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nasa
NASA’s first asteroid redirect mission was a success
NASA has officially confirmed the successful completion of the first-ever planetary defense test, known as DART.
As we previously reported, on 27 September, NASA carried out a historic mission to try to divert the path of an asteroid orbiting a larger celestial object. To do this, they deliberately guided one
design
Giulio Cappellini talks about sustainability in design courses
The London Design Festival is still on this weekend, where art director of the Italian design school Istituto Marangoni Giulio Cappellini will be invited for a talk.
The iconic Italian furniture brand Cappellini was founded by Giulio Cappellini’s father in 1946. Among other things, the company’s known for
design
What will be the architectural and design legacy of the second Elizabethan era?
The record-breaking reign of Elizabeth II, who passed away a few days ago, brought many changes to the life of Britain. But what legacy will she leave behind in the domain of architecture? Will there be a new Elizabethan style on the model of Georgian or Victorian architecture?
The influence
austria
Scenic lakes in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
In the first suffocating heatwave of the summer, all we can think of is a refreshing dip in the water surrounded by nature. Luckily for us, our country and our neighbors are also rich in beautiful lakes, perfect for a carefree swim. And if you’re looking for an active
sup
Eastern European vacation | TOP 5
Hearing the word summer vacation, many of us come across the same concepts: beach, the smell of sunscreen, straw hat, or reading a long-coveted book, but better and better alternative vacation options also become more common. In our selection today, we present programs that spice up the summer holidays in
branding
Rethought plastic | Crafting Plastics Studio
The problems caused by petroleum-based, conventional plastics have become part of our everyday lives: pollution, high energy consumption and rapid climate change are not hard to spot. However, what would happen if a new, significantly more environmentally friendly plastic alternative emerged in the public?
Crafting Plastics Studio was founded in
audio
Luxury sound experience | Meze Audio Empyrean
Meze Audio was founded in 2011 in Baia Mare, Romania. The brand started the work with experimentation and research, looking for technical solutions for the perfect sound and feeling that headphones can provide. In addition to hard work, they were sure of one thing: they wanted to make special products
branding
Eternal retro furniture | TOP 5
Retro furniture, that is, the iconic room furnishings of the twentieth century, may have never really gone out of fashion: this is also evidenced by the fact that to this day we come across brands such as Daken Studio or Made in Yugoslavia that channel the style of the sixties
design
Unique public sculptures | TOP 5
Walking through the popular streets of small and large cities in Eastern Europe, we can almost definitely stumble upon some kind of public sculpture or monument. These sculptures already belong to the spirit of the city, they almost merge into public spaces as its inhabitants. In our selection today, we
architecture
The most beautiful airports in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Now that there are more opportunities to travel again, flights can be back in our plans. In our selection today, we present five airports that, through their design or special location, not only make your trip easier, but also make your departure and arrival more beautiful.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport
design
Feast of Contradictions | Sebestyén Boér
Snack at your grandmother, quick appetite suppression after a school running race or the most classic menu at a house party—we know a thousand faces of bread and dripping with or without onions, but it may have never caused as much aesthetic pleasure as Sebestyén Boér’s project.
The
other
The fusion of music and visual arts in ÜVEG.HÁZ
Every two weeks, the pop-up exhibition space of MOMkult, ÜVEG.HÁZ, presents the work of a new artist. The exhibitions are accompanied by free outdoor music programs.
ZSÁGER BALÁZS (LIVE), COLOBOMA (LIVE)
ÜVEG.HÁZ
2022.07.23. 19:00 Sirály sétány
Music
Balázs Zságer has been a leading figure in
art
Eastern Europe documented | TOP 5
The picturesque landscapes of Eastern Europe lead us to forgotten villages, small communities. The identity of Central and Eastern Europe is inspiring to many photographers, as what is a bygone memory elsewhere is the raw reality here in many areas. Five documentary photographers, five perspectives exploring an always exciting subject:
community
Magical villages in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A charming feature of Eastern Europe is that life does not stop beyond city borders. The legendary village romance alone carries with it the nurturing of traditions, symbiosis with nature and rural virtue. In our selection today, we chose villages that are perfect examples of how, beyond these characteristics, villages
design
Youthful and modern student hostel in the heart of Łódź
The student hostel in Łódź is one of the facilities of the Student Depot and was furnished by the characteristic MIXD studio. The dormitory rooms full of colors and plants suggest youthful energy, but not in a childish approach, this is where the brand identity of Student Depot is special.
brand identity
Where every cake has a story
The world of sweets today goes far beyond the colorful, syrupy, concentrated feeling of life, and instead, a softer and more creative approach returns in this area as well. Petra Sodja, the creator of Petra’s cakes, had one goal: to see her personality reflected in her creations so that
design
Ready, set, beach! | TOP 5
Summer is also on in Eastern Europe, and the collection of design equipment is colorful and unique. If you would like to refresh the contents of your beach bag with a couple of good quality and unique design pieces, but you don’t know where to look, we will help
austria
Scenic lakes in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
In the first suffocating heatwave of the summer, all we can think of is a refreshing dip in the water surrounded by nature. Luckily for us, our country and our neighbors are also rich in beautiful lakes, perfect for a carefree swim. And if you’re looking for an active
slovakia
“How happy the people living here must be!” | Leaving the city part 2—Vaskapu Kastély Pince, Mohács
Someone can have several homes in life: Géza Galán’s story began in Bratislava and continued in Budapest before a fateful Búsójárás (meaning “Busó-walking”, a tradition which includes the Busós of Mohács wearing masks, listening to folk music, parading and dancing—the Transl.) in Mohács made him fall in love
other
The designer who uses wheatgrass instead of yarn to weave | Anett Papp’s NATURING objects
We’ve heard about textile designers a lot, but not so much about people growing (!) textiles. Like many in her profession, Anett Papp started out as a traditional textile designer, but in the focus of her PhD research, she put a project where nature takes over the textile’s place
architecture
Rundown school building turned into an idyllic guest house in the Czech Republic
In the Southeastern part of the Czech Republic, among the picturesque hills of Vysočina region, just an hour drive away from Brno lies the small village of Javorek, with a population of no more than 100. The sloping landscape, the fabulous setting and the proximity to nature immediately appealed to
architecture
You can see all Prague from this special penthouse apartment
A breathtaking luxury apartment has been designed by the architects of Petr Janda/Brainwork studio by merging the top two floors of a Prague corner house. By altering the floor plan, a “house on a house” construction was created as an almost separate unit, complete with a spacious, grass-covered terrace.
branding
Healthy snacks from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A fun evening with friends; relaxing on the couch after a hard day; a few minutes of rest between the never-ending hours of working or studying—moments when we can definitely use some tasty snacks. But after a good snack, we often feel guilty, because salty snacks with artificial flavor
art
Ukrainian women share their story at MOME
A month ago, MOME opened its doors to refugees fleeing from the war in Ukraine, and has hosted people with many different backgrounds since then. For the first time, some of the refugees, who have found a temporary home on campus, open up and share their story.
On 24 March
business
Enjoying the moment with a Sweet Scandinavian Bulle—The story of nor/ma
When in Scandinavia, it’s easy to fall in love with Nordic minimalism. The importance of nature and its closeness, the respect for simple things, and a sense of serenity radiate from the people here. Denmark, for example, has secured its place as one of the happiest countries in the
other
VASVÁRI DESIGN is launching an open call for entries
VASVÁRI DESIGN is launching a public call for entries to collect and present outstanding graphic design work by Hungarian designers in a gap-filling book. As in the recently published and highly successful volume entitled MAGYAR LOGÓK (HUNGARIAN LOGOS).
The jury’s selection will be published by Scolar Publishers, the Hungarian
design
Natural cosmetics in a minimalist guise | IOSSI PRO
Conscious skin care means something different to every person. Some people like to use several types of products, others swear by a well-proven cream or cleanser. The Polish brand of cosmetics, IOSSI, wants its customers with special needs to find the formula that best suits their skin, so in addition
architecture
360 Design Budapest X LuCreate Design—interview with Mateusz Kunkiewicz, Polish representative of design DIALOG
360 Design Budapest is already well underway, with design-related events on the agenda all week long. One of the events on Friday is the second design DIALOG roundtable discussion, titled Visegrad 4 the future of design. The discussion will bring together representatives from the V4 countries to explore design in
east
Büfé #9—Bars of chocolate and candy bars
Sometimes we eat it on the go, during a trip or for a snack, sometimes we get it as a gift, and other times we throw it in the shopping basket without even looking. Melting in summer, stiffing in winter, yet we cannot resist—it’s the timeless world of
art
Jewelry collection of flower buds cast in porcelain
The Ukrainian Lake Studio initially started out as a fashion brand, but in recent seasons they have also come up with separately crafted jewelry collections in addition to their clothes. The latest pieces, called SEEDS, are real specialties: real flower buds are cast in porcelain, so no two pieces are
architecture
Future meets tradition | The symbol of Venice reimagined
It would be pretty hard to find anyone who wouldn’t think about gondolas first when thinking about Venice. Marco Balich, the designer who created the famous Tree of Life at Expo 2015, asked Philippe Starck to reimagine one of the most iconic symbols of Italian beauty and heritage.
The
architecture
Oriental-inspired Pink Moon rug by Wendy Morrison at S/ALON BUDAPEST
This year, the S/ALON BUDAPEST Interior Design Fair will take place between 24-26 September, transforming the Budapest Arena again into a contiguous exhibition space for three days. Visitors will get to admire one of Wendy Morrison’s stunning creations, the Pink Moon, which the Scottish artist offered to the
architecture
Atrium house merging with the landscape
In a residential area of Lanškroun in the Czech Republic, Martin Neruda designed a new, atrium ground-floor house to replace a demolished two-story building. The client’s wish was to live in close contact with the garden. Here we go!
The main part of the dwelling is separated from the
art
Awards for this year’s most beautiful Czech books were presented
The world of books is already astonishing in itself, but when accompanied by a unique graphic element, it not only takes you to another world, it also provides an aesthetic experience. Nowadays, many beautiful volumes are published every day, so the refined visuals are slowly intertwined with the books as
art
The Vintage Photo Festival is being held in Poland for the seventh time
The Vintage Photo Festival is an international event that has been held since 2015 in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The unique festival provides access to several exhibitions, such as analog photography, author meetings and visitors can get to know old photographic techniques through workshops. It will be held between September 17 and
design
Design shops in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Have you ever stepped into a store and had the feeling that you have arrived at the right place? We were looking for such places for our selection today: shops that will surely leave you speechless when you enter. From the limited series of unique designer pieces to the small
architecture
A mixed bag of towers in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
The cultural and architectural diversity of Eastern Europe is tangible: buildings of many styles and ages alternate and complement each other on this field. Perfect examples of this are the towers of the region, which not only differ in terms of their function, but also show great variety in appearance.
other
Designers and manufacturers—Part 3 | Hannabi & Ferenc Papp's workshop
There is a place in one of the quiet streets of Dévaványa, Békés County, where carpet weaving machines have been running for seventy years: Ferenc Papp’s manufactory makes wonderful home textiles, including the wool carpets of the Hannabi brand, known for its customizable sofas. Let’s check it out!
art
Pandemic beyond reality
The works of the Slovak photographer Andrea Koporová are easily recognizable for their special characteristics: spaces filled with a surreal atmosphere, vivid color tones, sensitive female figures, and symmetrical compositions form the photographer’s visual world. In her latest series of photographs, she elevates the visualization of the coronavirus and
architecture
Youthful and modern student hostel in the heart of Łódź
The student hostel in Łódź is one of the facilities of the Student Depot and was furnished by the characteristic MIXD studio. The dormitory rooms full of colors and plants suggest youthful energy, but not in a childish approach, this is where the brand identity of Student Depot is special.
architecture
In the world of stationery | TOP 5
Always a more exciting and lovable product is born when it is made slowly, by hand, and with traditional processes. This is also due to the fact that whoever makes the product with great care, in many cases puts their heart and soul into the finished goods. You have to
community
Magical villages in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
A charming feature of Eastern Europe is that life does not stop beyond city borders. The legendary village romance alone carries with it the nurturing of traditions, symbiosis with nature and rural virtue. In our selection today, we chose villages that are perfect examples of how, beyond these characteristics, villages
architecture
An unusual mobile kiosk was placed on the Golden Hill in the Czech Republic
Students of the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University have designed a new information kiosk for one of the emblematic sites of the Giant Mountains, the Golden Hill. Due to its special appearance, the building named Piškot, or sponge cake, is located on the Golden Hill in the
design
A futuristic electric off-road concept from Mercedes
The EQG concept was unveiled at the Munich Motor Show, combining the look of the G-Class with the forward-looking visuality of the Mercedes EQ.
The car is characterized by illuminated stripes, highlighting its robust appearance. Due to the pulling power of its electric all-wheel drive and its low center of
architecture
Floral cakes and bagels: Poranek breakfast place
The Poranek breakfast place opened its doors in 2020 in a smaller Polish town, Koszalin. The space, open with love and passion, worked with great richness of detail in the design of the menu and the interior, and the end result was a harmony of the two. The uniqueness of
art
Eastern Europe documented | TOP 5
The picturesque landscapes of Eastern Europe lead us to forgotten villages, small communities. The identity of Central and Eastern Europe is inspiring to many photographers, as what is a bygone memory elsewhere is the raw reality here in many areas. Five documentary photographers, five perspectives exploring an always exciting subject:
design
A new chapter in the history of Polish Vogue has debuted with fabulous cover photos
The new period of the publication comes with a new direction, and last but not least, a new editor-in-chief: Polish photographer and creative director Ina Lekiewicz takes over the leading of the magazine. The September covers were unveiled a few weeks ago under the title New Beginnings.
Filled with new
landscape
Away from the noise of the city | TOP 5
To this day, many vote in favor of rural life, and in recent years, more and more people have decided to buy a country house. What are we missing from living in the city? In our selection today, we present five Instagram accounts that convince us without words of the
architecture
The Park Chronicle: 70 interesting facts for the 70th anniversary of Silesia Park
The Silesia Park recreation complex is located in the heart of the Upper Silesian metropolis of Chorzow, Poland. The vast area—620 hectares—became a park in the 1950s and offers many, many attractions and has preserved many stories over the past seventy years. The aim of the book is
east
Büfé #8—Salty crunchies
What does a football night, a New Year’s Eve party, or hanging out with friends have in common? A good chance that there will be some salty snacks, which may not fill your belly, but will contribute to the good mood of the event. The real hits have been
design
Reconsidered textile stories to protect the Earth
The history of Zala Hrastar is a perfect example of how much we can do for our environment in small steps: she creates her own collection of used clothes in a small Slovenian village, thus also promoting slow fashion.
Zala dreamed up her own brand, Morja, a few years ago,
design
IENKI IENKI greets autumn with the Lightweight collection
Despite the capricious weather and frequent temperature changes, we shouldn’t feel our clothes warm us up too much during the transition seasons or just start freezing in them: the latest collection from the Ukrainian brand builds on this issue. The lightweight pieces protect against the first cooler days, providing
design
Rethought sportswear from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Nowadays, there is no need to separate chic pieces from movement: reinterpreted sports brands are becoming increasingly popular, with a special focus on sustainability and aesthetics. In our selection today, we brought together the regional brands that form a bridge between sport and style.
O.WOW | Ukraine
The goal of
east
Eastern European accessory and bag overview | TOP 5
Each bag has its own story. Without over-mystifying this fashion item, we can rightly claim it to be more than a simple accessory. It can be huge or even tiny, aesthetic, practical or even all this at once. One thing is for sure: it is an essential piece that can
east
Goodlok: the Canaan of health from Prague
The Goodlok fresh bar in Prague is more than just a juice bar. Its creators themselves were fans of tasteful and beneficial juices, which is why they started the work and began making cold-pressed fruit and vegetable fresheners.
There was no stopping from here. The successful mobile app was followed
other
Favorite interiors of the week_73
Each week, we share the most gorgeous, inspiring and coolest interiors that we’ve come across in the past few days. Here comes some perfect eye candy to browse through while sipping your Saturday morning coffee, which you can also use as inspiration for your own home. This week, we
architecture
Sports fields in the heart of the city | TOP 5
For those who do not like to play sports between the four walls, but would rather move under the open sky with the pace of the city, it can always be a good solution to train in the local park, using its facilities. Fortunately, more and more cities are developing
architecture
Slovenian designers were inspired by a novel reinterpreting self-isolation
What does an artist do during quarantine? French writer Xaviér de Mainstre wrote an unusual travel diary in his novel A Journey Around My Room: he captured his forty-two-day isolation while discovering and documenting every corner of his room. Like the diary, published in 1790, we were able to experience
architecture
Alma mater from Opálka Design
An extraordinary building in Prague is home to extraordinary institutions. In a beautiful, wooded setting, Hostavice Castle is home to Prague’s Be Open privately funded primary school and Be Happy kindergarten. The beautiful Neo-Renaissance building almost blends into the romantic landscape. Opálka Design was responsible for the harmony of
east
Lace creations and other wonderful lingerie from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
An almost invisible, yet extremely important accessory can be a pretty lingerie. There is an overwhelming force in the fineness of the materials, the endless variation of styles, colors and patterns. From the harmony or even disharmony of comfort and aesthetics, wonderful creations can be born. From our selection today,
architecture
A mausoleum was built for the martyrs of Polish villages in Michniów
On July 12, 2021, on the 78th anniversary of the martyrdom of Polish villages, the architectural studio Nizio Design International officially opened the monument, which was built to commemorate the pacification operations that took place in Polish villages during World War II.
The monument is reminiscent of a series of
art
Boho light sources | TOP 5
One of the most playful decor elements is undoubtedly the lamp: be it minimalist, modern or colorful, it definitely embodies the triad of function, art and technology, while also expressing our style. This is why sometimes incredibly extreme solutions can be created that are not only aesthetic, but also fun.
east
Refreshing thirst quenchers from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Ice-chilled, bubbly, sweet or just refreshingly sour aromas: in our selection today we picked from the iconic and lesser-known soft drink brands of Eastern Europe. Welcome and drink them with love!
Dr. Filler | Austria
The brand Dr. Filler was founded in Austria in 2014, which is everything but unusual. The
business
Eternal season on the Lovšin estate
Hiding in the Slovenian Križevska region there is an idyllic area, a perfect place to relax, yet untouched enough: the Lovšin family has been operating the estate for almost twenty years, where nature still plays a major role to this day.
The Lovšin estate is located near the Kolpa River,
design
Katarzyna Jasyk’s new playful porcelain collection | FLOP
Known for her sophisticated style, Katarzyna Jasyk has tried herself in the field of porcelain design in her latest project. The porcelain set of the Polish furniture and lighting designer is characterized by bright colors and playful shapes: here is FLOP.
Freedom and cheerfulness accompanied the implementation of the FLOP
other
The most charming pedestrian streets in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Whether the city is an unfamiliar terrain or an old familiar one: exploring the city and your favorite streets is an unmissable program of travel—from studying local people and monuments to observing buildings and landscapes. Every city has a different atmosphere and ambiance—which is exactly why you can’
community
Incredible marathons in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
We walk, then hurry, jog, run, rush, sprint and gallop: language can perfectly convey the nuances of movement, which has a lot of ways. Somehow this can be the case in marathons as well: one route, yet there are plenty of solutions. In our selection today, we present the marathons
art
Joanna Wzorek: postcards from Poland
Leaving our homeland is not always easy, and returning feels like a big dose of nostalgia is on our shoulders. Polish Joanna Wzorek, a London-based photographer’s new project is a homage to the homeland included in a zine. During the closures caused by the pandemic, Joanna was stuck in
architecture
The most beautiful kindergartens in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Inspiring spaces, free activities, rooms that are playful and colorful, but also leave room for the free soaring of children’s imagination: what is the perfect balance in the design of a pedagogical institute? In our selection today, we present five kindergartens in Eastern Europe that were built with children’
art
A Russian-Israeli-Bulgarian graphic artist in Budapest
Sandra Poliakov’s graphics radiate a deep sense of authentic happiness that transcends cultures and borders. Her artwork, among other things, has a noticeable Mediterranean and Eastern European attachment.
The Russian-Israeli-Bulgarian artist was born in Israel, went to school in Moscow, attended university in Barcelona and moved to Budapest five
architecture
The most modern swimming pools | TOP 5
Summer is still on, so here we are with a waterfront topic again: in our selection today, we can jump into the modern interiors and exteriors of five swimming pools, and we also recommend diving in them for advanced swimmers.
Gyarmati Dezső Swimming Pool | Hungary
We start our list with
architecture
Preserve and move on—renovation in Czech style
Kocanda has undergone many changes and alterations over the years: after unraveling the unnecessary and disturbing elements, the designers managed to redefine the place as a complete, harmonious whole, worthy of its original spirit.
It was a car shed and then a ceramics factory, and now the building is being
design
Moss inspired Pavel Vetrov's new furniture collection
The latest furniture collection by Ukrainian designer Pavel Vetrov for the Russian furniture company Artu is inspired by moss surfaces.
The Moss furniture collection is dominated by rounding: no sharp corners, the sculpture-like shapes draw curved silhouettes. According to the designer, his main inspiration was the look of moss, a
other
Campus Shuttle: the future addition to public transport
In the future, we may be able to get from the bus station to our final destination in such accessible, self-driving minibuses.
We’ve seen all sorts of plans for the cities of the future, but less attention is paid to public transport. The concept of the Campus Shuttle is
design
Jewelry inspired by the special forms of nature
Feminine and decorative jewelry that still has that something more to catch your eye right away: Maar jewelry is a perfect choice for those who love classic pieces, but miss the twist that makes them stand out from ordinary jewelry.
The founders of the brand both graduated in creative majors,
architecture
Haita Land offers comfort in a romantic setting
The Bukovina region is not only famous for its natural treasures: the mountains and the surroundings of the wild pine forest hide numerous cultural heritage and treasures. One of these is the Haita Land, an unusually authentic village that represents both traditional and contemporary values.
The story of Haita Land
architecture
Eternal retro furniture | TOP 5
Retro furniture, that is, the iconic room furnishings of the twentieth century, may have never really gone out of fashion: this is also evidenced by the fact that to this day we come across brands such as Daken Studio or Made in Yugoslavia that channel the style of the sixties
east
Büfé #7—Ice creams, popsicles
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better to cool you (and your spirits) down than one, two, or three scoops of ice cream. Our love affair with the icy treats is nothing new; they were a source of pleasure in the days of our parents and grandparents. But
gastronomy
Find the bustling community life of Krakow here
The FORUM Przestrzenie is a café, bar and club in one place: a fresh, contemporary community center in Krakow, built in 2013 in the still iconic Forum Hotel.
The large, characterful Soviet-era building and its atmosphere thirsted for revitalization: using the right tools, FORUM Przestrzenie quickly became one of the
other
Recharge on the last uninhabited island of Europe!
Also called the Maldives of Ukraine, the island has a soft white sandy beach, crystal clear water and dolphins! If you are tired of typical tourist destinations and travel to a really special place, then Dzharylhach Island is the perfect destination for you!
The fifty-six-square-kilometer island is located in the
architecture
The most beautiful airports in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Now that there are more opportunities to travel again, flights can be back in our plans. In our selection today, we present five airports that, through their design or special location, not only make your trip easier, but also make your departure and arrival more beautiful.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport
architecture
Studio11 snuck a little art deco into the heart of the city
The Studio11 in Cluj-Napoca came up with a special yet everyday project: renovating an old house doesn’t sound like an exceptional job, but the end result is all the more perfect.
The architecture studio rethought an apartment in the city center that serves as an Airbnb accommodation, so it
community
Favorite places #6 | Márk Gelley
We all need a place where we can hide from prying eyes and refresh ourselves with a good coffee and a cake. The XII district is not only loved for its rich greenery, but also for the wonders you can find in the most unexpected places. Such as Nuance lunch&
business
Special farmer manufactories | TOP 5
The romance of rural life is appealing to many of us: the alternation of clean air, closeness to nature and the similar, but somewhat different days evokes the atmosphere of a bygone age. What is a dream come true for us is a reality for others: the privilege of producers
architecture
A Polish designer in Brazil: oeuvre exhibition of Jorge Zalszupin
Polish-born architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin would have celebrated his 99th birthday on June 1. An important figure in modern design lived most of his life in Brazil, with his characteristic furniture leaving a significant imprint on the design world both here and around the world. In honor of his
business
Where every cake has a story
The world of sweets today goes far beyond the colorful, syrupy, concentrated feeling of life, and instead, a softer and more creative approach returns in this area as well. Petra Sodja, the creator of Petra’s cakes, had one goal: to see her personality reflected in her creations so that
east
On the shores of seas | TOP 5
Beaches are strange corners of the world: with the salty air, the sound of seagulls and the roar of the sea, we slow down, turn off our phones and live for today. Our selection today is an overview of the most pleasant coastal cities, where, in addition to relaxation, there
design
Ready, set, beach! | TOP 5
Summer is also on in Eastern Europe, and the collection of design equipment is colorful and unique. If you would like to refresh the contents of your beach bag with a couple of good quality and unique design pieces, but you don’t know where to look, we will help
design
Stylish shower gels for everyday use | Hagi Cosmetics
Ordinary shower gels in inspiring packaging? Of course! The new product line of Hagi Cosmetics adds color to everyday rituals with its sophisticated shower gels decorated with graphic lines.
While our casual products lined up in the bath don’t always appeal to the most aesthetic jars—which may not
architecture
Spas in modern guise | TOP 5
A spa can be of many types: a modern building with a historical look, floating in elegant splendor or satisfying all needs. In our selection today, we looked for examples of the latter. We have chosen our favorites from the baths and spas that speak the language of modern and
gastronomy
Refreshing juices | TOP 5
After the waterfront, the best antidotes to summer heat are undoubtedly cold drinks and fresh juices. In our selection today, we focus on the latter with five cold-pressed juices, each bottle of which is rich in vitamins and flavors.
The Cold Pressed Juices | Poland
Let’s start with perhaps the
architecture
Relaxing above the clouds | Hotel Ještěd
Among the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Czech Republic we find one of the most special hotels in the country, which with its height of up to a thousand meters stands out as a truly dominant landmark in the sky of the Liberec region.
Architect Karel Hubáček won the prestigious
art
With love from Vietnam—Lam Sơn life
The home is not just a living space, but a small corner of the universe interwoven with good energies—where our loved ones, memories, or just the promise of our future resides. However, if we get away from this special place, we need objects that create this attachment, even across
airbnb
Prefab cabin surrounded by volcanic craters
Surrounded by eighty once active volcanoes, on a landscape dotted with lava hills and craters, two lucky people can win a mini-vacation for a single euro in the Chaîne des Puys area of France. A hot air balloon ride, sunrise yoga, and a Michelin-starred dinner await those who book early
architecture
Summer dream villa in Mallorca
The Polish Paradowski Studio sensitively selects its sources of inspiration: both contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship appear in their works harmoniously. Architectural and design elements from different eras are also echoed in their Majorcan villa interior design project. The minimalist style of the villa is matched by recurring natural materials—
art
Floating spheres demonstrate how much carbon dioxide can trees store
A huge data visualization, using bubbles of different sizes, shows how much carbon dioxide different plants can sequester and store during their life cycle.
The installation called “Natural Capital” by Carlo Ratti and the energy company Eni will be on display at the Milan Design Week in September 2021. The
architecture
Old-new style in Hotel Grand Koper | AKSL architectural studio
For more than seventy years, the Grand Koper building has been a defining feature of the busy view of Pristaniška Street and the Old Town, but in addition to the exterior of a hotel, there is another equally important factor: the interior. The renovation of the building was designed by
architecture
Unique public sculptures | TOP 5
Walking through the popular streets of small and large cities in Eastern Europe, we can almost definitely stumble upon some kind of public sculpture or monument. These sculptures already belong to the spirit of the city, they almost merge into public spaces as its inhabitants. In our selection today, we
architecture
New wave hotels re-write the view of the Adriatic
In line with nature, local needs and the Yugoslav architecture heritage, hotels are built by the Zagreb-centred architectural studio. Built in Rovinj, this hotel is an exclusive bridge between the park and the sea.
The 3LHD architectural studio, founded in 1994, has already had a number of success in Croatia
architecture
Greener cities | TOP 5
It is now obsolete that our cities are dominated by smog and the noise of cars only: fortunately, nature has become increasingly prevalent in larger cities as well. In today’s selection, we present conservation projects that create symbiosis between nature and cities in an unusual way.
Krater | Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Polish graphic designers in the spotlight | VeryGraphic: Polish Designers of the 20th Century
The book VeryGraphic: Polish Designers of the 20th Century was published by Culture.pl and was edited by Jacek Mrowcyk. The publication summarizes and presents the most exciting contemporary graphic designers in Poland, more precisely, the 64 artists are described by 30 authors through 448 pages and 57 chapters.
The
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Small history of plywood | Plydesign’s open call
Which Estonian company was the first to use plywood to produce public furniture? And what do Alvar Aalto and Marcell Breuer have in common? You can find out from the Plydesign article.
The history of plywood dates back to the 19th century. In the heyday of mass production, easy-to-shape materials
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The best jazz clubs | TOP 5
We previously wrote about some of the most beautiful classical music concert halls in Eastern Europe, and in our selection today, jazz will be the main role: we brought you five clubs where you can meet excellent jazz musicians in world-class quality.
Opus Jazz Club | Budapest, Hungary
Opened as part
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Feast of Contradictions | Sebestyén Boér
Snack at your grandmother, quick appetite suppression after a school running race or the most classic menu at a house party—we know a thousand faces of bread and dripping with or without onions, but it may have never caused as much aesthetic pleasure as Sebestyén Boér’s project.
The
community
Eastern European vacation | TOP 5
Hearing the word summer vacation, many of us come across the same concepts: beach, the smell of sunscreen, straw hat, or reading a long-coveted book, but better and better alternative vacation options also become more common. In our selection today, we present programs that spice up the summer holidays in
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The complete renewal of the Hungarian fashion industry planned for 2030
The strategic work material of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (MDDÜ) aimed at the comprehensive renewal of the Hungarian fashion and design industry was adopted. In the summer of 2021, the plan became an official Fashion Industry Strategy, with the primary goal of strengthening the industry’s international competitiveness.
The
architecture
Breathtaking design hotels | TOP 5
It is not the size or the dominant style that determines the essence of a design hotel. Whether it is a hotel with a few suites or hundreds of rooms, following ultramodern or architectural traditions, the common point is the approach to design, the maximalism of quality and aesthetics down
architecture
Eclectic, personal and cozy | Circa 1703-3701 & MÀ Bistro
Architect Laura Paraschiv is also the owner of Circa 1703-3701 in Bucharest, where she collects unique antiques. The name of the store is a kind of promise and guarantee that the objects found here, made even in 1703, will pull through until 3701, the distant future.
Circa 1703-3701 is not
design
Rethought plastic | Crafting Plastics Studio
The problems caused by petroleum-based, conventional plastics have become part of our everyday lives: pollution, high energy consumption and rapid climate change are not hard to spot. However, what would happen if a new, significantly more environmentally friendly plastic alternative emerged in the public?
Crafting Plastics Studio was founded in
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One lake, thousands of possibilities | TOP 5
A lake is not only an excellent place for summer bathing. It is the perfect place to relax all year round, whether it’s a light waterfront walk or a boat trip. In our selection today, we looked at some of the most inviting lakes and boating lakes in Eastern
gastronomy
Eastern Europe's favorite tea brands | TOP 5
Consumption of tea is topical in all seasons, as it feels good when it is both cold and warm, at any time of the day. If you also like to go with your eyes open and discover new brands, we recommend this compilation for you, as we gathered small and
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Kyiv in the language of typography | KYIV TYPE
Sebastian Schubmehl’s thesis, KYIV TYPE, approaches and presents the design scene of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in a way that fills a gap. A beautiful, large publication that gives an intimate insight into the life of the city, showcasing its inhabitants and a special design publication.
Throughout the project,
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The eden on earth | Slovak Paradise National Park
Nothing proves Slovakia’s fantastic natural endowments better than the fact that dazzling national parks are hidden in many corners of the country. The youngest of the many treasures is the Slovak Paradise National Park, which hides many specialties.
The biblical reference is not accidental, as walking here makes one
architecture
Fairytale castles | TOP 5
The most spectacular monuments of Central Europe’s extremely rich historical heritage are the towers and castles that proclaim the creative power of their predecessors in film-like locations. In our selection today, we have brought you five of our favorites.
Castle of Visegrád | Hungary
Our list starts with the Visegrád
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Luxury perfumery | TOP 5
The use of luxury perfumes is becoming more common every year, and this is no accident. Niche perfume houses make fragrances for those with an experimental spirit or for those who want a really special perfume experience, rather than serving large crowds. Because it’s really an experience: from artwork-level,
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Aviation could become sustainable | Rolls Royce
The British company intends to reach net-zero emissions with their aircraft engines by 2050.
To achieve this goal, sustainable fuels will be introduced as early as 2023, which by 2030 will account for 10 percent of total fuel consumption according to their plans. The new fuel will not be from
design
Nature enclosed in jewelery | Metaformi
Mother nature has been perfecting its own treasures for thousands of years: marbles, granites, gemstones—Tatiana Lesajová combines these in her collections, thus embodying eternal timelessness.
Metaformi was founded in 2016 by Tatiana Lesajová, who at that time had no experience in jewelry making, but dreamed up her brand as
architecture
Glamorous camping | TOP 5
Nomadic sense of freedom and splendor—the free world of glamping conquers more and more places. It is no accident, as it perfectly combines the feeling of comfortable hotel rooms with the wild lust of nature. In our selection today, we present Eastern European places where both the eternal hiker
architecture
Glass pavilion in the middle of the Spanish Gorafe Desert | OFIS Arhitekti
Is it possible to provide a safe haven in unfavorable landscapes such as a desert? The OFIS Arhitekti studio wanted to make this possible in one of the harshest natural environments in Europe, which is why this special building is located in the Gorafe Desert in Granada, southern Spain.
The
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Post-Covid optimism in a summer collection | Kamay Ko
The Budapest-based Kamay Ko brand has debuted their summer collection dubbed It’s Fine. Designs that pair well with each other, natural materials, soothing pastels and special collaborations were born in the spirit of livable sustainability. We talked to the founder of the brand at the collection’s Launch Party.
community
Favorite places #5 │ Noémi Viski
There’s nothing better at the end of an exhausting day than to reward ourselves with a divine piece of dessert or a tasty ice cream, especially if we can do so in one of Budapest’s finest confectioneries. This time, our editor Noémi Viski presents her favorite place, Erdős
architecture
Romanian homes in foggy landscapes | Felicia Simion
The works of Bucharest-based artist and freelance photographer Felicia Simion are balancing between raw reality and a misty dream world: she creates her own universe in her sensitive works.
In her 2017 series of photographs ’H o m e’, she explored her country, Romania’s roads, to document country-specific buildings
architecture
Summer house | totalstudio
Simplicity, airiness and closeness to nature: these are the main features of a summer house, which makes it possible to create a symbiosis with nature in such a way that it provides the greatest comfort. This is no different in last year’s totalstudio project: the Summer House next to
architecture
The most beautiful gates and entrances in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Many exciting stories begin this way: in front of the entrance, checking the magical gate. What do these ornate doors hide? Architectural masterpieces, implementations of individual ideas. Legends of buildings begin and then unfold here. Now we, too, tell the story through five beautiful gates, selected from churches and residential
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“Perfection is never the goal, rather to live a real life”—interview with Mó Ajkai, with the founder of MONOLÔG
She entered the world of fashion and the beauty industry as a model, then she got interested in the other side of the camera and producer tasks. An accident gave a new direction to her mindset and work: she developed a coaching and style design method focusing on honesty, the
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Craftmanship, art and technology | Wnoozow
Meeting the past and the future in the present: the Wnoozow studio is a really exciting example of how the technologies of the last century can be brought closer to today’s trends. Daniela Danielis and her colleagues create a world that allows for the collaboration of design, tradition and
gastronomy
The cleanest mineral waters in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
One of the essential components of life is water: since it is an integral part of us, it does matter what quality we quench our thirst with. In our selection today, we have chosen five water brands that will deliver the eternal elixir to our tables from crystal clear and
landscape
The emerald river of adventures | Soča Valley and River
Among the fairytale regions of Slovenia, today we present the Soča Valley and a wealth of adventures provided by the landscape. The Soča River, which flows through the valley, originates in the Julian Alps, in the Trenta Valley, and is a gem on the list of the most beautiful rivers
design
Redesigned folk art | TOP 5
Folk art takes on a new meaning nowadays. Today, we no longer necessarily see it as a charming yet forgettable legacy of a bygone age, but rather as a spring running slowly forever. This is no different in the fashion industry either—in our selection today, we present five unusual
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Special second-hand bookshops in Eastern Europe | TOP 5
Forgotten stories, secret messages between the pages, valuable signatures: such books, full of mysticism, live in cellars, on the street, and more fortunately in second-hand bookshops, where they can find a new, loving owner. It is a sport of treasure hunters and lovers of the past, fortunately of whom there
brand identity
Healthy choice | Green Chef
Green Chef offers vegan, sugar- and lactose-free, as well as Ayurvedic, low-calorie foods and beverages too. Thus, the sweets featured by the brand: ice creams, cakes and sweets can be incorporated into all diets. In addition to stunning cake creations, you can also choose from smoothies, soft drinks, plant milks
design
Stylish pets | TOP 5
Nowadays, fashion is no longer a privilege for people only, our four-legged friends can also enjoy special pieces. Simplicity, comfort, awareness—an overview of Eastern European dog designer brands.
Hello Pets Shop | Poland
The Polish pet accessory brand Hello Pets focuses on function and originality. They address owners who appreciate
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Luxury sound experience | Meze Audio Empyrean
Meze Audio was founded in 2011 in Baia Mare, Romania. The brand started the work with experimentation and research, looking for technical solutions for the perfect sound and feeling that headphones can provide. In addition to hard work, they were sure of one thing: they wanted to make special products
architecture
Natural minimalism | Mach & Krovina
In the Slovak design studio Mach & Krovina, simple sophistication plays a major role. The work of the two creators, Barbora Machovičová and Adam Krovina, combines traditional solutions with groundbreaking ideas.
The Mach & Krovina seeks perfection in simplicity, both in terms of objects and raw materials. The main profile of the
design
Sock brands from Eastern Europe | TOP 5
To everyone’s delight, there have been no rules for a long time when it comes to the pattern of socks. Socks are one of the real stars of clothing, and the best thing about them is that everyone can definitely find something they like from the wide selection. Crazy