Kyoto Serenity
With an elegant restraint inspired by Kyoto’s quiet discipline, MASADO crafts spaces that speak in whispers rather than declarations. His architecture strikes a harmonious balance between heritage and modernity, precision and emotion. Through dialogue, patience, and artistry, he transforms tradition into contemporary poetry, creating work that is both profoundly local and universally human.
変化を受容する建築
佐藤航は、建築を住まい手や環境と共に進化する「ダイナミック(動的)な存在」と捉えています。変化の影響を信じる彼の設計思想は、柔軟性にあふれ、利用者や地域社会の変化する要求への受容性を重視しています。この原則は全てのプロジェクトの基盤とされ、彼の設計が時を経ても作品が時を経ても深い意義をもって人を惹きつけ続けることを保証しています。New Release: ARTTA Concept Studio, located in Hong Kong, serves as a catalyst for creativity through purposeful design that seamlessly integrates structural integrity with emotional resonance. The studio places a significant emphasis on refinement, which constitutes a fundamental aspect of its innovative design philosophy.
ARTTA Concept Studio, located in Hong Kong, serves as a catalyst for creativity through purposeful design that seamlessly integrates structural integrity with emotional resonance. The studio places a significant emphasis on refinement, which constitutes a fundamental aspect of its innovative design philosophy.
空間知と繊細な感情
香港を拠点とする ARTTA Concept Studioは、目的意識のあるデザインを通して、全体構造が心に響くように統合させ、創造性を触発するカタリストの役目を果たしています。洗練に徹底するこだわりこそが、スタジオの革新的なデザイン哲学といえます。
Design is an essential cornerstone of Helsinki, the capital of the world’s happiest nation and a UNESCO City of Design. Here, design plays a fundamental role in fostering quality of life and building a sustainable future. Organized for the 20th time this September, Helsinki Design Week is the largest architecture and design festival in the Nordics, inviting both professionals and the public to discover and discuss topical themes while creating new connections.
DETAILS AND AESTHETICS is a stirring tribute to Hong Kong’s often-overlooked Brutalist architecture, revealing the striking beauty and enduring significance of 34 concrete landmarks. Through Kevin Mak’s evocative photography and Bob Pang’s insightful writing, this visual archive invites readers to rediscover the city, experiencing its untold stories and resilient spirit, one bold façade at a time.
JAPANESE SPATIAL DESIGNER ANNUAL Vol. 01 is now available, featuring 90 of Japan’s most innovative architects, interior and lighting designers, and creative visionaries. The publication is bilingual, visually rich, and relevant globally.
In the foothills of rural Japan, PAN- PROJECTS quietly redefines the architecture of impermanence. Their latest prototype, Earthboat V1, is a mobile timber retreat built entirely from Cross-Laminated Timber — designed not to claim land, but to touch it lightly and move on. Equal parts shelter and statement, the 20.5m² cabin revives forgotten leisure sites with Scandinavian clarity and Japanese restraint. Featuring a sauna, modular interiors, and zero foundations, the Earthboat is less about escape than encounter — a new, slower ritual of living with nature.
Studio City Phase 2 in Macau offers more than just a cinematic experience; it introduces a new design language where technology, materials, and spatial storytelling come together. Designed by OFT Interior under the creative direction of CM Jao and Ken Cheung, this ambitious project also includes contributions from Japanese lighting designer Koichi Tanaka and Lightlinks International. It masterfully merges form, function, and innovation. Each element of the space engages the senses, creating an environment that blurs the boundaries between architecture and performance.
BL redefines traditional eyewear design, transforming glasses into unique pieces of art that capture the essence of our time. By fusing graphic artistry with the vibrant contrasts of Pop Art, our designs transcend mere materials and forms, celebrating creativity through a precise spray-painting technique that surpasses traditional silk-screen printing. Each element is meticulously crafted with sustainability in mind: our eyewear cases are crafted from recycled Dupont materials, and our aluminum time capsule packaging pays homage to the pioneering spirit of space exploration. These design choices embody a philosophy of preserving wisdom and beauty in a digital world, offering a unique and timeless memento of life's fleeting moments.
A collaboration between The Hari Hong Kong and the London-based art advisory A Space For Art, the Hari Art Prize invites emerging local artists across all genres and mediums to submit their works by 31 December 2025. Winners will be unveiled in April 2026 during a celebratory ceremony at the hotel’s Wan Chai property. The grand prize winner will receive HK$100,000, sponsored by Dr. Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels. The first and second runners-up will each be treated to an overnight stay, complete with exceptional dining experiences at the hotel’s signature restaurants, Lucciola and Zoku.
Anticipated to unfold across Tokyo this year, DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 is the most extensive edition yet. With 117 diverse presentations, it promises to animate the city's vibrant streets. As one of Japan's most prominent design and art festivals, it showcases an intriguing mix of design, art, interior design, and fashion. It significantly impacts the industry, firmly establishing Tokyo as one of the world's leading cultural hubs.
This year's theme, "Reframing - The Beginning of a Shift," is a call to action for creators and audiences to rethink the familiar and discover new meaning by exploring ideas from fresh perspectives. In today's digital world, where information is instantly accessible, creativity often risks becoming commodified, resulting in a sense of déjà vu.
"Talk to Me" is a short film directed by Jimmy Ming Shum. The film delves deep into the themes of trauma and loneliness, offering a profound understanding of these emotions. This poignant drama, which premiered at the Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF), highlights the enduring psychological scars of nuclear disasters. It emphasizes the cathartic potential of even the smallest human interactions. Mutuko Haba and Tsuyoshi Kondo deliver compelling performances, bringing a quiet intensity to the roles of Fumi and Yoshitaka. Their conversations, woven with vivid monologues of loss and grief, open pathways for healing, demonstrating the film's belief in the restorative power of empathy.
The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design and AD Museum are pleased to announce the search for the inaugural Director of Finland's new national Museum of Architecture and Design, a landmark cultural institution set to open its doors on the Helsinki waterfront in 2030. Ideal candidates will be visionary and inspiring leaders with a proven track record in creative and curatorial leadership. They should possess strong communication and people skills and have the ability to guide and motivate the museum's team through a significant period of change.
Heatherwick studio has launched a three-year creative education programme that will work with 600 young people aged 10-14. Named In The Making, the initiative will be one of the biggest programmesrun by any design studio in Britain. It aims to inspire young people to see themselves as creative and support all 6,000 architecture practices across the UK to engage with schools.
The Capella Kenting resort, conceived by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel for Riant Capital and Capella Hotels and Resorts, epitomizes a seamless blend of luxury and nature. Nestled in Taiwan’s southernmost county, just north of the scenic Kenting National Park, this resort draws profound inspiration from its rich cultural context and captivating landscape.
TOKAS Announces Applications for 2025 Artist and Curator Residency Programs Focused on Innovation and Cultural Exchange
The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, Real Estate Company ADM, the City of Helsinki and SAFA the Finnish Association of Architects have launched an international, open design competition to find a design team for a new 10,050 sq m (GFA) museum building in Helsinki’s South Harbour.
An international, two-stage design competition will be held to select the design of the new museum building. The competition aims to deliver a design that is architecturally unique, providing the framework for world-class museum operations and creating new, vibrant urban spaces in Helsinki’s rejuvenating South Harbour area.
The competition programme will be published on April 11, 2024, and the results will be announced in August 2025. The open, anonymous competition will be conducted in English. More details can be found on the competition website at admuseo.fi.
The competition is organised by Real Estate Company ADM – an entity owned by the City of Helsinki and the Finnish state – together with the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, and in cooperation with the Finnish Association of Architects SAFA and the City of Helsinki.
Design is an essential cornerstone of Helsinki, the capital of the world’s happiest nation and a UNESCO City of Design, where design plays a fundamental role in maintaining the quality of life and building a sustainable future. This September, design can be seen and felt in the city even more than usually, as the 18th Helsinki Design Week and Habitare, Finland’s largest furniture, design and decoration event, take place. Design thinking starts already in school. The City of Helsinki together with Helsinki Design Week will be presenting their second Helsinki Design Award to Arabia Comprehensive School where design and architecture educations starts from the first grade.
The world-renowned architectural firm Atelier du Pont collaborated with the European Space Agency and the visionary developer Sogelym Dixence to create a space that pays homage to the limitless horizons of space exploration.
Perched amidst the breathtaking natural landscapes of Wakayama, Gwenael Nicolas's modern fisherman's house stands as an iconic yet unassuming testament to architectural brilliance. Set within the enchanting backdrop of Nanki-Shirahama, a national park renowned for its stunning beauty, this architectural gem seamlessly fuses with its surroundings, creating a harmonious sanctuary that embraces the wild allure of the coast.
Discover the Tranquility of Hinoki House No.3, Ryue Nishizawa's Latest Architectural Masterpiece, a Meditative Timber Retreat in Karuizawa that Pays Homage to Traditional Japanese Residential Architecture and Celebrates Sustainability
The Asanuma Corporation is promoting its first flagship project, the GOOD CYCLE BUILDING, a project to renovate a 30-year-old building into an environmentally friendly building. The existing building frame was utilized and modified to increase accessibility to natural light and wind, and new materials were added as much as possible using natural materials such as earth and wood, enabling the building users to participate in the construction and maintenance process.
Takuro Yamamoto Architects won the Bronze Award for Music Hall in the Sky at the Sky Design Awards 2022. In a residential area of Tokyo, Music Hall in the Sky is a small classical music concert hall with about 50 seats. It is surrounded by collective housing and three-story houses, but despite this, you can listen to music in an environment where only the sky can be seen outside the window because the adjacent houses cannot be seen from the hall's windows.
Welcome to the BL (Biulam Design) eyewear collection, now available at Merci Magazine's online shop. This collection features a unique fusion of timeless design and innovative artistry. BL redefines eyewear as a "walking art form," striking a balance between classic elegance and the vibrant energy of pop art. Each frame is meticulously crafted using spray-painting techniques to create striking graphic expressions beyond conventional methods. These frames are not just accessories; they are bold statements.
Each pair comes in packaging that is an integral part of the design itself: a sleek, brushed aluminum time capsule inspired by the era of space exploration. The case, made from recycled Dupont material, reflects BL's commitment to sustainability. This capsule encourages users to contemplate a "Future Antique"—a tangible item designed to endure both trends and the passage of time. This thoughtful design philosophy celebrates craftsmanship that engages the senses, transforming everyday objects into meaningful experiences.
BL's vision is simple and profound: to create eyewear reflecting personal journeys, moments, and memories. Each piece is a true reflection of the wearer, gaining a richer patina over time and inviting users to see themselves as part of this evolving work of art. Discover BL at Merci Magazine's shop, where design transcends the visual and leaves a lasting impression.
Welcome to the BL (Biulam Design) eyewear collection, now available at Merci Magazine's online shop. This collection features a unique fusion of timeless design and innovative artistry. BL redefines eyewear as a "walking art form," striking a balance between classic elegance and the vibrant energy of pop art. Each frame is meticulously crafted using spray-painting techniques to create striking graphic expressions beyond conventional methods. These frames are not just accessories; they are bold statements.
Each pair comes in packaging that is an integral part of the design itself: a sleek, brushed aluminum time capsule inspired by the era of space exploration. The case, made from recycled Dupont material, reflects BL's commitment to sustainability. This capsule encourages users to contemplate a "Future Antique"—a tangible item designed to endure both trends and the passage of time. This thoughtful design philosophy celebrates craftsmanship that engages the senses, transforming everyday objects into meaningful experiences.
BL's vision is simple and profound: to create eyewear reflecting personal journeys, moments, and memories. Each piece is a true reflection of the wearer, gaining a richer patina over time and inviting users to see themselves as part of this evolving work of art. Discover BL at Merci Magazine's shop, where design transcends the visual and leaves a lasting impression.
Welcome to the BL (Biulam Design) eyewear collection, now available at Merci Magazine's online shop. This collection features a unique fusion of timeless design and innovative artistry. BL redefines eyewear as a "walking art form," striking a balance between classic elegance and the vibrant energy of pop art. Each frame is meticulously crafted using spray-painting techniques to create striking graphic expressions beyond conventional methods. These frames are not just accessories; they are bold statements.
Each pair comes in packaging that is an integral part of the design itself: a sleek, brushed aluminum time capsule inspired by the era of space exploration. The case, made from recycled Dupont material, reflects BL's commitment to sustainability. This capsule encourages users to contemplate a "Future Antique"—a tangible item designed to endure both trends and the passage of time. This thoughtful design philosophy celebrates craftsmanship that engages the senses, transforming everyday objects into meaningful experiences.
BL's vision is simple and profound: to create eyewear reflecting personal journeys, moments, and memories. Each piece is a true reflection of the wearer, gaining a richer patina over time and inviting users to see themselves as part of this evolving work of art. Discover BL at Merci Magazine's shop, where design transcends the visual and leaves a lasting impression.
Designed by Akira Nakagomi.
In an era where outdoor living is elevated through thoughtful design, the Play Metal Fireplace stands out as a unique blend of craftsmanship and functionality. Crafted using a minimalist process of laser cutting and bending, this lightweight fireplace, assembled quickly, showcases how industrial techniques can be transformed to produce elegant and practical objects.
Upon first look, the design's flow is captivating. The elegant curves soften the natural rigidity of the metal, turning it into something warm and inviting. When in use, the fireplace unfolds its three components like the petals of a flower, creating a dynamic form that becomes vibrant when lit. This unfolding is visually poetic and highly functional, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, making it a practical addition for outdoor gatherings.
The beauty of this design lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its versatility. When stored, the Play Metal Fireplace takes on a completely different shape—compact, resembling a handbag. This portability adds a layer of functionality often missing in traditional outdoor fire pits. It's not just a fireplace; it's functional art that can be used and stored easily, making it a practical addition to any outdoor setting.
While the Play Metal Fireplace may seem easy to use, each experience with it adds a layer of meaning. Lighting a fire and watching the metal change color with heat, then storing it away for future adventures, creates a sense of connection and ritual. It's a tool made to age gracefully, allowing users to build memories around its flame.
Play Metal Product is a brand based in Kitakyushu, Japan's industrial heartland with a strong history in the steel industry. The fireplace, designed by Akira Nakagomi, pays homage to this legacy by combining the city's robust manufacturing history with a modern, minimalist approach. Nakagomi's vision is reflected in the fireplace's blend of strength and elegance, demonstrating how traditional steelwork can be transformed into something refined.
The Play Metal Fireplace offers portability, craftsmanship, and visual appeal, making it more than a functional outdoor accessory. It represents thoughtful design where industrial roots meet contemporary living.
Folded sizes: 305mm x D300mm x H14mm
Assembled sizes: W325mm x D315mm x H290mm
Product design: AKIRA NAKAGOMI DESIGN @akira_nakagomi
Branding Design: TETUSIN DESIGN https://tetusin.com/
Photo: Yusuke Murata https://yusukemurata.com/














PLAY METAL FIREPLACE: A Sculptural Union of Craft and Utility CA$165.00 Designed by Akira Nakagomi.
Set between sea and tropical rise, Raffles Sentosa Singapore offers a contemporary lesson in calm. Yabu Pushelberg’s interiors and Stellar Works’ crafted furnishings create a quietly choreographed world where materials, light, and landscape work in unison. This is luxury without noise—an architecture of stillness, a design language of restraint, and a hospitality experience that prizes tranquillity above theatrics.