Timmerhuis, Rotterdam

The iconic building reimagined by architects, city government, a construction firm and a car company

The Dutch city of Rotterdam is perhaps the perfect place for an architect who wants to explore what can be done in the field of green housing. Rotterdam—which was bombed heavily during the Second World War—has little architectural heritage to protect. This led to a slew of new, innovative buildings in the city, as architects have more freedom to create and experiment without being bound …

Muji’s Three Minimal Huts for Tokyo Design Week

Designers Konstantin Grcic, Jasper Morrison and Naoto Fukasawa have teamed up with Japanese retailer Muji to create a set of ultra-simple cabins for Tokyo Design Week. The three shacks include a kitchen, bedroom and space for activities—like reading or lounging—but keep with Muji’s philosophy for minimal design by avoiding anything unnecessary. Though they may be small, each of the pre-fabricated “Muji Huts” looks spacious and …

Seven Beautiful New Books on Design

From packaging and storefront creations to waterside modern homes

With the prevalence of design imagery circulating the internet, and many people mixing and matching from centuries of aesthetic developments on their own Pinterest boards, sometimes we all need a reminder that there are experts out there. Nothing speaks to expertise on design like a beautiful book filled with imagery and insight. The following seven selections represent a broader look at design as a category, …