Monocle on Design
Your essential guide to design, covering furniture, craft, and architecture. Discover fresh stories, rising talents, and the latest from top studios.
Latest Episodes
Extra: Pedal to the metal
Klaus Busse, Europe’s head of design at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, discusses his work at Maserati and the MC20 supercar.
Rethinking fashion
We visit Antwerp to meet a retailer championing the circular economy and speak to Dorothee Vogel about her new project, Salon Privé. Plus: how Swiss heritage brand Bally is pioneering sustainability.
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 designers to become more inclusive.
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 take to the night skies with design studio Caon.
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 tents and share some inspiration from Switzerland’s V-Zug.
