#sustainable-materials

#sustainable-materials

Libraries used to be quiet, stuffy places where librarians shushed anyone who dared whisper. Not anymore. Today's most daring library designs are shattering every preconception about what these spaces should be, transforming them into vibrant community hubs that make knowledge feel electric and alive. From buildings that literally look like open books to bamboo structures that breathe with their surroundings, these five libraries prove that architecture can be just as inspiring as the stories housed within.

An exercise in reclamation, the ollection by Luca Nichetto for Astep transforms fragments of precious Murano glass into sculptural lighting, elevating what would otherwise be waste back into the realm of high design. The collection reimagines discarded material with a new identity, offering not just a sustainable solution but also an entirely fresh aesthetic. Because of its pigmentation, Murano glass fragments are traditionally considered unrecyclable.

21st Europe, a Copenhagen-based think tank founded by former SPACE10 creative director Kaave Pour, has introduced its second major blueprint, Continent of Play. Developed in collaboration with design and architecture studio Spacon, the proposal reimagines playgrounds as vital civic infrastructure, positioning them alongside museums, transport hubs, and energy grids as defining spaces for Europe's future. The blueprint follows 21st Europe's inaugural project Starline, a design-led vision for a pan-European high-speed rail system.

Based on the samples currently sitting on my desk, leather alternatives don't have to feel so artificial or be so harsh on the environment. Most fake leathers are made using plastics derived from fossil fuels. The samples from Uncaged Innovations, though, are made mostly using grains including wheat, soy, and corn. The results feels remarkably like a variety of real animal leathers. One even smelled like it.

The Vamp is a product of place, emotion, and iterative design, capturing the label's ongoing dialogue between California nostalgia and future-facing design.

Noah's Nest is designed to honor the owner's roots while leaning into modern Vietnamese architecture, showcasing locally sourced elements such as baked clay bricks and bamboo poles.

Boll & Branch ranks among the best brands for bedding and bath, offering organic, high-quality products that are often considered luxury choices, now available with discounts during Amazon Prime Day.

This round strengthens our ability to meet growing industry demand for circular, cost-effective polyurethanes by scaling up our breakthrough technology.

Coronet's STFU Contours integrates acoustic performance within lighting design, showcasing the synergy between aesthetics and functionality for enhanced commercial interiors.

Certified organic mattresses are made from natural materials that have been independently verified to meet safety and environmental standards, ensuring a healthier sleep environment.

Gretchen Rivera, an interior designer in Washington, D.C., sees the city glow look resonating especially with younger generations who grew up with digital influences, full of energetic colors and playful, almost toy-like design.

From a distance, the structure appears as a luminous field, with density and porosity fluctuating depending on angle and light. The closer you look, the more it plays with your perception.

Some writing implements are made from 100% recycled materials including plastic and cardboard, drastically reducing waste and plastic consumption without sacrificing quality.