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: Modernist Metroland
London’s grade II-listed Arnos Grove underground station is a classic example of modernist influences in the UK capital’s Metroland.
Drawing conclusions
We look at the unusual history of architectural drawings and debate the advantages of putting pencil to paper with architect Sam Jacob. Plus: architect Piero Lissoni on his new showroom for De Padova and a postcard from Toronto.
Extra: Straight to the moon
The idea of settling on the moon was once considered science fiction – but could it become a reality? Given the radical difference in atmosphere and vast lack of resources, we find out what materials could be used for building.
Making a mark in Hong Kong: Henry Steiner
We talk graphic design with the Viennese émigré behind some of Hong Kong’s best-known corporate logos. Plus: we’re up early to explore London’s best furniture market.
Extra: The problem with concrete
Each year we make enough concrete to build a wall 30 metres high, and 30 metres wide all the way round the equator. That staggering sum can’t be sustainable, so what kind of impact is it having and why aren’t we embracing alternatives?
Looking tasty: food-packaging special
What makes food and drink packaging stand out? To answer the question we speak to London-based Here Design, who share their thoughts on pattern, typography and why we need to stop saying the word “artisan”. Plus: Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum on life in Dhaka.
Extra: What are air rights?
Air rights are rarely heard of and seldom used but they have the potential to be the most useful – and lucrative – real estate for governments. So what are they?
Meeting Elizabeth Diller
Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro on her early career, why she nearly became a dentist and opening New York’s most anticipated arts venue, The Shed.
Extra: Tbilisi’s hopeful horizons
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tbilisi has fallen into disrepair and any new developments, despite being hastily erected, are left empty. But there’s hope: the first architecture biennial since the 1980s is imminent.
Coffee with David Chipperfield
We check in with David Chipperfield to talk coffee pots and ask how the right kind of design can help combat our obsession with consumerism. Plus: are designers under constant pressure to innovate?
