Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like plants and water features, is gaining traction in retail environments, enhancing customer experience and increasing sales. Experts like Brendan O’Grady from CallisonRTKL and Oliver Heath highlight the benefits of biophilia, including improved air quality and customer well-being. Retailers such as Sweaty Betty, Apple, and Itsu are leveraging this trend to appeal to health-conscious consumers, particularly millennials. While real plants offer significant benefits, the use of artificial plants remains debated. The article underscores the universal appeal of nature in design, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and maintenance in biophilic spaces.

Retail lighting design must adapt to constantly changing store interiors and product ranges, with a focus on creating flexible and experiential environments. Industry experts Paul Nulty and Phil Caton emphasize the importance of lighting in enhancing the shopping experience and the challenges posed by frequent store layout changes. The rise of fast fashion and social media has influenced lighting design, leading to innovations like smart changing room lighting and adaptable LED technology. Despite differing opinions on lighting control systems, the future of retail lighting is expected to become more integrated and data-driven.

Explores bespoke and innovative flooring solutions in various high-end projects, highlighting the integration of company logos and historical inspirations in design. Notable projects include the use of printed tiles for George’s Great British Kitchen, terrazzo and rug inlays for William & Son, and LED flooring by Tarkett and Philips Lighting. Designers like Philip Watts and Neil Hogan emphasize the importance of creating a sense of heritage and brand identity through flooring, while new technologies promise to revolutionize the industry.

Brands worldwide are using innovative store designs to communicate their values and create unique customer experiences. Experts like Alasdair Lennox from Fitch and Sarah Page from Household Design emphasize the importance of creating a brand experience that goes beyond visual identity. Notable projects include Hamleys World in Moscow, Lego stores, Level Kids in Dubai, Tower London, Brooks Trailhead in Seattle, and The White Company's Sleep Studio in London. These designs incorporate elements that reflect the brand's personality and values, from playful and imaginative themes to urban and outdoor influences.

Mass timber, including engineered products like CLT and glulam, is emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials like concrete and steel. Despite its environmental benefits, the UK's recent regulatory changes post-Grenfell Tower fire have imposed restrictions on its use, potentially hindering innovation. Globally, countries like the US, Canada, and Norway are advancing mass timber architecture, with notable projects demonstrating its safety, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Experts emphasize the need for balanced regulations and continued innovation to fully realize the potential of mass timber in creating greener cities.

Designers Martin Videgård and Bolle Tham of Tham & Videgård Arkitekter transformed a Stockholm apartment in a former art-nouveau hotel using colorful and oversized parquet flooring inspired by the changing seasons. The bespoke flooring and wall cladding, made from colored and natural ash, create a unifying theme while offering different looks in each room. The furniture is kept white to ensure the vibrant flooring remains the focal point.

Residence One, a London-based residential development company founded by brothers Ben and Nick Wilson, focuses on creating luxurious, fully-furnished homes for the super-rich. The company collaborates closely with top designer Laura Hammett to ensure high-quality, design-led properties. Despite their lack of a property background, the Wilson brothers have successfully completed and sold several high-end properties in central London. Their latest project, a 700 sq m house on Chester Square, is expected to sell for £25m-£30m. The company's approach emphasizes meticulous design and craftsmanship, appealing to wealthy international clients who value elegance and luxury.

Flooring in healthcare settings must endure rigorous cleaning regimes and be resistant to staining and chemicals. Vinyl and rubber flooring are popular choices due to their durability and ease of maintenance. Specific products like Gerflor’s Tarasafe Ultra and Addagrip’s resin flooring are highlighted for their suitability in medical environments. Design considerations include seamless finishes, rounded corners, and vibrant colors to enhance patient well-being. Various flooring materials and technologies are discussed, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and the impact of design on quality of life in healthcare facilities.

The article explores the diverse architectural designs of courthouses around the world, emphasizing the balance between security, transparency, and accessibility. It highlights notable projects such as the Palace of Justice in Córdoba, the United States Courthouse in Salt Lake City, and the Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct in New Zealand. The designs aim to create spaces that are both imposing and welcoming, reflecting the evolving approach to justice buildings. Key stakeholders include architects, government bodies, and international organizations, all contributing to the development of these significant public structures.