Product design
Page 21
California on a roll
Specialized has set up a workshop in California to produce new urban commuter bike designs, addressing a notable gap in the US market for attractive, functional bicycles for city dwellers.
Architecture/Design
A Monocle guide to interesting architecture going up in the next year, from a Chilean winery to a Copenhagen healthcare centre. Plus, Finnish furniture designer Ilmari Tapiovaara enjoys a revival.
Inventory No. 41
A round-up of beautiful and functional objects, including one-man-branded leather wallets and artist-designed backgammon boards.
Design/Architecture
In praise of buttons, Japanese electric bicycles, the 1950s furniture re-issues and Alain de Botton's latest project
Make it better
For over 50 years, Kenneth Grange has designed many of the UK’s most recognisable things, from postboxes to taxis. Now, he tells Monocle what he thinks needs fixing in the UK's design industry.
Inventory No. 46
The Monocle shopping list this month contains the perfect birdhouse, a creamy artisan-crafted beer and earphones that stay where they’re supposed to.
Design/Architecture
A new sports hall in Australia, an exquisite chair from Sweden and a Q & A with the new director of the ECAL design school in Lausanne.
Crank it up
The commute may be routine but your bike doesn't have to be. As more people discover that a bicycle is indispensable for urban life, Monocle visits five brands that can liven up city cycling.
Shelf esteem
Take two retail visionaries, one Tokyo store space and one great idea, and you’ve got the Good Design Shop, a concept store made to change the way people consume.
Pride of place
White goods company V-Zug may lack the global brand recognition of its rivals, but it’s proving that Swiss precision and attention to detail can go a long way in a competitive market.
