An '80s Objet D'esign: Oliver Michl's Expanding Architect's Lamp

While the '70s was about flowing plastic forms, the '80s jolted towards hard edges and an industrial aesthetic. A good example is this Architect's Lamp, designed in the '80s by German lighting designer Oliver Michl. It borrowed heavily from equal space dividers:

It really wasn't an "architect's" lamp, of course. Being ceiling-mounted, it was more a statement piece than a deskbound utilitarian lighting source.

The lamp was produced by German lighting brand Lucelab.

Sosokki Anac designs angular Abogoga cafe in Gimpo to resemble ancient ruins

Monolithic brick volumes intended to evoke "the ruins of an undiscovered ancient civilisation" conceal this cafe in South Korea, designed by local architecture studio Sosokki Anac.

Named Abogoga, the cafe and bakery sits alongside the Han River on the outskirts of Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province.

Sosokki Anac divided the cafe across three red-brick forms, designed to appear separate from the exterior but united by a high, angular exposed-concrete interior.

"I was interested in creating a dreamlike, almost fictional atmosphere that merges universal familiarity with something unfamiliar," said design lead Gi-Tae Chung.

Six famous buildings with infamous delays

Following news that the construction of the White House ballroom has been forced to stop, we look at six other high-profile projects that famously stalled.

The White House ballroom, which was halted by a judge last week, is the latest in a series of extremely significant buildings that have ground to a halt after breaking ground.

The site of the expansion threatens to become the world's most famous hole in the ground, with its future now set to be determined in the courts or by Congress.

Although the White House is almost without precedent in its significance, around the world there are numerous...

Soft Stone sofa by Gabriel Tan for ClassiCon

Dezeen Showroom: German design brand ClassiCon worked with Singaporean designer Gabriel Tan on a round-cornered modular sofa that takes cues from both sculpture and architecture.

The Soft Stone sofa comprises 11 different modules and is based on the staggered stone terraces in Porto's Parque da Cidade as well as the work of American sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

Tan aimed to imbue each module with a balance of softness and geometry: "I wanted to capture the feeling of resting on something solid and monumental that nevertheless feels completely natural and soft," said Tan.

This is corroborated by references to...

SPRING COLLECTION 26

This collection of artworks captures the essence of the Spring season. From vibrant colors to dynamic typography research, abstract moving shapes, and spring floral artworks, each piece reflects my emotional state during this captivating season. I trust you will find it enjoyable.

Populous reveals plans to revamp "home of Indian cricket" in Kolkata

Architecture studio Populous has unveiled plans to expand and redevelop Eden Gardens, an iconic cricket venue in Kolkata, India.

The fan-first revamp of Eden Gardens, which is widely referred to as the "home of Indian cricket", will improve the venue's seating plan and hospitality options.

Populous said the project deliberately focuses on enhancing the existing building, rather than expanding it to ensure the design honours the iconic venue.

"Our primary design strategy was to turn these challenges into wins for the venue, players and fans," said associate principal Pranav Kashyap.

"The design not only...

Pick up Dezeen Dispatch at Milan design week

Dezeen is set to launch the first Milan design week edition of Dezeen Dispatch next week, featuring our pick of the best events, exhibitions and hotspots at the annual gathering.

Those visiting Milan design week can pick up a free copy of the newspaper at select venues across the city, including Alcova, Nilufar, Palazzo Litta, DropCity, Issey Miyake, Superstudio Piu, Spazio Maiocchi and Base Milano.

"Quick and enjoyable digest"

"Dezeen Dispatch is meant to be a quick and enjoyable digest of Milan design week, providing readers with our edit of events to visit from the vast array of choices during the week," said...

Three new things you should know about Dezeen Awards 2026

https://invidious.privacyredirect.com/watch?v=W6YSzqvp4nY

Dezeen Awards 2026 is open for entries. Now halfway through this year's entry period, we've put together a short reel about the awards, highlighting key changes.

You still have time to submit your projects before our standard entry deadline. Enter by 23:59 London time on 27 May to avoid late entry fees.

Watch our reel below where Dezeen's awards and events manager, Chater Paul Jordan, outlines the essential information you need to know for this year's programme.

The video highlights three new things you should know about Dezeen Awards 2026

So far, the programme has received entries from over 75 different countries around the...

Hättke Brand design

Issey Miyake transforms "wafer-thin" layers of waste paper into marbled furniture

Fashion house Issey Miyake has created handcrafted furniture out of compressed log-like rolls of paper salvaged from the production of pleated garments, which will be unveiled at Milan design week.

The furniture prototypes will form part of The Paper Log: Shell and Core, an exhibition that will open at the Issey Miyake Milan store on 21 April.

Ranging from stools and chairs to tables and a bench, the pieces were created from tightly compressed rolls of paper known as "paper logs".

These "logs" are the byproduct of Issey Miyake's trademark pleating process, where paper...