We like that leading furniture manufacturers are drawing inspiration from their vast archives for their future collections. This piece, the Veliero bookcase, was originally designed by Franco Albini in 1939 and produced for the first time by Cassina earlier this year in Milan. The beauty of this shelf, is its suspension setting, made from two brass-tipped masts of tapering wood with the shelves, floating underneath under hangers from thin steel rods. Initially, this piece was used to act as a room divider between the dining and living areas of Albini's family apartment. But, unfortunately after 15 years, it sadly collapsed. Albini admitted it was his fault:

“I was listening to loud music – din, din, din – and the rhythmic sound started vibrating the glass. Like the San Francisco bridge it was moving more and more and then suddenly it went BAM! Without me touching it, it exploded into a million pieces.”

However, with Cassina now producing it, we're pretty sure this bookshelf is as sound mechanically, as it is aesthetically.

Cassina is available locally from here.

This collection of modular seating from Dedon has us dreaming of summer. Mu, designed by Toan Nguyen, is an imaginative and versatile system designed specifically for contemporary lifestyles. It can easily be adapted to a number of spaces, and is right on trend with its ability to sit inside or out. Its slender profile lends an elegant touch to the outdoor realm, whilst the soft cushioning ensures you're as comfortable outside as you are parked up on the sofa indoors. A nice alternative to other outdoor pieces in this market.

Dedon is available locally from here.

The newly launched Shanghai’s Museum of Glass, has opened to help Shanghai relaunch as a cultural and creative centre, having opened 100 museums in a decade. German architectural firm Logon (based in Shanghai) handled the architecture of the museum, whilst Coordination Asia was in charge of the overall concept. The Museum has been created within a former glassmaking workshop with black lacquered glass used for the interior whilst the existing structure has been left untouched. The interior’s black glass reflects the LED lights and screens positioned throughout the museum. This effect emphasizes the transition glass has taken throughout time. Various medias have been used in an effort to create an interactive and participatory museum where the story of the glass is the main attraction.

For more information go here.

Story by Sarah McKenzie

 The Californian landscape wouldn’t be the same without the iconic buildings of architect John Lautner, with his soaring glass and concrete mansions capturing the optimism of mid-century architecture. The celebrated architect would have been 100 last week, and to mark this milestone, the John Lautner Foundation has organized tours of some of the architect's most beloved Los Angeles properties.  While we unfortunately aren’t in L.A. to enjoy this, we took the opportunity to revisit his amazing work through one of our personal favourites – The Sheats-Goldstein residence. The home, a somewhat cave-like dwelling, overlooks Benedictine Canyon in Beverly Hills and is considered one of the best examples of Lautner's work. Designing not only the house, but also the interiors, windows, lighting and furniture, Lautner created an aesthetic where form became a function of the whole.

Originally built in 1963 for Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sheats, the house fell into disrepair until new owner James Goldstein purchased it in 1972 and commissioned Lautner to restore its appearance in keeping with his original design philosophy.  The house undertook a series of renovations that took place over two decades. James Goldstein still owns the house today, and continues with the upkeep to preserve the architects vision.

Lautner’s homes have become Hollywood icons in their own right, having been film sets for many a Hollywood blockbuster. You may recognize the Sheats house from both The Big Lebowski and Charlie’s Angels films. Have a watch of the great montage Curbed LA put together of Lautner’s work featured throughout cinematic history.

Story by Louisa Penney

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Cambodia isn't top of our list when we think of a luxurious spot for some rest and relaxation, but Rory and Melita, owners of resort Song Saa are set to change that perception. In the sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the private island of Song Saa sits just 30 minutes from the international airport of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. But, unlike its Thailand alternatives, this island, is unpopulated and resembles untouched paradise. Equipped with white sand beaches (sans tourists) this resort is a sustainable sanctuary of uncompromising luxury. Rory and Melita have broken new ground in Cambodia too, having been the first to develop a private island, and setting new tourism standards to match any in the world. When completed (late 2011) the private island resort will feature 27 luxury over water, rain forest and beach villas built with sustainable materials, complementing their natural environment. Featuring a large infinity edge swimming pool, there is also a yoga and meditation centre and a spa and wellness centre suspended among the rain forest.

For more information go here.

Who better to revamp the existing La Maison Champs Elysees hotel than design house Maison Martin Margiela. With two historic buildings making up the one hotel, it's a hotel of material juxtapositions. Margiela plays with light and dark, with some suites embracing tranquil white, and others, settling on a moody black colour scheme. The hotel explain that their aim was for 'Maison Martin Margiela [to create] a theatrical environment where reality and trompe-l'oeil blend into a surreal atmosphere.' Equipped with 17 guest suites, a restaurant, a smoking bar, and reception area, we're guessing this will be on the hit list for fashionistas and design enthusiasts alike.

Visit their site for more information.

Design Office Takebayashi Scroggin (d.o.t.s.), based in the United States, has created the life size installation ‘zip tie massimal’. Made from 20,00 standard zip ties, the hollow creation, is based on a 1:1 scale of a real bear. When joined by its fellow animal counterparts, the animal abstraction is meant to mimic a docile petting zoo. The structure has been subtly stabilized through a cable suspension system connected to the ceiling.  The use of this unique material produces a glowing aura when illuminated. The silhouette of the bear is particularly striking through its realistic outline in an unnatural environment.

Story by Sarah McKenzie

from on .

If you're going to read about the history of furniture, it may as well be an account on Charles and Ray Eames. This design duo between them produced not only some, but a good majority of the most famous design furniture pieces in the world. Their pieces are so popular in fact, it's continually disappointing to see them replicated badly at every turn. The book, brimming with images and insightful text, is a benchmark reference on what is arguably the most influential and important furniture of our time. Released last year by publisher Gelstalten, the book outlines many of the processes the duo went through in order to achieve perfect production. You can watch an interview with the author above and order the book here.

Authentic Eames furniture can be found locally at Matisse.

The shortcut towel holder by Nendo for Boffi, has just been awarded an honorable mention in the Compasso d'Oro awards - an awards programme set up by Italian architect Gio Ponti in 1954 that predominantly focuses on worthy Italian design. With its minimalist approach, its the perfect hybrid between these two enormously successful companies, feeling distinctively Nendo and Boffi-esque.

Boffi is available locally from here.

Young New Zealand designer Tim Webber is full of promise. As part of our Design Folio Incubator exhibition last year, he has since gone on to host his own exhibition at BoConcept earlier this year, and produced subsequent great designs. His work is diverse but often with a playful element where he utilises a careful use of colour. We're particularly liking these new pieces he's just sent through.