ISSUE NO. 35

A May Issue

I was asked if I wanted to see a film this week. And while I’m all for supporting other artists, I’ve never been great at feigning excitement just because something’s buzzy. Groupthink has a way of flattening my curiosity. If the consensus is already loud, I’d rather wait until I can hear myself think.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

Lessons from the Land

Held every two years in Italy, the Venice Architecture Biennale invites countries from around the world to share bold ideas about the future of architecture. Addressing the way humans shape and are shaped by their environments, the event encourages designers to rethink how cities interact with nature.

Wetland Wisdom

This year’s pavilion explores an ancient farming system, offering a new way to connect architecture with environmental care and community history. Focusing on chinampas—floating plots used for growing crops in wetlands—the pavilion turns to the wisdom of the past to guide conversations about modern cities.

Blueprint to Biome

First developed by the Nahua people, this farming system continues to exist today. Framing architecture as more than buildings, the exhibit highlights the power of cultural traditions, raising questions about how we live, build, and sustain our environment.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

New York City: Crosby Confidential

Unlike Broadway Street, which is filled with shoppers and tourists, Crosby Street is its cooler, quieter counterpart—just one block east. It’s discreet and cobblestoned, lined with classic cast-iron buildings, boutique lofts, and high-end residences. Located on the block is a renovated 2,800 sq ft loft.

A Quiet Corner

The Crosby Street Apartment project reimagines the space not just in terms of layout but as a sensory and emotional experience. Rooted in a philosophy of quiet living, the home integrates natural materials like white oak, lime-washed walls, and hand-applied stucco to create a serene, unified aesthetic. Inspired by a watercolor card and the landscape of Amangiri—the design ethos channels a minimalist yet warm visual language.

Detailed Drama

Inside, heavy elements like custom 250-pound arched wooden doors that set a dramatic tone at the entrance, and a 1,600-pound Italian stone basin were craned through windows—reflecting a strong appreciation for detail. The open-concept communal space—framed by 11.5 foot windows—invites both light and city views. Vintage finds and artworks by friends of the homeowners give the space personal meaning.

VISUAL COMFORT

Curated Corners

Casa del Atrio is a private residence in Mexico City’s San Ángel district that was built in 1990. Today, this house transforms into a living canvas for contemporary design and photographic interpretation by hosting 25 original design pieces by 13 designers.

Perspective Matters

Each piece—crafted from materials like volcanic stone, clay, metal, wood, and wool—was carefully placed to interact with the building’s spatial rhythm. Using telephoto lenses to compress depth and flatten perspective, the photography blurs the line between image and painting, creating compositions that are both tactile and poetic.

A Living Canvas

The result is neither a conventional exhibition nor static documentation—it’s a visual symphony that captures the shared spirit of architecture and design. Casa del Atrio becomes an active participant—not just a container for objects but a co-author of meaning.

DESIGNER PICK

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over

On Endings, and Beginnings

Today marks the close of preorders—a milestone made meaningful by your support.

Over the past weeks, many of you have asked whether signed copies are on the horizon, or if there might be a book tour to connect in person. These gestures of connection resonate deeply. While plans are still unfolding, both are possibilities.

For now, thank you—for your curiosity, your encouragement, and your belief in what’s taking shape. 🖤

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in April

With a new month comes a new studio playlist. I invite you to click on the color of the month image above—a baby blue with a cloudy undertone—to see what’s inspiring us this May. I’ll see you next week, my friend.

Warmly,
/shane