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Summer reading tips

Design books for the whole family

The summer holidays are the perfect time to relax with a good book, whether you're travelling or staying at home. Why not immerse yourself in the fascinating world of design this summer? We've put together a reading list that's both enjoyable and inspiring for all ages. Perfect whether you're reading together or curling up with a book on your own.

Whether you're looking to escape the everyday or simply feed your curiosity, there's something here for everyone.

Design as an Attitude

In Design as an Attitude, you'll discover that design is about far more than beautiful objects. It's a powerful way of thinking that helps solve problems and improve the world. Alice Rawsthorn reveals how designers, often in unexpected ways, shape the society we live in.

Minimalistische witte boekomslag met de titel Design as an Attitude van Alice Rawsthorn in zwarte typografie.

Modernist Travel Guide'

Adam Štěch's Modernist Travel Guide takes you on a journey through iconic modernist architecture and design around the world. Admire the beauty of this remarkable era and start planning your next design-inspired trip.

Boekomslag van Modernist Travel Guide met een foto van een modernistisch interieur en een opvallende verticale titel.

I Knew a Phoenix

Discover the power of resilience and the beauty of everyday life in May Sarton's I Knew a Phoenix. In this personal memoir, Sarton reflects on friendship, creativity and nature through intimate observations and quiet moments. A thoughtful read for anyone seeking calm and reflection.

Vintage boekomslag van I Knew a Phoenix met grote overlappende typografische letters in roze, oranje en zwart.

Toerist Modernist

See modern architecture through fresh eyes with Gerlin Heestermans' Toerist Modernist. This engaging book uncovers hidden modernist gems and offers new perspectives on iconic buildings. Explore cities through a modernist lens and discover the stories behind their groundbreaking designs.

Felrode boekomslag van Toerist Modernist met zwarte typografie en een grafisch lijnpatroon rechtsonder.

Modernist Escapes

Stefi Orazi's Modernist Escapes presents a collection of remarkable modernist buildings and architectural gems from across the globe. Many of these extraordinary places can even be booked for an overnight stay, making it the perfect inspiration for your next holiday.

Boekomslag van Modernist Escapes met een foto van een modernistisch gebouw op een rotswand, omlijst door een gele rand.
Openliggend boek ABC van Bruno Munari met een kleurrijke typografische omslag waarop grote letters, een vlinder, een appel en een kat zijn afgebeeld.
Boekomslag van De vlinder in de appelboom met een grote groene appel op een witte achtergrond.
Boekomslag van Het allermooiste, buitengewone en complete boek van alle letters met kleurrijke illustraties die het alfabet vormen.

Children's books

  • Bruno Munari's ABC is a classic alphabet book filled with playful creations that celebrate shapes, colours and everyday objects. Immerse yourself in Munari's imaginative world and discover how he invites readers to see the familiar with fresh eyes.

 

  • Enzo Mari's The Butterfly in the Apple Tree is a beautiful bedtime story. Follow a tiny caterpillar on its journey towards a remarkable transformation. This timeless picture book combines clever design with a magical story about nature and the wonders of life, drawing readers into a visual adventure through its elegant simplicity.

 

  • Step into the colourful world of Tom Schamp's The Most Beautiful, Extraordinary and Complete Book of All the Letters. This vibrant alphabet book makes learning fun with playful illustrations and countless surprising details.

 

Boekomslag met foto's van meubels van Gerrit Rietveld en de titel Rietveld meubels om zelf te maken.
Boekomslag van De man met de panamahoed met een geschilderd portret van een man in pak en panamahoed.
Boekomslag van Formafantasma Oltre Terra met een subtiele afbeelding van wolvezels en rode typografie op een lichte achtergrond.
Drie covers van het tijdschrift MacGuffin – The Life of Things naast elkaar, elk gewijd aan een alledaags object en voorzien van een witte, handgeschreven lijn.
  • Pick up a saw and hammer with Rietveld Furniture to Make Yourself by Peter Drijver and Johannes Niemeijer. This practical guide takes you step by step through the process of building Gerrit Rietveld's iconic furniture designs. Create your own piece of design history and experience the satisfaction of making it yourself.

 

  • Rudi Meulemans' The Man with the Panama Hat unfolds around an intriguing unsolved mystery. This compelling novel follows the search for a missing artist and his enigmatic final work, weaving together history, art and hidden secrets into a captivating literary adventure.
  • Discover how design is reshaping our relationship with the Earth in Formafantasma: Oltre Terra. Through in-depth research into raw materials, Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin imagine a more sustainable future for design. This inspiring publication invites you to look differently at materials and the planet we share.

 

  • Have you discovered MacGuffin Magazine yet? Each issue uncovers the fascinating stories behind everyday objects you might otherwise overlook. From socks and blankets to lamps, the magazine celebrates the unexpected beauty and significance of ordinary things through in-depth essays and striking photography.

Can't get enough?

Continue to read with these two online magazines. Interior PULP offers interior architecture professionals fresh insights and inspiration, while Dezeen, the world's most popular online architecture and design platform, publishes daily news, interviews and projects from around the globe.

Enjoy the summer and happy reading!