Our 300th issue conjures so many memories for us. We recall certain covers that still mean a lot to us — our reinterpretation of American Gothic, starring a chicken, for a food–design issue (May 2010); the “Googlegram” of a raised fist to signify the green revolution in design (May 2007); and particular articles that melded great storytelling with vivid visuals. We published pieces on the floating communities of Lagos, Nigeria (Sept 2007); Frank Gehry’s just-completed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles (Nov/Dec 2003); and Nelda Rodger’s experience of “the Last Salone in Milan” (Jul/Aug 2005).
One of Azure’s co-founders, Rodger brought her incisive wit and curiosity to the continuous evolution of the magazine’s scope. She and Sergio Sgaramella turned a humble publication into an internationally renowned resource — and a place where both concrete projects and flights of fancy could be explored with equal enthusiasm.
One of the most ambitious editions Azure ever produced was our first-ever city-focused issue, “How to Build a Great City” (Sept 2008). For that reason, we decided that “Civic Impact” should be the theme of this issue. In this special edition, we look at the rich history of social housing in Vienna, exciting new commercial developments in Detroit, and how Naples has put art and architecture at the centre of its subway expansion.
We also spend some time in the gritty construction sites of Toronto’s most anticipated hybrid communities. So often, we are tempted to uphold other cities’ achievements while criticizing all that needs to change in our own. As Jane Jacobs told Robert Fulford back in our Nov/Dec 1997 issue, albeit when ours was a far different urban realm than it is today, “We have got a marvellous city — yet people hardly ever feel they can talk about it without emphasizing the problems.” Let’s raise a glass to Toronto — our cover star — and to the enduring power of print media.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Reflecting on the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale
Taking in two new New York cultural icons
A visit to Buffalo’s AKG Art Museum by OMA and Manhattan’s Gilder Center by Studio Gang.
Spotlight on Workspace
Inventive offices that take inspiration from Fordism, Shanghai’s alleyways and more.
Azure’s S/O 2023 cover photo by Ryan Walker and Vid Ingelevics
In this special edition, we look at the rich history of social housing in Vienna, exciting new commercial developments in Detroit, and how Naples has put art and architecture at the centre of its subway expansion.