design

In Tokyo, some public toilets inspire wonder

Japan in Focus

In Shibuya, a busy ward in Tokyo, Japan, officials want public toilets to inspire wonder. They’ve recently started a tour of 17 bathroom facilities designed by world-class artists and architects. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

A baby’s spacesuit.

Design for the real world: diapers

Design for the Real World: Album Covers

Arts, Culture & Media

Design for the Real World: Album Covers

Arts, Culture & Media

Design for the Real World: Walkman

Arts, Culture & Media

Design for the Real World: Spoon

Arts, Culture & Media

Graphic designer Leslie Smolan on the functional beauty of the spoon.

Design for the Real World: Swiss Army Knife

Arts, Culture & Media

Graphic designer Ken Carbone explains the Swiss army knife’s enduring functionality.

Design for the Real World: American Dollar

Arts, Culture & Media

A critique of the redesign of American currency, by Michael Bierut, a partner at the international design firm Pentagram and president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

Gargoyles

Arts, Culture & Media

A look at the satirical and grotesque stone ornaments that perch on the roof of cathedrals and office buildings. Produced by Brian Zumhagen.

Design for the Real World: Album Covers

Arts, Culture & Media

Graphic designer Michael Bierut, president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts,dusts off old album covers and explores the convergence of marketing and art on the nearly obsolete 12″ by 12″ canvas.