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
Temporary architecture
We cast an eye over ephemeral architecture and consider the enduring role of temporary buildings. Although most designers build structures to last, there are some benefits to our health and even our skylines to creating spaces that are made to be dismantled.
Extra: Alexander Girard
One of the leading figures in US postwar design, Alexander Girard was a polymath who created everything from bold graphics and textiles to colourful branding for Braniff International Airways.
Up in the air
We talk airplane interiors with Adam White, director of Factorydesign, and ask journalist Anthony Paletta why airports are designed with short-haul in mind. Plus: we jet off to Helsinki for an exhibition that celebrates the capacity of travel to broaden our horizons. All aboard.
Extra: George Him
Olivia Ahmad, exhibition curator at the House of Illustration shares the story of Polish graphic designer George Him.
Islamic geometric design
We discuss the origins of tessellations in Islamic art and ask how architecture affects our work-life balance. Plus: author Shelley Klein recounts her childhood in a mid-century house in Scotland and we preview Monocle’s city-themed July/August issue.
Extra: Debbie Millman
We check in with graphic designer and educator Debbie Millman to discuss staying connected in divided times and moving learning online.
Design with the times
Designer Dr Danah Abdulla joins Josh Fehnert for a round-up of the design headlines and author Julia Watson talks about indigenous design. Plus: Erin Lilly of Kohler shares some insights.
Extra: Tragic floor
Pilot and photographer Bill Young tells of the mesmerising, bizarre and sometimes questionable carpets found in hotels around the globe.
Philip Johnson, Helsinki Design Week and the Taiwan Design Research Institute
We talk with the author of a new biography of US architect Philip Johnson, find out the latest from Helsinki Design Week and spotlight the rebranding of the Taiwan Design Research Institute.
Extra: In praise of back-issues
Monocle’s Robert Bound delves into his archive and explores the wonders of wending his way through back issues of magazines.
