Matter and Shape, ‘Brutalist Japan’, Make Play

Matter and Shape, ‘Brutalist Japan’, Make Play

Author: Monocle March 11, 2025 Duration: 31:03

Highlights from the second edition of Parisian design salon Matter and Shape. Then: we learn about brutalism in Japan. Plus: we visit the Young V&A in London to meet designer Charlie Boyden. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


There's a conversation happening about the objects, spaces, and systems that shape our lives, and Monocle on Design is right in the middle of it. This isn't just a survey of pretty things; it's a thoughtful exploration of how design intersects with commerce, culture, and daily living. Each episode feels like a dispatch from a global network of creators, offering a tangible sense of place whether reporting from a bustling Milan studio, a quiet Japanese workshop, or a forward-thinking urban planning office. You'll hear directly from the people behind the products and buildings, understanding the business decisions and cultural currents that inform their work. The scope is refreshingly broad, treating a finely crafted chair, a revolutionary fabric, and the layout of a city park with equal seriousness. By weaving together elements of art, entrepreneurship, and society, this Monocle podcast provides a nuanced, on-the-ground perspective. It’s for anyone curious about why our world looks and feels the way it does, and who believes that thoughtful design is fundamental to a better, more enjoyable life. The discussions go beyond aesthetics to consider function, sustainability, and the stories embedded in everything from furniture to fashion.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Monocle on Design
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