AZURE

Lively, fresh, forward-looking, but also socially relevant — this defines Azure, the leading design publication covering the expanding world of international contemporary architecture and design. Each issue delivers readers inspiring ideas and cutting-edge innovations, from state-of-the-art green building to the latest in furniture and home accessories from around the globe.

Open to Privacy • Nienkämper’s VOX Hex workstations deftly combine collaboration and seclusion in a compact design

Azure • Vol. 37 - No. 288 SEPT/OCT 2021

Purpose Built

Smooth Sailing • For its first North American collaboration, Fantini unveils a nautical-inspired bath fixture series by Yabu Pushelberg

Mood Collection • People, projects and products you need to know about now

Natural Cycles • A HYBRID CREMATORIUM IN RURAL INDIA PROVIDES A PATH TO THE AFTERLIFE

Curtain Calling • ESTUDI{H}AC’S FIRST CERAMIC TILE LINE BORROWS FROM VALENCIAN TEXTILES

Eye Catcher • FLEXIBLE DISPLAYS AND GENTLE CURVES DEFINE THIS TORONTO BOUTIQUE’S ADAPTABLE OUTPOST

Gone Saline • HOW DESIGN STUDIO WAIWAI IS TURNING INDUSTRIAL WASTE INTO A POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTE FOR PORTLAND CEMENT

In the Round • TADAO ANDO’S RENOVATION OF A HISTORIC PARISIAN HUB TURNS THE NEOCLASSICAL BUILDING INTO A SCULPTURAL ART CENTRE

Pier Supports • WHILE UNDENIABLY CONTROVERSIAL, THOMAS HEATHERWICK’S NEW PUBLIC PARK IS A STAGGERING TECHNICAL FEAT

Testing the Waters • IN SHANGHAI, LINEHOUSE CONVERTS A NEGLECTED SWIMMING POOL INTO A VIBRANT MULTI-USE SPACE

Team Players • CREATE FUNCTIONAL AND FLEXIBLE SETTINGS WITH THESE COLLECTIONS OF SEATING, DESKING AND MORE

Shared Locations • AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECT BILL DOWZER ON HOW CO-WORKING SPACES CAN SUPPORT BOTH INDIVIDUALS AND THE TEAM

Join the Club • TURNING ITS BASEL HEADQUARTERS INTO A HANDS-ON LAB, VITRA EXPLORES THE LAYERED NEEDS OF TODAY’S OFFICE

Treading Softly • WITH BIOPHILIC DESIGNS AND UNCONVENTIONAL TEXTURES, THESE CARPET TILE COLLECTIONS SOOTHE THE SOUL

Keep It Down • ADAPTABLE ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS THAT CAN BE EASILY INCORPORATED INTO NEARLY ANY SETTING

Building Blocks • STUDIO KOMO’S PARED-DOWN TAKE ON MODULAR FURNITURE BRINGS VERSATILITY TO A STUTTGART CO-WORKING SPACE

Low Tech High • WITH THE BURKINA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KÉRÉ ARCHITECTURE EXPLORES NEW WAYS TO USE HUMBLE MATERIALS TO SPECTACULAR EFFECT

SILENT TREATMENT • KNOWN FOR TRANSFORMING INFRASTRUCTURE INTO ARCHITECTURAL FEATS, TORONTO PRACTICE GH3* UNVEILS A STORMWATER PROCESSING FACILITY THAT DOUBLES AS A STOIC CIVIC LANDMARK

ARCHITECTURE IS NEVER COMPLETE • IN VENEZUELA’S CAPITAL, ELISA SILVA LEVERAGES PUBLIC SPACE TO CONNECT A FRAGMENTED CITY

COMMUNITY TIES • Across North America, architects and community leaders are fostering more socially and environmentally sustainable approaches to rebuilding publicly run housing. One unifying principle? Avoid displacement and (almost) never demolish.

Life, Together • A Venice Biennale about the spaces that unite us

MAJOR PLAY • DESIGN TRENDS 2022 For many of us, the pandemic that has gripped the planet over the past year and a half has not only upended our lives and threatened our physical well-being — it has also sparked an existential crisis. How should we live? That is the question. By focusing inward, we’ve reappraised the values that give life meaning. Over the next year, more than ever, we’ll be seeking out joy, togetherness and serenity, both at home and in the world.

COLLECTIVE ACTS

NEW RITUALS

Both Sides Now • CONCRETE’S MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES SHINE THROUGH IN ARCHITECT MARCO ORTALLI’S REFINED CASA ELL IN COMO, ITALY

Bathroom

Wall and Ceiling

Eastern...