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The 2025 Core77 Design Awards Sustainability Winners

The 2025 Professional winner in the Sustainability is the FREITAG Mono[PA6]: Circular Backpack from FRIETAG lab ag and the team comprised of Jeffrey Siu, Tu Van Giang, Ilke Tokdede, Inge Hettich, Silvio Trionfini, and Denise Eugster. The new Mono[PA6] Backpack is circular—from the fabric to the zippers and buckles, it’s made from a single material and can be easily recycled in its entirety at the end of its life. By launching this innovative product, FREITAG is closing a material loop and taking a significant step towards a circular economy.

The Student Sustainability winner is Aeropod from Wangyang Hu, Ifeoluwa Afolayan, Yuchen Cai, and Alex Clark at the Imperial College London & Royal College of Art. Aeropod is a biodegradable, seed-like device designed to regenerate soil from within. Aeropod allows Farmers to heal their land without losing income—unlocking a future where productivity and regeneration go hand-in-hand.

Kara Pecknold the VP of Regenerative Design at frog led the jury team for Sustainability. Her team included Nicole Miller the Managing Partner at Biomimicry 3.8, Binit Vasa the Workplace Strategy and Culture Manager at LEGO, Kajsa Westman the Experience Design Manager at Inter IKEA Group, and Tom Peach a Product Director at frog.

The 2025 Sustainability category recognizes any designed product, service or system tackling issues around sustainability in a thoughtful, research-backed manner through strategies ranging from materials, production methods, efficient systems, packaging and shipping.

Sustainability Award Honorees











See All The Honorees of the 2025 Core77 Design Awards Here:

Apps & Platforms | Built Environment | Branding | Commercial & Industrial Equipment | Consumer Technology | Design for Social Impact | Emerging Technologies | Furniture & Lighting | Home & Living | Interaction | Lifestyle Accessories | Medical & Healthcare | Packaging | Speculative Design | Sports & Outdoor | Sustainability | Tools | Toys & Play | Transportation | Visual Communication

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The 2025 Core77 Design Awards Speculative Winners

The 2025 Professional winner in the Speculative category is Plant Futures created by Annelie Berner in collaboration with Monika Seyfried and Variable Studio. This project imagines how the Circaea Alpina flower would response to climate change between 2023 through 2100. By rooting these changes in a familiar flower viewers can contemplate the broader implications of climate change.

The Student Speculative winner is Standard Singlish by Cun Jia Tan from National University of Singapore. This project challenges viewers to reconsider the status of Singlish, the common language that unites the diverse groups of people within Singapore, by introducing a new Singlish typographical system together with a set of educational materials that reimagine a future where Singlish is formalized.

The jury team for Speculative category was led by Jury Captain Tiange Wang a Software Design Lead at IDEO. Wang curated a jury team which included Jaka Neon the Director of Design at Bird Buddy, I-Yang Huang the Co-founder of VLab, Crystal Jow the Co-founder of SIXA and Pedro Cruz an Associate Professor at Northeastern University.

The 2025 Speculative category recognizes future-oriented projects, whether physically or digitally produced, designed for the purpose of cultural commentary, intervention, or exploration, or created as speculative design for a client or educational institution. Projects include alternative structures, device protoypes for social needs, and hypothetical wearable implants.

Speculative Design Award Honorees
















See All The Honorees of the 2025 Core77 Design Awards Here:

Apps & Platforms | Built Environment | Branding | Commercial & Industrial Equipment | Consumer Technology | Design for Social Impact | Emerging Technologies | Furniture & Lighting | Home & Living | Interaction | Lifestyle Accessories | Medical & Healthcare | Packaging | Speculative Design | Sports & Outdoor | Sustainability | Tools | Toys & Play | Transportation | Visual Communication

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Levi’s and Nike team up to bring stylish denim streetwear collection (including new Air Max 95 sneaks!)

When you think of American fashion icons, two of the brands that will probably come to mind are Levis and Nike. The former is known as the pioneer of denim while the latter has made a name for itself as the king of sportswear innovation. So if these two come together, collectors, style enthusiasts, and avid fans of either of both of these brands will probably go crazy and will want to be the first to get a piece of their collaboration.

Well get ready to fall in line, physically or virtually, as this historic collection is set to drop this July. It is set to be both nostalgic and contemporary as we will see blending relaxed fits, vintage flair, and cutting-edge design. Levi’s legendary denim fabric has been interpreted through Nike’s eye for modern street style. The collection features apparel but the highlight is of course a trio of Nike Air Max 95 sneakers that are decked out in different washes of denim.

Designer: Levi x Nike

The apparel side of the collection leans into relaxed, roomy fits which is a nod to the comfort-driven trends dominating streetwear. Think baggy jeans, oversized denim jackets, and loose tees, all cut to flatter a wide range of body types. The pieces echo the 1990s and early 2000s, when both brands were defining youth culture in their own ways. Nostalgic touches like contrast stitching, branded buttons, and throwback logos run throughout, offering a playful sense of familiarity for longtime fans and collectors. Each item is co-branded, with both Levi’s and Nike logos appearing in subtle, stylish ways like embroidered tags, embossed buttons, and even special edition packaging for the sneakers. The denim itself is sourced with sustainability in mind, a nod to both brands’ modern commitments.

The centerpiece of the collection are the Nike Air Max 95 sneakers with each bringing together the best of the two brands’ worlds. The White/Ecru version brings a neutral look with its light shades of Ecru Denim and and matte white with a gum sole. The black version has a 14-ounce black denim construction so you get a bold yet monochromatic feel. Lastly, the Levi’s x Nike Air Max 95 Denim is the perfect one to pair with the apparel as it uses the same mid-to-light wash pattern. It boasts of a 14-ounce indigo denim construction, a matte navy sole and midsole, and fabric variations that makes it different from other Air Max 95 sneakers.

The Levi’s x Nike collection will be available starting July 10 on select Levi’s flagship stores and on their website while you can start buying it on the Nike SNKRS app by July 11. Their campaign features various celebrities like hip-hop artist Larry June, WNBA player Paige Bueckers, NFL Player Keon Coleman, and designer Daniel Buezo.

The post Levi’s and Nike team up to bring stylish denim streetwear collection (including new Air Max 95 sneaks!) first appeared on Yanko Design.

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The 2025 Core77 Design Awards Home & Living Winners

The 2025 Professional winner in Home & Living is Loka Chai Maker by Jon Marshall in collaboration with Chifen Cheng, Shing Lo, Amelia Kociolkowska, Vincent Fan, Harc Lee, Andrew Aitken, Nikhil Shah, and Anish Shonpal at Pentagram London. Their goal was to develop a device that makes chai quicker, cleaner and easier than anything on the market, and solve an array of issues: frequent boil over, constant monitoring, and messy clean-ups in the process. The design has met with success due to its functionality, ergonomics and aesthetics.

The Student Home & Living winner is Sirocco Hands-free Hairdryer by Yajurvi Haritwal from ArtCenter College of Design. Sirocco is a hands-free hair dryer designed to be easily accessible by everyone regardless of their level of upper limb mobility.

The jury team for Home & Living was led by Mitch Heinrich the principal designer at Copper. Heinrich was joined by Dierdre Shea who is Co-Founder and Principal Designer at Fun Stuff Design, Pushan Panda a Design engineer at CopperHome, and Gamal Prather the Minister of Culture at MTRL objects.

The 2025 Home & Living recognizes consumer products or services designed to enhance comfort, convenience, security, and sustainability in residential spaces. Products and services can integrate digital tools, smart devices, and automation systems, making everyday life more efficient and enjoyable from home management, entertainment to security and energy efficiency included are home accessories, appliances, home electronics, smart home products, and security systems.

Home & Living Award Honorees














See All The Honorees of the 2025 Core77 Design Awards Here:

Apps & Platforms | Built Environment | Branding | Commercial & Industrial Equipment | Consumer Technology | Design for Social Impact | Emerging Technologies | Furniture & Lighting | Home & Living | Interaction | Lifestyle Accessories | Medical & Healthcare | Packaging | Speculative Design | Sports & Outdoor | Sustainability | Tools | Toys & Play | Transportation | Visual Communication

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The 2025 Core77 Design Awards Furniture & Lighting Winners

The 2025 Professional winner in Furniture & Lighting was AGNI from Jose Cabrita at Contexte. This collection is based on a single element that can be used in different ways allowing that element to become a bench, a stool, a side table, or a shelf. The use of molded plywood allows manufacturing to make one mold that becomes multiple objects.

The Student Furniture & Lighting winner is SOLI by Milú Brunell from Savannah College of Art & Design. SOLI is an outdoor lighting solution powered by the microbial energy of soil, blending sustainability, innovation, and design. SOLI harnesses the natural decomposition process occurring within soil, converting microbial activity into light.

The jury team for Furniture & Lighting was led by Michaele Simmering the co-founder and Creative Director at Kalon. Simmering was joined by Norman Teague a designer and educator at Norman Teague Design Studios, Bec Brittain who is the Principal at Bec Brittain Studio, Christopher Specce the Associate Professor and Department Head in the Department of Furniture Design at the Rhode Island School of Design, and Bowen Liu the Creative Director at Bowen Liu Studio.

The 2025 Furniture & Lighting category honors furniture and lighting products or systems for private, public, commercial or industrial use including home or public furniture and seating, office systems, lighting, and workstations.

Furniture & Lighting Award Honorees









See All The Honorees of the 2025 Core77 Design Awards Here:

Apps & Platforms | Built Environment | Branding | Commercial & Industrial Equipment | Consumer Technology | Design for Social Impact | Emerging Technologies | Furniture & Lighting | Home & Living | Interaction | Lifestyle Accessories | Medical & Healthcare | Packaging | Speculative Design | Sports & Outdoor | Sustainability | Tools | Toys & Play | Transportation | Visual Communication

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5 Best Smartphone Concepts That Rival The iPhone 17 For 2025

Smartphones are on the cusp of a dramatic evolution, with 2025 shaping up to be a year of experimentation,  fresh ideas, and bold innovation. As the iPhone 17 approaches, a wave of ambitious concepts inspired by Google, Samsung, and Nothing are challenging what we expect from our daily devices. These next-generation phones are rethinking everything—from form factors and folding displays to AI-driven experiences and statement-making design.

The results are spectacular smartphones that promise interesting upgrades, as well as entirely new ways to work, play, and stay connected. You could be seeking better photography, excellent multitasking capabilities, or something that simply stands out from the crowd. If that’s the case, then these five innovative concepts could very well be the ones to watch. Here’s a closer look at the best alternatives that might just replace the iPhone 17 in 2025.

1. Samsung Galaxy Stick & Stick Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Stick effortlessly breaks the mold, offering a slim silhouette that feels both novel and oddly familiar. Think of it as a phone reimagined for pockets and hands that crave something less bulky. The Stick and Stick Pro models are dramatically narrower than conventional smartphones, bringing a modern look with flat edges, curved corners, and playful proportions. This device is designed for those who want their tech to double as a statement piece.

Running a unique flavor of Android, the Galaxy Stick’s approach to mobile utility is refreshingly simple. It doesn’t chase spec sheets or engage in camera arms races, instead choosing to focus on portability and style. With its compact design, it’s easier to use on the go, and the added battery life in the narrow model makes it a true outlier. For users who want to escape the sameness of large, heavy phones, it brings a necessary spark.

What we like

Ultra-slim form factor for maximum portability.
Eye-catching design that stands out in a crowd.

What we dislike

The narrow chassis limits camera sensors.
May lack official Google certification depending on the software build.

2. Nothing Phone 3 Concept

AI Representation

AI Representation

The Nothing Phone 3 is shining with a confidence rarely seen in most conceptual designs, flaunting specs that could rival the big names. With up to 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, it’s unapologetically focused on raw performance. For the first time, North American buyers could hopefully get comprehensive 5G support on AT&T and T-Mobile, making it both future-proof and entirely hassle-free for users tired of compatibility woes.

What makes this smartphone special is the way Nothing leans into AI-driven features, signaling a shift in smartphone priorities. The phone’s clean OS, neural horsepower, and design-forward approach offer a refreshing escape from the incremental upgrades of its competitors. It’s less about the camera count and more about reimagining what your phone can do for you, making it a tempting alternative for those who feel the iPhone 17 could play it safe.

What we like

Exceptional RAM and storage for multitasking and longevity.
Full 5G support for major US carriers.

What we dislike

Premium price tag places it in direct competition with established flagship devices.
Camera hardware, while solid, may not match the very top of the market.

3. Google Pixel Pro 10 Concept

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Concept takes the Pixel line’s design language forward with a bold vertical camera bump and ultra-thin bezels. Available in two large display sizes with up to 4000 nits of brightness, it sets a new standard for clarity and outdoor visibility. The smaller hole-punch camera and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover ensure a modern, robust finish that feels as premium as it looks.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the trio of 64MP cameras covering wide, ultrawide, and telephoto perspectives. The Tensor G5 chip powers next-gen AI features, making everything from photo editing to daily tasks more efficient and intuitive. For those who crave Android’s flexibility but want a top-tier camera experience, the Pixel 10 Pro is an exciting alternative to the iPhone’s familiar formula.

What we like

Powerful camera system for all conditions.
Exceptionally bright, durable display for daily use.

What we dislike

Large display sizes may not appeal to those who want compact phones.
Vertical camera bump is polarizing and may not suit all tastes.

4. Huawei Tri-Fold Concept

Huawei’s Tri-Fold smartphone concept reimagines what a mobile device can be, offering a seamless, tablet-sized screen that folds not once, but twice, creating a truly expansive display in your pocket. Its unique zigzag hinge mechanism allows for multiple configurations, enabling users to multitask, stream, or work across three distinct panels. In the hands of Huawei’s CEO, this concept sparked quite a lot of curiosity and speculation about the future of personal tech.

This ambitious design could set a new standard for versatility, but it also presents unprecedented challenges. The continuous display offers an immersive experience, yet protecting such a device is a design puzzle that case makers have never faced. For anyone seeking the next leap beyond conventional iPhones, Huawei’s Tri-Fold is a worthy contender.

What we like

Expansive, foldable display enables versatile multitasking.
Innovative form factor could inspire new app experiences.

What we dislike

Durability concerns are due to the complex hinge and flexible screen.
Designing protective cases remains a major challenge.

5. Nothing Fold (1) Concept

Nothing Fold (1) is ingrained with a clear sense of identity, running Nothing OS 3 and featuring a striking Glyph Interface. On the outside, a 6.5-inch screen covers daily needs, while unfolding reveals a generous 8.37-inch display for immersive work or play. The signature Glyph Interface stretches along the spine, morphing into a third screen that smartly delivers notifications and ticker-style updates.

This phone’s value is in its adaptability. The Fold (1) offers compactness when closed and productivity when open, sidestepping the compromise of single-screen devices. It’s an answer for multitaskers who need more space yet want a device that fits into a pocket. While the iPhone 17 could potentially stick to a classic slab once again, the Fold (1) transforms, adapting to your day with seamless transitions between modes.

What we like

Expansive foldable display offers unmatched flexibility.
Glyph Interface introduces a new way to interact with notifications.

What we dislike

Foldable devices remain more delicate than traditional phones.
Early foldables may see higher repair rates and require careful handling.

Smartphone Concepts Shaping a More Adaptive Future

As smartphone concepts push the boundaries of design and functionality, the future looks both exciting and unpredictable. We predict brands moving towards incremental updates and attempting to experiment with shapes, screens, and new ways of interacting with our devices. These innovations hint at a future where smartphones adapt seamlessly to our needs, merging style with substance. If these concepts become a reality (fingers crossed), we may soon see everyday devices that are smarter, but also more personal, playful, and truly transformative.

The post 5 Best Smartphone Concepts That Rival The iPhone 17 For 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Pipes in Stillness: Moment Lamp Brings Quiet Rhythm to Any Space

There are objects that quietly command a room, drawing the eye not with color or shine, but with a simple, thoughtful elegance. The Moment lamp by Kotaro Usugami is one of those rare pieces that seems to hold its breath, as if time has slowed just for a second. Crafted from a series of slender stainless steel tubes, it brings together the familiar and the unexpected, transforming ordinary material into something quietly remarkable.

The first thing you notice about the Moment lamp is its sculptural presence. It stands with an easy balance, the tubes interlocking and floating, almost as if they are drifting in still air. The design was born from an appreciation for the thin yet strong nature of stainless steel, a material that is often overlooked but here becomes the star. Usugami’s background in watchmaking shows through in every polished edge and careful join, the kind of precision that turns industrial pipes into a gentle, harmonious rhythm.

Designer: Kotaro Usugami, Yashio Sheet Metal (Y.S.M.)

Each tube in the lamp serves a purpose, but together they create a sense of gentle movement, even as they remain perfectly still. The arrangement of different lengths and staggered connections gives the lamp a feeling of time caught in suspension. There is no rush in this piece, just a patient, lingering pause. The surface finishes, handled by Japanese artisans, bring subtle variety, some gleaming, others softly brushed, each one catching the light in a different way. It is the kind of detail that invites you to stop and really look.

Sustainability is woven into the story of the Moment lamp. Stainless steel is durable, easy to care for, and endlessly recyclable, making it a material that speaks to lasting value. The lamp is not just a decorative object, but a quiet statement about making the most of what we have, celebrating the beauty in what is often considered ordinary. The continuity of its pipes brings a steady rhythm to any space, filling the room not just with light but with a sense of calm and permanence.

Presented at Milan Design Week, the lamp stood out for its restraint and poise, refusing to shout for attention and instead inviting a closer, more thoughtful gaze. The floating structure and measured lines offer a kind of solace, a reminder that design does not always need to be loud to be meaningful. The Moment lamp is a piece that finds poetry in the passage of time, asking us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the quiet strength in simple, honest materials.

The post Pipes in Stillness: Moment Lamp Brings Quiet Rhythm to Any Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

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slender steel bridge with integrated net seating expands over foša port in croatia

steel Bridge over Foša Links Heritage and Public Space

 

Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trogir, Croatia, the Bridge over Foša is a contemporary pedestrian structure that connects the city’s historic core with Fortin Park across the sea channel. Designed by Prostorne Taktike, the bridge serves both infrastructural and social functions while responding to the site’s maritime and urban context.

 

The bridge’s form follows an asymmetric hyperbolic paraboloid geometry, resulting in a slender steel shell structure with variable cross-sections. This shape minimizes visual obstruction, preserving views of the city’s heritage landmarks. Its highest point acts as an unobtrusive threshold, maintaining the visual integrity of the old town.

all images by Darko Škrobonja

 

 

Prostorne taktike draws from Trogir’s shipbuilding heritage

 

For the bridge’s structure, the design team at Prostorne taktike draws from Trogir’s shipbuilding heritage. The internal caisson system, made from flat steel plates, echoes the double-bottom construction method commonly used in shipbuilding. Prefabricated as a single unit in a nearby shipyard, the entire bridge was transported by barge and installed onto pre-prepared abutments within one day. This off-site fabrication approach reduced disruption in the dense urban area while showcasing local industrial expertise.

 

Material selection and finishes were guided by considerations of durability and contextual relevance. The exterior is coated with a three-component system containing metal powder, allowing the surface to gradually develop a rust-like patina similar to Corten steel. This finish offers both aesthetic consistency and long-term protection.

the Bridge over Foša connects Trogir’s historic core with Fortin Park

 

 

Bridge over Foša integrates Seating, Movement, and Views

 

The pedestrian experience was carefully considered in the design. A staircase follows the bridge’s gentlest gradient, with tread materials selected to ensure safety and comfort. A combination of rubber and fine stone aggregate provides a stable walking surface in the stair zones, while softer rubber is used elsewhere for added comfort. On the north side, informal seating zones are integrated into the steeper sections, encouraging use beyond circulation. Facing Fortin Park, the bridge incorporates perforated steel panels fitted with a net. This intervention creates spaces for sitting and gathering, while visually connecting the upper and lower areas of the site. The perforation reduces visual weight and enhances the spatial relationship between the bridge and its surroundings.

 

The design and execution of the Bridge over Foša prioritize structural efficiency, environmental responsibility, and urban sensitivity. The use of locally sourced and recycled materials, combined with efficient fabrication and installation methods, helps reduce the project’s ecological impact. As a result, the bridge integrates contemporary engineering with historical awareness, contributing a new layer to Trogir’s evolving urban landscape.

the structure follows an asymmetric hyperbolic paraboloid geometry

its slender steel shell preserves views of Trogir’s heritage landmarks

the material choice balances durability and contextual sensitivity

rubber and stone aggregate provide stable, slip-resistant walking surfaces

softer rubber zones enhance pedestrian comfort on non-stair areas

the exterior finish includes a metal powder coating that develops a rust-like patina over time

a pedestrian staircase follows the gentlest slope of the bridge’s curved form

the bridge incorporates perforated steel panels fitted with a net

the design incorporates recycled and locally sourced materials

steeper sections serve as stairs and informal seating zones for rest and gathering

the perforation reduces visual weight and improves spatial connection across levels

the bridge contributes to Trogir’s evolving urban landscape

Bridge over Foša creates places for sitting and interaction near Fortin Park

 

project info:

 

name: Bridge over Foša
architect: Prostorne taktike | @prostorne_taktike

design team: Luka Cvitan, M.Arch., Antonia Vuletić, M.Arch.

structural engineer: Orlandini Projekt d.o.o.

location: Trogir, Croatia

photographer: Darko Škrobonja

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Centriflug is a whirling marvel of DIY aviation

If you’re a fan of inventive engineering, quirky flying machines, or just love to see creativity soar, in this case, literally, then Amazingdiyprojects’ latest creation, the Centriflug, is sure to capture your imagination. In this fascinating YouTube video, the creator shares the story behind the early days of the Centriflug, an aircraft that’s as unique in flight as it is in design. Whether you’re a collector, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the intersection of art and science, the Centriflug is a flying machine you won’t want to miss.

Amazingdiyprojects is well-known in the DIY community for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with homemade flying contraptions. The Centriflug stands out even among his impressive portfolio. Unlike traditional drones or hobbyist airplanes, the Centriflug introduces a whole new twist. This unusual aircraft spins as it takes off and flies, creating a mesmerizing whirling effect that’s both visually stunning and mechanically intriguing.

Designer: Amazingdiyprojects

At its core, the Centriflug is designed around a rotating rod, with a set of wings that spin around this central axis. The wings aren’t just for show; they’re engineered to provide lift as they rotate, much like a helicopter’s blades. What makes it truly unique, though, is its self-balancing system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical stability, the Centriflug uses a custom-programmed quadrotor drone as its “brain.” This drone constantly makes tiny adjustments, ensuring the spinning wings and the entire craft remain balanced in the air. It’s a fantastic example of how classic engineering concepts can meet 21st-century innovation.

Another delightful feature of the Centriflug is its set of folding wings. When the aircraft is on the ground, these wings fold downward, transforming into landing gear. Not only does this add to the Centriflug’s quirky, almost whimsical appearance, but it’s also a practical solution, making takeoff and landing smoother and safer for the craft. Watching the transformation from resting mode to flight-ready is like seeing a mechanical bird spreading its wings for the first time—a true treat for anyone who appreciates clever design.

In the video, Amazingdiyprojects walks viewers through the trial-and-error process that comes with pioneering a new kind of aircraft. Early test flights are filled with suspense: Will the Centriflug balance correctly? Will the wings provide enough lift? What happens if the rotation becomes unstable? These moments of uncertainty are part of what makes the video so engaging. You can feel the excitement and tension in each experiment, and when things finally click, it’s a victory not just for the creator but for everyone watching.

The Centriflug’s journey from idea to reality is a reminder that innovation doesn’t require expensive labs or endless resources. All you need is curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to try something new. This is an intriguing flying machine and also a symbol of ingenuity and the endless possibilities of DIY engineering. So next time you’re looking for your daily dose of innovation, you might want to think about this spinning, whirling, one-of-a-kind aircraft.

The post Centriflug is a whirling marvel of DIY aviation first appeared on Yanko Design.

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louis vuitton ship brings flagship and OMA-designed exhibition to shanghai

the louis opens in shanghai with oma-designed exhibition aboard

 

Louis Vuitton unveils The Louis, a monumental structure moored in Shanghai’s central business district. Resembling a modernist ship at anchor, the boat-like building brings together a multi-story flagship store, Le Café Louis Vuitton, and the brand’s Visionary Journeys exhibition, housed within a surreal facade of metallic Monogram hulls and stacked trunks. Located on Wujiang Road, The Louis honors Louis Vuitton’s maritime roots while anchoring itself in Shanghai’s historic identity as a port city.

 

Visionary Journeys, the multi-room exhibition spanning two floors, is conceived by Shohei Shigematsu of OMA. It opens with Trunkscape, an installation composed of Monogram canvas trunks that curve into an archway, evoking architecture and dreamscape. Originally shown in Bangkok and Osaka (find designboom’s previous coverage here), this iteration draws visitors into a cinematic voyage through Louis Vuitton’s intertwined history with design, innovation, and travel, from the 1859 workshop in Asnières to high-seas regattas and couture-bound steamer trunks. ‘Our installation uses iconic Louis Vuitton trunks in a playful display that intuitively and instantly communicates the Maison’s heritage and spirit of innovation,’ shares Shohei Shigematsu. ‘Conceived to fit the central atrium of the temporary store, the four trunk towers are part structural and part sculptural, familiar in materiality yet foreign in shape, height, and slenderness, created by their distinctly stacked forms. Together, they become a spatial amplifier that feels surreal yet rooted to Louis Vuitton’s origins.’

all images courtesy of Louis Vuitton

 

 

Louis Vuitton draws from transoceanic journeys

 

The Louis is a space created by Louis Vuitton that encapsulates the spirit of travel and the deep connection of the french house to movement, craftsmanship, and culture. Its design draws inspiration from transoceanic journeys, the kind once made by ocean liners, combining the shape of a ship’s prow with the form of a classic Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. The outside is covered in shimmering metallic Monogram patterns that reflect light like the surface of the sea, making the structure itself a symbol of travel and timeless design.

 

Inside, visitors are taken on a journey that includes food, shopping, and storytelling through exhibition. Each room is themed to reflect a different chapter in Louis Vuitton’s evolution through historic pieces and creativity.

Louis Vuitton unveils The Louis, a monumental structure moored in Shanghai’s central business district

 

 

an oma-designed journey through objects

 

This journey begins with Origins, a space that features the early designs of the house, reimagined with a contemporary touch. This room sets the tone for the rest of the experience, one that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Next is Voyage, which explores the more whimsical and personal aspects of travel through archival patents, stories from famous clients, and custom-made items. Olfactive Exploration focuses on fragrance and puts on display rare perfume bottles from as far back as 1927 alongside scents crafted by in-house perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud.

 

Moving on, Books and Sport shows how the brand functions as both storyteller and companion across many worlds. From Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s love of literature and publishing to its role in creating elegant trophy trunks for global events like Formula 1 and the Olympics. In Fashion & Leather Goods, the house’s creative metamorphosis takes center stage, spotlighting classic bags reinterpreted by artistic directors including Marc Jacobs, Virgil Abloh, and Pharrell Williams. Workshop and Testing pull visitors into the behind-the-scenes world of Louis Vuitton craftsmanship, where tools nicknamed Louise and Louisette help make sure that each piece meets rigorous standards. Perched on the third floor, Le Café Louis Vuitton brings a refined take on Shanghai-style dining, a fusion of East and West shaped by chefs Leonardo Zambrino and Zoe Zhou.

 

The opening of The Louis in Shanghai ties Louis Vuitton’s roots in travel to the role of the city as a longtime port of exchange, reflecting on how objects carry meaning over time.

resembling a modernist ship at anchor, the boat-like building brings together multiple uses

a surreal facade of metallic Monogram hulls

The Louis honors Louis Vuitton’s maritime roots

the project anchors itself in Shanghai’s historic identity as a port city

the design draws inspiration from transoceanic journeys, the kind once made by ocean liners

Visionary Journeys is the multi-room exhibition spanning two floors

the exhibition’s design is conceived by Shohei Shigematsu of OMA

Trunkscape is composed of Monogram canvas trunks that curve into an archway

Olfactive Exploration puts on display rare perfume bottles

Books and Sport shows how the brand functions as both storyteller and companion across many worlds

Origins features the early designs of the house

the behind-the-scenes world of Louis Vuitton craftsmanship

Origins sets the tone for the rest of the experience

 

 

project info:

 

name: The Louis

brand: Louis Vuitton | @louisvuitton

architect: Shohei Shigematsu / OMA | @omanewyork, @shohei_shigematsu

location: Wujiang Road, Jing’an district, Shanghai, China

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