What does it mean to platform a standout group of architecture and design practitioners? In the magazine world, there is always the temptation to identify “emerging talents” or “change agents,” to seek people at the tipping point of their careers, before they are known entities. There’s often an emphasis on age; tallies of the top 40 under 40 abound. With AZURE’s Nov/Dec 2023 issue, we tried to move past these marketing hooks to shine a light on people doing great work that we wanted to tip our hats to. We don’t care how old they are, how long they’ve been hustling or how many completed projects they are into their careers: What matters is that they deserve recognition now.

We looked for those working with new expressions of form and aesthetic in product and furniture design, bringing new solutions for improving the built fabric of our shared spaces, and finding new approaches to do work, period. This is not a definitive list (there are so many we admire), but it captures a spirit that we feel is positive and promising. There’s vibrancy — in the works of Adam Nathaniel Furman and Elena Salmistraro; there’s generosity applied to persistent inequity — in Community Design Agency’s reimagining of Indian slums; and there’s a bold will­ingness to share the stage — in the commingled careers of our cover stars, Farida Abu-Bakare, Cheryll Case, Tura Cousins Wilson, Shane Laptiste and Reza Nik.

As we bid adieu to 2023 and plan many exciting things for 2024, it’s inspiring to do so with a group of designers, architects, activists and urbanists who are dedicating themselves to making profoundly meaningful work — work that touches us all.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Herzog de Meuron’s Arts Powerhouse

In Brooklyn, the Swiss firm, together with PBDW Architects, creates a new space for artists inside a defunct power station.

Holiday Gift Guide

Three curated palettes – loft party, villa feast and gallery soirée – for the unique palates on your recipients list.

Spotlight on Kitchen & Bath

La Firme cooks up major drama in a Montreal kitchen; Studio.Noju revamps a unit in an iconic Madrid building with a dreamy bathroom; Sou Fujimoto designs a poetic public toilet for Tokyo; and much more.

Bunkie on the Hill

Heather Dubbeldam’s ode to the A-frame – reimagined with a contemporary twist – lands in Ontario Cottage Country.

Cover photo by Nathan Cyprys.