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
John Pawson
We sit down with master of minimalism John Pawson as he reveals his love of colour in a new photography book, ‘Spectrum’.
On Design 67: Michael Bierut: ‘Fear of Color’
This week graphic designer Michael Bierut gives us a sneak peek of an essay from his new book: ‘Now You See It and Other Essays on Design’.
Self-built homes
We visit two unlikely lanes in South London to mull over the legacy (and lessons) of self-built architecture in a city struggling to build enough new homes. Plus, a word with Dennis Tay, the Singaporean success story behind the design-minded retailer Naiise.
On Design 66: The enduring influence of the Bauhaus
The Bauhaus was only in operation for 14 years but its work and ideals have continued to influence designers to this day. We take a closer look at the institution’s living legacy.
Can supersonic flight land a new lease of life?
This week we round up of some of the most exciting design developments in travel – in the air and on the ground.
On Design 65: Milan’s tall storeys
Recent years have seen Milan’s urban developers embrace the skyscraper. But is it genuine modernisation or simply a case of pandering to big-name architects?
Questioning modern architecture
What most books label the ‘history of architecture’ is often a celebration of a narrow and subjective canon of works. But should we think differently about how we designate the desirable from the architecturally anonymous? Plus: reports on the winners of the Africa Architecture awards and Ralph Erskine award.
On Design 64: Montevideo’s Palacio Salvo: a towering presence
With its whirling beehive-style top overlooking Montevideo’s skyline, the Palacio Salvo was the tallest building in Latin America for decades. It also happens to have played an outsized role in the life of the Uruguayan capital.
Made in North Korea
We examine how product and package design evolves free from exposure to the outside world with Nicholas Bonner’s new book, ‘Made in North Korea’. Plus: ditching the digital with Polaroid’s new instant camera and how Kohler’s flush new idea is helping people build better bathrooms.
On Design 63: The throwaway brilliance of Bic
How a French company specialising in stationery, lighters and razors became one of the most commercially successful design brands in the world.
