Ark Journal Magazine Vol. XII

The house and design are two twin topics that scroll through the latest edition of the Ark Journal. Volume XII considers the relationship between the house - a source of comfort, shelter and inspiration - and design, not only in the context of structures and objects, but also what is intangible: atmosphere, a sense of belonging that shape our everyday life and society. Central elements are materials, crafts and traditions that are included in modern design to give it meaning and authenticity. We examine how design affects emotions and behavior, creating intimate and thoughtful spaces that cultivate creativity and contemplation.

We visit, among others, a New York tenement house, which retains Danish, and a brutal house with be Ton among the trees in Antwerp, telling a noir story. Two apartments in Berlin, both gathered around art, reflect very different lifestyles, while the raw house of shadows and light in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico reflects the landscape and the city through materials.

For the Japanese fashion visionary Jun Takahashi, his studio/house is a place where he develops the concepts of chaos and balance that penetrate his collections on the catwalk, his art and new furniture designs.

Other stories include: an interview with Paola an Ton Elli, a curator of architecture and design in MoMA; the future of collector's design; Ylvy Carlgren watercolors; Vernacular style chair; and case studies by Pernille Vest.