Design Academy Eindhoven Students Protest Over Insufficient Workspace and 'Economic Segregation'
Master's students at Design Academy Eindhoven organized protests during the annual Graduation Show, citing a severe lack of workspace and resources. This deficit, they claim, has led to 'economic segregation' and hindered their ability to produce large-scale work. The student body demands better provisions and greater accountability from the institution, especially as a planned relocation has been delayed, exacerbating existing space constraints.
Karimoku New Standard and ASICS Partner for Sustainable Furniture Collection
Karimoku New Standard has launched a global collaboration with ASICS, transforming foam from discarded ASICS trainers into cushioning for two new furniture pieces: the Castor Lobby Sofa and Polar Lounge Chair. This initiative repurposes deadstock footwear, reducing waste and creating a unique hybrid material by blending EVA foam with cotton. The partnership highlights a commitment to sustainability and innovative material reuse in furniture design, offering both comfort and an eco-conscious approach.
Baird Architects Unveils Debut Furniture Collection, BA Objeto
Baird Architects, a US-based architecture firm, has launched its first furniture line, 'BA Objeto,' which includes twelve pieces of seating, tables, and shelving. Designed by the firm's founder Matthew Baird, in-house architects, and external collaborators, the collection is manufactured in Portugal. This venture marks a strategic expansion for the studio, moving beyond bespoke furniture to a broader business model that celebrates individual designers' contributions and explores craftsmanship at a more intimate scale.
Apple's latest "Designers of Tomorrow" exhibition, currently captivating audiences at Design Miami.Paris, is a compelling showcase of emerging talent and the intricate beauty of the creative journey. Featuring the innovative works of designers Parafernalia, Yoonjeong Lee, Salem S Charabi, and Isabel Rower, the exhibition, meticulously curated by Rodman Primack alongside a distinguished jury, delves into "the art in the making." This year's focus illuminates how Apple's technology seamlessly integrates into the design process, empowering these visionaries to transform nascent ideas into tangible, inspiring creations.
The exhibition's core theme, "Design for Presence," resonates deeply through each designer's contribution. Salem S Charabi, an Egyptian-Danish designer, presents a lamp that is a testament to cultural heritage and sustainable practices. His creation intricately weaves together date palm from Saqqara, limestone from the Galala Mountains, and paper meticulously crafted from banana palms found in the Nile Delta. Charabi's work elegantly explores the concept of "presence" by highlighting the intrinsic beauty and stories embedded within these natural materials, echoing traditional Egyptian craftsmanship.
Seoul-based artist Yoonjeong Lee embarks on a fascinating exploration of an object's evolving utility. Her design ingeniously elevates the humble pencil stump from a simple tool to a central element of a sophisticated lamp. Lee's process involved meticulously stacking approximately 5,000 thin veneer sheets to forge a new, solid piece of wood, demonstrating an extraordinary dedication to material transformation and the re-imagination of everyday items into art. Her work invites viewers to reconsider the potential hidden within ordinary objects.
Isabel Rower's contribution champions sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship. Her unique chair is a composite of upcycled furniture, salvaged from Brooklyn curbsides, transformed into a robust armature. This base is then adorned with layers of papier-mâché and a pulp composite made from wood glue, sawdust, and shredded waste paper. The final touch is a meticulous application of 1,500 handmade ceramic beads, transforming discarded materials into a piece of functional art that tells a story of revival and meticulous artistry.
The duo behind Parafernalia, Sebastián Zorrilla and Genki Matsumura, present "MonoAmbiente 1," a design conceived as an unfolding landscape. Their creation utilizes acid-etched stainless steel surfaces that playfully interact with light, revealing and concealing intricate details as one observes. This dynamic piece transforms from a distant scene into an inviting space for social interaction, with elements morphing from rocks into stools and a table, fostering conversation and shared experiences. This innovative approach blurs the lines between art, furniture, and interactive environment.
The "Designers of Tomorrow" exhibition marks Apple's continued commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging talent within the design world, building on its successful inaugural launch last year. The showcase not only highlights exceptional individual works but also underscores Apple's belief that its products reach their full potential in the hands of the world's most inventive minds. This exhibition, running from October 21 to 25, 2026, at L’hôtel de Maisons in Paris, offers a profound glimpse into the future of design and the pivotal role technology plays in its evolution.