Perspective Future of Work: Scratch Pad

Jun 29, 2023 By Laura Botham

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Where to go, what to read, and what to be inspired by this summer and early fall

By Laura Botham Jun 29, 2023

Published in Perspective

Get Inspired

Vienna Design Week 2023
September 22 - October 1
Vienna, Austria

Posing the questions, “What role does the work of designers play for coexistence in the city and worldwide? How can design contribute to both socially and environmentally sustainable solutions? How can it be critical and meaningfully connect us to the objects, spaces and services we need?” Tthe 16th iteration of the annual multidisciplinary design festival is now accepting applications for participation. Plan your visit to take part in the fair that highlights product design with presentations, discussions, exhibitions, pop-ups, performance, workshops and more.

Image courtesy of Vienna Design Week

Design Talks Lounge. Image courtesy of Workspace Design Show

Workspace Design Show
October 11-12, 2023
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Held in Amsterdam, the Workplace Design Show features the local and international designers, brands, and manufacturers showcasing the best in workplace design. The show offers designers, architects, and businesses an immersive glimpse into the latest in products, innovations, and future-forward concepts for the workplace. From exhibition to presentations, discussions, and forums, the show is a must-attend for inspiration, networking, and learning about workplace design.

What to See Summer Blockbuster Edition

Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse
Malibu, CA

Perhaps one of the more anticipated movies of the summer, the Barbie movie is going all-out on their immersive hot-pink marketing scheme. While Barbie itself has been long recognizable brand and a goldmine for product licensing, it’s moved far beyond the childrens clothing, bedding, and lunchboxes you may have seen in the 80’s, with the latest being a partnership with AirBnb resulting in a real-life Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse listing popping up in Malibu. Inspired by the toy home of the doll, the oceanfront property is available (for the second time) for visitors to rent and live out their childhood fantasies, or if the cost is a little out of budget, you can join Barbie herself, actress Margo Robbie and Architectural Digest for a virtual tour of the home as it appears in the movie set.

Barbie's Malibu Dreamhouse in Malibu, CA. Image courtesy of AirBnb

Ken's Dreamhouse closet in Malibu, CA. Image courtesy of AirBnb

Asteroid City exhibition
June 17-July 8
180 Studios, The Strand, London

Many filmmakers have a signature look and feel, but perhaps not as instantly recognizable as the set design, cinematography, and framing as Wes Anderson. Spurring internet memes and books celebrating his signature style, fans are no doubt excited for at the opportunity to be transported into the world of his latest movie, Asteroid City. Immersing visitors in the fictitious 1950’s desert town, the exhibit features sets, props, costumes, a diner, and even martini-dispensing vending machines from the film.

Vending machines from the Asteroid City set. Image courtesy of 180 The Strand London

1950's diner set from the Asteroid City. Image courtesy of 180 The Strand London

What to Read

In Pursuit of Color From Fungi to Fossil Fuels: Uncovering the Origins of the World’s Most Famous Dyes
By Lauren MacDonald, edited by Ananda Pellerin
(Atelier Éditions & D.A.P. July, 2023)

An exploration of the rich history and tradition behind many of the most iconic colors and dyes in the world, anthropologist and textile artist Lauren MacDonald dives into the substances and material used in this practice. Exploring the four sources of color: flora, fauna, funga, and fossil fuels, we discover the roots of indigo dyes and the connections from ancient Europe to modern blue jeans, and how Bayer achieved the iconic pink of Bayer Chewable Aspirin (Pictured below, courtesy of Atelier Éditions & D.A.P.).

Robert Mathieu: Rational Lighting
Edited by Caroline Manceau, Pascal Cuisinier. Preface by Jean-Jaques Aillagon. Introduction by Pascal Cuisinier
(Silvana Editoriale, 2023)

A collected catalog of the work of Robert Mathieu (1921–2002), the midcentury French lighting designer known for the rarity of his work. Produced and designed in his small Parisian studio in limited runs, the designs truly embody the value of quality and longevity with much of his work still functioning today. Having trained at École Boulle before becoming a watchmaker and ultimately applying this expertise to design, he focused on his work as ‘rational ', emphasizing functionality over form.