The history of the open plan office
From its surprisingly radical roots to its role post-pandemic, Jennifer Kaufmann-Buhler – assistant professor of design history at Purdue University – talks CR through the legacy of the open plan office
Denizen Works: in praise of off-kilter creativity
Murray Kerr, founder of architecture practice Denizen Works, shares his purposefully ‘naïve’ approach to design and discusses the challenges of leading his studio off the beaten path
Ask Anna: How can I switch to a creative career?
On this edition of Ask Anna, our agony aunt Anna Higgs offers a reader advice on switching to a creative career later in life, and how to look for transferable skills
Wayfinding is more than just functional in Moscow’s Gorky Park
The park puts a playful spin on navigation with a new system highlighting the area’s smaller pleasures, and signage that transforms into nocturnal art objects
Creative Collaborators: Richard Brim and Martin Beverley, adam&eveDDB
In a new series examining what makes for a successful creative partnership, we speak to adam&eveDDB’s chief creative officer Richard Brim and chief strategy officer Martin Beverley about being the yin to each other’s yang
It’s architecture … but for dogs
Japan House London’s latest exhibition is a showcase of doggie-friendly architecture, featuring kennels and beds created by some of the biggest names in design
Why the modern office needs to be a destination, not an obligation
While the shift to working from home prompted by the pandemic initially seemed successful, many are now craving a return to the office. But, argues Aaron Taylor Harvey, we shouldn’t just go back to where we were before. What we need is a third way
Can creativity build a better post-Covid city?
The pandemic has prompted cities around the world to reconsider everything from parks and public transport to the way high streets work. Emma Tucker explores why good design is the way forward for greener, more sustainable spaces that keep us all happy and healthy
Camille Walala has brightened up a dull east London high street
The artist’s trademark lines and squiggles have landed on London’s Leyton High Road, as part of her crowdfunded Walala Parade artwork
Should more graphic designers design buildings?
Fresh from designing their own building in Amsterdam, Thonik’s Nikki Gonnissen and Thomas Widdershoven discuss what sets graphic designers apart from architects and what that could mean for a more collaborative future
How I Got Here: Designer Sam Hecht
Sam Hecht has had a 20-year partnership with Muji, helping shape the company’s minimalist yet practical image. Here he looks back over 30 years as a designer, discussing his “obsessive curiosity” and why design sometimes needs to be driven by need rather than desire
Creative Futures Revisited: APFEL
For almost 30 years, Creative Review ran a scheme called Creative Futures, celebrating the best and brightest new talent entering the industry. Here, we talk to design studio A Practice For Everyday Life (APFEL) – which was featured in 2003
Ask Anna: What does data-driven business mean for creativity?
In her latest column, CR’s agony aunt Anna Higgs breaks down the benefits that data can bring to making creative work, but explains why it shouldn’t be leading all the decision-making
Aardman addresses young people’s mental health with animated films
The creators of Wallace & Gromit have launched a campaign exploring mental health challenges including loneliness and the negative effects of social media
Nick Meyer on creating a project that’s close to home
The photographer talks to us about his new book The Local, a personal reckoning with the realities of his hometown in Western Massachusetts caught between affluence and poverty
The future of virtual influencers
We speak to the creatives behind Gen Z icon Lil Miquela and the first virtual influencer to age over time, Sylvia, about the process of bringing them to life – and why the virtual influencer industry needs a rethink
The history of the open plan office
From its surprisingly radical roots to its role post-pandemic, Jennifer Kaufmann-Buhler – assistant professor of design history at Purdue University – talks CR through the legacy of the open plan office
Inside the design boom at ad agencies
We talk to Wieden + Kennedy Portland, Droga5 London and Mother Design about bringing together design and advertising work under one roof, and the perception of design work produced at ad agencies
Inside the surreal world of Slowthai
As Slowthai reveals his introspective side with new album Tyron, we speak to frequent collaborators Crowns & Owls about the album art’s attempt to crack the glossy veneer of fame, and why the Northampton-born rapper is still the voice of a generation
CR’s pick of the 2021 Super Bowl ads
While the pandemic inevitably ushered in some changes to this year’s Super Bowl, we saw some familiar trends in the advertising around the big game
Lakwena on belief, mythology and making a statement
The London-based artist discusses the motivation and process behind her epic painted murals, which combine vibrant colour palettes with uplifting messages that are rooted in spirituality
Twitter’s new identity reflects the messiness of life online
Created by Twitter’s in-house team and French studio Irradié, the social media platform’s refreshed branding features an “intentionally imperfect” aesthetic and new brand font, Chirp
Oliver Jeffers on changing plans
The artist and children’s book author shares how Covid derailed his travel and career plans and how he’s adapted his life and creative practice as a result
The changing nature of book cover design
Donna Payne, Faber’s creative director, explains her creative process when designing a cover, and touches upon the impact of the pandemic and the boost in online sales it’s prompted
How I Work: Bukola Garry, adam&eveDDB
The ad agency’s new head of diversity, equality and inclusion talks to us about her experiences in advertising, her plans for the role, and why it isn’t about being the ‘PC police’
Denizen Works: in praise of off-kilter creativity
Murray Kerr, founder of architecture practice Denizen Works, shares his purposefully ‘naïve’ approach to design and discusses the challenges of leading his studio off the beaten path
Reverting to Type exhibition features protest posters by 100 letterpress artists
The online exhibition features a mix of famous names and less-heard voices, who all use letterpress techniques to express their feelings on a range of contemporary issues
The evolution of street art
While art shown indoors may have temporarily lost its audience to the pandemic, street art is on the rise. Here, Hazel Davis reflects on how the medium is growing ever more part of the art establishment, yet can still be used as a force for change
Behind the scenes of Burger King’s juicy rebrand
JKR executive creative director Lisa Smith explains why the fast food giant ditched the glossy buns and embraced a bit of nostalgia, to become “how you imagine BK to be on its best day”
Jack Forrest’s daily poster project puts an emphasis on bold typography
Having just graduated, the designer experiments with different styles and imagery in his posters to challenge himself and connect with the design community
How crucial is luck in making great work?
Lucky Generals founding partner Andy Nairn talks to us about why brands and organisations should embrace strategies to encourage a stroke of luck – and also recognise the positives in bad fortune
