This week, New Zealand and Qatar joined the trend for crowdsourcing design

This week on Dezeen: New Zealand unveiled 40 potential flag designs (pictured) by residents this week, while the National Museum of Qatar challenged the public to create its new graphic identity.

The shortlist of graphics designed by New Zealanders will be narrowed down, then pitted against the country’s existing flag design that incorporates the Union Jack in a public vote.

The National Museum of Qatar also launched a nationwide competition to design its new graphic identity, ready for its upcoming home by Jean Nouvel. Other examples of crowdsourcing design include Karim Rashid’s Facebook followers choosing the facade for his building in New York and Porsche’s unique version of its 911 car voted for by social media users.

In other news, Miami became the latest city to attempt to replicate the success of New York’s popular High Line, outlining designs for a new park that would be constructed beneath an elevated rail line.

Frank Gehry was chosen to revitalise the barren and canal-like Los Angeles River and Populous revealed its stadium design for the San Diego Chargers American football team.

Construction started on a twisted tower designed by Kengo Kuma in Dallas, while work got underway on a purpose-built shelter for women and children suffering domestic abuse in Israel.

Richard Rogers accused Japan of “losing its nerve” following the country’s controversial decision to scrap Zaha Hadid’s Olympic stadium for Tokyo.

Marc Newson designed a luxury range of pens and MAD founder Ma Yansong created a series of carpets shaped like juicy steaks for dogs.

Popular projects this week on Dezeen included an origami plant pot designed to expand as its occupant grows, a laptop-sized “electric car” and a series of hacked Ikea kitchens by famous architects.

More architecture | More interiors | More design | More news

Read more

• News
• This week on Dezeen