Sustainability is increasingly inbuilt to good design outcomes, however, there is always more to consider with cultural and social sustainability now informing much of the built environment from inception.
Looking at different aspects of designing for the environment we focus on some incredible houses, Waimataruru Home by PAC Studio and Kristina Pickford Design (158) takes on the rugged New Zealand Coast line with extraordinary grace. Also with extraordinary views, Gong’s House by Various Associates, has developed a new herb brick to create a multi-generational gathering place in Yongjia in China in a valley surrounded by steep mountains, where rain is perpetual (130). George Safe takes us on a rocket ride through Davis, a copper clad extension by Blur Architects (186). Vokes and Peters continue to impress with the latest collaboration with Blok Modular absolutely astounding (178). An incredible retreat in India is enveloped in a fringe of leaves (196) and Enter Projects Asia challenge Thai architecture with a brick house that breathes with ease (168). Being cognisant of neighbours is also considered with Beach House by Multiplicity (140) a fine example. The latest super star of Japanese architecture Keiji Ashizawa has designed the most beautiful garden house imaginable and we are thrilled to include this project in this issue (150).
Furniture design is a constantly evolving and always cognisant of the environment. This is again twofold with sustainability a core consideration, and climate another. Like housing, sustainability of materials, limited waste, recyclability and reuse are increasingly foundational consideration. So too is life style and the physical environment with outdoor furnishings designed to tolerate harsh outdoor conditions from frost to sun bleaching. Gone are the days of faded sun lounges with mouldy cushions, instead our outdoor furniture is as comfortable and aesthetically stable as our indoor iterations. Climate is another consideration with billowy lounges with boucle wool upholstery great for cold climates, but entirely unsuited to the tropics. With these aspects in mind, Adam takes us through the thinking behind furniture design in an intimate look through his ranges for NAU and Tate (72), but also introduces us to some of his favourite designers and makers with an extraordinary line up of talent, both iconic and emerging (55).
Our profiles get a boost into orbit with the incredible Judith Neilson, arts patron across architecture, design, art and literature sitting still for the incredible David Clark who we are honoured to have as a contributor (76). Upping the boasting rights a notch we also profile the Duchess of Northumberland and find out all about how she has put the establishment noses out of joint (90). Earthitects are not quite as famous, but this incredible practice is rethinking the how of architecture as a socially sustainable enterprise (84).
Lightbox also comes under Adam’s gaze with some of his favourite artists, makers, collectors and designers gathered together (21).
To find out more about the magazine tap here.
Sit back, relax and dream big!
Gillian Serisier
Editor