Whether known as the Centre Pompidou or simply Beaubourg, this Parisian landmark is set to close its doors from 2025 to 2030 for extensive renovations. Criticised and even mocked at its opening, the Centre Pompidou has since earned its place as an iconic fixture in the Parisian landscape and a major player on the international museum scene. We take a closer look at the institution’s fragile and unconventional business model as it approaches its 50th anniversary. By Marie Ballarini, Université Paris Dauphine – PSL.
Milan Design Week is a bustling hub of creativity and innovation, among the standout exhibits at the Rosanna Orlandi Gallery was the work of Italian studio, Mandalaki. Their new collection, Artifact, showcases how they merge sculpture and lighting, redefining the boundaries between art, design, and illumination, writes Isabella Lancellotti.
Presented since 1979, the Venice Architecture Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia) is possibly the most influential architecture exhibition in the world. For the first time, this year’s edition is curated by an African architect, Lesley Lokko. She has ensured that a strong African presence is the central feature of the show. Indeed, the 2023 exhibition is part of an undeniable shift towards a more just representation in global architecture. By Tomà Berlanda, Professor of Architecture, University of Cape Town.
Italian brand Qeeboo's latest collection features collaborations with renowned designers including Philippe Starck and Studio Campana, and founder, Stefano Giovannoni. Launched at Milan Design Week, the new works redefine the concept of tableware and the dreamy animal-sculptures have a strong expressive identity, writes Antonio Visconti.
Prepare to be transported through time and space to a world of exquisite decorative arts as we explore The Frick Collection's latest exhibition. The Gregory Gift, a bequest from the collection of Alexis Gregory, is a beautifully curated show of twenty-eight objects rich in historical and cultural significance. Among them are fifteen Limoges enamels, two clocks, and two ewers, to name just a few. The collection echoes the Kunstkammers created by princes during the Renaissance, where they would display a variety of precious objects, opening new areas of research, writes Antonio Visconti.
The Sydney Modern Project had the odds stacked against it since its inception in 2013. It has surely been the most controversial state gallery extension to be built in Australia. Sasha Grishin, Australian National University.
In 1972, when the Art Gallery of New South Wales opened its first modern building, it was rightly praised for its innovative design. Architect Andrew Andersons incorporated the latest aspects of museum architecture. The egg crate ceilings were designed to reduce noise for people walking on its marble floors. There were moveable screens that looked like walls and adjustable light levels for fragile art.
The first time John Willsteed saw the spectacular spires of Antoni Gaudi's Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, he was the bassist for the iconic Australian band the Go-Betweens in the eighties. Now a senior lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology's School of Creative Practice, his Spanish trip to revisit his favourite building was derailed by the pandemic and the ensuing travel restrictions.
Last year we took more than 1.43 trillion photographs with our camera phones. American academic Dr T.J. Thomson studied thousands of phone images to discover what we photograph the most, revealing insights about who we are and what we value in society.
The National Gallery of Victoria's exciting new Triennial exhibition in Melbourne shows a panoply of international contemporary art, design and architecture. The exhibition has a huge “wow” factor with a mix of major household names as well as completely unexpected, quirky discoveries, writes Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University.
This year, the Tokyo games were scuppered by Covid-19, but a spectacular new museum in Colorado has just opened to celebrate the Olympics. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It was originally planned to open with the games in Japan. The building is America's first Olympic museum and has a dynamic design that reflects athletic endeavor, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Jason O'Rear.
One of the highlights of Milan Design Week was the collection by British designer Tom Dixon shown in his new custom showroom and restaurant called The Manzoni in the heart of Milan, near the Teatro alla Scala. The space will open to the public later this month, reports Isabella Lancellotti. Photographs for DAM by Elli Ioannou.
Venetian glass is famous throughout the world for its vibrant colour and crystalline clarity, elaborate design and unmatched craftsmanship, honed over hundreds of years by local artisans on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy, writes Isabella James
Lee Broom is one of Britain's top designers with showrooms in London and New York. So far he has won more than twenty awards, including British Designer of the Year and The Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Lee Broom's new Observatory collection is being launched with a trilogy of shows in Milan, New York and London. We spoke to the dynamic designer about what drives and inspires his life and work. Story by Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Additional reporting and portraits by Elli Ioannou.
The House of Christian Lacroix celebrates its 30th anniversary with a limited edition capsule collection by New York multimedia artist Brian Kenny. Along with the latest collection, the company has a new digital commerce platform, with collections available online for the first time. Jeanne-Marie Cilento talks to Christian Lacroix Creative Director Sacha Walckhoff about the French brand's new directions.
Tommaso Nani and Noa Ikeuchi create designs that are odes to the beauty of simplicity and a Zen-like purity of form. This Italian and Japanese duo found a common language and opened their studio, Mist-o, five years ago in Milan and Tokyo, creating a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia. Today, their clients include iconic Italian brands such as Cappellini and Tod’s. Last year they received the EDIDA Young Japanese talent award by Elle Decor Japan. Jeanne-Marie Cilento asks them 10 Questions about their life and work. Portraits by Ilaria Cilli at Palazzo Litta in Milan.
A witty and graceful furniture collection with a surprising dash of robust vigour has been designed by Christian Lacroix's Creative Director Sacha Walckhoff and produced by Roche Bobois. Jeanne-Marie Cilento speaks to the effervescent designer about the inspirations and challenges that faced him creating a completely new oeuvre for the French fashion house.
The world's leading designers including Ron Arad, Daniel Libeskind and the late Zaha Hadid have created glimmering, crystalline pieces for the new Atelier Swarovski Home collection launched for the first time in Milan at Palazzo Cagnola during the Salone del Mobile, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
American designer Juliette Mutzke-Felippelli and Brazilian Diogo Felippelli first met on the dance floor at a club in Rio de Janeiro before they opened their design studio Joogii in Los Angeles. Today, French house music is still one of their key inspirations, especially for their dynamic new chair. Jeanne-Marie Cilento asked them 10 Questions about their life and work.
The Art of Glass at Verreum: Designers Sacha Walckhoff and Arik Levy
Shimmering amid flowers, berries and leaves, Verreum’s glass collection by the world’s top designers includes the clever Reverso by Sacha Walckhoff and Arik Levy’s curvaceous Drops vases reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Mariangela Curci & Paul McDonnell.
American jeweller Andy Lifschutz has a studio in New York’s hip Bushwick neighbourhood but has recently opened a gallery and studio in the heart of Rome. An artist in metal and stone, the designer's richly-textured pieces are hand-crafted and full of whimsical metaphor and poetry. Jeanne-Marie Cilento talks to the tall, laconic Portland native at his 16th Century bottega in Via Arco Di Palma. Portraits by Paul James McDonnell.
Christian Lacroix's Creative Director Sacha Walckhoff
Christian Lacroix’s exuberant Creative Director, Sacha Walckhoff, talks to Jeanne-Marie Cilento about his life in Paris, his new work and designs for Dutch powerhouse Moooi. Portrait by Mariangela Curci.
Australian designer Brodie Neill talks to Jeanne-Marie Cilento about his stellar international career.
Based in London, he discusses his new work and inspiration ~ including the influence of listening to Swedish House music on his creative oeuvre in our DAM TV interview.
Award-winning Art Director Gaetano Castelli in Rome
One of Italy’s great designers, artist Professor Gaetano Castelli was Director General of Rome's Academy of Fine Arts and works on Italy’s top television programs including the latest show by Oscar-winning Roberto Benigni & 18 Sanremo Music Festival extravaganzas plus winning the Rose D’Argento and two Rose d’Oro awards at the Montreux International Television Festival. Today, he is the creative director of the spectacular, multi-million dollar stage shows at Paris’ Moulin Rouge. Jeanne-Marie Cilento talks to the gallant and enthusiastic designer at his studio in Rome.
An affirmation of humanity, peace and beauty in Paris, the new show of Icelandic-Dutch artist Olafur Eliasson transports us into the sublime world of outer space. Called the alchemist of the art world, Eliasson gives viewers an experiential rush, report Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
Designer Marcel Wanders: New Works at Milan Design Week
Among the world’s top designers who gathered at this year’s Milan Design Week, Dutch superstar Marcel Wanders’ work was the most ubiquitous with new pieces at Moooi, Baccarat, Magis, Barovier&Toso and Very Wood, Jeanne-Marie Cilento writes.
New Architecture: Japan's Silver Mountain and Red Cliff Tower
Japanese architect Kunihide Oshinomi has designed a glimmering, anthropomorphic building like a futuristic sea anenome at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Kawasaki prefecture, Ambrosio De Lauro reports with Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Atsushi Nakamichi.
Design Miami/Basel opened this week in Switzerland, bringing together designers, curators, critics and collectors from around the world. This year, avant-guarde British designers Fredrikson Stallard have created a colossal installation glimmering with luminous, golden crystals, Jeanne-Marie Cilento writes. Photographs by James Harris.
Architecture: Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe's Villa Tugendhat
One of the icons of early twentieth century Modernism, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Villa Tugendhat has been restored to it's austere 1929 splendour after a two-year renovation. Filled with many of the architect's influential furniture designs still produced today, the house looks serenely across to the historic centre of Brno in the Czech Republic, write Andreas Romagnoli & Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Andreas Romagnoli.
Dutch Design: Marcel Wanders' Andaz Amsterdam Hotel
The rockstar of Dutch design Marcel Wanders created a spectacular Alice in Wonderland interior for a new hotel he opened this year in his home town of Amsterdam, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
Launched this year at Milan's international furniture fair, the new Tuareg lamp was designed by Ferruccio Laviani for Italian lighting company Foscarini, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
Nendo Exhibition: Glassworks at Dilmos Gallery in Milan
Milanese design gallery Dilmos held an exhibition of glass by award-winning Japanese studio Nendo during the Salone del Mobile, Jeanne-Marie Cilento writes. Additional reporting by Nicolas James. Photographs by Solange Souza, Joakim Blockstrom & Ambrosio De Lauro.
One of the most surreal exhibitions at this year’s Milan Design Week was the My Nose, My Stekkerdoos show created by Belgian designers Studio Job, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Additional reporting by Nicolas James. Photographs by Roos Aldershoff.
Designer Brodie Neill's Hand-Made Limited Edition Reverb Chairs
Australian designer Brodie Neill's sculptural Reverb chair is made as a limited edition piece for the Patrick Brillet Gallery in London, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
The Design Museum in London held a special talk about the tradition of commissioning design to stimulate creative excellence, technical innovation and the realization of artistic, non-commercial ideas, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
Metamorphosis: Exhibition of Moroso Design Collections
Italian design house Moroso is celebrating 60 years of avant-garde furniture design at an exciting new exhibition, reports Ruth Borgobello from Northern Italy.
Karim Rashid's University metro stop in Naples has polarised opinion between those who love it's colour and fun and those who question the designer's use of his signature motifs and the station's graphic rather than architectural quality.
Poised on a hill looking over tea plantations in Southern Japan, Scope is a sculptural new building designed by mA-style architects, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Kai Nakamura.
House I by Japanese Architect Hiroyuki Shinozaki
Ambrosio De Lauro reports on a new house in Tokyo's Tochigi Prefecture by architect Hiroyuki Shinozaki. Photographs by Fumihiko Ikemoto.
Secret Rome: Atmospheric Quartiere Coppedè
Photojournalist Christian Evren Gimotea Lozañes captures the looming Gothic apparition of the Quartiere Coppedè. Jeanne-Marie Cilento reports from Rome.
Japanese architect Kunihide Oshinomi has designed a glimmering, anthropomorphic building like a futuristic sea anenome at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Kawasaki prefecture, Ambrosio De Lauro reports with Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Atsushi Nakamichi.
New Architecture: Mirage House on the Island of Tinos, Greece
A spectacular new house being built on the rocky coastline of Greece’s Tinos Island will have an enormous, sparkling rooftop pool that appears to merge with the Aegean sea beyond, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Additional reporting from Greece by Antonio Visconti.
Traversing the city of Rome, through poor neighbourhoods far from the splendour of the historic centre, Andreas Romagnoli shoot’s Richard Meier’s Dives in Misericordia (Mercy of God) church. Like an image from a neorealist film, the church appears floating on a field of travertine marble ringed by a tangle of hive-like apartment buildings and a green park, write Andreas Romagnoli & Jeanne-Marie Cilento
New Architecture: Brazil's Casa Cubo by Isay Weinfeld
A spectacular spiral staircase of Brazilian ironwood is the design centerpiece of architect Isay Weinfeld’s new house and gallery in São Paulo, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Fernando Guerra.
One of the icons of early twentieth century Modernism, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Villa Tugendhat has been restored to it's austere 1929 splendour after a two-year renovation. Filled with many of the architect's influential furniture designs still produced today, the house looks serenely across to the historic centre of Brno in the Czech Republic, write Andreas Romagnoli & Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Andreas Romagnoli.
New Architecture: Festival Hall Tiroler Festspiele Austria
Folded like an origami bird of prey, Austria’s new Festival Hall crouches among the hills of the Tyrol looking ready to take flight, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Brigida González.
Bosco Verticale: Vertical Forest Towers in Milan Near Completion
The urban vertical forest is one of the most intriguing ideas in contemporary architecture. The world’s first forested skyscraper is now nearing completion in the Italian design capital of Milan, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Marco Garofalo & Francesco de Felice.
Clinging to a volcanic hilltop in Oia, the Katikies hotel on the island of Santorini is a maze of white washed cubist buildings like a small, self-contained Grecian town, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
Photo Essay: Rome and the Colosseo Quadrato
For Romans the EUR district represents the world of business and its wide, modern spaces are ringed by monumental buildings from the Fascist era and Italy's post-war boom, write Andreas Romagnoli and Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photography by Andreas Romagnoli.
New Architecture: Green Modernism by Jorge Graça Costa
Big wave surfer José Gregório commissioned architect Jorge Graça Costa to design a house perched on a treed hilltop overlooking San Lorenzo Bay in the Ericeira world surfing reserve, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Fernando Guerra.
Perched like a luminous Corbusian shell on a rocky outcrop above the Balearic Sea, this new house was designed by Spanish architects Fran Silvestre, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento. Photographs by Diego Opazo.
New Animated Film: The ABC of Architects
This charming new animated film by architect Andrea Stinga and graphic designer Federico Gonzalez shows the best-known buildings of 26 famous architects, one for each letter of the alphabet, reports Sheherazade James.
Renzo Piano’s new temporary auditorium opened in L'Aquila by Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano, reports Jeanne-Marie Cilento.
Daily Design Fix: Naples University Metro by Karim Rashid
Karim Rashid's University metro stop in Naples has polarised opinion between those who love it's colour and fun and those who question the designer's use of his signature motifs and the station's graphic rather than architectural quality.
Braving freezing temperatures, Italian photographer Andreas Romagnoli captured Kiev under a veil of snow. Travelling across the city amid the gloomy splendour of it's Metro, he photographs the vast underground arcaded halls, decorated as imposing railway palaces, icy streets and the mysterious House of the Chimaeras, writes Jeanne-Marie Cilento.