

"Unfolding the chair creates a naturally curved backrest; fold it back, and it becomes flat," said Forsman.

"This construction enhances strength and comfort, eliminating the need for stretchers between the legs, creating a simple silhouette," the designer continued.

Nikari designed the Faneeri folding chair to provide spare seating within small homes, but it can also be used in larger contract spaces.

Product details:

Product: Faneeri
Designer: Jonas Forsman
Brand: Nikari
Contact: sales@nikari.fi

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: Swedish furniture brand Blå Station has added a diverging segment to its modular BOB sofa range, created by designers Thomas Bernstrand and Stefan Borselius.

Named BOB Split, the Y-shaped segment has a central backrest that allows users to sit back-to-back, maximising the use of the seating system.

The piece also acts as a connector for other modules in Blå Station's BOB sofa system, which includes straight and corner segments.

Users can now create longer, more space-efficient seating systems that can be configured according to the spatial constraints of any interior.

"BOB is an easy-to-understand and extremely flexible sofa system," said Blå Station. "Where ordinary sofas are usually rectangular, square and predictable, BOB offers the architectonic freedom to either challenge or adhere to all types of spaces."

As is the case with the rest of the system, BOB Split comes in a selection of fabrics and colourways for upholstering its moulded foam cushioned seats and is supported by a sturdy plywood frame.

Product: BOB Split
Designer: Thomas Bernstrand and Stefan Borselius
Brand: Blå Station
Contact: info@blastation.se

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: named after a crystalline mineral, the Selenite Maximum surface collection by Italian brand Fiandre Architectural Surfaces brings an iridescent quality to interiors.

The Selenite Maximum collection references selenite, a variety of gypsum known for its transparent crystals, which led the ancient Greeks to dub it 'moon stone'.

In Fiandre's interpretation, crafted in high-performance porcelain stoneware, these rich internal structures are rendered in three colours: black, white and greige.

The brand says the surfaces bring a "prestigious touch" to walls, floors and structures while generating "a sense of spatial and spiritual renewal".

The range comes in several formats as well as a new Jewel finish that Fiandre describes as combining glassiness and iridescence to create a luxuriant stone effect with silvery reflections.

The Selenite Maximum collection also delivers on the high-performance qualities of ceramic surfaces, boasting durability, mechanical strength, resistance to chemicals and ease of cleaning.

Product details: Selenite Maximum
Brand: Fiandre
Contact: info@granitifiandre.it

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: flooring company Milliken has created dappled carpet tiles that take cues from both gardening and flower displays seen at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The Painted Garden flooring range manifests as single plank-shaped tiles that can be installed in a range of patterns – including a herringbone format – to create dynamic carpeted floors.

The planks have an undulating, lustrous appearance due to the varying height of the tufts  – this effect is achieved by using cutting-edge tufting technology during the design and manufacturing process.

Econyl yarn is used to create the Painted Garden range and uses 100 per cent regenerated material, according to the brand.

"[The Painted Garden flooring collection] reflects a renewed passion for horticulture and appreciation of the garden in all its different forms," said Milliken. "From more structured 'architectural' gardens to the wild and untamed, the garden provides countless pattern and design motifs ripe for experimentation."

Tiles come in a selection of colourways that contain both strongly pigmented areas and neutral patches, creating an ombre effect across floors. All colourways can be overlaid with subtle patterns depicting stems or seed heads for added dimension.

Product details:

Product: Painted Garden flooring
Brand: Milliken
Contact: carpetenquiries@milliken.com

Material: Econyl yarn
Colours/finishes: orange, green, grey, teal, aqua, pink
Dimensions: 250 x 12.1 x 1000 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: four different-shaped tiles in twelve different colours make up Japandi, a range of ceramic tiles by Spanish brand Cobsa.

Named after the style that combines Scandinavian and Japanese design, Japandi is designed as a versatile collection that offers designers "endless combinations and arrangements", said Cobsa.

The four tile shapes available are named Circle, Mini Picket, Scale and Union Piece. The latter two are designed as complementary pieces for the Circle tiles.

The 12 available colours are predominantly matte and neutral in tone, including mocha, latte white and velvet rose, but there are also four metallic versions available for a bolder aesthetic.

"Whether creating subtle harmonies or bold contrasts, the Japandi Collection empowers designers to explore and express their unique vision," said Cobsa.

"The array of colours and pieces allows for boundless creativity, enabling designers to craft bespoke layouts that infuse personality into any space or project."

Product details:

Product: Japandi
Brand: Cobsa
Contact: export2@alttoglass.com

Material: ceramic
Colours/finishes: Mocha, Latte White, Savanna, Silver, Gold Beige, Rosewood, Moss Green, Steel Blue, Prusian Blue, Seaweed, Velvet Rose, Oakley Apricot
Dimensions: 160 x 160 millimetres (Circle), 140 x 160 millimetres (Scale), 90 x 90 millimetres (Union Piece), 55 x 150 millimetres (Mini Picket)

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen School Shows: a project proposing a refurbishment of Paris' Montparnasse centre is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at the Confluence Institute.

Also included is a diploma project that examines the role of textiles within buildings and a group project that examines the possibilities of combining contemporary 3D printing methods with ancient materials such as clay.

Confluence Institute

Institution: Confluence Institute for Innovation and Creative Strategies in Architecture
Course: Cycle 1 and Cycle 2
Tutors: Odile Decq, Lionel Lemire, Colin Fournier and Didier Faustino

School statement:

"At Confluence Institute, students shape their own educational journey by selecting thematic vertical studios, participating in intensive workshops and attending tailored seminars.

"The following selection of projects highlights the diversity of the student's work and their engagement within and beyond the realm of architecture.

"Cycle 1 is a three-year programme validated at RIBA Part 1 level by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

"Cycle 2 is a two-year programme validated at RIBA Part 2 level by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)."

Mineral Grafting by Charles Edgard-Lincoln

"As an alternative strategy to the renovation of the Montparnasse centre in Paris, this project explores the morphological potentials of stone structures rising from the existing multilayer ground infrastructure on-site to create spatial interconnections between the street, the envelope, and the existing buildings.

"In this rehabilitation, the site is converted to integrate the existing infrastructure and the surrounding context through the growth of a connective multilayer architecture."

Student: Charles Edgard-Lincoln
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 2 Diploma (RIBA Part 2)
Tutor: Lionel Lemire
Email: charles-edgardlincoln[at]confluence.eu

Thinking upside down by Jhila Prentis

"Jhila Prentis examines the issue of migration and its impacts on societies and individuals.

"Through a series of reflections and examples, the author discusses the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, including administrative difficulties in France and precarious living conditions in camps.

"The text highlights feelings of sadness and injustice experienced in response to migrants' distress.

"Jhila Prentis criticises the inadequate and often inhumane responses of host societies while calling for awareness and a radical change in the approach to migration and integration."

Student: Jhila Prentis
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 2 Diploma (RIBA Part 2)
Tutor: Lionel Lemire
Email: jhilaprentis[at]gmail.com

Metaphasis by Emma Miglietta

"This project imagines a temporary structure capable of evolving over time and adapting to the needs of its users.

"Events centred on exchange and interaction would bring life to a community-based social scene and help re-establish the city's identity through its inhabitants.

"The wounds caused by the war, visible in the urban fabric of the city, would serve as the starting point: what would normally be hidden and built upon becomes instead the statement of a landmark that bridges future possibilities with the memory of past events.

"Drawing from the negative volume of destruction, a new place takes shape, fostering flexibility and experimentation."

Student: Emma Miglietta
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 1 (second year)
Tutor: Colin Fournier
Email: emmamiglietta[at]confluence.eu

Soft Tectonic by Domitille Roy

"This diploma work investigates the integration of textile technologies in architecture to create responsive, dynamic spaces.

"It explores the role of textiles in the architectural fabrication process, utilising digital tools and additive manufacturing.

"This involves experimenting with textile flexibility, strength and its potential as a constructive element through various tests and practical applications.

"The research is framed within a hybrid theoretical and practice-based approach, pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural methods and concepts."

Student: Domitille Roy
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 2 Diploma (RIBA Part 2)
Tutor: Odile Decq
Email: domitille[at]nodd.fr

Los A(I)ngeles by Lorenz Kleeman

"Amid rising political and environmental instability, there is a need for resilient structures that can adapt to changing circumstances such as pandemics, extreme weather events and shifting aesthetic trends, without contributing to the gentrification of existing areas.

"As climate change renders rural regions less habitable, pushing populations towards cities, Los Angeles is projected to experience significant densification – by 2070, its population could reach around 26 million, leading to the formation of high-density sub-centres within the metropolitan area.

"I envision AI-managed structures that develop a form of consciousness, enabling rapid adaptation based on real-time data – these self-sustaining habitats, complete with automated factories and distribution systems, would be capable of expanding, contracting and repurposing themselves as necessary, efficiently utilising available space."

Student: Lorenz Kleeman
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 1 (Third year)
Tutor: Colin Fournier
Email: lorenzkleemann[at]confluence.eu

Parametric Participatory City by Aiden Newsome

"In this scenario, the role of the architect would be to design the skeleton or master plan of a building.

"Every architectural element in the scene would simply be a bounding geometry or volume, which can be broken down into points.

"The objects that would populate these points could be designed by the people or a group of people from the community – this could be done by hand, through software, or in real-time using thoughts and emotions through a Brain-Computer Interface.

"The result is a collage of objects uniting to create the final product, wherein software helps organise the pieces, create connections, orientating them and connecting systems in an environmentally friendly way."

Student: Aiden Newsome
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 1 (Third year)
Tutor: Odile Decq
Email: aidennewsome[at]confluence.eu

Common skin by Anastasia Kublashvili and Louis Bouvrande

"The instructions in the brain are translated into nerve signals to drive the hand muscles, and the movements of the hand muscles are once again translated into electrical signals for input into the machine.

"The movement of the machine then generates signals through our eyes and transmits them to the brain, where adjustments are made, and the cycle repeats.

"Fast or slow, this series of translations constitutes the communication between man and machine.

"The stronger this communication, the more the machine tends to become integrated with the human body."

Student: Anastasia Kublashvili and Louis Bouvrande
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 1 (Second year)
Tutor: Didier Faustino
Email: annastasiakublashvili[at]confluence.eu

Between Limits group project

"The project explores the innovative technique of 3D clay printing within the construction industry, blending digital design with ancient materials like clay to revolutionise architectural possibilities.

"This method promises efficiency through minimal waste, rapid construction and automated processes.

"The process begins with creating a parametric design digitally, followed by prototyping to refine factors such as material liquidity, air pressure and layer spacing.

"Through iterative testing, the project enhances control over the design and printing process, culminating in the construction of a model with a timber roof and multiple supporting walls.

"This exploration not only optimises construction techniques but also expands the design potential in architecture."

Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 1 and 2
Tutor: Edouard Cabay and Paco Pioline

Architecture/Nature - A Hybrid by Lucia Landivar

"Lucia Landivar's thesis presents a revolutionary approach to architectural design, merging natural elements with modern construction methods.

"This concept is demonstrated through a detailed exploration of sustainable materials and innovative structural solutions that integrate the natural environment into urban settings.

"Lucia emphasises the use of bioplastics, bamboo and mycelium-based concrete to reduce the ecological footprint of buildings while enhancing their aesthetic and functional qualities.

"Her work challenges traditional architectural paradigms by proposing designs that are both environmentally responsible and adaptable to changing urban landscapes, advocating for a future where architecture and nature coexist harmoniously."

Student: Lucia Landivar
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 2 Diploma (RIBA Part 2)
Tutor: Lionel Lemire
Email: lucialandivar[at]confluence.eu

Nonsense Abstract Mechanics by Adrien Espejo Fernandez

"The instinct of the individual is an inseparable aspect of each of us – this aspect of our beings is sometimes considered a defect but it conditions and directs our activities.

"It is such notions that distinguish us from the machine. Exchanges are faster, information is instantaneous.

"Hasn't the city become a monster machine, always eager for maintenance, improvements, resources and manpower? In a way, do we no longer live for city systems, rather than through them?

"The observation of our ways of living in this extremely complex environmental system brings to light a fundamental and haunting question: what is the role of the instinct of the individual in the course of the city?

"Through abstract mechanics that may seem nonsensical, I confront reality with questions about the qualification and identity of today's space, giving free rein to the appropriation of space and its function."

Student: Adrien Espejo Fernandez
Course: Confluence Institute Cycle 2 Diploma (RIBA Part 2)
Tutor: Lionel Lemire
Email: adrienespejo[at]confluence.eu

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Confluence Institute. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Promotion: design studio Areen has launched a brand called Sonet, which will provide interiors and product design among other design-led services.

Sonet said it would be a lifestyle brand with an emphasis on "emotive experiences, urbanity and wellbeing".

It builds upon Areen's 35 years of experience of delivering design projects for large organisations, spanning hospitals, airports, offices and hotels.

According to the company, the idea behind Sonet is to cater to an emerging appetite for meaningful environments and products.

Although Sonet will have a global audience, it is aiming to gain a strong foothold in Areen's core market of Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

Sonet's creative director Michaela Salt, who joined in October 2022, said: "There's an evolving aesthetic and a new kind of luxury developing globally, especially in the Gulf region.

"We want to examine what luxury means. Surely emotive design should enhance our environment and play much more of a role in our everyday health and wellbeing," Salt added.

Sonet will focus on craftsmanship, community and locality, according to Salt. The company will provide services around interior design, product design, decorative arts and communication.

She said the studio wants to make a name for itself by "escaping the mundane and simply making people feel better through design".

"Wellbeing is a big driver for most of our clients across retail, hospitality and public spaces," Salt added.

"People want to feel a level of engagement and fulfillment in their lives. Our angle is we want to go beyond spas and plants. Curated experiences incorporating the arts, human expression can illuminate the senses and make us feel alive".

Taking its name from the Italian word "sonetto", meaning "little song", Salt said the idea behind Sonet is to "blend functional design expertise with culture and art and a little poetry".

"Bringing an emotive approach and nimble energy to every project, the brand's exclusive portfolio spans interior design, bespoke furniture, lighting, product collections and brand partnerships," Sonet said.

The brand is launching with bespoke furniture, lighting and interior design projects based in Europe and the Middle East.

Among the launch products is a series of seating designs, including the wooden Humble Chair and a low-slung day bed.

Sonet's sculptural Services Chair is made from black-stained wood and features arched shapes in the backrest and cutouts at the base.

The brand said it wants to foster a collaborative approach to luxury lifestyle design, encouraging open communication between clients, artists and craftspeople to celebrate the diversity of skills.

"At Sonet, we believe in the power of design to evoke emotions, inspire connections and enhance our everyday lives," said Salt.

The studio is expected to serve a different segment of the market in contrast to Areen's core business.

For more information about Sonet, visit its website here.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Areen as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Demand for "evolving aesthetic" behind Areen Group's Sonet brand appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: a semi-totem design, a pleated relief pattern and a wide choice of colours meet in the Delia Zero washbasin by Spanish bathroom brand Acquabella.

The Delia sink features a deep basin with a wave-like relief on the lower half of its outer structure, creating a contemporary statement in bathroom design schemes.

Acquabella describes the relief as adding movement "without weighing down the shape" and says the smooth finish created by its Zero texture makes it pleasant to touch.

The Delia basin is available in more than 2,000 colours and a choice of three styles: either wall-mounted, countertop or a freestanding design, which has slender legs and a low shelf for storing towels and other bathroom products.

Both the shelf and basin are made of Akron, Acquabella's signature high-performance material, which is made of polyurethane with silica-free mineral fillers, and promises enhanced hygienic properties and resistance to impact.

"Delia is the perfect choice for those who prefer a contemporary and trendy bathroom ambience," said Acquabella.

Product details:

Product: Delia
Brand: Acquabella
Contact: comunicaciones@construplas.com

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: Spanish brand Vondom has launched a collection of outdoor furniture pieces called Luna, designed by architect Ramón Esteve with chunky, curving forms.

Luna comprises a sofa, armchair, coffee table and a daybed, united by their exaggerated, rounded forms that Esteve has crafted from a mix of plastic and fibreglass.

According to Vondom, Esteve's design takes visual cues from the aesthetic of iconic designers such as Verner Panton and Joe Colombo.

Meanwhile, the choice of materials was the result of striving to create forms "that are both functional and aesthetically stunning", the brand said.

"With soft lines and organic curves, the Luna collection evokes serenity and harmony, while its robust structure ensures durability and strength in any environment," said Vondom.

"These elements combine to offer a unique and elegant experience that elevates any space to new heights of sophistication and beauty."

Product details:

Product: Luna
Designer: Ramón Esteve
Brand: Vondom
Contact: marketing@vondom.com

Material: Polyethylene, high-density polyurethane foam and synthetic fibre

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Luna outdoor furniture by Ramón Esteve for Vondom appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: teak frames support the Tradition collection of modular outdoor seating, conceived by designer Povl B Eskildsen for Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen.

According to Fritz Hansen, the Tradition seats are designed by Eskildsen as "an invitation to unwind" and can be used as individual furniture pieces or combined in various arrangements, catering to different garden setups.

The collection comprises four seats, made with and without armrests. There is also a matching pouf and two table modules available in different heights.

Each is finished with the same teak structure, which Eskildsen modelled on traditional Danish spindle furniture, while the cushions are upholstered with textiles suitable for outdoor use.

"Fritz Hansen proudly presents Tradition outdoor lounge series by Povl B Eskildsen," said the brand.

"Whether savouring the golden hues of a sun-kissed afternoon or gathering under the starlit sky, Tradition elevates outdoor experiences to new heights in comfort and beauty, making it truly the last word in outdoor lounging," it continued.

Product details:

Product: Tradition
Designer: Povl B Eskildsen
Brand: Fritz Hansen
Contact: siro@fritzhansen.com

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Tradition outdoor furniture by Povl B Eskildsen for Fritz Hansen appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: designed by Tesseraux & Partner for German brand Bette, the BetteCurve and BetteLiv washbasins combine a delicate thinness with the strength of titanium steel.

The BetteCurve and BetteLiv are both slim-rimmed designs, the BetteLiv delivering a minimalist take on the classic washbowl and the BetteCurve featuring a more curved shape with an inward slope at the top.

Bette likens the look of the BetteCurve as recalling a pebble that has been smoothed and hollowed by water. Both designs are made in Bette’s signature glazed titanium steel, with its scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean enamel surface that comes in a range of 30 colours.

The durability of this material combination is such that Bette issues a 30-year warranty for the washbasins, and recommends the product for bars and restaurants as well as private residences.

The basins' waste covers are also enamelled, so their colour can be matched to the rest of the unit, and an optional BetteGlaze Plus finish can be added to reduce the amount of cleaning required.

Made in Germany, Bette's washbasins are fully recyclable and made without chemical additives, thinners and solvents.

Product details:

Product: BetteCurve and BetteLiv
Designer: Tesseraux & Partner
Brand: Bette
Contact: info@bette.co.uk

Material: glazed titanium-steel

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post BetteCurve and BetteLiv washbasins by Tesseraux & Partner for Bette appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: created by Australian brand RJ Living, the Restore bed has an oversized form that is meant to deliver both style statement and ultimate comfort.

The work of RJ Living product and design manager Milly McEwan, the Restore bed features a cushioned and upholstered bed frame that makes the bed the centrepiece of any room and cocoons the sleeper in soft, rounded forms.

It includes an integrated bedhead that curves around the bed for cosy reading or sitting, while the plump frame can also double as a comfortable bench from which to pull on shoes in the morning.

"An incredible centrepiece for any bedroom, Restore channels the revitalising energy we find from organic forms," said RJ Living.

"Crafted purely from curves, and plenty of them, Restore showcases an oversized form," the brand continued.

The Restore bed is available in a choice of three fabrics. There are two velvets – one green and one beige – which give off a lustre in the light, and one off-white bouclé, which RJ Living says perfectly combines with the bed's curves.

Product details:

Product: Restore
Designer: Milly McEwan
Brand: RJ Living
Contact: sales@rjliving.com.au

Material: plywood frame, webbing support, high-density PU foam, fibre and feather cushion insert
Colours/finishes: Copenhagen Off White, Opal Forest, Opal Beige
Dimensions: 2150mm W x 2650mm D x 640mm H

Dezeen Showroom

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Dezeen Showroom: Danish brand Frandsen has launched Peel, a range of lights by designer Sissel Warringa crafted from single sheets of steel.

Warringa has designed three different Peel lights for Frandsen – a pendant light, a table lamp and a wall-mounted fixture.

Each light has a shade formed from a continuous sheet of curved steel, doubling as a base and mounting plate for the table and wall-mounted iterations respectively.

The sheets of metal direct light outwards from an opal glass inner shade, designed by Warringa to fit a typical GU9 LED, ensuring that they can be easily replaced when required.

"Warringa's latest design, Peel, represents the culmination of years of research into metals and metal forms," said Frandsen.

"Meticulously crafted from a single sheet of metal and skillfully cut into a circular shape with a precise slit, Warringa's innovative design seamlessly melds form and function, creating a softer, rounded feel not usually associated with metals."

Product details:

Product: Peel
Designer: Sissel Warringa
Brand: Frandsen
Contact: pr.frandsen@nineunited.com

Material: steel
Dimensions: 280 x 265 x 275 millimetres

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Dezeen Showroom: industrial designer Kasper Salto and Danish brand Fritz Hansen have expanded their collection of office tables, which are designed "to ensure every person in a meeting room can see and be seen".

Intended for use in contemporary offices, the Pluralis tables are characterised by their sculptural trestle legs and angular tabletops developed by Salto to enhance sightlines.

"Characterised by understated design, elegance and uncompromising quality, the Pluralis table series brings whole new levels of functionality to the modern workspace," said Fritz Hansen.

"The series' latest additions introduce angular forms to ensure every person in a meeting room can see and be seen," the brand continued.

Pluralis comprises tables with trapezoidal or rectangular tops, tailored to meeting rooms of varying sizes. There are also wall-mounted versions designed specifically for use alongside screens for offices where people join meetings both in person and virtually.

"The different sizes available across the series are made to accommodate different needs. From smaller meeting rooms and hybrid-ready environments to larger board rooms, the series' design enhances interactive meetings," the company continued.

Product details:

Product: Pluralis
Designer: Kasper Salto
Brand: Fritz Hansen
Contact: siro@fritzhansen.com

Dezeen Showroom

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Dezeen School Shows: an education centre geared toward the creation of contemporary art is featured in this school show by Florence Institute of Design International.

Also included is an alternative health centre and wellness sanctuary in Berlin and an affordable housing scheme set in an adaptively reused former car park.

Florence Institute of Design International

Institution: Florence Institute of Design International (FIDI)
Course: BA (Hons) Design
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Giovanni Pierantoni, Marc DiDomenico, Lorenzo Massini and Federico Grazzini

School statement:

"FIDI is an international design school located in the centre of Florence, Italy.

"The Design Research Project and Building Systems courses are held during the final year of the three-year interior design programme.

"Each design proposal is approximately 3,000 square meters and is developed individually by each student in relation to societal and cultural developments, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions.

"Renderings, plans and sections are accompanied by extensive studies of building system design, lighting acoustics and casework details.

"The three-year programme offers intensive curriculum teaching on various aspects of interior design to acquire advanced skills and knowledge and develop professional practitioners within the international design community.

"The courses resulted in a validated bachelor's degree, BA (Hons) Design, issued in collaboration with the University of Chester."

Harmony by David Gitterle

"As a cultural centre for musical arts, Harmony is a platform for local emerging talents, musical enthusiasts, tourists and daily passersby.

"It features a versatile program, ranging from a contemporary concert hall to a public rooftop park.

"Located in the centre of Florence, the historic site – once a cinema – will continue to be used as an entertainment facility"

Student: David Gitterle
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Federico Grazzini and Marc DiDomenico
Email: david[at]gitterle.at

Vehicles of Change by Carl Phiroze Motiwalla

"This project created a solution to affordable housing, awarding access to young environmental entrepreneurs.

"The site chosen is a 1920s parking garage in Florence, originally designed by Pier Luigi Nervi.

"The four-storey reinforced concrete structure will house apartments, recreational facilities, study and work spaces as well as a food hall.

"It is a space with a balanced ergonomic design, sustainable practices and a self-sustaining social system."

Student: Carl Phiroze Motiwalla
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Giovanni Pierantoni and Marc DiDomenico
Email: carlmotiwalla[at]gmail.com

Crematorium Carlsbad by Eliška Vágnerová

"Eliska's design research project expands upon the idea that in the context of late modernity, architecture bears the responsibility of shaping new funerary rituals, without the constraints of religious doctrines.

"The site is located in Carlsbad, Czech Republic.

"The aim of the project is to replace the conventional architectural language of symbols with a language of metaphors, based on the idea that symbols possess an unequivocal meaning and intellectual formula, while a metaphor is an image whose meaning is indefinite.

"Eliška designed a carefully thought-out program which includes a mortuary, autopsy room, lounge, farewell service, offices and auditoriums."

Student: Eliška Vágnerová
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Federico Grazzini and Marc DiDomenico
Email: eliska[at]vagnerova.archi

Sipario by Julia Ruth Agnes Holmgren

"This project proposes a community centre that is situated in a disused military storage unit from the 1930s.

"Julia's concept for the community centre is 'living room' – creating possibilities for social interactions through multi-functional spaces.

"Comfort, informality, imagination, openness and investigation are the themes that directed her to design a space which becomes an obvious meeting point for all generations in the neighborhood.

"The centre includes a youth club, art studios, a cinema and study spaces as well as a new public plaza."

Student: Julia Ruth Agnes Holmgren
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Giovanni Pierantoni and Marc DiDomenico
Email: juliaholmgren97[at]gmail.com

Arbusto by Alessio Mongardi

"Arbusto is a centre for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-related abuse, which serves as a transitional step between shelter and independent life.

"The design approach embraces the patients' experiences, allowing them to share, grow and heal.

"The design philosophy follows the metaphor offered by tiles, a material which can be fragile and easily broken in its singular form, yet is resilient and strong once bonded all together."

Student: Alessio Mongardi
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Giovanni Pierantoni, Marc DiDomenico and Lorenzo Massini
Email: mongardialessio[at]gmail.com

House of Como by Vendela Sofia Molin

"Vendela designed a contemplative retreat dedicated to improving mental wellness – the primary objective was to design a space that offers respite from the daily stress and routines of life.

"By composing activity areas to facilitate various activities – from art performance to hydrotherapy – the retreat aims to offer both mental and physical stimulation.

"The 3700 sqm site is divided into four buildings and three courtyards, and the proposed layout, together with the choice of materials, encourages the visitors to explore the retreat."

Student: Vendela Sofia Molin
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Federico Grazzini and Marc DiDomenico
Email: molinvendela[at]hotmail.com

Kalmar by Gisela Kristina Madeleine Albinsson Pihlsjo

"Kalmar is a proposed design research and art centre in the south of Sweden.

"With multiple activities on each level, the idea is to encourage spontaneous interactions for visitors, allowing them to develop new interests and relationships with both the art around them and the people they encounter.

"It is a space where people can attend lectures, events and workshops – Each room uses a specific set of carefully curated materials that work in harmony to create a coherent aesthetic throughout the building."

Student: Gisela Kristina Madeleine Albinsson Pihlsjo
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Federico Grazzini and Marc DiDomenico
Email: gisela.albinsson[at]icloud.com

Centre of African Sculpture by Clare Japhet

"This research project reimagines a decolonised space for African sculpture and artists in Europe.

"Located in the Valle de Merse, just south of Siena, the site contains a Romanesque and Gothic-Cistercian monastery which has fallen into ruin.

"This museum will use immersive representation and interpretation techniques to increase cross-cultural understanding of the sculptures and the people or groups represented.

"The project is developed around the concept of magical realism, including themes such as ritual, memory and light – the design incorporates a series of exhibition spaces dedicated to various rituals."

Student: Clare Japhet
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Giovanni Pierantoni, Marc DiDomenico and Lorenzo Massini
Email: clare.japhet[at]gmail.com

Artecraft by Wilma Ida Hildeby

"Artecraft is a space that makes the education of contemporary art accessible for more people.

"It is a school which offers an environment for students to find their own artistic language in addition to understanding the language of contemporary art.

"The project repurposes the former tram depot building of Varlungo, Florence, which was built in 1890."

Student: Wilma Ida Hildeby
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Federico Grazzini and Marc DiDomenico
Email: wilma.hildeby[at]gmail.com

Bomiso by Karolin Schlinke

"Bomiso, an innovative alternative healing centre located in the heart of Berlin, harmoniously merges design with emotional resonance.

"This sanctuary celebrates imperfection, intertwining with Berlin's historical narrative, providing a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery, drawing inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi as the guiding concept.

"Integrating intentional design, natural elements, historical context and the essence of Kintsugi, it goes beyond traditional health centres, embodying a healing approach where past wounds are embraced as sources of strength and beauty.

"With dedicated spaces for therapy activities and wellness areas, it offers a comprehensive approach to holistic healing and showcases how we can use design to evoke emotions within environments."

Student: Karolin Schlinke
Course: Design Research Project and Building Systems
Tutors: Alejandro Amador, Federico Grazzini and Marc DiDomenico
Email: k.schlinke1[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Florence Institute of Design International. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: home accessories brand Nanimarquina drew on the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi to inform the appearance of this collection of rugs, which celebrate visual imperfections.

The Wabisabi rug – designed by Nanimarquina founder Nani Marquina – shares the philosophy's key view of accepting transience and irregularities.

To create a rug that encapsulated this way of thinking, the designer instructed the company's artisans to adjust the warp and weft as they worked, to create a wavy pattern with subtle irregularities.

Two contrasting colours were used together to further emphasise the differences within the weave.

"We assert that true beauty lies not in perfection but in embracing imperfection," said Nanimarquina. "Making mistakes is a pathway to the learning process and adds value to the journey."

Wabisabi rugs are handcrafted through the handloom dhurrie technique using 100 per cent New Zealand wool, and are available in a range of colour combinations.

Product details:

Product: Wabisabi
Brand: Nanimarquina
Contact: info@nanimarquina.com

Material: New Zealand wool

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Promotion: the Rimowa Design Prize has announced seven finalists for its second annual award, with a winner set to be crowned at a ceremony during Berlin Design Week later this month.

Awarded by the German brand Rimowa, the annual student competition aims to "define a new voice for the German design industry".

Rimowa has announced the shortlist for its design prize

The selected submissions for the award which has a prize pot of €50,000, include an adaptable floating platform, a participatory waste collection trolley and a wearable safety device.

A winner will be announced on 29 April during a ceremony at the David Chipperfield-designed James Simon Galerie in central Berlin. The overall winner will receive €20,000, with a special mention receiving €10,000 and the remaining finalists receiving €5,000 each.

For the second edition of the Rimowa Design Prize, the students were challenged to consider the future of mobility in line with the brand's ethos.

Each project was created specifically for the competition and was judged on their creativity, ingenuity, timelessness and impact.

"Mobility is underpinned by values of freedom and support, while acknowledging Rimowa's tenets of resilience, excellence and quality which assure that all designs are created to provide a fulfilling purpose," explained the prize.

"Capable of being interpreted and reconfigured in a seemingly endless number of ways, it is important to consider what mobility means to everyone, and not just those who are able."

The seven finalists were selected from a shortlist of 21 who have been mentored by leading experts in the world of design since the start of the year.

Ahead of the winner's announcement later this month, the finalists are now engaged in a period of hands-on learning.

While each student, or partnership, focused on mobility, the finalists produced an extremely broad range of interpretations of the theme.

Many of the finalists' projects focus on inclusivity in design including Saar College of Fine Arts students Luise Kempf and Dean Weigand, who created Unnorm which is described as "an inclusive and adaptable environment where individuals of all abilities can come together".

Several of the finalists created wearable devices including SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences student Daniela Lindenberga who designed the IXO, a wearable safety device that contains tools including a torch, camera, microphone, speaker and GPS tracker.

Finalist Janne Kreimer from Anhalt University made the Ro waistcoat from TPU-coated nylon fabric, which incorporates soft robots and aims to combat anxiety.

Also from Anhalt University, Angelicka Barbie and Sarah Eckerlein designed the Epilepsense head mesh, which measures brain waves to help those who live with epilepsy.

The remaining projects include the Strollect rental trolley, which was designed by Pascal Schwientek and Jasmin Kappler from the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences to encourage participatory waste collection.

Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Design students Dominic Hahn and Franziska Dehm created Float Mobility as an alternative to current water vehicles.

Fengfan Yang from the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart's finalist project was Hang On, a piece of furniture for public spaces that aims to reconsider the table.

The judging panel consisted of Alexandre Arnault, Rimowa's chairman; Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert, Rimowa's CEO; Susanne Graner, head of collection and archive at Vitra Design Museum; Sebastian Herkner, designer at Sebastian Herkner Studio; Matthias Kulla, director design management sports cars at Porsche; Regine Leibinger, co-founder of Barkow Leibinger; Andreas Murkudis, founder of Andreas Murkudis; Nina Sieverding and Anton Rahlwes, founders and editors at The Thing magazine; and Benjamin Wilson, communications director at Braun.

Discover more info on the finalists' projects and find out the winner on 29 April here.

Photography is by CNP for Rimowa.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Rimowa as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: Swedish company Orbital Systems has launched a tap system that recycles water from the sink for flushing the toilet.

The Orbital Tap saves up to 100 per cent of washbasin water and redirects it to the toilet, meaning that clean drinking water is no longer used for flushing.

By saving water, Orbital Systems says that this approach produces a return on investment for users on average within five years.

The smart system is easy to install and mostly wall-mounted, with just a faucet and control dial with touchpad mounted on the sink.

Users can adjust the flow either by turning the dial or using the touchpad, and the touchpad also allows for the selection of water temperature and various other settings.

The Orbital Tap comes in a range of finishes, including black, white, brass, brushed stainless steel and chrome.

Product details:

Product: Orbital Tap
Brand: Orbital Systems
Contact: elena@orbital-systems.com

Colours/finishes: powder-coated brass in black, powder-coated brass in white, brass, brushed stainless steel, chrome
Dimensions: 440 x 270 x 65 millimetres

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Dezeen Showroom: designer Jaime Hayon has created a series of enclosed seats for Danish brand Fritz Hansen that provide comfortable spaces within the workplace.

The Plenum cabin aims to facilitate productive, informal meetings in office environments, while acting as focal points in open-plan interiors.

"With Plenum Cabin, my aim was to craft a space within a space – a haven for intimate conversations and informal gatherings," said Hayon. "It's not just a cabin – it's an invitation to connect, to share and to experience the best of human interaction in the workplace."

The seats have high backs for privacy and foam cushions for optimal comfort, which can be upholstered in a range of recycled textiles.

The booth is equipped with a table, an integrated screen and an internal cable management system to create a productive working environment.

Product details:

Product: Plenum cabin
Designer: Jaime Hayon
Brand: Fritz Hansen
Contact: siro@fritzhansen.com

Materials: HR foam, steel and plywood
Dimensions: 2435 x 720 x 1790 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: Belgian flooring brand Modulyss has introduced the Artcore carpet tile created by designer Joris Peutz, which has a gradient effect reminiscent of transitions in nature.

Artcore is informed by natural transitions such as the way a forest turns into a meadow and the city gives way to country — patterns that Peutz says "quiet the mind" and "create a sort of sanctuary".

"The intention is to harness the power of the natural world to inspire, uplift and nourish the heart and mind, while reflecting the beauty of nature's own smooth and purposeful transitions," said Peutz.

Peutz's explorations yielded four designs – the raw-patterned Core tile, the cellular-like Mezzo, the urban-inspired Litho and the woven-looking Etch.

The Core tile can be transitioned into any other style through the use of a gradient tile, creating a wide range of effects and helping to shape the interior landscape.

Made from 100 per cent Econyl recycled yarn with PVC- and bitumen-free backing, the Artcore tiles are designed for the circular economy and Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold.

Product: Artcore
Designer: Joris Peutz
Brand: Modulyss
Contact: info@modulyss.com

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Dezeen Showroom: Italian stone brand Antolini has updated its Cristallo Vitrum tableware collection with 'Wow', a material combination that evokes the look of glacial ice.

Titled Cristallo Vitrum "Wow", the new variation features translucent natural quartz stone paired with satin gold-finished steel.

The play of cloudy and transparent sections and delicate amber veining gives the stone a mesmerising appearance, similar to large ice sheets, while the metal components create contrast.

The Cristallo Vitrum tableware collection includes a lamp, candleholders, trays, place markers, serving stands and a caviar and butter set.

Rounded, pebble-like shapes repeat throughout the collection, softening the feel of hard stone and metal, and subtly echoing the lopsided circle of Antolini's logo.

Antolini describes the collection as "like small works of architecture" that demonstrate the "infinite versatility" of natural stone and the many effects that the manufacturer is able to create with it.

Product details:

Product: Cristallo Vitrum 'Wow' tableware collection
Brand: Antolini
Designer: Alessandro La Spada
Contact: info@antolini.com

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

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Promotion: Design Hotels has launched its study Neuroaesthetics – Design for the Mind, which looks at how technological and cultural aesthetics impact human behaviour, with a talk at Milan design week.

The Design Hotels talk featured Robyn Landau, co-founder of Kinda Studios, alongside neuroaesthetics architect and designer Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade.

They were joined by Sigurd Larsen, a Berlin-based Danish architect and designer. The discussion was hosted by Dezeen's editorial director, Max Fraser.

The panel session took place to launch the report Neuroaesthetics – Design for the Mind, which centres around the neuroscientific effects of science, technology and the arts.

Speaking at the talk, Landau summed up the theme as "how our brains and bodies respond to the world around us".

The panelists discussed how design in physical spaces can affect people's feelings, arguing that these types of ideas should be taken into consideration in the development stage of projects.

"Designers and architects who understand these ideas should be at the table from the outset of planning," Reddy said. "That's the thing that needs to change."

Landau added: "Silos of design don't reflect how we connect with the world."

The report explored these themes in greater depth, exploring the issue of what it means to be human and how this informs design of spaces.

Additional perspectives in the report were provided through interviews with specialists from various fields, including neuroscientist Anjan Chatterjee and artist Refik Anadol.

The 69-page report sets out four core principles intended to aid future practical creative applications.

The report was published by Design Hotels in collaboration with German product design company FSB Franz Schneider Brakel. Research was supported by Kinda Studios, a specialist in neuroaesthetics.

It responds to a report by the World Green Building Council, which found that people in developed countries spend over 90 per cent of their lives in built-up environments.

Additionally, a UK-based survey carried out in 2023 found that 73 per cent of people feel as though the physical appearance of buildings impacts their mental health.

"It's been incredibly exciting to work with Kinda Studios and FSB on this new cultural study," said Sarah Doyle, deputy managing director and VP global brand leader at Design Hotels.

"As our recent Further Forecast 2024 report noted, design decisions that evoke transformative experiences not only elevate our immediate surroundings, but also nurture a profound sense of belonging, community, and well-being."

"Our collection of over 300 design-led hotels each contain thoughtfully curated spaces designed to incite awe and spark inspiration," Doyle continued.

"Through this deep dive into neuroaesthetics, we are developing a wider understanding of how aesthetics, culture, and technology can converge to shape our cognitive and emotional landscapes – and create more impactful, purpose-led spaces in the process."

"[The report] explores the measurable impacts that aesthetic experiences have on our brains and bodies," said Design Hotels.

"When intelligently applied to design, architecture and cultural programming, neuroaesthetics offers unlimited possibilities to transform human behaviour and foster a better sense of community, belonging, transformation, and longevity – benefitting society as a whole."

For more information about the study, please download the report here, free of charge.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Design Hotels as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: Spanish designer Pablo Regaño has created a chair for Polish furniture company Artu designed to resemble a wicker basket.

The Cesto chair has a simple form made up of metal tubes and slats, and is intended for outdoor use thanks to the material's durability.

The name of the chair comes from a Spanish word referring to a large wicker basket, used for gathering and storing different items.

Regaño was inspired by the object's characteristic shape and wanted to celebrate its cultural significance, which is shared by many societies across the globe.

The Cesto chair comes in a variety of colourways and is stackable for efficient storage when not in use.

Product details:

Product: Cesto chair
Designer: Pablo Regaño
Brand: Artu
Contact: pr@artu.works

Material: metal
Dimensions: 580 x 560 x 720 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: Italian brand Casalgrande Padana looked to the central Alps for inspiration for its Stonetech collection of porcelain tiles.

Casalgrande Padana considers the Stonetech collection an embodiment of its latest research and innovation, with a full-body structure that means the inner layers or the tile are identical to the top surface, so the appearance of the tile is not altered by wear and scratches over time.

The slab tile is speckled with fragments that emulate the main rocks of the central Alps – marble, quartz and feldspar – in varying small sizes that create a subtle blend.

The Stonetech collection comes in five grey and greige shades, along with three different formats, all with a nine-millimetre thickness.

The tiles are suitable for both indoors and out, and can be used on projects where maximum durability is required due their high resistance to footfall, flexure, frost and temperature fluctuations.

In addition to walls and floors, the Stonetech collection can be used for facade cladding. The tiles come in a natural or anti-slip, bushhammered finish.

Product details:

Product: Stonetech
Brand: Casalgrande Padana SPA
Contact: sara.costi@casalgrandepadana.it

Material: porcelain stoneware
Colours/finishes: Stonewhite, Stonegrey, Stonepearl, Stonesand and Stoneblack
Dimensions: 600 x 1200 millimetres, 600 x 600 millimetres, 300 x 600 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen Showroom: solid surface brand HIMACS by LX Hausys has unveiled five undermounted basins that aim to offer inclusive bathroom design solutions with stylish appearances.

The newly released HIMACS undermounted basins range includes basins designed for use in multigenerational households and for users with reduced mobility, and comes in a selection of refined colourways.

The range of five basins also includes the HIMACS CB4628 and CB5530 PRM models, which have shallow basins that allow wheelchair users to get closer than deeper sinks.

"The addition of two models created for persons with reduced mobility will allow planners and architects to create bathroom spaces that answer the need for inclusive design without sacrificing style," said Tim Lie, product manager at HIMACS.

"The HIMACS brand new colours for 2024 include four new shades for the popular Aurora and Marmo collection, two new tones for the recently launched Gravilla, a new addition to the Intense Ultra range and the reintroduction of a beloved favourite in the Solid collection: Evergreen," said LX Hausys. "Additionally, a new on-trend Pink Leia solid colour has been unveiled."

The brand's newly released Solid Surface colour range can be applied to walls, countertops and cabinets in bathrooms and kitchens, suited for hospitality, retail and business environments.

"An exciting new palette of colours, and five new basins, blending aesthetics with inclusivity for all abilities, means the HIMACS solid surface is completely on-trend as always," the company continued.

Product details:

Product: HIMACS undermount sinks
Brand: LX Hausys
Contact: himacseu@lxhausys.com

Dezeen Showroom

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Promotion: speakers from UNStudio, AMO, and the Venice Biennale share their insights on how architecture and design can be used to make transformative museum experiences during a Design Doha panel that can be streamed on Dezeen.

Named Enchanted Vessel: Museum as a design showcase, the panel formed part of Design Doha's talks event, the Design Doha Forum, and was dedicated to exploring the relationship between design and museums.

It brought together four leading practitioners from across exhibition design, curation and museum architecture: the director of architecture firm OMA's research studio, AMO, Samir Bantal; former Venice Biennale executive director and current Pritzker Prize Awards executive director Manuela Lucà-Dazio; architect and founder of UNStudio Ben van Berkel; and Qatar Museums director of central exhibitions Sheika Reem Al-Thani, who moderated the panel.

Van Berkel is currently working on the Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar – one of a group of museums currently under development in the country – and spoke about the role of architecture in building successful contemporary museum environments.

He said that the most important part that architecture could play was to "engage the public so intensely" that they wanted to stay in the space where they've been drawn to see an object or exhibition.

In the Dadu, this had meant reflecting on the area's past and incorporating it into the design of the museum, and also having multiple audiences in mind.

"It's not only a museum for the children, but it is also museum for the parents," Van Berkel said. "And it's connected to the history of the location and how families here played in former times, on the little squares, and where several families took care of the kids."

Bantal also spoke about architecture, as well as curation and exhibition design. The AMO director has a history of working with Qatar Museums, and together with Rem Koolhas, curated the Making Doha 1950–2030 exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar.

He said that in 2019 he had worked on three exhibitions – Making Doha plus Countryside, The Future at the Guggenheim in New York and the Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. After this, he said he came to think about exhibition curation as a process of "editing" as much as design.

"The kind of unifying component of each of these exhibitions was a kind of starting point from basically deliberately not knowing before you start what you're going to talk about, research or design in that sense," said Bantal.

"And then as you go, put together an exhibition, but also edit as a form of learning for myself, but also as a form of introducing a certain, let's say, topic to an audience."

He said he liked to visualise how anyone from an expert in the field to "someone who doesn't know anything about the exhibition" would walk through it.

Lucà-Dazio, shared how that process applied to creating an exhibition within an open environment rather than the confines of one building.

She spoke about how location itself was key to the message of an exhibition. She said that in 1895, the biennale "could only be born in Venice".

"Venice used to be the gateway to to the east, the bridge between the north and the south, the east and west, the port city, the Mediterranean and all of that," said Lucà-Dazio. "And since the beginning the intention was to create, to establish an international platform for exchange – for cultural exchange, of course, but also for commercial exchange."

She said for that reason, there was a resonance now in several new biennales being launched in cities in the Arabian Gulf, including Doha, which hosted its inaugural event this year.

"If you ask me if we need another biennale in Europe, I would probably answer no," she said. "If you ask me, do we need another biennale in this part of the world, I would say yes, because it's also about shifting the focus and and creating new dialogues, which is basically why the Venice Biennale was born."

All of the panellists shared their observations about how older museums are being adapted, whether for reasons of technology, community or political circumstances, with Al-Thani said that she saw museums thinking in terms of the next 100 years and what that would look like for them.

Bantal said that archiecture is by definition about the future, because "the thing that you start working on today will not be built until a very long time in the future", but that projecting very far ahead was an impossible task.

"I think that there is almost like a range that you can design in, based on developments or how people think about the future," said Bantal. "And within that frame, I think you pick your position."

"There's always a lack of precision in what we do, which I think is also interesting because that's what makes every museum different."

He gave the example of OMA's Seattle Central Library, completed in 2004, as a cultural institution that had got the balance right, by imagining both a continuity for books and a new social function for the space.

Lucà-Dazio added that the imprecision of predicting the future was actually a positive, because it meant that institutions had to be dynamic and to keep changing and readapting.

She also spoke of the value of surprise in creating transformative museums, saying that she had become enamoured with Doha's 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, despite being "not at all into sport".

"I spent two hours in there," said Lucà-Dazio. "It was so fascinating and seductive and catchy, the whole story."

"And I learned a lot," she continued. "I learned about sport, a little bit, finally. I learned about sport in the world. I learned about Qatar, because it was also part of the of the history of the country and of Doha, so it was super fascinating."

Van Berkel encouraged architects and designers to go even deeper when reinventing museums and exhibitions for the broader public. He said that before there were museums, there were salons, and the "liveliness" of such events, along with fairs, is something that could perhaps be adapted for the modern museum.

"How could you bring in every aspect of a culture into the museum is a good question," said van Berkel. "I like it to think of how we could change these aspects in a more flexible way than maybe what is done of over the last years."

The Enchanted Vessel panel took place on 27 February at the Design Doha Forum, which was held at the M7 cultural centre in Doha, Qatar. Design Doha is a new biennial event that is set to return in 2026.

For more information, visit the Design Doha website.

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Dezeen Showroom: Swedish design studio Interesting Times Gang has made a new version of its 3D-printed Kelp chair, made from seaweed instead of recycled plastic.

Interesting Times Gang's original 2022 Kelp chair was made of recycled fishing nets and wood pulp, and was named after the undulating lines of its form, inspired by ocean vegetation.

Ever since its initial release, the studio has harboured the ambition to realise the chair made from its namesake macroalgae, which would make use of an organism that is proving important in the transition to bio-based materials.

"Macroalgae play a vital role in capturing carbon and produce at least 50 per cent of Earth's oxygen," said Interesting Times Gang. "Scaling up the cultivation and utilisation of kelp has a pivotal role when it comes to mitigating the effects of climate change."

The chair is made using type of kelp called Nordic sugar kelp, a brown seaweed that grows in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. This is made into a bioplastic that is 3D printed.

The Sugar Kelp chair can be completed with a cushion that is also made with material from the same source – the upholstery is made from Keel Labs's seaweed-based Kelsun fibre and the foam filler is made from kelp biofoam from Norwegian start-up Agoprene.

According to Interesting Time Gang, the chair is biodegradable at the end of its life.

Product details:

Product: Kelp chair
Designer: Alexander Westerlund
Brand: Interesting Times Gang
Contact: hello@itg.studio

Material: Nordic sugar kelp, bioplastic blend of PLA and PHA
Colours/finishes: Light Umber
Dimensions: 400 x 500 x 840 millimetres

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Dezeen Showroom: aiming to demonstrate Italian brand Scavolini's distinctive use of clean lines, the Miko collection offers a flexible approach to bathroom cabinetry.

The Miko range of bathroom units is designed by Scavolini's research and development lab Vuesse, and is characterised by technical innovation and aesthetic refinement.

The doors have an L-shaped profile, allowing for a clean finish on the fronts and a combination of functionality and geometric decoration, as the top of the door conceals the grip.

The Miko collection is offered in a wide range of colours, finishes and textures, including Scavolini's three new pearl-effect colours – Cuvée, Pas Dosé and Perlage – which have an elegant look.

Optional finishes include doors with lacquered slats or laminated strips for vertical patterning, and framed aluminium doors with glass or wire mesh.

The Miko range is designed for creating custom configurations and can be matched to various washbasins, vanity tops and mirrors.

Product details:

Product: Miko
Brand: Scavolini
Contact: contact@scavolini.com

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Dezeen Showroom: originally designed by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio in 1993, Helsinki-based manufacturer Eero Aarnio Originals has released the sculptural Parabel table made from maple wood.

Designed to be functional while adding a sense of sophistication to any home, the Parabel side table has a hemispherical segmented tabletop perched on an elliptical base.

"The name Parabel reminds us of the mathematical form," said Eero Aarnio Originals. "However, glancing at the table, its associations are far from mathematical science, and instead our thoughts are drawn to the art world."

"Parabel almost looks like a sculpture, one could easily see it decorating an art gallery."

Available in a light natural finish or in a darker walnut stain, the wooden Parabel table joins Eero Aarnio Originals' collection of Aarnio-designed reproductions, including a large version of the table made from fibreglass.

Product details:

Product: Parabel
Designer: Eero Aarnio
Brand: Eero Aarnio Originals
Contact: hello@aarniooriginals.com

Material: maple
Colours/finishes: natural and walnut-stained
Dimensions: 430 x 430 x 450 millimetres

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Dezeen Showroom: first created for the TV show Denmark's Next Classic, designer Thomas Albertsen's Grasp portable lamp for Danish brand Frandsen has an innovative rechargeable bulb.

Frandsen picked up the Grasp portable lamp after Albertsen debuted it on the reality TV competition Denmark's Next Classic, in which it was one of the best lighting designs.

The brand says it recognised the 'exceptional potential' of the design, which has a refined metal form made up of two cones – one for the base and one for the lampshade – connected by a slender, curving rod that forms both the body and the handle of the lamp.

The table lamp is designed to have a minimalist visual appeal while also being highly practical, with a water resistance rating that makes it suitable for use indoors or outdoors, and a base that sits stably on both smooth and uneven surfaces.

A standout feature is the Grasp lamp's bulb, the Frandsen One, which is both the source of light and power unit. That means that instead of having to recharge the whole lamp, users simply remove the bulb and replace it with a fully charged spare.

"I wanted to make a portable lamp capable of illuminating a table where people gather, enveloping the surroundings in a warm, intimate ambience, casting a magical aura in the otherwise dark spaces," said Albertsen.

Two other iterations of the lamp are also available –  Grasp Wall, a wall-mounted sconce lamp, and Grasp Garden Spear, which has a pointed base for insertion directly into the ground – that both share the table lamp's cone-shaped shade and innovative lightbulb.

Product details:

Product: Grasp portable lamp
Designer: Thomas Albertsen
Brand: Frandsen
Contact: pr.frandsen@nineunited.com

Material: metal
Colours/finishes: Black, White, Beetroot, Petrol, Brass
Dimensions: 470 millimetres, 720 millimetres

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Dezeen Showroom: designer Patricia Urquiola brings the textured look and feel of clay to bathroom sinks with the Cenote washbasin, created for Italian brand Agape.

The Cenote washbasin draws inspiration from the ancient Mayans, who considered the rocky natural waterholes known as cenotes as both water sources and places of spiritual significance.

Here, Urquiola reinterprets the idea in two ways, one version in fireclay and the other in lava stone.

The original Cenote basin is made on a potter's wheel and showcases the rough texture of natural- or dark-coloured clay on its exterior, while the interior contrasts it with a glossy glaze that is either transparent, off-white or a Mexican-inspired blue.

The Cenote Lava, meanwhile, is made of Sicilian lava stone, which is cut with a CNC machine to achieve a monolithic and sculptural appearance.

"Urquiola's design celebrates that human component in a synthesis of thought and skilled craftsmanship, generating an object of living, timeless beauty," said Urquiola.

The Cenote washbasins are available in both freestanding and over-counter styles.

Product details:

Product: Cenote
Designer: Patricia Urquiola
Brand: Agape
Contact: info@agapedesign.it

Material: refractory clay or lava stone
Colours/finishes: natural/transparent, natural/off-white, dark/transparent, dark/blue
Dimensions: 420 x 164 millimetres

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Promotion: British studio Zaha Hadid Design has created an updated version of its sinuous Cove kitchen for Italian brand Boffi's 90th anniversary that offers "the flexibility of a modular system".

Made from mouldable materials including Corian and wood, the 2024 Cove kitchen has a sleek, sinuous shape.

It is a continuation of Zaha Hadid Design's customisable island launched with Boffi in 2017, which was fitted in the firm's 520 West 28th project that was then nearing completion in New York's Chelsea neighbourhood.

The new Cove kitchen, which was designed for Boffi's 90th anniversary, has been developed and no longer features a large cavity at the front that distinguished the earlier design.

Instead, the new model has two side panels with rounded corners and gently curve along downward peripheral edges.

"Coinciding with the 90th anniversary of Boffi – a brand epitomising Italian elegance, craftsmanship, and design integrity – the new piece evolves from the original Cove concept developed by Zaha Hadid Design in 2017," Zaha Hadid Design said.

"Following the inherent logic of its predecessor whilst offering the flexibility of a modular system, this new iteration is laterally supported by two panels with rounded edges, both with identical sections, covering the entire side of the isle," it added.

The 2024 Cove kitchen has a grey hued marbled countertop and slopes down to create a streamlined aesthetic. It will be available to buy after this year's iteration of the annual Milan design week.

Boffi said its design came from the "visionary mind" of Zaha Hadid, the founder of the eponymous studio who passed away in 2016.

"The Cove kitchen stems from the visionary mind of Zaha Hadid and turns the work island into a convivial space that combines architectural rigour and a forward-looking concept," the brand stated.

The design for the original Cove kitchen by Zaha Hadid Design was based on the studio's famous MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome and the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

Boffi has worked with a number of well-known designers and architecture studios on its products. Previous examples include the Combine Evolution kitchen by Italian architect Piero Lissoni and a modular kitchen system by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.

For more information on Boffi, visit its website here.

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Dezeen Showroom: Italian manufacturer Marazzi has created a range of stone-effect porcelain tiles named Silver Root, with veiny surfaces made by 3D printing.

Silver Root has a neutral colour palette with dark brown veining contrasting against a light background, informed by the appearance of Turkish marble.

The tiles come in rectangular and square formats and they can be applied to a range of surfaces, including floors, walls, bathrooms and kitchen worktops.

Its veined surface pattern was made by the 3D Ink technology developed by Ragno, a porcelain and ceramic brand owned by Marazzi Group.

"Silver Root resembles the Turkish marble with its 'rocky' veining," said Marazzi.

"This surface effect is enhanced by the 3D Ink digital printing technology, which ensures perfect matching between patterning and three-dimensional surface structures that are different in every single slab."

Product details:

Product: Silver Root
Brand: Marazzi
Contact: info@marazzi.it

Material: porcelain stoneware
Colours/finishes: satin and lux
Dimensions: 60 x 120 millimetres, 120 x 120 millimetres, 120 x 278 millimetres, 160 x 320 millimetres

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Dezeen Showroom: Italian design brand Alf DaFrè has created a chair that draws on the concept of juxtaposition by combining solid wood with light tubular elements.

The Stiks chair was developed for the brand by designer Gordon Guillaumier to be used in combination with another recently released product, the Pols table.

Its construction is based on the combination of elements and materials that give the chair a "light and comfortable" look, as described by the designer.

The chair's most striking element is its wraparound padded backrest that provides a sense of tactility and comfort.

The Stiks chair has a solid wood frame made from Biscotto oak Fashion Wood finish and its padded seat and backrest come in a selection of various fabrics.

Product details:

Product: Stiks
Designer: Gordon Guillaumier
Brand: Alf DaFrè
Contact: s.signorini@studioviterbo.it

Material: solid oak
Dimensions: 570 x 520 x 739 millimetres

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Promotion: Czech brand Mmcité has been creating urban furniture for 30 years but continues to adapt to the "constantly evolving" needs of public space, says founder and creative director David Karásek.

Mmcité's benches, bins, bike racks and bus shelters can be found in 40 countries around the world, from Mont Blanc to the Dubai Water Canal and Google's global headquarters in California.

It is known for durable yet aesthetically pleasing products developed in collaboration with Czech and overseas designers. The output is as varied as it is prolific, with everything coming out of its design studio in the town of Uherské Hradiště in the south-east of the Czech Republic, close to the Slovakian border.

Through its contributions to public space, the brand sees itself as a leading producer of high-quality design accessible to everyone.

"For Mmcité this is nothing short of a cultural mission," explained Karásek. "We highly value our cities, so we are always pushing to make them more beautiful."

"Public spaces in a city are fascinating places where people and history meet," he told Dezeen. "I am proud that we focus Mmcité design right here – we can influence everybody's taste, and we love that."

Street furniture is sometimes regarded as an under-appreciated design discipline, but Karásek believes the best examples deliberately avoid drawing attention to themselves.

"Yes, street furniture can be overlooked, and I partly think it's a good thing," he said. "It means it doesn't disrupt the given place, it is not too loud. Instead, it fits in and complements the surrounding architecture."

Balancing high aesthetic standards with all the requirements of street furniture – such as durability, affordability, sustainability and inclusivity – is a tall order.

As a result, Mmcité sometimes spends years developing its products – some of which never see the light of day.

"We develop products honestly, and they must always meet all essential parameters," said Karásek.

"Well-designed street furniture can be compared to well-designed architecture," he added. "Functional buildings bring us joy in their use – thoughtful layout and aesthetics influence our daily lives and our senses."

"The same principles are applied in our field to urban furniture and public spaces."

Mmcité's most recently launched products are the Morse seating collection, designed by Belgian design practice Studio Segers, and the UFO public shelter, designed in-house. They join the Typo 3D-printed concrete planters among the brand's recent releases. The Morse and UFO designs recently scooped Red Dot Awards.

Taking its name from the dot-dash communication method, Morse consists of round or stadium-shaped seats positioned along a single linear bar.

Customisable and available in a range of materials, it is intended for use indoors or out, such as in parks, on riverbanks or in airport terminals.

UFO is an alternative to umbrella-based shelters that rely on a central mast. Its sturdy steel frame is topped by a fabric dome stretched over laminate rods.

An optional levitating circular platform turns the UFO into a daybed, which the brand said is a response to an increasing trend for people seeking undisturbed relaxation in public spaces.

Shifting demands of public spaces require Mmcité to continue to innovate after three decades of designing urban furniture, Karásek explained.

"Like every area of our lives, public space is constantly evolving," he said. "Private merges with public. There are also elements appearing that were not there before and stem from our life needs."

"These can be smart elements for charging our mobile devices, green roofs that, among other things, reduce dustiness in cities, or inclusive elements."

One key change is the move away from car-centric urban design in some cities around the world, said Karásek.

"Mobility in cities is changing, and in some markets, we see a tendency to remove cars from metropolitan public spaces," he noted.

"In other markets, so-called 15-minute cities are emerging, addressing people's needs within walking distance. Thanks to having everything within reach, city life is much better, and our products must respond to this."

For Mmcité, Karásek explained, innovating in response to these wider factors is "we are not talking about any revolution but about continuous evolution".

Despite a string of accolades to its name over the years, including Good Design, Red Dot, IF Design, EDIDA, and Czech Grand Design awards, Karásek is most proud when Mmcité's products continue to be used by the public over long periods of time.

"They function in public spaces for 20 years and are still a full part of it," he said.

"Sometimes we can see them seemingly destroyed, for example, tagged, which gives them a patina but at the same time, they are fully functional. So, we are delighted with thousands of products and projects worldwide."

For more information on Mmcité, visit its website here.

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Dezeen Showroom: British brand Skopos has created a range of fabric upholstery named Encanto, designed to add pops of colour and texture to a range of commercial spaces.

Made from soil- and stain-resistant polyester, it aims to be a stylish upholstery option that performs well in high-traffic areas, including office, education, care, high-end hospitality and cruise ship interiors.

Encanto is available in three designs that come in a range of colourful and neutral tones, including a subtle fractured herringbone pattern called Onda.

Loco is a small-scale check pattern and the plain textured design is named Cuba.

"The three designs offer amazing performance without compromising on style," said Skopos Fabrics. "The choice within the collection is designed to compliment a range of different interior schemes."

According to Skopos Fabrics, Encanto is halogen-free, made with a flame-retardant backing and offers antimicrobial protection.

Product details:

Product: Encanto
Brand: Skopos Fabrics
Contact: sales@skopos.co.uk

Material: polyester
Colours/finishes: available in textured plain, fractured herringbone and small check

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Dezeen Showroom: office furniture brand Narbutas has launched the Round Multipurpose table collection, designed to accommodate both work and leisure needs in the workplace.

A versatile piece of furniture, the Round Multipurpose table has a lightweight design available in two depths and three height variations, which can be combined to create long table arrangements.

Its design is made up of a rectangular tabletop and metal A-frames with rounded corners, which can be customised with added shelving, bag hooks, monitor holders and whiteboards.

Potted plants can also be slotted into the top of the frames to add lush greenery to the workplace and further soften the structure's metal materiality, which is made less harsh by the rounded forms and soft lines.

"The Round Multipurpose tables were created with one goal – maximum versatility," said Narbutas. "Designed for every work scenario, these tables were created for all types of meetings, work, and leisure."

"The stereotypically rough aura of metal is softened by airy, rounded shapes and lines," the brand continued. "This harmony is best reflected by the table's round metal tube legs, creating a modern, expressive, and functional piece of furniture."

The Round Multipurpose table joins other office furniture in Narbutas's Round collection, including desks and cabinets.

Product details:

Product: Round Multipurpose
Brand: Narbutas
Contact: laima.surgautaite@narbutas.lt

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Promotion: a sleek "hood-in-hob" extractor fan, designed as an alternative to an overhead device, is among the minimalist kitchen products created by Swedish brand Asko.

Know for creating understated cooking appliances informed by Scandinavian minimalism, Asko recently unveiled the Elevate "hood-in-hob", which combines an automatic tower extractor fan and an advanced induction hob.

When activated, the tower automatically rises from the centre of the hob, providing a clutter-free alternative to an obstructive overhead appliance.

The extraction tower includes five different extraction levels as well as automatic and manual clean air functions. According to the brand it has "superior, near-silent performance".

"What really lifts Elevate above the rest is its user-friendly design," continued the brand.

"By removing the extractor from the wall or ceiling, Elevate lets you view the kitchen from a completely new perspective – a blank canvas where anything is possible."

Elevate has been developed using the latest induction cooking technology, featuring the Celsius Cooking system.

A series of add-ons are available – such as a smart pan, pot and a thermometer, which communicate via Bluetooth and work to ensure that food on the hob is cooked at the right heat for the optimal time.

"Home chefs can finally – and confidently – say goodbye to undercooking, overcooking or overboiling," said Asko.

Described as a "personal sommelier", Wine Climate Cabinets is Asko's smart solution to a traditional wine cellar.

Available in four different variants, the vibration-free cabinets are controlled by smart technology, which optimises the light conditions, UV light protection and humidity monitoring of the wine they store.

The contents of the black-hued cabinets can be managed using an interface connected to a camera, an app and a "Vivino" database.

The company calls its ASKO DW60 "the world's most reliable and responsible dishwasher".

The steel model uses UV light to eliminate 99.9 per cent of bacteria, fungi and viruses on crockery, according to the brand. 

With a loading height of up to 58 centimetres, the dishwater has "the world's tallest loading-height and the largest loading capacity", explained Asko.

ASKO DW60 can accommodate 17 place settings that can be cleaned and dried, while users can also stay connected to their dishwasher via the Connect Life app – the same technology used by the Wine Climate Cabinets.

The brand has also designed a freestanding refrigerator characterised by the same fluid design features as the rest of its products.

Asko's fridge was created to store more food for longer and reduce waste as a result of its automatic humidity control function.

A cooling system, called Cool Flow+, ensures that the fridge's temperature is rapidly restored even after opening and closing the door.

There is also the option to separately control the temperature of individual drawers – adding "unbeatable flexibility" to the model.

"This is a fully automated process that prevents fruits and vegetables from drying or decaying," said the brand.

The fridge's freezer compartment can also be converted into a fridge, depending on the user's preferences.

Finished in either stainless steel, white or black steel, the product was created to be flexible around different interior settings.

"Our products are made to save energy, reduce emissions and increase recycling and reuse," concluded the brand.

"Asko kitchen appliances are made with a better future in mind."

For more information on Asko, visit its website here.

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Dezeen Showroom: based on European beech timber, Project Wood tiles by Casalgrande Padana recreate the look of wood by mimicking the texture of the grain.

Developed with design studio SBGA Blengini Ghirardelli, the Project Wood collection delivers the warming effect of natural wood along with the durability and performance qualities of porcelain stoneware.

The tiles are etched with a delicate wood grain texture that recreates the tactile quality of wood, and are available in five natural-looking medium-brown shades.

The Project Wood collection is available in two formats – one for indoor use with a natural or grip finish, and one thicker tile for outdoor use with an anti-slip finish.

The outdoor version makes a good choice for balconies, terraces, verandas or poolsides, and it can also be applied directly to turf, gravel or sand to create walkways.

The two formats of tile can be used together to create seamless indoor-outdoor spaces, and are equally suited to homes, public spaces and contract projects.

Product details:

Product: Project Wood
Brand: Casalgrande Padana
Contact: sara.costi@casalgrandepadana.it

Material: porcelain stoneware
Colours/finishes: Mesola, Migliarino, Paneveggio, Pollino, Quarto
Dimensions: 200 x 1200 x 9 millimetres (indoor), 40 x 120 x 20 millimetres (outdoor)

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Dezeen Showroom: British design studio Novocastrian has released a series of lighting that references equipment and infrastructure associated with railways.

The Insulator lighting collection comprises pendant and table lamps as well as sconce lights, which share similar ribbed motifs and distinctive polished hardware.

"Our founder Richy took inspiration from endless train journeys along Britain’s East Coast mainline between Newcastle and London, by the rhythmic lattice of the overhead power lines, and by the intriguing saucer-like pin insulators which adorn them," said Novocastrian.

Each piece is built using elements made from pressed glass and solid brass, which are machined in the company's workshop in the North East of England.

The lights can be fitted with either North American or European wiring and custom finishes are possible upon request.

Product details:

Product: Insulator lighting collection
Brand: Novocastrian
Contact: enquiries@novocastrian.co

Material: brass, pressed glass
Colours/finishes: polished or dark waxed brass
Dimensions: width in millimetres x depth in millimetres x height in millimetres

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Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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Dezeen School Shows: a project set in a speculative future in which humans and plants live in harmony is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at DesignMorphine.

Also included is a narrative project that includes bionic beings based on moon jellyfish and another that suggests cocoon-like structures based on mushrooms that grow around users.

DesignMorphine, UACEG

Institution: DesignMorphine, UACEG
School: DesignMorphine, UACEG
Course: Master of Science in Computational Design
Tutors: Eva Khan, Tung Nguyen, Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson, Radul Shishkov and Ada Gulyamdzhis

School statement:

"Embark on a transformative journey into the future of design with DesignMorphine's Master of Science in Computational and Advanced Design – a gateway to excellence in multidisciplinary innovation.

"Crafted by experts and accredited by the esteemed UACEG, this nine-month online program offers unparalleled accessibility and worldwide recognition.

"Partnered with industry giants like Microsoft, Logitech and Pininfarina, DesignMorphine ensures a curriculum that reflects the latest technological advancements and industry demands.

"Students are immersed in a collaborative environment preparing them to lead in all design sectors.

"Design Chapters and Technical Labs guide them from conceptualisation to realisation.

"By mastering skills from parametric design to virtual reality, students get prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

"DesignMorphine's program also connects students to a global network of leaders, leading to employment opportunities in top companies such as Nike, Wilder World, DNEG, Ubisoft and MAD Architects.

"Join us at DesignMorphine and shape the future of design.

"Beyond an educational program, this is an opportunity to nurture your potential and be at the forefront of innovation.

"With a unique curriculum and esteemed partnerships, you'll not only enhance your abilities but also position yourself as a leader in the dynamic landscape of design.

"Are you ready to design your future?"

Contradictory Symbiosis by Ryan Leung and Kongphob Amornpatarasin

"Contradictory Symbiosis is a captivating psychological thriller set in a dystopian world, where a cybernetic totalitarian regime cleverly deceives humanity with a facade of false reciprocity.

"The project dauntlessly challenges conventional notions of psychopolitics, offering a bold alternative model to the prevailing materialistic madness of disciplinary society.

"By delving into the intricate interplay between individual emotions and societal control, the narrative explores the potential trajectory towards an all-encompassing surveillance state.

"This compelling exploration serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the plausible future of human society."

Students: Ryan Leung and Kongphob Amornpatarasin
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

An Genome by Oscar Oweson and Ekaterina Borisenko

"With the ever-growing threat of climatic catastrophe and the search for an alternative energy source, the project seeks to investigate a speculative future of symbiosis between humans and plants.

"A post-human cooperation between the two enables the revitalisation of previously deserted and ruined territories.

"The Symbiophytes ('symbio' and 'phyte' meaning 'living together' and 'plant') genome embeds and entwines itself with the human genome.

"As a result of such genetic coupling, the Symbiophytes use the human body as a vessel for its growth once the human passes on, creating new habitats for those still alive.

"The project principally explored the themes of cohabitation and mutual partnership with another species, and how this exchange would necessarily create new typologies of existence and community."

Students: Oscar Oweson and Ekaterina Borisenko
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Exuvius by Alab Adviento and Mohammad Qamar

"The progression and longevity of humanity are critically dependent on the well-being of the natural systems around us.

"Therefore, understanding the status of these natural systems and maintaining them accordingly is of the utmost importance.

"According to the Living Planet report 2018 published by WWF, the planet has experienced a 60 per cent fall in wildlife in just 40 years.

"These statistics indicate the staggering rate of depletion of numerous habitats and ecosystems that support and sustain wildlife and consequently the natural systems around us.

"The purpose of this project is to explore the concept of the Anthro-Cyborg Metamorphosis as a core design principle that creates growth catalysts targeting landscapes vulnerable to the nine highlighted planetary boundaries.

"The Anthro-Cyborg Metamorphosis encompasses a symbiotic relationship between nature and machines, creating a moulting cocoon that grows the user, the environment and the succeeding levels of design."

Students: Alab Adviento and Mohammad Qamar
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y21/22
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Ada Gulyamdzhis

Amenta by Mansur Perez, Enayet Kabir

"Amenta, a tale of cyborg shamanism, explores the harmony between darkness and light, in a world that straddles the spiritual, the digital and the spectral.

"Much of the design direction of this project was established with an intention to create a hybridised visual language that reflects the cultural heritage of its two team members.

"In order to do so, an AI model was trained on images of Sanskrit and Mesoamerican symbols to output a fictional alphabet reminiscent of both sources.

"The core design technique used thereafter focused on using volumetric methods to extract three-dimensional intersections of various combinations of these symbols, to create complex forms that evoke ancient futures."

Students: Mansur Perez and Enayet Kabir
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Tung Nguyen

Luminal whispers, echoes from the Nexus by Juan Sebastian Cobo Guerrero

"The narrative unfolds on Planet 1133, saved from environmental decline by a species known as the Nokinahe.

"Led by Dr Elysia Nakato, they pioneered the Nexus, a vast repository of shared wisdom and interconnected consciousness.

"However, a tear in the Nexus caused fragments of their collective identity to spill into the physical world, resulting in surreal physical and mental distortions that rendered their original settlement, Oneira, uninhabitable.

"In response, they constructed Veritas, a new habitat overlaying the old city.

"The fusion of Veritas and Oneira's legacy forms a seamless journey into the limitless possibilities that the future holds."

Student: Juan Sebastian Cobo Guerrero
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Eva Khan

Synaptic Conflux by Jacek Czudak, Janusz Polański, Salma Ghanim

"The Synaptic Conflux takes place in a fragmented world.

"Embarking on a visionary journey, we conceptualised the Corpuscle, the main habitat of the character, the fragmented oracle, to redefine architectural paradigms within the unique context of our species.

"Inspired by the hive mind and its hierarchical structure, our design integrates living quarters, energy chambers and communication nodes, embodying the essence of our interconnected society.

"At the heart of the Corpuscle lies a mechanical core, serving as the nerve centre, while healing chambers and farming labs prioritise community well-being and sustenance, emphasising the importance of energy in our context.

"The Corpuscle's organic design symbolises harmonious coexistence within the cosmic chaos, representing collective resilience and adaptability."

Students: Jacek Czudak, Janusz Polański and Salma Ghanim
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Eva Khan

Symphony of Symbiosis by Cassio Yutani, Diego Nieto, Cesar Peña

"Embark on a captivating journey through the lush planet Radiance, where the Ethereons, a highly advanced species, navigate a world shaped by natural selection and biotechnology.

"Traverse their remarkable physical transformation, progressing from the humble Egg stage, through the adaptive Larvae and vigilant Nymph, culminating in the pinnacle of their evolution as Ethereons.

"Explore the intricate dynamics of their hive mind, their quest for the invaluable moonstone, and the rise of subsidiary species-turned-rebels.

"As their story unfolds, delve into the creation of Hiveholds and the formation of the sprawling Biocenosis, where unity and resilience thrive.

"Experience the pinnacle of their innovation with the Arthrorove and Hiveliner, vehicles crafted for exploration and survival within their interconnected network.

"This endeavour unveils a breathtaking fusion of evolution and biotechnology propelling the Ethereons toward cosmic supremacy."

Students: Cassio Yutani, Diego Nieto and Cesar Peña
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Tung Nguyen

Fléiada by Maria Soroko-Tsyupa, Karthikeyan Sivasankaran

"The project focuses on the symbiotic relationship between two rival insectoid species, X-Xaels and Y-Xaels, as they endeavor to rebuild their world on a devastated planet.

"Triggered by the imminent danger of a meteorite, the Xaels attempted a hasty escape, resulting in a perilous hyperspace jump that caused a gaping hole in the planet’s surface and destabilized gravity.

"Following their survival, the Xaels returned to their planet and embarked on the XAEL EXPERIMENT, a collaborative effort aimed at establishing a harmonious symbiosis.

"The experiment involved mutating both Xael species, resulting in the creation of the XY_XAEL mutation, a perfected fusion that allowed for the revival of their civilisation.

"Inspired by flowers, the Xaels designed corpuscles – livable and functional structures – for their living and working spaces.

"The corpuscles were strategically placed within clusters determined by the gradient of the stabilised gravity field generated by gravity beacons, facilitating efficient distribution."

Students: Maria Soroko-Tsyupa and Karthikeyan Sivasankaran
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Cnidotopia by Prasad Gopalakrishnan Kannan Sanjeev

"In the aftermath of a cataclysmic global event, humanity faces the daunting challenge of survival in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world.

"This project ventures into uncharted territory, proposing the creation of a submerged civilisation comprised of hybrid beings, skillfully blending human, cnidarian and cybernetic elements.

"Through a multidisciplinary approach, this study explores the genetic integration of Cnidarian DNA, human adaptability, and the potential of symbiotic relationships in a world on the brink of extinction.

"Mechanical engineer John Dabiri (Caltech) and bioengineering PhD candidate Nicole W Xu (Stanford) transformed moon jellyfish into controllable cyborgs for ocean exploration.

"The microelectronic 'swim controller' propels these bionic organisms at three times their natural speed, with future plans to include steering and sensing capabilities for data collection.

"Bionic jellyfish offer energy efficiency and endurance advantages over marine robots, paving the way for cost-effective ocean monitoring (Scientific American)."

Student: Prasad Gopalakrishnan Kannan Sanjeev
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Varia by Laura Civetti

"The Varia project is engaging the potential solutions available to humanity in its efforts to confront and address Earth's natural disasters.

"Through rigorous research and analysis, the project seeks to identify viable strategies that can effectively safeguard our planet and mitigate the devastating effects of these natural calamities.

"In envisioning a scenario where human beings encounter a new life form possessing the ability to rival Earth's natural disasters, it underscores the necessity for inter-species collaboration and emphasizes the significance of human adaptability in ensuring our survival.

"Such a situation would demand collective efforts from various species to pool their knowledge and resources, emphasizing the imperative of unity and mutual support.

"Additionally, it would highlight the critical role of human adaptability and resilience in navigating unforeseen challenges and evolving circumstances, ultimately determining our ability to thrive in this dynamic and unpredictable environment."

Student: Laura Civetti
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and DesignMorphine. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: Italian bathroom company Agape has released a travertine version of its Spoon XL bathtub designed by Benedini Associati.

The travertine Spoon XL from Agape forms part of the brand's new Marble and Stone Collection.

It represents a higher-sided version of the original Spoon bathtub designed by Benedini Associati in 1998.

Freestanding and smoothly shaped, the bath resembles an egg cut in half.

Included in the Marble and Stone Collection are reinterpretations of 10 of Agape's bathtubs and 21 of its washbasins, in travertine, marble and lava stone.

Product details:

Product: Spoon XL bathtub
Designer: Benedini Associati
Brand: Agape
Contact: info@agapedesign.it

Material: travertine

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

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Promotion: Australian brand Woven Image has created a rectangular "hood" that can be suspended above or directly fixed over a workstation or conference table as part of its Fuji acoustic tile collection.

The product was made from 64 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic and features an "exceptional ability" to absorb mid-high frequency sounds or daily conversations, making the overhead tiles "stylish and functional elements" in shared spaces.

Woven Image has built up a broad international client base with its design-led acoustic panels since it launched in 1987.

"Fuji tiles, in their unique appearance, provide acoustic comfort in dynamic floorplans where noise can disrupt concentration and conversation," said the brand. 

"The range's unique design profile and composition serves to reduce reverberation times through a high sound absorption rating."

The Hachi hood is the latest addition to the Fuji series, which comes in rectangular and square shapes.

Like other tiles in the series, the hood features a ribbed texture with a gentle inverted, graphic shape that was informed by art deco and Japonsime, and co-ordinates with its "Zen embossed" acoustic wall panels

Complementing other sizes in the Fuji ceiling tile range, including the Fuji Roku and Fuji Juni, Hachi’s larger format allows it to be suspended over a table or other distinct areas using Woven Image’s hardware.

"Hachi makes for a beautiful workstation hood and offers supreme acoustic benefits," said the brand.

"Alongside the popularity of open-plan layouts and exposed ceilings, the need for integrated, decorative acoustic treatments is greater than ever," it continued.

"Woven Image's latest range of acoustic ceiling solutions are tailored to this careful combination of style and functionality, providing acoustic comfort and character, defining the atmosphere of interior spaces."

All tiles are customisable with an extended palette of 28 made-to-order colourways, which include dusk pink, vineyard green, duck egg blue, black and cream. The tiles can be single or dual-coloured, with a total of 784 different colour combinations.

Tiles can be integrated around ceiling safety features including ventilation or fire sprinklers and are compatible with a range of lighting options.

The Fuji series is also modelled within the Woven Image Revit library, meaning architects, designers and BIM professionals can directly integrate them into project schemes.

The brand said its Fuji tiles have secured critical environmental accreditations. "Fuji Tiles have certifications recognised by the International Green Building Tools including WELL, LEED, GreenStar and BREEAM."

Woven Image has previously created embossed acoustic wall panels informed by Japanese design and recently added five different colourways to the collection.

For more information on Woven Image, visit its website here.

The images are courtesy of Woven Image.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Woven Image as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Dezeen Showroom: Italian designer Luca Nichetto drew on the work of Gio Ponti when creating this kitchen furniture system for design brand Scavolini.

Jeometrica is a contemporary interpretation of the equipped wall designs of influential 20th-century Italian architect and designer Ponti.

"It has been extremely insightful to design for a brand such as Scavolini which targets an audience in pursuit of quality but at the same time cares deeply about the functionality of the products they select," said Nichetto.

"We have drawn on the equipped wall panel concept and attempted to enhance it and incorporate it into everyday life," he added.

Ellsworth Kelly's Sculpture for a Large Wall artwork and Donald Judd's modular, minimalist designs were other sources of inspiration.

Featuring base units, open-fronted units, island solutions and the 'J-System' equipped wall panel, the system is highly customisable with choices of details such as handles and accessories.

Units are available in a range of finishes including matte lacquer, melamine, veneer, stoneware or glass, while the aluminium frames are available in two colour finishes – anthracite and titanium.

Product details:

Product: Jeometrica
Designer: Luca Nichetto
Brand: Scavolini
Contact: contact@scavolini.com

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Jeometrica furnishing system by Luca Nichetto for Scavolini appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: Italian design brand UniFor has unveiled its Andromeda furniture collection, which includes coffee tables that share the wider series' distinctive design motifs.

The coffee tables in the Andromeda series come in two tabletop shapes – elliptical or round – and have the refined yet dramatic aesthetic distinctive of the broader collection.

Sheets of aluminium arranged in either cruciform or star shapes form the bases of the coffee tables and tie them in with the other pieces in the collection – including tables, credenzas and sofas – all of which have frames and bases made from metal.

The tops come in a spectrum of materials, from Italian walnut wood and travertine to extra-clear glass with a white back-painted finish, terracotta or dove grey concrete-effect slabs and even leather, which comes in two neutral shades.

"Andromeda is a collection where timeless elegance, engineering, and unparalleled comfort blend seamlessly," said UniFor.

Similarly to the other Andromeda pieces, the coffee tables have been designed for use in public interiors as well as private spaces. Elliptical-topped tables come in four sizes and round-topped tables come in three sizes.

The photography is by Alberto Strada and the installation and creative direction is by Studio Klass.

Product details:

Product: Andromeda coffee tables
Designer: LSM
Brand: UniFor
Contact: unifor@unifor.it

Dimensions: 609 x 457 x 432 millimetres, 1181 x 825 x 432 millimetres, 1575 x 965 x 432 millimetres, 1778 x 1168 x 660 millimetres (elliptical coffee table), 560 x 406 millimetres, 450 x 406 millimetres,  400 x 432 millimetres (round coffee table)

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Andromeda coffee tables by LSM for UniFor appeared first on Dezeen.

Promotion: a Toronto hotel featuring dramatic brick arches and a parking lot converted into a public square in Texas are among the winning projects at the Brick in Architecture Awards.

The Brick Industry Association (BIA) recognised a total of 44 winning projects that demonstrated excellence through designs that used fired-clay brick.

Among the winners were nine projects receiving the highest merit of "best-in-class" across the competition's nine categories, each broken down by type.

Categories ranged from craftsmanship, thin brick, international, residential single family, commercial, residential multi-family, education (colleges and universities), education (schools up to year 12), paving and landscaping, and historic renovation.

The organisers said: "These awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the realm of design by honouring projects that exemplify innovation, uniqueness, and aesthetic excellence through the prominent use of clay brick as their primary building material."

The overall craftsmanship award was presented to Ace Hotel Toronto in Canada, designed by Canadian architecture studio Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. The project, which features brick produced by Endicott Clay Products Company, also claimed the best-in-class award in the commercial category.

The modern hotel facade has curvilinear arched elements, accentuated by intricate brickwork executed by Canadian construction firm Limen Group.

Another best-in-class project in Toronto, Canvas House by architecture studio Partisans, took the top prize in the residential single family category.

The exterior of Canvas House is characterised by an undulating skin of blonde brick, crafted by manufacturer Taylor Clay Products and arranged by contractor Finbarr Sheehan in a pixelated pattern.

Meanwhile, New York City project 1 Boerum Place by SLCE Architects was announced as the best-in-class winner of the residential multi-family category.

The Brooklyn housing complex features slim, sand-coloured bricks crafted by Taylor Clay Products and wrapped across rounded corners and cantilevered balconies by contractor HDK Construction.

The best-in-class award in the thin brick category was won by office building 345 North Morgan in Chicago, Illinois, which also achieved a bronze ranking in the commercial category.

Designed by architecture studio Eckenhoff Saunders, the building features lofty barrel vaults constructed with dark brick supplied by manufacturer Interstate Brick and laid by contractor Illinois Masonry Corporation.

Elsewhere in the USA, projects in Texas achieved three best-in-class awards.

The TCU Music Center at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, designed by Bora Architecture & Interiors, won in the education (colleges and universities) category.

The project has a facade of multi-hued blonde brick that aims to evoke grains of sand when viewed from afar. Manufacturer Acme Brick supplied the material, while contractor Wilks Masonry executed the design.

The best-in-class award for the education "K-12" category (kindergarten to year 12) was presented to the John Webb Elementary School in the Texan city of Arlington.

BRW Architects worked with manufacturer Cloud Ceramics and contractor Accurate Masonry of Texas to create the bold exterior of the educational building, which includes darkly coloured brick arranged in an intricate protruded pattern.

Formerly a parking lot, West End Square, the only public park in its Dallas neighbourhood, won the best-in-class paving and landscaping category following its conversion by New York-based landscape architecture studio Field Operations.

The park is defined by a red-brick promenade that encircles a hilly, tree-covered park. The brick was produced by manufacturer Whitacre-Greer and the herringbone pattern was achieved by contractor Paver Pro.

The 62,000 square foot Texas Christian University (TCU) music centre was another best-in-class winner. The venue was recognised for its "creative commons" outdoor gathering space, "buff brick and limestone, while its soaring central concert hall and textured crown stand out as a celebration of artistry".

Moving away from Texas, community centre Foundry 101 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was awarded best-in-class in the Historic Renovation category.

Local architecture studio Cambridgeseven worked with manufacturer The Stiles & Hart Brick Company and contractor Fernandes Masonry to sensitively convert the 103-year-old building for modern use while preserving its 19th-century brick.

Another project featuring classic red brick, the TIC Art Center in Guangzhou, China, was the best-in-class winner of the international category.

The civic structure has a solid base featuring long bricks in varying shades of red produced by manufacturer LOPO China. Crowning the base is a large atrium clad in a transparent skin of triangular breezeblocks.

The BIA says it is committed to showcasing the enduring quality and beauty of brick across architecture of all kinds.

"Brick is a versatile material that offers limitless design possibilities with inherent sustainability, unmatched durability, fire resistance and notable energy efficiency," said BIA President Ray Leonhard.

To view the winning projects, visit the BIA's website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for BIA as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Brick in Architecture Awards winners revealed appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: Italian design brand UniFor has included two modular sofas in its Andromeda collection, which is characterised by sweeping lines and dramatic proportions.

The Andromeda sofas come in two variations, one with a curved profile and one with a linear form, both of which are made up of individual modules.

The segments can be combined in an array of different configurations, creating dynamic and striking seating solutions. The straight modules come with optional integrated side tables.

Leather was chosen to upholster the sofas – which have bases made from aluminium – which are available in neutral colourways named dove grey, sand and rope.

"This collection exemplifies modern sophistication, versatile aesthetics, and a commitment to timeless style," said UniFor.

Like the rest of the range, Andromeda sofas were designed by LSM, an international architecture and design studio, and were released during Milan Design Week 2024.

The photography is by Alberto Strada and the installation and creative direction is by Studio Klass.

Product details:

Product: Andromeda sofas
Designer: LSM
Brand: UniFor
Contact: unifor@unifor.it

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Andromeda sofas by LSM for UniFor appeared first on Dezeen.