Five architecture and design events in September from Dezeen Events Guide

The 15th edition of Design Miami/Basel, the return of London Design Festival and a special version of Salone del Mobile are just some of the many events featured in Dezeen Events Guide this month.

After over a year of fairs being cancelled and postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the global design fair calendar is back in full swing with a packed schedule of physical events in a month we are calling "Super September".

These include Vienna Design Week, Design China Beijing, 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen and Maison and Objet in Paris.

Regular September events are joined by rescheduled shows such as DesignMiami/Basel and Milan design week, resulting in a diverse selection of listings.

Many other architecture and design events are also taking place around the world. In Amsterdam, What Design Can Do Live will explore climate change and justice through a programme of talks, while industrial designer Marc Newson will host a talk on Hyperconnectivity at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Read on for details of five highlights and see Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.

Milan design week
5 to 10 September, Milan

Milan design week, which finally takes place after Covid-19 prevented it from happening last year, is the unofficial name for the world's biggest annual design gathering.

It features the giant Salone del Mobile furniture fair, which this year hosts a special Supersalone edition curated by Stefano Boeri (above), plus hundreds of events around the city collectively known as the fuorisalone, which are spread out across several design districts in the city.

These districts will showcase installations and exhibitions featuring new design from a host of emerging as well as established designers, studios and brands.

3 Days of Design
16 to 18 September, Copenhagen

Attendees at Copenhagen's annual design festival 3 Days of Design can expect to see shows, workshops and lectures spread across 200 showrooms and exhibitions.

The event showcases Danish products and concepts from lifestyle, lighting, furniture and interior design brands.

This year, Danish homeware brand Vipp will launch Vipp Pencil Factory (above), a venue for pop-up supper clubs located inside a former Viking pencil factory in Copenhagen. The intimate dining experience is the brand's first foray into food.

London Design Festival
18 to 26 September, London

This year will be the 19th time that London Design Festival takes place in the UK's capital. Offering up a mix of over 200 digital and real-world events, the festival will feature installations and exhibitions from both leading and lesser-known artists, designers and architects.

Events will be dotted around various locations, all within walking distance from each other in what the festival calls Design Districts. The V&A museum will host a series of installations and exhibitions exploring design and its relation to climate change, including a collaboration between mixed reality studio Tin Drum and Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto (pictured top).

Design Miami/Basel
21 to 26 September, Basel

The 15th edition of Design Miami/Basel is curated by Aric Chen (above) and showcases collectable design from artists and galleries around the world.

The event usually takes place in June, but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the fair is one of several that have been rescheduled to happen in September.

The three-day event will explore the relationship between humans and the natural world through furniture, innovation and design.

Design China Bejing
24 to 27 September 2021, Beijing

Taking place later on in the month, Design China Beijing is a three-day event that celebrates both international and Chinese design.

Over 200 designers, galleries and brands will showcase design over the 12,000-square-metre space.

As well as the exhibition, the event features talks from over 30 design icons, including Feng Cao, Ab Rogers and more.

About Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide is our guide to the best architecture and design events taking place across the world each year.

The guide is updated weekly and includes virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions and design weeks, as well as up-to-date information about what events have been cancelled or postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Inclusion in the guide is free for basic listings, with events selected at Dezeen's discretion. Organisers can get enhanced or premium listings for their events, including images, additional text and links, by paying a modest fee.

In addition, events can ensure inclusion by partnering with Dezeen. For more details on inclusion in Dezeen Events Guide and media partnerships with Dezeen, email eventsguide@dezeen.com.

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Logan Architecture and ICON complete "first 3D-printed homes for sale in the US"

A quartet of houses designed by local firm Logan Architecture and built from 3D-printed concrete by construction tech company ICON has completed in Austin, Texas.

The East 17th Street Residences in East Austin are now on the market, which construction company ICON and developer 3strands claim is a first. "They are the first 3D-printed homes for sale in the US and ready for move-in," ICON told Dezeen.

The East 17th Street Residences development includes four homes of varying sizes and layouts

The four dwellings have ground-floor walls built using ICON's Vulcan construction system, which uses a robotic armature to layer Portland-cement-based material Lavacrete into striated surfaces.

ICON claims that this process creates a stronger and longer-lasting building material compared to traditional techniques, and makes the homes tougher in the face of extreme weather.

Each of the houses has a ground floor built using an additive manufacturing technique

"3D-printing technology provides safer, more resilient homes that are designed to withstand fire, flood, wind and other natural disasters better than conventionally built homes," said the company.

The 3D-printed elements for the development, which comprises two two-bedroom homes and two four-bedroom homes, were completed in March 2021. It took five to seven days to print each house.

Black standing-seam metal clads the timber-framed upper floors

Although differing in size and layout, all four of the 3D-printed homes have the same external and internal features.

Black standing-seam metal clads the timber-framed upper floors and roofs, while large porches have red cedar undersides.

The houses' interiors were designed by Austin-based Claire Zinnecker, who referenced southwestern design when creating the spaces.

"Drawing inspiration from the homes' natural structural materials, wood, metal and concrete, she chose a simplified colour palette of green, white and terracotta and fixtures that play off the natural materials," ICON said.

Minimal interiors by Claire Zinnecker draw influences from southwestern design

The open-plan spaces have a neutral palette, with wood cabinetry, woven rugs and touches of greenery.

Zinnecker also incorporated glazed saltillo tiles from her collection for local company Clay Imports into some of the homes.

Kitchens feature wooden cabinetry and marble countertops

Flooring downstairs is finished with a concrete overlay, while engineered wood is used upstairs. Double glazing, tankless water heaters and variable capacity AC systems are all included to help with energy efficiency.

Of the small development, the two-bedroom properties are currently under contract, but both of the four-bedroom houses are still available.

The striations created by the printing process are visible on the interior walls

3D-printed homes are popping up all over the world, built using a variety of materials that range from bioplastic to clay, and even waste from rice production.

ICON's 3D-printing technology is also being used to build a prototype habitat for Mars, designed by architecture firm BIG in collaboration with NASA.

The company is also working with the space agency on robotic construction techniques for the Moon, and planned a community of affordable printed houses in Latin America with Fuseproject.

Photography is by Regan Morton Photography.

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Offshore wind power generator needs "warning signs so birds stay away" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the viability of an offshore wind power generator and sharing their views on other top stories.

Norwegian company Wind Catching Systems is developing a floating 300-metre-high structure, which it claims will be able to renewably power 80,000 homes without increasing power bills.

Readers have practical concerns about the wind power generator, starting with worries about wildlife.

"Wind farm? You mean giant bird chopper," said SalamOOn.

Matt G agreed: "The most efficient bird killing machine ever conceived."

"Need to put up warning signs so birds stay away," Jrj90620 joked.

Others are feeling cautiously optimistic. "I think we all want to love renewable energy solutions," said SR, diplomatically. "That said, I feel like there are more questions with this proposal than the write-up has covered to help it make sense."

"Interesting concept, which we should hope works well as planned," concluded Mr J.

Are commenters right to question the practically of the Windcatcher? Join the discussion ›

Bjarke Ingels launches company to "reimagine the way we build our homes"

Commenter says "the skepticism alarms are blaring pretty loud right now"

The news about a housing design company founded by architect Bjarke Ingels, former WeWork executive Roni Bahar and former Sidewalk Labs model-lab head Nick Chim is one of our most-commented stories this week.

While some readers support the concept of offering residents the opportunity to co-design spaces tailored to their needs, many are disenchanted with Ingels and his approach.

"Would be great to learn more about this but the skepticism alarms are blaring pretty loud right now," began Onshay. "While the move to make homeownership more affordable is totally admirable, the claim that '99 per cent of homes are the same' is just untrue."

"Oh yeah, because mass manufacturing will end land speculation," pointed out Christian Kennedy.

Puzzello felt the idea has been done before. "Nothing new and theoretical announced here that hasn't been questioned or executed already in this industry," they said.

"Here's a thought: make the comments the subject of the article – they are much more intelligent than the article itself," suggested al otero, RA, earning a mention in this week's comments update.

Will Ingels' company bring something new to the market? Join the discussion ›

Carlo Ratti Associati designs hydroponic "farmscraper" for Shenzhen

Reader dubs skyscraper farm a "publicity stunt"

Commenters are unconvinced of the viability of Carlo Ratti Associati's plans to build a skyscraper in China that will serve as both a vertical hydroponic farm and a space to sell the farm's produce.

"You don’t see many vertical factories in central skyscrapers...nothing is different with plants," said Lukas_Arvidsson. "Looks more like a publicity stunt."

To which, Don_bronkema argued: "Growing in situ is more efficient".

"Now that's what I call greenwashing, quite literally," said Alfred Hitchcock.

Is Carlo Ratti Associati's hydroponic "farmscraper" an unsustainable proposal? Join the discussion ›

Kiyoaki Takeda designs Tsuruoka House to accommodate both people and plants

A plant-covered house in Tokyo has reminded readers of why they love architecture. Japanese studio Kiyoaki Takeda Architects designed the home to feature vaulted slabs filled with soil for growing plants.

"Archi not dead! This project definitely made my day!" said Bras cubas.

"This is what architecture is all about – the purity of a good concept, followed through with no compromises," agreed Woop Woop. "Very happy to witness this."

Bsl has a request: "Would love to see a high-rise built like this," they said.

Is the Tsuruoka House deserving of commenters' praise? Join the discussion ›

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Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page.

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CumuloLimbo inserts plywood-clad loft within UpHouse in Madrid

Inexpensive materials such as salvaged plywood feature in a compact apartment in Madrid that has been overhauled by Spanish studio CumuloLimbo.

The project, called UpHouse, entailed an extensive redesign of a small apartment in Madrid's Hortaleza district.

A mezzanine was added to the flat in Madrid

The clients, a young couple, wanted to create more space by raising the apartment's ceiling and adding a second level. They turned to local firm CumuloLimbo to design the fit-out. The project had a tight budget of $39,000 (£28,334).

To prevent the unit from feeling too dark and cramped, the studio suggested adding a mezzanine rather than a full floor.

The loft spaces sits above a bathroom

"UpHouse is the tale of an implant – the introduction of a space of intimate scale into another space, which, within a domestic diagram, is exposed and social," said the architects.

The team removed the plasterboard ceiling and, over a central bathroom, inserted the loft space, which holds a bed, closet and vanity.

Floor and walls are clad in plywood

The loft is supported by steel columns and beams, which were left exposed. The floor and walls are clad in deconstructed, plywood shipping crates that were once used to transport electronic equipment.

The sides overlooking the lower level of the apartment were left open, with the exception of a few cables.

A staircase leads up from the kitchen counter

The loft is accessed via an unusual staircase that terminates atop a kitchen counter. To reach the floor, a black step stool can be pulled up to the counter and stashed away when not in use.

The new mezzanine divides UpHouse's ground level into distinct zones.

"The new upper floor divides the apartment into two spaces, a private and a public function," the team said. "The choice of materials for these two spaces reflects this duality."

To the east is a revamped kitchen and living area, where white walls reflect light from an adjoining patio, creating a bright atmosphere.

One side of the flat has a music studio

The cooking area features a new, open shelving system. Black tiles were cleverly arranged to form a graphic backsplash.

The other side of the unit holds a music studio. Plywood-covered walls lend an intimate feel to the space.

Mirror-lined slats hang from the ceiling

Getting light into the upper level of UpHouse was a significant concern. In response, the team hung an installation in the music studio composed of mirror-lined, wooden slats.

"In order to maximise natural light in the new upper level, a mirror-faced wood vault is built in the private side," the team said. "Natural light is reflected and multiplied with a great visual effect."

The bathroom has geometric tiles

The team also updated the apartment's bathroom by adding geometric tiles and a new vanity.

Other apartments in Madrid include a unit by Nomos inside an old workshop that features tactile bricks and pinewood partitions, and a plywood-lined apartment by Husos Arquitectos that totals 46 square metres.

Photography is by Javier de Paz García.

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Milan apartment block fire "closely recalled Grenfell Tower" says mayor

Milan's mayor Beppe Sala has likened a fire in a tower block in Milan on Sunday to the Grenfell Tower fire in London due to the way the flames seemingly spread through its cladding.

The fire in the Torre del Moro apartment block, an 18-storey residential building in Milan, started on the 15th floor and first rose to the top of the building, before moving downwards in an "unnatural" path, reported Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"The causes of the fire are still being investigated," Milan mayor Beppe Sala said in a post on Facebook.

"What became clear from the beginning, though, is that the exterior coating of the building went up in flames all too quickly, in a dynamic that closely recalled the Grenfell Tower fire in London a few years ago."

Fire reportedly spread through building's cladding

The 60-metre-high building was clad in materials including aluminium and polystyrene, Corriere della Sera said.

The fire, which begun on 29 August at around 5:30pm, engulfed the exterior cladding of the building, which burnt and fell into the street.

Despite the speed of the fire, all of the residents who were in their apartments when the fire started were safely evacuated.

"When we arrived, the fire had a normal course, that is from the 15th floor upwards," a firefighter told Corriere della Sera.

"When the first team entered, the tower was immediately engulfed in flames and the fire went down unnaturally, as evidence that it found in the lining not only non-fireproof material but also fuel capable of extending the fire quickly."

#Milano #incendio grattacielo: fiamme sotto controllo, le nostre squadre stanno avanzando dall’interno verso i piani superiori dell’edificio. Sono 15 i mezzi impiegati, oltre 50 i #vigilidelfuoco. Immagini della ricognizione aerea dall’elicottero. [#29agosto 20:00] pic.twitter.com/dKtm1eznUi

— Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) August 29, 2021

Milan emergency services try to put the fire out

Authorities fear the high temperature of the fire could have melted the building's steel columns, meaning there is a risk it may now collapse, reported The Guardian.

The cause of the fire in Torro del Moro and the speed with which it spread is currently under investigation.

Deputy prosecutor Tiziana Sicilano, who is coordinating the investigation into the fire, said remains of the cladding panels "burned like cardboard".

According to Corriere della Sera, the inner lining of the cladding panels on the building's facade would have "acted as gasoline".

Additionally, some of the building's tenants said the fire-fighting system inside the building might also have failed, with residents saying that "vents" between the tenth and fifteenth floors did not deliver water.

Tower only ten years old

The tower was completed in 2011, leading the mayor to question how the fire managed to decimate the building so quickly.

"My hope is that responsibilities will be quickly ascertained," Sala said. "The Torre del Moro was built a little over 10 years ago and it's not acceptable that such a modern building proved completely vulnerable."

The Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017, which killed 72 people, spread through the building's cladding system and trapped residents inside. An official inquiry into the disaster is still ongoing after it was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Grenfell Tower fire started a discussion around dangerous cladding materials used for high-rises in the UK, with the Royal Institute of Britsh Architects criticising the government for its "naive" decision to only fund the removal of Grenfell-style cladding on housing over a certain height.

Top photograph is by Piero Cruciatti via Getty Images.

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