Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like plants and water features, is gaining traction in retail environments, enhancing customer experience and increasing sales. Experts like Brendan O’Grady from CallisonRTKL and Oliver Heath highlight the benefits of biophilia, including improved air quality and customer well-being. Retailers such as Sweaty Betty, Apple, and Itsu are leveraging this trend to appeal to health-conscious consumers, particularly millennials. While real plants offer significant benefits, the use of artificial plants remains debated. The article underscores the universal appeal of nature in design, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and maintenance in biophilic spaces.

Retail lighting design must adapt to constantly changing store interiors and product ranges, with a focus on creating flexible and experiential environments. Industry experts Paul Nulty and Phil Caton emphasize the importance of lighting in enhancing the shopping experience and the challenges posed by frequent store layout changes. The rise of fast fashion and social media has influenced lighting design, leading to innovations like smart changing room lighting and adaptable LED technology. Despite differing opinions on lighting control systems, the future of retail lighting is expected to become more integrated and data-driven.

Explores bespoke and innovative flooring solutions in various high-end projects, highlighting the integration of company logos and historical inspirations in design. Notable projects include the use of printed tiles for George’s Great British Kitchen, terrazzo and rug inlays for William & Son, and LED flooring by Tarkett and Philips Lighting. Designers like Philip Watts and Neil Hogan emphasize the importance of creating a sense of heritage and brand identity through flooring, while new technologies promise to revolutionize the industry.

Brands worldwide are using innovative store designs to communicate their values and create unique customer experiences. Experts like Alasdair Lennox from Fitch and Sarah Page from Household Design emphasize the importance of creating a brand experience that goes beyond visual identity. Notable projects include Hamleys World in Moscow, Lego stores, Level Kids in Dubai, Tower London, Brooks Trailhead in Seattle, and The White Company's Sleep Studio in London. These designs incorporate elements that reflect the brand's personality and values, from playful and imaginative themes to urban and outdoor influences.

Mass timber, including engineered products like CLT and glulam, is emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials like concrete and steel. Despite its environmental benefits, the UK's recent regulatory changes post-Grenfell Tower fire have imposed restrictions on its use, potentially hindering innovation. Globally, countries like the US, Canada, and Norway are advancing mass timber architecture, with notable projects demonstrating its safety, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Experts emphasize the need for balanced regulations and continued innovation to fully realize the potential of mass timber in creating greener cities.

Designers Martin Videgård and Bolle Tham of Tham & Videgård Arkitekter transformed a Stockholm apartment in a former art-nouveau hotel using colorful and oversized parquet flooring inspired by the changing seasons. The bespoke flooring and wall cladding, made from colored and natural ash, create a unifying theme while offering different looks in each room. The furniture is kept white to ensure the vibrant flooring remains the focal point.

Residence One, a London-based residential development company founded by brothers Ben and Nick Wilson, focuses on creating luxurious, fully-furnished homes for the super-rich. The company collaborates closely with top designer Laura Hammett to ensure high-quality, design-led properties. Despite their lack of a property background, the Wilson brothers have successfully completed and sold several high-end properties in central London. Their latest project, a 700 sq m house on Chester Square, is expected to sell for £25m-£30m. The company's approach emphasizes meticulous design and craftsmanship, appealing to wealthy international clients who value elegance and luxury.

Flooring in healthcare settings must endure rigorous cleaning regimes and be resistant to staining and chemicals. Vinyl and rubber flooring are popular choices due to their durability and ease of maintenance. Specific products like Gerflor’s Tarasafe Ultra and Addagrip’s resin flooring are highlighted for their suitability in medical environments. Design considerations include seamless finishes, rounded corners, and vibrant colors to enhance patient well-being. Various flooring materials and technologies are discussed, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and the impact of design on quality of life in healthcare facilities.

The article explores the diverse architectural designs of courthouses around the world, emphasizing the balance between security, transparency, and accessibility. It highlights notable projects such as the Palace of Justice in Córdoba, the United States Courthouse in Salt Lake City, and the Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct in New Zealand. The designs aim to create spaces that are both imposing and welcoming, reflecting the evolving approach to justice buildings. Key stakeholders include architects, government bodies, and international organizations, all contributing to the development of these significant public structures.

The article explores innovative uses of coffee in architecture and design, highlighting projects such as Kali Coffee Roasters' store in Mexico, Thomson’s Coffee headquarters in Glasgow, and Rio Tinto's Melbourne office. It also features sustainable design practices like Tomas & Jani's Kava solid surface material made from coffee waste. The designs emphasize traditional and modern elements, sustainability, and the rich heritage of coffee.

Paul Thrush, director of STAC Architecture, discusses his firm's unique approach to designing Nando's restaurants, emphasizing the importance of creating distinct and innovative spaces for each location. Drawing from his South African heritage, Thrush incorporates authentic and reused materials into his designs, resulting in award-winning and memorable restaurant interiors. His work blurs the lines between interior design, architecture, and art, showcasing a clever use of everyday materials to create extraordinary environments.

Convenience stores are evolving to meet the needs of modern shoppers, particularly younger generations who prefer fresh, daily purchases over weekly bulk shopping. SimplyFresh and Centra are leading this transformation by focusing on fresh produce and innovative store designs that emphasize transparency and convenience. Retail designers like Devinder Jheeta and firms like Household Design are at the forefront, creating spaces that blend old-fashioned values with modern lifestyle needs.

The construction industry may soon embrace eco-friendly natural materials derived from fungus, as companies like bioMATTERS explore the use of mycelium for structural purposes. Mycelium, a dense network of fungal micro-filaments, has potential applications ranging from insulation blocks to furniture and textiles. Innovations in the field were highlighted at the London Design Festival and Chicago Architecture Biennial, showcasing the environmental benefits and aesthetic appeal of mycelium-based products. Other companies, such as Ecovative and Bolt Threads, are developing mycelium-based foams and textiles, including a vegan leather alternative called Mylo. Additionally, Prometheus Materials has created a zero-carbon bio-cement and bio-concrete from biomineralising microalgae. These advancements suggest a shift towards more sustainable materials in architecture and construction, aligning with broader environmental goals.

The article discusses various cultural centre projects around the world, highlighting their architectural significance and the ways in which they reflect and contribute to cultural development. Featured projects include the Longgang Cultural Centre in Shenzhen, China by Mecanoo; the He Art Museum in Guangdong, China by Tadao Ando Architect & Associates; MÉCA in Bordeaux, France by BIG; the National Museum of Finland extension in Helsinki by JKMM Architects; the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre in Northam, Australia by Iredale Pedersen Hook; and the Rong Cultural Center in Hormoz, Persian Gulf by ZAV Architects. Each project is described in terms of its design, cultural significance, and the architects and clients involved. The article emphasizes the importance of these centres in capturing the spirit of their locations and serving as a bridge between the past and the future.

Department stores are evolving to meet 21st-century consumer behaviors with innovative designs and flexible layouts. Traditional, compartmentalized layouts are being replaced by more dynamic and engaging environments. Retail designers are creating spaces that appeal to younger and more diverse audiences, with a focus on lifestyle shopping and experiential retailing. The resurgence of department stores is also seen in their strategic role as anchors in shopping malls and their ability to adapt to changing trends. The article highlights examples from around the world, including the UK, Kuala Lumpur, and Moscow, where department stores like Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, and Isetan The Japan Store are reinventing themselves. The future of department stores seems promising, with a focus on integrating online and in-store experiences, personalization, and regularly refreshing brand offerings to maintain customer interest.

Artist and designer Morag Myerscough discusses her passion for change and her recent move to the countryside for a more sustainable lifestyle. Known for her vibrant works that foster joy and belonging, Myerscough has embraced environmental choices, such as adopting electric vehicles early on and growing her own vegetables. Her work, which often involves community engagement, bridges disciplinary boundaries and transforms urban environments. Myerscough reflects on her upbringing in a colorful, Bohemian family and her desire to push creative boundaries beyond graphic design. Her recent projects include a reimagined Roman gatehouse at Housesteads Fort on Hadrian's Wall and a bandstand for Weston-Super-Mare, with plans to create a Chrysanthemum House to bring color and happiness during winter.

Designers are embracing diverse textures and finishes, with a focus on surfaces in a collection of tactile projects. Vyta Covent Garden in London, designed by Collidanielarchitetto, features a 1960s Italian architectural style with a polychrome marble floor. Textúra in Budapest, designed by Anett Ficzere and Hello Wood, showcases a tree-like wooden structure. Berlin Bar in Moscow, designed by Thilo Reich, incorporates concrete casts from Berlin's streets. Alice & Fifth in Johannesburg, by Tristan Plessis Studio, combines opulence with an underground edge. Third Avenue Boutique in Dubai, by H2R Design, merges contemporary and classic styles. The Doss House in Sydney, by Buck & Simple, offers a whisky bar with a rich history. St Mark’s Mayfair in London, restored by Donald Insall Associates, is a church converted into a mixed-use space. IYO Aalto in Milan, by Maurizio Lai, presents a Japanese-themed restaurant with a luxurious material palette.

Retail design significantly influences customer perception of products, with presentation playing a crucial role across various market segments. From Tesco's historical 'pile it high and sell it cheap' approach to Tiger's cheerful displays, the article illustrates how design impacts consumer experience. High-end brands like Brompton Bicycles and Louboutin use unique store designs to convey brand ethos and product value. The Design Museum's retail space integrates iconic shelving and stained glass to extend the gallery experience. Retail designs that resonate with the essence of the products, such as The White Company's tactile presentation, can effectively entice customers to envision the products in their own homes.

Public libraries are facing budget cuts, but their importance remains high, with over half the UK population holding a library card and visits outnumbering those to major sports and entertainment events. Libraries contribute to the economy, save NHS funds by providing health information, and support literacy and internet access. Architects like MVRDV, Work Architecture Company, and Mecanoo are designing innovative libraries worldwide that serve as community hubs, offering a mix of cultural, educational, and social services. Despite the rise of digital media, libraries are adapting to become more accessible and engaging, fostering a sense of community and supporting a diverse range of activities.

The article showcases a variety of design projects that incorporate unique materials and finishes to create visually stunning and functional spaces. It highlights the work of designers and studios such as JFR Studio, Hungarian Socially, Lasvit, Tristan du Plessis Studio, Woods Bagot, ICRAVE, and Bethan Laura Wood, among others. The projects range from entertainment spaces and restaurants to hotels and public spaces, with a focus on sustainability, luxury, and innovation in design. Notable mentions include the Night of City entertainment space in Hangzhou, TATI restaurant in Budapest, and the Cambridge Country Club's transformation into a health and leisure destination.

Hospital and clinic design is evolving as the importance of good design is recognized for its environmental, staff retention, and patient well-being benefits. Architects like Catherine Zeliotis of Stantec and Shahin Heidari of New Wave Architecture are focusing on principles such as daylight, nature, intuitive navigation, and human scaling to create calming and efficient healthcare environments. Projects like the Maggie's centres, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and the Cancer Centre at Guy's Hospital exemplify these principles, integrating natural elements and patient-friendly features to promote better recovery experiences. The article highlights the shift towards biophilic design and patient-centred facilities that contribute to faster and more comfortable recoveries.

Biophilic design, which incorporates elements like natural light and living plants, is gaining traction in retail environments due to its positive impact on customer behavior and sales. Studies show that such environments can increase dwell time and the perceived value of goods, leading to higher sales. Design consultancy CallisonRTKL and experts like Oliver Heath advocate for the benefits of biophilia, which include improved air quality and customer well-being. Retailers are adopting this approach to appeal to health-conscious consumers, particularly millennials. While some debate the use of artificial plants, the consensus leans towards authentic, natural greenery to foster a sense of wellness and connection to nature.

Embassy design must balance security with openness, as exemplified by the new US Embassy in London by KieranTimberlake, which combines robust security features with a welcoming design. The US Embassy in Beirut, designed by Morphosis, emphasizes environmental stewardship and security. Allied Works' US Embassy in Maputo integrates local culture and security. LocalArchitecture's Swiss Embassy in Abidjan reflects Swiss values through relatable design. The Excellence in Diplomatic Facilities program aims to create landmark buildings that improve diplomatic relations, though it faces criticism for its costs.

The article highlights a selection of recent surface projects that are gaining attention in the design world. It features various materials such as aluminium, HI-MACS, mirrors, Corian, glass, paint, stone, brick, wallpaper, bamboo, and concrete & mud. Each project is described with details about the architects, clients, and unique design elements. Notable projects include a healthcare building in Poland, an office building in New Delhi, a mirrored corridor in Moscow, a care home in Monaco, and a colourful office and retail building in Detroit. The article emphasizes the innovative use of materials and the creative vision of the designers involved.

The UK is facing a significant decline in public toilet provision, with nearly 2,000 council-run toilets closing between 2000 and 2019. This lack of facilities disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including women, the elderly, and the disabled. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, highlighting the inadequacy of the remaining public toilet network. In contrast, countries like Japan, Australia, and Norway are investing in architecturally designed public restrooms. Experts argue that better public toilet provision is essential for creating accessible and equitable cities, and for supporting economic activity. The debate over gender-neutral toilets and the need for more inclusive facilities continues to be contentious.

The article explores the growing importance of Instagram in the design of bars and restaurants, emphasizing how social media considerations have become integral to the design process. It highlights insights from industry professionals like Katie Lea and David Roberts, who discuss the shift in client attitudes towards social media and its impact on marketing strategies. The piece showcases various establishments, such as Archie's in Manchester and Milk Train in London, that have successfully leveraged Instagrammable interiors to attract customers. The discussion also touches on the future of social media in design, with a focus on the potential rise of platforms like TikTok.

The article explores five spa design projects that draw inspiration from nature and history to create calming and rejuvenating environments. The Mohr Life Resort in Austria features a modern glass and concrete structure with stunning mountain views. The Forest Valley Hot Spring Center in China combines hot springs with lush plant life, creating a serene oasis. The Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti in Italy uses local materials to blend traditional and contemporary styles. The Jiva Spa in London integrates Indian wellness philosophies with Victorian architecture. Lastly, the Espai CEL in Spain transforms historic cellars into a unique thermal spa, preserving its Roman essence.

Water plays a crucial role in three architectural projects: the Al Musallah prayer hall in Abu Dhabi, the Lepe Lookout visitor centre in Hampshire, and the Friendship Hospital in Shyamnagar, Bangladesh. Each project integrates water into its design to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and resilience. The Al Musallah prayer hall uses water to create a serene environment for worshippers, the Lepe Lookout is elevated to withstand coastal weather, and the Friendship Hospital uses a canal to conserve rainwater and aid in way-finding. These projects demonstrate innovative solutions to environmental challenges while respecting cultural and natural contexts.

A London primary school, Olga Primary School, has expanded vertically to accommodate a surge in pupil numbers, increasing capacity from 240 to 720. The design, led by Lee Mainwaring of Architecture Initiative, preserves green space by building upwards and incorporates natural ventilation and direct outdoor access for all classrooms. The new structure features a Scandinavian-inspired interior with birch-faced plywood and vibrant colors, and it has achieved BREEAM Excellent status for its environmental considerations. The project has been well-received by the school community, providing a bright, airy, and nature-integrated learning environment.

The article explores the integration of sustainability in commercial flooring, emphasizing the importance of durability and eco-friendliness. It highlights various sustainable materials and products, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled nylon, used by companies like Interface, Havwoods, and Bolon. Key figures in the industry, including Ben Allen and Natalia Meleshkevich, discuss the challenges and benefits of sustainable flooring solutions. The article underscores the need for a holistic approach to sustainability, considering factors like longevity, recyclability, and the well-being of workers involved in production.

Geometric patterns in flooring are emerging as a significant trend, with the world's largest flooring show, Domotex, and luxury interiors company Amara highlighting their growing popularity. Designers like Jennifer Woch, Alex Holden, and Dara Huang emphasize the versatility and historical appeal of geometric designs. Companies such as Fioranese Ceramica, Tarkett, and Bolon are leading the way with innovative collections that combine various materials, colors, and shapes. The trend is particularly prominent in the hospitality industry and tech companies, where vibrant and creative environments are valued. Notable projects include the Thompson Miami hotel, Cisco Meraki's headquarters, and the Aqua bar and restaurant in Bristol.