12 November 2020
08 minutes
Photo: Tendo Co., Ltd.
Design writer and architect Naomi Pollock shares the story of the spoke chair. The piece features in Pollock’s new book, ‘Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook’.
12 November 2020
Share episode
DownloadWant 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
Extra: Australia’s home-building pioneers
Pettit+Sevitt pioneered architect-designed project homes in 1960s Australia. We talk about the firm’s legacy and revival.
Better development
How can we build better new developments? We check in with Australian architects, Dutch developers and Danish innovators who show that good design can make new homes and offices beautiful, functional and sustainable.
Extra: International Woolmark Prize
The finalists of this year’s prestigious International Woolmark Prize were announced this week. Sinéad Burke, a member of the judging panel and an accessibility advocate, discusses how the competition allows young fashion…
Designing a better nation
We speak to Edi Rama, the Albanian prime minister behind the colourful façades of the capital, Tirana. Plus, a look at the posters plastered across the streets of Zürich.
Extra: The spoke chair
Design writer and architect Naomi Pollock shares the story of the spoke chair. The piece features in Pollock’s new book, ‘Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook’.
Designing for sleep
Don’t want to wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Well, when it comes to sleep, quality is as important as quantity. For proof, we test out the humble futon, hear about the work of famed mattress-manufacturer Hästens and…
Extra: Architectural renders
On Design Extra: Meena Krenek, an interior-design director at the Los Angeles offices of Perkins&Will, reflects on the importance of including a diverse range of people in architectural design visuals.
Product-design highlights
What do architects, outdoor enthusiasts and kitchenware specialists have in common? They all make for great product designers. For proof, we check out David Chipperfield’s new suitcase, Japanese brand Snow Peak’s tasteful…
Extra: ‘Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure’
Craft and design journalist Katie Treggiden discusses the designers, makers and manufacturers using waste as their primary resource and delves in to her new book, ‘Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure’.
Animal architecture
How do we design for our furry, scaled and feathered companions? We talk to architect Asif Khan about his work for man’s best friend, profile the designers who are making creature comforts a priority and unpack the best in…
Extra: International Library for Fashion Research
Elise By Olsen, founder of the International Library for Fashion Research, explains how the new globally accessible archive will help to decentralise the field.
Apple Watch: a contemporary design icon
We interview the executive behind the Apple Watch and drop into the south of France for a fashion festival. Plus: Monocle’s Ivan Carvalho heads to Porto Fashion Week, an event that spotlights the creative collaborations…
Extra: Copenhagen’s Palads Teatret
What happens when a popular heritage building is set for demolition? We visit Copenhagen’s Palads Teatret, a train station turned cinema, to learn the fate of its pastel-coloured façade.
Design on film
Ever wondered where archive footage is collected for documentaries about designers? Or who designs film sets and props? Hear the answers as we explore the life of furniture-maker George Nakashima, visit backlots in Hungary…
Extra: How does electronic music influence design?
From instruments that inspire product and industrial-design techniques, to the look of album-cover art and gig posters, the connections between electronic music and design are abundant. We visit the Design Museum to find…
