|
In our latest issue we look at the past, present and future of travel, making the journey from London to outer space, via China “A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” So wrote the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. His words may capture the idealised spirit of travel, Icon’s theme this month, but would no doubt ring hollow for the millions of Chinese citizens who return to their hometowns and villages in aging rail stock every Spring Festival. However, there are signs that things are starting to shift, for a certain section of the populace at least, with the arrival of bullet trains and gargantuan new stations. We examine the impact of high-speed rail on a country undergoing seemingly continual change. Staying with China, we also shine a spotlight on OCT Loft in Shenzhen – a neighbourhood in which a curious alliance between developer and creative community has spawned a thriving cultural quarter. Closer to home, Icon foresees banana skins aplenty in Transport for London’s Transported by Design programme, whose admirably high ambitions could fall victim to economics and compromise. Leaving Planet Earth, though only in a sartorial sense, Y-3 (a joint venture between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas) has designed a space suit for Virgin Galactic’s astronauts who want to cut a dash in outer space. |
Words James McLachlan
Cover pictogram design A2-TYPE
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
IN THIS ISSUE LIFESTYLE Kit Stylish spacesuits for Virgin Galactic, wood-tailored bags from Stockholm, Béhar’s retro camera and much more Home Playful glassware by Memphis Group’s Paola Navone, fruity, fast-foam rugs and arty, adjustable pendant lights Transport United Nude puts brakes on a Lamborghini, a bicycle with different-sized wheels that’s not a penny-farthing and Scottish Route 66 Destination An iron mill in the Czech Republic that draws the crowds, a colourful pub in East London by Martino Gamper, an informal eatery in Israel and Shenzhen’s new creative hub, OCT Loft ARCHITECTURE Rail revolution China’s high-speed network transports millions, but could leave its most vulnerable citizens behind Residential Robert Konieczny’s minimalist house in Polish countryside embraces stunning views Retail Istanbul’s most playful bookstore features a swing and conceals an elephant Public How Paris’s newest mass-housing project was funded by the state Office Montreal’s fastest growing tech firm moves to an old railway hotel Icon The myth, the road, the legend: Germany’s Autobahn explained Q&A UNStudio’s Ben van Berkel talks about Arnhem Centraal station and why architecture can still shape our way of life DESIGN Transported by TFL A new design programme promises to bring harmony to London’s often-discordant transport networks Lighting Mathieu Lehanneur and his humanist design Kitchens Bento’s back: the rise of the humble lunch box Furniture Rex Kralj releases mid-century classics from behind the Iron Curtain Bathrooms High-end cosmetic brands peddle products through packaging Icon Trunki celebrates a decade of fun Q&A The founders of Hay on balancing their brand Ideas Flying in the future Rethink AH–HA thinks the days of rulers are numbered Obession Fruit labels |
||
