Monocle on Design

We hear about the project bringing handmade Kasama pottery from Japan to the UK.

We explore the weird and wonderful world of architectural models at a new exhibition in London and learn a few tips to transform our wardrobe. Plus: why a city-based architect is focusing on improving rural life.

We meet Seen Displays, the design studio behind the new Bally flagship in London, to find out how the shop personifies the brand.

We reflect on the rebuilding of Beirut following the blast last year at the city’s port; visit a new showcase on biophilic design; and discover why the Royal College of Art’s new campus is growing to include facilities for robotics, science and technology.

Kätlin Lõbu, co-curator of Tactile Baltics, shares what’s in store at the exhibition that champions contemporary makers from the region. Eighteen designers from Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia have produced tableware, textiles, lighting and furniture, which will all be on display at the London Design Festival this year.

We venture to 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen. Plus: US-based artist Willie Cole shares his approach to using recycled materials and, at the London Design Festival, we browse a collection from British manufacturers SCP.

We hear about Finnish fashion house Marimekko’s 70th-anniversary auction of rare vintage items at Bukowskis, titled ‘The Artists Who Shaped Us’.

We explore the strength of the Milanese design industry and catch up with Stephen Burks and Malika Leiper to discuss their hybrid studio and gallery in New York

Extra: We visit an exhibition at the Fondazione Berengo Art Space to find out how a collaboration between Berengo Studio and London-based design brand Wonderglass is pushing the boundaries of Murano’s glass-blowing tradition.

The design world’s biggest event is here – we cover Milan Design Week from our base in the Lombard capital, checking in with emerging designers from Stockholm art and design collective Swedish Girls, visiting Molteni’s space at Supersalone and talking with the co-founder of Danish design studio Karakter.

We catch up with Wael Al Awar of Dubai-based design studio Waiwai following its recent Golden Lion award for the best national pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

We speak to world-renowned German camera brand Leica about its move into the mobile phone market. Plus: we hear about Nike’s sports uniform design process and get to know a Bosnian furniture brand recognised by Unesco.

We speak to the team behind the design of Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace skincare brand.

British designer Paul Smith shares his design for a new Mini vehicle and we visit Alvar Aalto Week in the Finnish town of Kouvola. Plus: we meet Ishkar, a company helping to preserve traditional craftsmanship in conflict-affected countries.

Ivan Carvalho takes us through the curvilinear craftsmanship found in the classic chair produced by Arcalo.