In our biggest issue of the year, we explore new frontiers. Contributor Will Jones covers the explosion on 3-D printing. From Ron Arad’s hinge-free eyewear to DUS Architect’s riverside house in Amsterdam made with bio-plastic blocks, the biggest innovations run the gamut from the practical to the far-fetched.

Writer Kimberlie Birks looks at four frugal design solutions, cost-effective and eco-friendly projects that include the Mine Kafon by Massoud Hassani, a self-propelling sphere made of cast iron and bamboo sticks that detonates up to four land mines. And contributor Susan Walker takes a look at sensor-embedded architecture, blankets that read the body’s vital signs and other responsive works shaping the future of interactive design.

Also, we take a trip to Todd Saunders’ recently completed Fogo Island Inn off the coast of Newfoundland. Perched on stilts, the four-storey hotel offers outstanding views of the Atlantic ocean and features such high-end amenities as an art gallery, a cinema and a library.

Other highlights from the issue: the best of Chicago trade fair NeoCon, including Teknion’s exciting new office lines; Marseille’s Museum of Civilisations by Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta; Teresa Sapey’s whimsical interiors for Barcelona’s Room Mate Pau hotel; a selection of area rugs, carpet tiles and broadloom in adventurous patterns; and the best openings and enclosures for doors, windows and skylights.

Azure’s September issue is now available on Zinio and on newsstands in Canada and August 19 in the U.S.