Test Drive: 2018 Volvo XC40

With plenty of clever utilities, this slick crossover is deceptively simple

by Michael Frank This is a deceptively simple looking crossover. From the side the mid-size XC40 looks substantial, chunky, and only the Thor’s Hammer headlamps (that form an arrow-like beam) and hockey-stick tail-lamps tick Volvo signature boxes. But look closer and Volvo’s split the junction of front fender, hood, roof, and front door in an unconventional pattern. The hood doesn’t quite square up with the …

Third Nature’s Pop-Up Parking Garage and Storm Water Reservoir

With storms aplenty this year, Denmark-based design firm Third Nature has proposed a parking garage concept that manages excess water in cities, and more. Called Pop-Up, the parking garage resides underground—with public space on its top, outside section. With heavy rain, the structure collects water and rises up, while building a reservoir below. While still a concept, Pop-Up demonstrates an innovative new way to tackle …

Roman and Williams New Flagship Store, Guild New York

A 7,000-foot furniture and design showroom and restaurant from the acclaimed duo

To truly understand the capabilities of a design house, it makes sense to immerse yourself in a world of their creation. This is exactly what one experiences when entering Roman and Williams‘ brand new Guild New York—a 7,000-square-foot showcase of their impeccable work whose very name references a gathering of the senses. A brand drawn from the imaginations of design duo Robin Standefer and Stephen …