AZURE

Lively, fresh, forward-looking, but also socially relevant — this defines Azure, the leading design publication covering the expanding world of international contemporary architecture and design. Each issue delivers readers inspiring ideas and cutting-edge innovations, from state-of-the-art green building to the latest in furniture and home accessories from around the globe.

AZURE • Vol. 42, No. 316, Jun/Jul/Aug 2026

Winners’ Circle

Milan in Bloom • Marking its latest creative rebirth while still honouring its past, Gucci charted its history with florals and tapestries

Thirst Quenchers • Vivid hues reminiscent of citrus-and grape-flavoured sports drinks helped the furniture industry refuel

Italian Stallions • The legends of Milan Design Week — overshadowed in recent years by off-site whimsy — were stronger than ever, showing pieces that reignite the Made in Italy brand

Wicker Shock • Rattan made a surprise comeback as the week’s hottest material — for indoor and outdoor furnishings alike

Elemental/Monumental • Mighty, mystical brand displays inspired by earth, wind, fire and water delved into the nature of the cosmos

A Tale of Two Cities • Milan is now torn between upholding the merits of democratic design on one hand and courting billionaires on the other

Modernism Rebooted • A prolific designer’s distinguished furniture enters production for the first time

Soft Spots • Textural carpet tiles and vibrant textiles seem poised to steal the scene at NeoCon 2026

Meet Cute • The Bowery’s New Museum finds its soulmate in a complementary addition by OMA

BUILDING ENVELOPE • A house built from rice husks in Portugal, a honeycombinspired tower in Vancouver and a weathered steel–clad cabin in the woods of Ontario

Home Grown • A house built from rice husks in Portugal, a honeycombinspired tower in Vancouver and a weathered steel–clad cabin in the woods of Ontario

Among the Trees • Clad in weathered steel, an artist’s studio by Verge Select feels of a piece with its surroundings

Honeycomb Habitat • In Vancouver, The Hive’s low-carbon timber exoskeleton creates an office building buzzing with activity

Pale Face • Embracing faded white and muted grey tones, these materials lend elegance and performance to exteriors

Time Tested • Nakamoto Forestry brings old-world appeal to modern-day exterior wood panelling

THE AZ AWARDS 2026 • CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 16TH ANNUAL AZ AWARDS. OUR 28 JURY WINNERS, 3 EMERGING WINNERS AND 64 AWARDS OF MERIT REPRESENT THE BEST IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN AROUND THE WORLD.

MEET THE JURY

OUR SPONSORS • THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE AZ AWARDS, AND FOR JOINING AZURE IN OUR COMMITMENT TO PROMOTING DESIGN EXCELLENCE.

A Study in Poetry

The Ultimate Retreat

Of Lore and Moore

A New Journey

Forest Bathing

History Lesson

Keeping the Faith

Wild at Heart

Circle Back

Ship Shape

Light Fantastic

Let There Be Light

Wool Wonders

Serious Range

Place Beyond the Pine

Emotional Baggage

Sight for Sore Backs

Lofty Ambitions

Dressed for Success

Industrial Complex

Vernacular Spectacular

Finding the Way

Race to the Finish

Preserve, Revitalize, Unite

Stage Craft

Material Resilience

A Delicate Balance

Wood Shaping

AAmp Studio

ARCHITECTURE HONOURABLE MENTIONS

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN & INTERIORS WINNERS

AWARDS OF MERIT

Bathroom • Hard-working yet luxurious sinks and vanities, sculptural faucets and immersive shower systems...