Design Considered #17
Drones on the rise and modernist masterpieces from Addis Ababa to Rio de Janeiro.
#01 - Opening Thought
The recent, extensive refurbishment of Africa Hall in Addis Ababa casts a spotlight on a magical moment for African architecture. The stunning renovation, led by United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Architectus Conrad Gargett, focused on sensitively modernising the modernist masterwork (originally designed by Italian architect Arturo Mezzedimi) and preserving its historical and cultural significance. While some landmarks across this massive continent are well-looked-after, many, like those documented in Angola Cinemas: A Fiction of Freedom, (a favourite book on my shelf) stand as reminders of both the creative vitality of the design movement that swept across the continent in the mid-century but also the neglect these structures have endured in the years since.
It’s encouraging that architects shaping the region’s contemporary narrative, such as Francis Kéré and Mariam Issoufou, today enjoy esteemed profiles and offer lessons on sustainable design for the global A&D community. But when it comes to rescuing architecture from a moment in history when many African nations were celebrating independence, let’s hope to see more firms pushing for thoughtful contributions.
#02 - Annoyance in the Air
I’ve long been a drone-avoider. The mosquito-like sound they make is grating, as are the many creative photoshoot conversations that inevitably include someone pushing the idea: “We need a drone for this job.” Often, it feels unnecessary. I’ve always been a fan of traditional, methodical architectural photography, where every shot is, well, considered. There’s something remarkable about working with those gifted enough to capture the extraordinary with just a sharp eye and the click of a finger. Yet recently, I’ve developed a soft spot for those buzzy black-plastic electronic bugs and what they reveal about architecture.
My change of heart began while watching The Genius of the Place, a documentary about Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Approaching his awe-inspiring, plant-laden Heritance Kandalama hotel from atop a jungle canopy and seeing top-down footage of his ambitious cliffside properties provided a perspective I’d never experienced before. More recently, I found myself in a lecture hall, mesmerised by drone footage surveying Singapore’s WOHA architecture on the big screen.
I’d long admired WOHA’s vertical gardens and sky terraces during my time living in Singapore. But seeing these features from above was transformative. The scale, intricacy, and seamless integration of greenery into the cityscape were suddenly apparent. “It allows you to see a building as a bird,” remarked founder Wong Mun Summ when I confessed I was becoming a drone convert. He’s right—drones offer a decidedly non-human perspective, revealing the full scope and detail of a building in ways that traditional ground-level, crane-level, or even helicopter-level camera work simply cannot. And who hasn’t fantasised about soaring above it all?
That said, drones should complement architectural storytelling, not dominate it. Already, their overuse in architecture films and photography risks turning a tool of discovery into a cliché. Equally concerning is the idea of hobbyists flying these machines recklessly around cherished architectural sites. As with photography, drones are best left to skilled professionals who understand their creative potential and limitations. While most of us fancy ourselves amateur photographers these days, the thought of a world full of amateur pilots commanding high-speed projectiles is less appealing.
#03 - Design Selection
A round-up attempting to match the global scale of this newsletter’s coverage begins in Japan with (1) Type 7 Travel Guide Tokyo - a tasteful tome commissioned to transform any late Autumn blues into travel wanderlust. A stylish campaign from Italy’s Flos by chief creative officer Barbara Corti, with art direction and graphic design by Apartamento Studios, and photography and video by Catalan visual artist Daniel Riera has captured the (2) Taraxacum 1 in its best light. From Finland Vaarnii has recently joined an initiative to improve the traceability of its fine timber pieces including my favourite, the chunky timber (3) 001 Stool.
Down Under, a new discovery comes in the form of the angular, metallic (4) Baffle lamp from Melbourne’s Term, which offers a unique interplay of light and shadow. From Denmark, via talented Spanish designer Omayra Maymó, New Works’ (5) Tenon Lounge Chair provides a perfect perch for two when a pair is pushed together, the design combines timber with fine upholstery. And finally, despite doubling up on a single country, I would have failed myself and this newsletter’s audience by not including a second Finnish piece from a collaboration between London’s Paul Smith and Finland’s Artek. It brings a fresh twist to Alvar Aalto’s classic designs by incorporating Paul Smith’s signature stripes and a refined colour palette to the Stool 60, Screen 100, and (6) Coat Rack 109 pieces.
#04 - For Your Consideration
In 2024, the work of mid-century modernists Charles and Ray Eames appears to be more popular than ever. Highlights include chic Saint Laurent exhibitions, bamboo-based updates of the designer duo’s classic lounger, and most recently, a deftly curated series of publications cataloging the Eames Institute’s 40,000-object archive in the most tasteful manner.
Sticking with print, The Japan Times this week published a powerful article with a poignant introduction: “Japan has more Pritzker Architecture Prize winners than any other country, and yet these architects’ buildings meet the wrecking ball frequently and without much ceremony.” The piece dives deep into Paul Tulett’s new book on Japanese brutalism.
In Southeast Asia, architect-turned-politician Ridwan Kamil—who may one day become Indonesia’s president—lays out the ambitions and challenges of creating the nation’s new capital in a compelling podcast interview with the Singaporean design media brand Ecogradia.
Back in Europe, and back to the mid-century, Danish design brand Gubi deserves recognition for its dedication to beautifully exploring the work of Finnish modernist lighting master Paavo Tynell. Gubi’s At Home With series, which showcases how his designs illuminate the fine interiors of homes across Europe today, is particularly well-done.
Finally, by the time the next edition of Design Considered rolls around, Design Miami will be in full swing. For those attending, be sure to visit Alcova’s exhibition held within the city’s oldest hotel, where the world’s brightest new design talents will be on display.
#05 - Through The Lens
German-based photographer Robert Rieger is one of the few recently granted a rare opportunity to snap Casa das Canoas, the former Rio de Janeiro home of the legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. “It’s not open to the public—they gave me half an hour,” Rieger explains, adding that his access came after persistent phone calls (others, less patient, are rumoured to have broken in for a glimpse). “It’s amazing; nestled in the rainforest, it looks out over Rio, and with its unique architecture, it feels frozen in time.”
Designed by Niemeyer and constructed in 1953 as his personal residence, the house blurs the line between man-made structure and nature, integrating the jungle rock directly into its design. With its swooping cantilevered roof and iconic kidney-shaped pool—recently shown in a Tom Ford campaign—the house epitomises pleasure-soaked Brazilian modernism. Some swinging parties were most certainly had in this place’s heyday. But years of neglect are showing. “For me, it was important to capture it as it is now—there are plenty of pristine images online, but the building is decaying, and if it’s not cared for, it will fall apart,” Rieger says. Perhaps a few more break-ins might help raise the profile of this modernist gem before it’s too late.