Social Good

Ernest Beck|Projects

Ripple Effect

IDEO launched Ripple Effect in India to help communities with the arduous process of transporting water.

Lena Dunham|Slideshows

On the Street in Tokyo

The major internal conflict I experienced on my recent trip to Japan was whether to explore the old-world — Zendos, philosopher's paths, Kabuki, tatami mats, visits to ancient spaces; or the new one — anime, arcades, bars that serve …

William Drenttel|Essays

Report from Hale County, Alabama

H.E.R.O. (Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization) headquarters, Main Street, Greensboro, Alabama. Photo by Alissa WalkerAn occasional report from Winterhouse Institute on its Design for Social Impact & Innovation Project, …

John Thackara|Essays

The Internet of Things

Should we be sprinkling technological devices across the planet like dust?

Mark Lamster|Essays

No More Neon on the Novy Arbat

In legislation somewhat reminiscent of Mike Bloomberg's restaurant smoking ban, Vladimir Putin isshutting down all casinos in Russia, effective tonight.

Mark Lamster|Essays

MAS Macho

Behold the Museum aan de stroom (MAS), Antwerp's new municipal history museum. The building, designed by the Dutch architects Neutelings Riedijk, is due to open late next year.

Mark Lamster|Essays

The Most Beautiful Crapper in the World

In 1772, the Antwerp alderman Adrien van den Bogaert purchased a historic property in the center of the city and then hired architect Engelbert Baets to renovate the place.

Mark Lamster|Essays

Kosher in Antwerp

This is the first in what will be a series of posts generated over my recent trip to Belgium. Call it an appetizer, served with pleasure.

Mark Lamster|Essays

Lamsterdam

Master of Shadows will be published in Europe this November, and I'm hoping my distinguished Dutch publisher will undertake a guerilla art project to promote it in Holland.

Michael Bierut|Essays

When Design Gets in the Way

When it comes to fulfilling simple human desires, can design get in the way? A call for more incrementalism in design.

Mark Lamster|Essays

Moscow's Jewish Museum

Earlier this week, plans were released for the new Jewish museum in Moscow.

John Thackara|Essays

Make Sense, Not Stuff

John Thackara presents a three-step plan to connect design schools to the green economy.