Oct 30, 2026 · 11 min listen · Last updated October 30, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 8 design and architecture stories. Let's get into it. First, from ArchDaily. Wood Structure on top of Brick Structure / corpo atelier. There’s this intriguing two-story corner building that really stands out with its unique design.
Listen · storyflo · design and architecture
Daily Design Brief · October 30th
0:00-10:45
Pick your daily storyteller
Subscribe to match with Theo, Jessica, Chloe, Mason, Brock — your voice, every brief.
Audio pre-rendered by Storyflo · cached + delivered from the edge
Wood Structure on top of Brick Structure / corpo atelier
There’s this intriguing two-story corner building that really stands out with its unique design. It’s almost like a collage, where different elements come together but don’t necessarily match. The ground floor has its own vibe, and then the first floor takes a completely different approach, creating a striking contrast.
Each part of the building is defined by its own structural system, which means the materials and aesthetics vary significantly from one level to the next. It’s like each section has its own personality, making the overall look feel dynamic and layered. The facades wrap around the structure, adding to that collage effect, and they each bring something different to the table.
This kind of design really pushes the boundaries of traditional architecture, showcasing how diverse materials and styles can coexist. It’s a great example of how buildings can tell a story through their structure, inviting people to explore and appreciate the different elements that make up the whole. The creativity involved here is pretty inspiring, don’t you think?
Herzog & de Meuron is transforming an old Birkenstock warehouse into a design museum dedicated to Charles and Ray Eames. See the renderings
<p>Anna Fixsen is a Brooklyn-based editor and journalist with 13 years of experience reporting on architecture, design, and the way we live. Before joining the Wallpaper* team as the US Editor, she was the Deputy Digital Editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversaw all facets of the magazine’s digital footprint. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy for U.S. audiences, she covers the most exciting developments across interiors, buildings, cities and culture.
House in Ibiza, The Roca Views / Fran Silvestre Arquitectos
The architects really took a unique approach by asking whether they could build on this hillside with just one simple element. Their answer? A sleek, ultra-thin structure that’s only 15 centimeters thick.
This design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about harmony with the landscape. The building gracefully follows the natural slope of the terrain, blending in rather than dominating the hillside. It’s a thoughtful response to both the beauty of the surroundings and the local building regulations, showing how architecture can be both innovative and respectful of its environment.
The result is a striking visual that challenges traditional notions of what a house can be, emphasizing simplicity and elegance. It’s a reminder that sometimes less is more, and that a well-considered design can create a strong connection with nature. This project is definitely a standout example of modern architecture that feels both grounded and inspiring.
How Aldo Bakker's ambiguous designs merge sculpture and function
Aldo Bakker is back in Amsterdam with a show called Strangely Familiar at Looiersgracht 60, running until late December 2026. This time he’s leaning even more into the sculptural side of his work, letting objects exist on their own terms rather than being forced into a clear‑cut function. The pieces play with scale, line, mass and texture, and they’re set up to dialogue with the space around them, almost like a performance in stillness.
Bakker talks about his material choices as a conversation that evolves with each piece. He might start with a notion of grey quartzite for a bench because its quiet, vein‑free surface lets the form speak without distraction. The stone is hand‑finished with diamond‑embedded tools, giving it a tactile smoothness that feels both heavy and delicate. He moves just as fluidly through plaster, urushi lacquer, limestone and even silk, always letting the material inform the final shape.
The design process lives in his head for a while before it becomes a sketch. He visualises the curves, the angles, the way convex meets concave, then draws the front, side and top views. Those drawings are a checkpoint where he tests whether the idea still feels solid or if it needs rethinking. When the form finally clicks, he hands it over to long‑time collaborators—people like Frans Ottink for plaster, Pier Luigi Testi for stone, and Sergej Kirilove for lacquer—who know his language and can translate the drawings into reality without losing the nuance.
One of the recurring themes is the idea of interlocking parts made from the same material, a response to how architecture often relies on a weaker filler to hold beautiful stones together. Bakker wants a composition where every element can stand on its own, eliminating the need for that “cheating” middle material. Even his recent foray into silk embroidery follows that logic: the whole piece is stitched, not just a decorative motif, turning a traditional craft into a pure, uninterrupted form.
Overall, the exhibition feels like a quiet conversation between object and space, where function steps back and the pure sculptural gesture takes center stage. It’s a chance to see design stripped of utility and re‑imagined as art that lives in the moment.
Ten c’s capsule collection with cult Japanese label Comoli is made for fabric obsessives
Ten c, the Italian technical‑wear label that grew out of C.P. Company and Stone Island, has just dropped a capsule with Tokyo’s Comoli. Both founders are absolute fabric nerds, but while Ten c leans into high‑tech polyester‑nylon jersey that shapes to your body, Comoli is all about natural fibers—silk, cotton, and especially that buttery wool flannel they’re famous for.
The eight‑piece collection is a quiet dialogue between those two material worlds. You’ll see flannel paired with Ten c’s Original Japanese Jersey, creating a subtle texture contrast that’s all about feel rather than flash. Most of the pieces are reversible, not with bold prints but with the opposite side’s fabric taking the lead, so you can flip a jacket or pant for a different tactile vibe without changing the colour palette.
Design-wise the range feels like a refined outdoor wardrobe: a field jacket with a quilted liner, a reversible track jacket, track pants, and an elongated hooded coat that leans toward a parka silhouette. There’s almost no ornamentation, just clean cuts that let the fabrics speak. The idea is to make garments that will soften and adapt over time, becoming that perfect vintage piece you keep reaching for.
Both brands say the partnership came from shared values—understated design, quality materials, and a timeless approach—rather than trying to clash. The result is a set of pieces that sit comfortably in an existing wardrobe, quietly elevating it without shouting for attention. You can grab the collection on Ten c’s website or at a few select retailers.
Los Angeles hopes the stars will align for their third shot at Olympic glory in 2028
Los Angeles is gearing up for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and they’ve just unveiled their slogan, “Stars Align,” along with some exciting branding details. This will be LA’s third time hosting the games, following 1932 and 1984, making it one of only three cities to achieve this milestone. The city is really leaning into its artistic flair, aiming to create a vibrant and culturally rich experience.
The branding is designed to reflect the diversity of LA, drawing inspiration from the stunning superblooms that transform the desert landscape into a colorful spectacle. They've introduced 13 unique patterns, or “blooms,” that represent different communities and cultural aspects of the city. Plus, there are four distinct typefaces that capture the local urban vibe, showcasing everything from strip mall signage to hand-painted letters.
One standout feature is the dynamic Olympic emblem, which will cycle through different representations of the letters and numbers in the logo, making it a living part of the city’s identity. LA28’s Chief Marketing Officer emphasized that the slogan captures the essence of teamwork and community, highlighting the contributions of athletes, volunteers, and local businesses that come together to make the Games special.
The reveal film, set to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Can’t Stop,” is sure to resonate with viewers and boost brand recognition as the excitement builds. As we move closer to the Games, expect LA to burst forth in a colorful celebration, embodying the spirit of competition and community that the Olympics represent.
In transit with photographer Nuria Val: ‘Pictures are how I try to get the feeling back’
Sofia de la Cruz, the new Travel Editor at Wallpaper*, has a fascinating background that shapes her unique perspective on travel and culture. Originally from Madrid, she’s spent over ten years in London, where she immerses herself in the essence of different cities. Sofia finds inspiration in observing the subtle details of life, from rituals to the people that inhabit these spaces.
Her work beautifully blends art, design, and culture, capturing the nuances that make each location special. It’s clear that she has a deep appreciation for storytelling through photography, as she believes that images can evoke feelings and memories that words sometimes can’t. This approach not only enriches her writing but also invites readers to see the world through her eyes.
In 2026, her talents were recognized when she received the Young Arts Journalist of the Year award, a testament to her skill in chronicling the cultural tapestry of places. It’s exciting to see how her journey continues to unfold, and I can’t wait to see where her adventures take her next!
These seven accessories for the new Apple iPhone Duo make the most of the folding form
If you’ve got your hands on the new iPhone Duo, there are some great accessories to enhance your experience. First off, Apple’s own Folio case is a solid choice. It’s made from TechWoven material, has a kickstand for easy viewing, and works seamlessly with MagSafe charging. You can snag it in Navy Blue or Taupe for about £129.
For those looking for a charging solution, keep an eye out for the Bionic iPhone Duo Charger. This sleek dock is crafted from anodized aluminum and polished stainless steel, featuring an adjustable arm for desktop use and a slot for your Apple Pencil. It’s priced at €229. Moft also offers some clever accessories, like their Snap Fold, which serves as both a wallet and stand, and a Dynamic Folio that provides multiple viewing angles, all for £39 and £54 respectively.
If durability is your concern, the Mous Limitless Case promises serious drop protection with its reinforced corners and stylish finishes, starting at £84.99. For a classic touch, the Torro Leather Wallet doubles as a wallet with card slots and a built-in stand, available for £39.99.
Lastly, if you need extra power on the go, check out the SolidSafe Duo power bank from BMW. It features a 5,000mAh battery and a rotating stand for easy use, priced at £79.99. And for a bit of fun, the Tiny Computers app lets you play around with retro computer simulations, bringing back some nostalgia for just $3.99.
Send this story to anyone — or drop the embed into a blog post, Substack, Notion page. Every play sends rev-share back to storyflo · design and architecture.