The highly regarded competition for the title of Australia’s best architecture in 2020 has moved a step closer with the announcement of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards shortlist.

We all have to eat and drink. Yes, there are times when plain old dinner turns to degustation. On occasion, libations might be merrier than a mocktail, too.

A particularly fabulous feast or a spot-hitting tipple is likely to set tongues wagging – there’s no denying that word-of-mouth recommendations are absolutley irreplaceable.

But when a top-notch culinary experience is partnered with a thoughtfully designed destination, the act of heading out to drink and dine is simply irresistible.

With 99 storied years under its belt, the Archibald has presumably endured its share of disturbances in some shape or form since its inception in 1921. So, while this year’s pandemic climate may have reframed the timing of the program, true to form, it certainly hasn’t hindered the excellence of works entered. Nor has it stood as a roadblock.

Having developed a solid reputation for its collaborations with vanguard designers, there’s no surprise that Swedish design brand Hem has partnered up again – this time with London-based powerhouse Faye Toogood.

While many physical galleries and other ‘non-essential’ outlets remain closed throughout Victoria, due to the second wave of lockdowns imposed by novel coronavirus, Melbourne’s STATION gallery has joined the raft of businesses spearheading creative ways of connecting with audiences during the pandemic.

The workplace reinforces the identity of the company,” says Luke Skurrie, managing director of Ironside whose business digs have been bestowed with the warmth and eye for detail, quality and authenticity that’s on par with the boutique construction company’s portfolio.

During a year like no other, the 18th edition of the London Design Festival is currently underway online and in-person. Among the line-up of launches and events across the nine days of the festival’s dynamic program, British designer Lee Broom has unveiled ‘Maestro’, a sculptural dining chair that is inspired by the designer’s fondness for classical music and its instruments.

Claiming the title of Sydney’s highest cocktail lounge, the all-new Bar 83 places guests at a soaring 83 floors (245 metres) above ground level. Located in the heart of the city with panoramic views as its backdrop, the suave-looking bolthole was designed by local Sydney firm Loopcreative who have rolled out the red carpet for a space-age scheme with a nostalgic nod to classic sci-fi film sets.

Occupying a 120-square-metre space in Coastal City, the retail precinct of Nanshan’s CBD, the trippy concept store belonging to minimalist womenswear brand Geijeong dazzles with its layered use of reflective, translucent and transparent materials. The interior designers, Chinese firm Studio 10, say that the futuristic fit-out “explores the interactivity between materials, light transmission, refraction, reflection and fabric”.

Kvadrat’s ‘Knit!’ exhibition corrals 28 cross-discipline designers who, using Kvadrat’s Febrik textiles as their medium, have snipped and stitched their way toward a brilliant showcase of objects – from chairs and sofas to tableware and fashion items. The exhibition brief required the designers to harness the qualities of the knitted fabric collection and, by applying […]