Hello fellow Indesigners,

When we last spoke, Indesign was diving into the world of education and urbanism, looking at how our towns and cities have become lively learning precincts. And vice versa, how schools and universities are ‘gluing’ our communities together.

Since then we have also published numerous digital articles and think pieces on education design. Of note here is Grimshaw’s methodology around education urbanism, which offers five key insights to ensure we generate powerful research, social and civic outcomes for education buildings in cities.

Today we’re celebrating the release of our November issue of Indesign, the ‘Social Spaces’ issue. Hospitality and retail are among those industries which have really felt the brunt of prolonged lockdowns and social restrictions.

In putting this print issue together, we’ve chosen not to dwell on those hardships. What can be achieved from that? Instead we’ve hunted out the real revelations: the lessons learnt, the insights that arm us with new knowledge, the accomplishments that set new benchmarks in hospitality and retail design. Together they offer us a set of design strategies that may guide us forward.

Libe flagship by Red5, photography by Do Sy, featured in Indesign #85.

The climate crisis is an ever-present imperative that now informs (or should) every design decision we make. And who better than Koichi Takada of Koichi Takada Architects to lend his thoughts on the matter. For this issue, he presents a strong case for plant-based architecture and design.

As Takada notes, “A restaurant is the perfect forum to experiment with a more circular, zero carbon design process. It presents in a smaller, more relatable scale that can then be applied to a much larger agenda. It’s also the sector that requires the most immediate attention.”

Just like a plant-based food diet, slowing down the architectural process, and considering our products and methodologies has the potential to have wide-ranging and positive impacts. Read Takada’s full piece, order your issue. While you’re at it, check out his newly released book.

ANZ Open House by Foolscap Studio, photography by Willem-Dirk du Toit, in Indesign #85.

Another conversation on the Indesign agenda revolves around pre-design services for hospitality and retail. A collaborative, business-oriented process, or solution, that aligns the focuses of operators, designers and developers – to balance feasibilities with the complex desires of us fickle, social beings.

There are the economic and functional needs of operators, balanced with the behavioural habits of customers and patrons – and of course that essential ingredient: emotional resonance. We have conducted a round table discussion with DesignOffice, Richards Stanisich, Worksmith and Right Angle Studio to gain a range of perspectives. The perfect think piece to change your design point of view.

Society by Russell & George, photography by Sean Fennessy, in Indesign #85.

Of course Indesign wouldn’t be Indesign without our stable of exceptional, exciting and always stunning architectural and interior design projects. We’ve already given you a sneak peek of Society by Russell & George, here. But the magazine holds all the secrets in terms of furnishings, finishes, fixtures and that sprinkling of magic that makes it truly stand out.

While Indesignlive brings you your daily news across projects, people, products and opinion-led discussion, Indesign is the thoughtfully curated ‘deep dive’ into fields of architecture and design that dominate our everyday.

Off-White flagship by AMO, photography by Benoit Florenáon, in Indesign #85.

Nowhere else will you find the same thought leadership from senior members of industry. Our selection of projects, the topics we address, and the brands with whom we engage are the ingredients to a thoughtful and beautifully plated meal. It’s time to digest! Purchase your copy of Indesign, the ‘Social Spaces’ issue here.

Microsoft headquarters by GroupGSA, photography by Steve Brown Photography, in Indesign#85.

Before I leave you, here are five articles I’ve loved this month.

1. Geyer and Valmont are now a partnership and a collaborative working model.
2. CAON Studio and ACME come together to design Neil Perry’s new Sydney restaurant, Margaret.
3. Jan Henderson and Dianna Snape risk border closures and wild weather to publish their new book.
4. Milan Design Week keeps delivering with great products and brands.
5. When it comes to workplace design, Davenport Campbell’s The Foundry for CBA is, simply put, ‘extra’.