Architecture, product, and visual culture — narrated.
Daily design briefing — architecture, product design, branding, and the practitioners shaping how things look and feel — narrated by the Storyflo persona desk.
Dana Design Brief — Audo House opens in NYC, ODA's chamfered Manhattan limestone, and a cemetery that powers itself with cremation
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Dezeen·8 minArching motion-informed amphitheatre among projects from University of Dundee
The University of Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design is showcasing innovative projects from its Interior and Environmental Design program. Among the highlights is a creative redesign of an amphitheatre inspired by dance, alongside student housing in a renovated church and accommodations for cancer patients and their families, all emphasizing well-being. Ben McArthur's project, "Relic," is a furniture collection that repurposes construction waste into artistic pieces, exploring the value of overlooked materials. Cherie Shek's "Dreamscape" is a sleep retreat designed to promote tranquility and restorative sleep, featuring biophilic designs that enhance well-being through natural elements. Filip Lesniewski's "Re-Mind" reimagines a high-rise housing block in Dundee, utilizing principles of neurodesign to create a supportive living environment that fosters mental clarity. Other notable projects include Holly Lonie's "Forbes," a residential pod for cancer patients that focuses on creating a warm, domestic atmosphere rather than a clinical one. Kayla Adamson's "The Assembly" transforms a church into a vibrant student living space, addressing issues of loneliness and identity in urban settings. Kyle Petrie's "Re-Construct" emphasizes adaptive reuse by repurposing demolition waste into new materials, while Maria Kostova's "Time Out" lounger invites users to slow down and reflect, drawing inspiration from various cultural lounging rituals. These projects reflect a dynamic intersection of design, architecture, and social issues, showcasing the creativity and thoughtfulness of the students at DJCAD. The work will be on display at the Art and Design Undergraduate Degree Show in May 2026.
inside tilda swinton’s ‘ongoing’ world of ghosts, garments, and artistic fellowship
Tilda Swinton recently performed at the Onassis Foundation in Athens, presenting a piece called A Biographical Wardrobe alongside French fashion historian Olivier Saillard. The performance involved Swinton sharing personal stories tied to various garments, including a pink cardigan from her father and a kilt covered in her late dog’s fur. This act transformed clothing into emotional artifacts, highlighting themes of memory, grief, and collaboration. The performance is part of a larger exhibition titled Ongoing, which showcases Swinton’s artistic journey through films, installations, and collaborations with notable figures like Pedro Almodóvar and Derek Jarman. Rather than focusing on individual genius, the exhibition emphasizes collective creativity and the importance of relationships in the artistic process. Swinton describes the exhibition as a "seedbed of work," designed to evolve over time and resist closure, with many installations newly commissioned or intentionally left unfinished. Swinton's philosophy centers on the idea that the relationships formed during the creative process are more significant than the final products. She likens these relationships to a tree, where the trunk represents the connections and the branches symbolize the conversations that lead to artistic outputs. This approach challenges the contemporary culture of individual branding and isolation, which Swinton has observed among younger artists. Throughout the performance, Swinton reflects on her long-standing collaborations, especially with Jarman, who significantly influenced her career. She recalls shared moments and objects, such as a sweatshirt they both wore, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their connection even after his passing. The exhibition captures the essence of these relationships, presenting a space filled with "ghosts" of past collaborators, whose influences continue to shape Swinton’s work and creative conversations.
inside vollebak’s sonic jacket, an emotional resonance chamber for the body
Vollebak's Sonic Jacket represents a shift in wearable technology, focusing on emotional resonance rather than performance metrics. Unlike conventional devices that optimize the body through data collection, this innovative jacket prioritizes sensory awareness and feeling. It features 180 inward-facing speakers that create an immersive experience by transmitting sound frequencies directly into the body, altering the wearer’s emotional and physiological states. The concept emerged from co-founder Nick Tidball's interest in how sound affects the body, inspired by the soothing frequency of a cat's purr. This led to a broader exploration of sound as a force for good, contrasting with the idea of sonic weaponry. The Sonic Jacket aims to foster a more intimate relationship between technology and the body, emphasizing emotional immediacy over productivity. The jacket's design allows wearers to experience sound as vibration rather than through traditional auditory means. This unique approach transforms the experience of sound into a bodily sensation, with frequencies ranging from 4Hz to 20kHz. Early experiments with prototype speaker panels revealed profound emotional reactions, suggesting that the technology could evoke feelings of joy and connection. Tidball also draws from historical practices, positing that ancient cultures understood the effects of sound on the body more intuitively than modern society does. The Sonic Jacket aims to reconnect users with these sensory experiences, creating an immersive environment where listening becomes a holistic bodily experience. The jacket's design balances the need for wearability with the desire for deep sensory engagement, ultimately redefining the role of wearable technology in our lives.
Dezeen·7 minCemetery generating renewable energy from cremation among projects from IE University
Dezeen School Shows: a cemetery that generates renewable energy from cremation to power its memorial spaces is among the projects from IE University.
Dezeen·8 minCentre for dance and wellbeing among projects from IE University
Dezeen School Shows: a mixed-use building with spaces for dance and leisure is among the projects from IE University.
Horse creates collaboration edition packaging for DASH and Pink Lady®
__DEGRADED__ Independent London design studio Horse has unveiled the packaging for a major new collaboration between the sparkling water brand and Pink Lady Apples. The new can design marks the latest milestone in a creative relationship that stretches back to the very beginning of DASH Water, which has become widely known for its commitment to sustainability and its championing of wonky fruit. Sarah Pidgeon, creative director and co-founder at Horse, said, “Having helped build DASH from the beginning, it’s been incredibly rewarding to continue evolving the brand as it grows.” Pidgeon added, “This collaboration with Pink Lady Apples was an amazing fit from a design perspective. We have two brands with strong values, one relatively new, the other an iconic and much-loved brand, and both with distinctive personalities. Our role was to bring those identities together to create something that felt commercially strong, creatively distinctive, and completely authentic to both partners.” In designing the collaborative can, Horse made the bold strategic decision to remove the painterly dash marks that have become a defining signature of the core DASH beverage range. Removing these familiar visual markers made space for a striking metallic gradient, running from green to pink, to take centre stage on the pack – a direct reference to the natural skin of a Pink Lady apple. As a final touch, the flowing Pink Lady heart branding was applied to the can as the distinct seal of taste, directly evoking the iconic apple stickers that are instantly familiar to consumers across supermarkets. Ian Firth, creative director and co-founder at Horse, said, “We wanted the can to look really eye-catching and unique in people’s hands this summer.” Firth continued, “The design needed to convey all the energy, fizz, and vibrancy of the new flavour, with all the style DASH has become synonymous with. By stripping back the familiar marks, we could let both the gradient and the Pink Lady branding really shine.” This design direction reflects a wider trend within contemporary FMCG branding, where established brands are increasingly willing to subtract their core visual assets to accommodate collaborative storytelling. In an oversaturated retail landscape, branding exercises with vivid yet clear and easily recognisable design are often appreciated by younger audiences. For the DASH team, the launch carries a significance that extends beyond expanding its existing product line with a new flavour. Jack Scott, co-founder of DASH Water, said, “In an uncertain world, people gravitate towards what feels culturally familiar; the things they’ve loved for years, that feel real and nostalgic.” He noted that Pink Lady apples have been a staple food product in the United Kingdom since the 1990s, characterised by their distinct appearance and crisp taste. “Now DASH is giving that legacy a modern, sparkling twist,” Scott said. He concluded, “Horse has played a brilliant role in bringing that spirit to life through its design. The team has been part of our journey since day one and truly understands the heart and soul of our brand. Design-wise, we’ve tried something new and bold here that has pushed us in exciting directions, but it’s been achieved while staying true to who we are.” The new DASH Water and Pink Lady Apple edition is scheduled to arrive on shelves in Tesco stores on 2 June 2026, and is available for immediate purchase online through the brand’s direct-to-consumer website.
For artist and designer Talin Hazbar, every fragment of rock tells a story
__DEGRADED__ Left: research references for Talin Hazbar’s installation inspired by traditional Syrian courtyard fountains. Right, Hazbar with a model of her fountain installation for the <a href="https://designdoha.org.qa/en/biennial/">Design Doha Biennial</a>’s ‘Arab Design Now’ exhibition in November 2026
Dezeen·5sDezeen's favourite furniture and lighting from Milan design week 2026
Milan's Salone del Mobile furniture fair showcased innovative designs, including stackable drawers, anthropomorphic lamps, and a unique PVC coffee table. Notable highlights included the Inflatable Table 001 by Jabez Bartlett, which features a pillowy surface and aims to create more permanent objects from materials typically used in film sets. Another standout was THING_04 by Konstantin Grcic for 25kg, a seat made from post-industrial plastic waste that cleverly attaches to scaffolding. The PS 2026 Lamp by Lex Pott for IKEA caught attention for its charming design and affordability, while the Savoia Chair by Barber Osgerby for Kartell impressed with its elegant proportions and high-gloss finishes. Lara Bohinc's Compulsion Chair created intrigue with its interlocking forms, evoking a sense of discomfort and emotional depth. NM3 showcased a stainless-steel bed as part of an industrial-style apartment, exemplifying modern Italian design. Ronan Bouroullec's Abaco armchair for B&B Italia highlighted a minimalist aesthetic, and Anita Morvillo's Becoming In Lamp provoked conflicting emotions with its intricate design. Marcin Rusak's wall cabinet, featuring dehydrated flowers encased in glass, stood out for its beauty and craftsmanship. Finally, Raw Edges introduced a mini version of their Side Stack drawers, making playful design accessible for home use, while Jin Kuramoto's edible chopsticks were a playful reinterpretation of a culinary staple.
Dezeen·5sEarl of East founders reveal how to bring personality to a rental home
Paul Firmin and Niko Dafkos, founders of the lifestyle brand Earl of East, have released a book titled "Home for Now: Living Well Without Staying Long," which showcases how to infuse personality into rental homes. The book highlights 40 rental spaces across the UK and USA, emphasizing that renters can create warm, inviting environments despite the temporary nature of their living situations. Firmin and Dafkos recognized a common desire among customers to make their rentals feel like home, even while waiting for a permanent residence. Among the featured homes, a standout is Brigette Muller's 1920s railroad apartment in Greenpoint, New York. Muller's fearless approach includes painting and renovating her space, creating an emotionally rich environment filled with personal artifacts and meaningful scents. Another notable example is Scott Bennett's east London apartment, where he and his partner took a disciplined approach to furnishing, carefully selecting items with personal significance over time. Agnes Baddoo's family-owned prewar apartment on the Upper West Side of New York offers a unique perspective, retaining its historical elements while incorporating daily rituals that connect her to her family's legacy. In Greenpoint, Éva and Ian Goicochea's home reflects a decade of thoughtful curation, with an extensive library and furniture chosen for character and longevity. Rhett Baruch and Patty Sanchez's Koreatown home blurs the lines between living space and gallery, filled with unique finds and handcrafted items. Robert Gigliotti's Los Angeles house showcases the beauty of thrifted and inherited pieces, emphasizing warmth and personality over newness. Shai Akram and Andrew Haythornthwaite transformed a former workshop in Stoke Newington into a versatile living space, focusing on reversible changes. Finally, Zoe Starreveld's north London townhouse exemplifies a rejection of rental limbo, as she actively plants roots in her community and garden. Each of these homes demonstrates that renters can create meaningful, personalized spaces that reflect their identities and histories.
Dezeen·5s"I'm not happy" with how fast parametricism is being adopted says Patrik Schumacher
Despite it being adopted more slowly than he anticipated, Patrik Schumacher believes parametricism will still become a universal architectural style, he tells Dezeen in this interview.
andreas angelidakis fills the greek pavilion with soft ruins and queer atmospheres
The Greek Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale 2026 features an installation titled "Escape Room" by artist Andreas Angelidakis, curated by George Bekirakis. This year's exhibit transforms the pavilion into a psychological and political space, exploring themes of nationalism and the complexities of historical narratives. Angelidakis conceptualizes the pavilion as a contemporary Platonic Cave, where reality is fractured and shaped by digital illusions and collective beliefs. He emphasizes the instability of contemporary reality, suggesting that history itself is imprisoned within the cave of ideology. The pavilion's architecture, constructed in 1934, is examined as both subject and artifact, reflecting a "Year Zero" of historical significance linked to the rise of totalitarian regimes. Angelidakis intertwines the narratives of national history and the pavilion's exhibition history, illustrating how buildings can embody political and autobiographical stories. The installation divides the space into two, referencing Greece's National Schism of 1915, and challenges the notion of a singular national identity. Inside, visitors encounter oversized soft sculptures and an LED floor creating a "disco tunnel effect," reflecting the endless loop of media consumption. The exhibit juxtaposes spectacle with political commentary, drawing parallels to the commodification of history. Angelidakis aims to create an ambiguous experience, where multiple interpretations coexist and conflict, rather than providing a singular historical narrative. The installation encourages visitors to linger and engage with its contradictions, inviting them to explore the complexities of cultural identities. Angelidakis views the Biennale as an ideal platform to examine the collapse of national identities, linking it to broader historical conflicts. Ultimately, "Escape Room" presents a vibrant yet layered exploration of history, identity, and the fluidity of truth in contemporary society.
