20 April 2021
Episode 497
30 minutes
Photo: Darren Bradley
We head to Palm Springs, the idyllic desert retreat that’s become synonymous with mid-century modern architecture, to explore why this unassuming corner of California became a hub for modernist design.
20 April 2021
Share episode
DownloadChapter 2
8 minutes
Photo: Courtesy of Modernism Week
15
15
/
Modernism Week is an annual celebration of mid-century modern design in Palm Springs, with many events such as home tours, auctions and exhibitions. We catch up with Lisa Vossler-Smith, the event’s executive director, to find out more about the importance of promoting the area’s outstanding architectural heritage.
8 minutes
Share chapter 2
Chapter 3
5 minutes
Photo: Janna Ireland
15
15
/
Palm Springs’ fame is partly thanks to iconic photographers capturing the works of equally iconic architects. We sit down with artist and photographer Janna Ireland to discuss her most recent book ‘Regarding Paul R Williams: A Photographer’s View’, which explores the work of one of California’s most important architects.
5 minutes
Share chapter 3
Chapter 4
9 minutes
Photo: Image courtesy of CHOC
15
15
/
How do you design new buildings that complement the architectural heritage of a place like Palm Springs? We speak with Palm Springs’ Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) to find out how they created apartments in line with their mid-century modern neighbours.
9 minutes
Share chapter 4
Want more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
Monocle on Design - latest episodes
Dubai Design Week
Nic Monisse recaps highlights from the 10th iteration of Dubai Design Week, an event that continues to cement the city’s status as the region’s design hub.
‘A Present/Absent Mudhif’
The titular pavilion is on show as part of this year’s Dubai Design Week. The structure’s Iraq-based architect, Ola Saad Znad, discusses the shelter that is inspired by the floating houses found in the Mesopotamian Marshes…
November issue preview
With our latest issue set to hit newsstands this month, we preview some of our favourite stories from a design special that features interviews with industrial designers Cecilie Manz and Ini Archibong.
Sheryl Leysner
The interior-and-lighting designer, Sheryl Leysner, discusses her approach to upcycled materials and reuse in her East Amsterdam studio.
Tallinn Architecture Biennale, formations in clay furniture, Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suites
We report from the Tallinn Architecture Biennale and meet one of the designers behind Cathay Pacific’s new Business Class suites. Plus: an exhibition in London explores the role of ceramics in furniture design.
Tubelight
Boaz Cohen, co-founder of Amsterdam-based studio BCXSY, shares the development process behind the Tubelight, the practice’s playful, award-winning take on fluorescent lights.
Rooms Studio, Ghost Signs, ‘Zaha Hadid: Paper Museums’
We visit a design practice in Tbilisi, take a tour of faded signs of east London with Sam Roberts and learn about paper models at the Zaha Hadid Foundation.
Mobile Phone Museum
We meet the co-founder of the virtual Mobile Phone Museum to discuss the rich history and design diversity of these portable devices.
Istanbul Quality of Life Conference
Our recap of the Monocle Quality of Life Conference in Istanbul. We meet Maltese architect Richard England, and talk to the founders of fashion label Nackiyé and design studio Autoban. Plus: the creative force behind Hun…
Sign of the times
Monocle’s Stella Roos reflects on the stylistic choices found on the road signs that pepper Europe’s highways.
Venice Glass Week, Lake Como Design Festival and Unique Aircraft
We visit Northern Italy, stopping first in Murano to learn about the island’s glass production today, then across to Lombardy to reflect on the outstanding works on show at the Lake Como Design Festival. Plus, what are the…
Christie’s new Asia-Pacific headquarters
The world leading auction house has opened its new Asia-Pacific flagship space in Hong Kong. Monocle’s Asia editor, James Chambers, takes a tour with its interior designer, Betty Ng.
Protest architecture, Katie Treggiden
Architect and author, Nick Newman, explains the connection between the built environment and activism in his new title. Plus, design writer Katie Treggiden discusses the makers that are paving the way when it comes to…
Vienna Design Week
Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov reports from the 18th edition of Vienna Design Week.
London Design Festival
The Monocle team rounds up highlights from this year’s edition. Expect Design Innovation Medal winner Natsai Audrey Chieza, the landmark pavilion ‘Vert’ and a visit to Kindred record store.