Social Good

Center for an Urban Future|Essays

8 Ways to Grow New York’s Design Sector

New York City is home to more designers than any other U.S, city and a top location in the world for cutting-edge design. NYCxDESIGN — the city’s first citywide design festival, launching this week —builds on much of that …

Paul Polak|Projects

Transforming Solar Pumping to Eliminate Rural Poverty

Paul Polak explores how we might reduce water shortages by employing solar pumping and eliminating rural poverty.

Daniella Zalcman|Gallery

New York + London: A Vision of Home

Daniella Zalcman created a series images that are part New York, part London, and collectively represent her vision of home

Observed|Exhibitions

Change of State

"Change of State" — a site specific projection on the facade of the New Museum during Ideas City Festival, Saturday, May 4th, 2013.

Observed|Photos

FILMography

FILMography, a blog dedicated to matching scenes from movies with their real life locations

John Thackara|Essays

A Roof, A Skill, A Market

The Nubian Vault Association has evolved a unique approach to housing in West Africa that creates three kinds of value within local economies: a roof, a skill and a market.

Alexandra Lange|Essays

Beyond Gorgeous

Is prettiness a distraction? Yes, when it comes to taking Alexander Girard seriously.

John Foster|Accidental Mysteries

The Imagination of Playgrounds

A look back at the playgrounds of our youth, as captured by artists and photographers — and ourselves.

Alexandra Lange|Essays

What It Costs (to Buy a Bench, to Extend a Curb)

Participatory budgeting lets communities put their own urban priorities in order.

Observed|Miscellaneous

Welcoming Dr. Paul Polak

Welcoming Dr. Paul Polak as a Design Observer contributing writer.

Rick Poynor|Essays

The Practical Virtue of Works That Work

Works That Work magazine reclaims the word “creativity” from the stultifying embrace of branding culture and design thinking.

Alexandra Lange|Essays

Portlandia + Timelessness

No better place to consider what looks timeless now than downtown Portland.