Design Movement – May 2012
Design Movement is the new monthly magazine form Desmo UK Limited. We list our favourite articles from the web. Each article is selected for its interest and relevance to Design, Architecture, Creativity or local news from the African continent. To feature your news in this section, email us.
(All links are checked prior to publication. However we can not guarantee the content or reliability of each link.)
May 2012
Nigeria: The future rises
It is widely agreed that Africa is the new land for development and opportunities. Nigeria, as one of the key areas of forecasted growth has begun to attract internationally acclaimed Architects making their stamp on the emerging landscape. View a number of emerging projects in Nigeria.
The World Architecture News 21 Awards are now down to 8 contestants. Read more about these outstanding designers and their bold innovative work. Visit WAN 21
January 2012
Inspiring social change with design
Social change is on every Nigerian’s heart, if not mouth. In the weeks and days following the protests, various conversations have centered around the need for change, whether politically, morally or financially inspired, people just want a better Nigeria. Can design also inspire change?
- We look at the plans for an ‘Eco-city’ in Lagos. The design is inspired by a vision create an urban plan that incorporates housing, industrial space, parkland, agriculture, water, and thoroughfares into an ingenious and tidy package. A decent urban plan is especially relevant with current global issues of eco-branding, tax increases, economic and industrial collapse, global warming, and overpopulation. Should Nigerians be looking to design as a driver for social change? View plans.
November 2011
The way things are done
- Nigeria’s Plastic Bottle House by DARE is an ingenious scheme using litter (discarded plastic bottles) to construct new residences.
Lighting and LEDs
- Thomas Edelmann writes for Stylepark, focusing on LEDs and the technicalities of lighting. He looks at the disadvantages of traditional fluorescent lamps and features LED as an alternative solution. A must read for any developer passionate about good lighting.
September 2011
Innovative construction work from all around the world
- The Pasarela del Arganzuela is a pedestrian bridge in Madrid. The steel structure tapers like a cone and lights up as a spiral at night.
- When a huge technology giant opens a flagship head office, they want to reflect a strong brand. Decos Technology Group focused on an open planned space with minimal boundaries, creating a workshop environment where people could meet and swap ideas.
August 2011
Our August issue will provide a bumper edition of new projects and innovation in design.
- Good news for Nigeria according to a survey by Morgan Stanley, forecasting a significant growth in the Nigerian economy
- No 1 Airport Square is a mixed used complex situated in the heart of Accra, one of the strongest economic hubs in West Africa. View this extraordinary development here.
- View this highlight of contemporary design, a house near Lake Lucerne in Switzerland designed by Phillip Stuebi. It has sharp modern design lines and reflects the use of nature at its best.
May 2011
We turn our spotlight to Africa.
- International design studio uses African fabrics as inspiration for a new collection in the Milan Furniture fair with over 2,500 designers.
- Sir Norman Foster completes his latest project in Africa. Experience the innovation and quality from one of the World’s best Architects in the Banque Marocaine du Commerce Exterieur.
- Introducing the flagship hotel of “the pearl of Africa”, the Kampala Serena Hotel in Uganda
- Visit architectafrica.com to follow the architectural trends in Africa and news on major projects across Africa
April 2011
This month is all about Multiple Award winning Architects and their Architecture.
- Aedas is an Architectural firm with a portfolio of complex projects across the globe.
- Looking for innovation in residential design, apartments and remodelling? Have a look at Gregory Phillips, a renowed firm in Architectural design trends.
- Giorgio Burruso is an Italian Architect best known for his innovative experiential designs for international retail fashion houses.
- This excellent article on the Classification of Nigerian Architecture spans a period from pre-colonial times to recent developments. A must read!
March 2011
- Town Hall Hotel in London – a case study on the development and use of traditional techniques and motifs within contemporary cutting edge design and manufacturing technologies.
- Ghana unveils $1.5 billion housing project – work is now underway on a $1.5bn housing scheme in Ghana which aims to construct 200,000 housing units for the country’s security services by 2015.
- Central Bank Nigeria to curb currency speculations – Business news from 234next.
- Elektra bakery – a case study of excellent interior design, tasteful features and efficient systems.
February 2011
- Managing in a recession – an article from the RIBA blog on how to keep business going in a recession.
- New Conference Centre in Calabar – A Danish firm has won the design competition for a new conference centre in Calabar.
- Nigerian election fever – 59m Nigerians register in 2 weeks.
- Featured City – This month, we feature Copenhagen, the birthplace of the original designer hotel.
January 2011
- A history of the kitchen – An article on the evolving kitchen. Part of the Harvard case study on Valcucine Kitchens.
- Sir David Chipperfield to receive the Royal Gold Medal 2011 – News from RIBA
- Lagos – what it takes to get things done – Article from the Financial Times (registration may be required)
- Travel for Art Ethusiasts - Feature