VDF studio profile: Autoban is a multidisciplinary studio based in Istanbul, Turkey, which was established to "create meaningful designs that put forward enthralling narratives". More about Autoban's diverse portfolio is "grounded in storytelling"
The contemporary Cupaclad 201 Vanguard series is one of three cladding systems shown by Cupa Pizarras at VDF products fair that put natural slate in the spotlight. More about Cupa Pizarras introduces three slate facade systems at VDF products fair
VDF products fair: Cupa Pizarras' Cupaclad 201 Vanguard facade system contrasts natural slate with stainless steel fixtures to offer users a contemporary aesthetic. More about Cupaclad 201 Vanguard by Cupa Pizarras
VDF products fair: natural slate is the focal point of the Cupaclad 101 Logic rainscreen cladding system, designed by Cupa Pizarras to be secured with hidden fixings. More about Cupaclad 101 Logic by Cupa Pizarras
VDF products fair: the Cupaclad 101 Random rainscreen cladding system by Cupa Pizarras combines overlapping slabs of slate in different sizes to create textured and "dynamic" facades. More about Cupaclad 101 Random by Cupa Pizarras
Oak and brass display cabinets fill this cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles that local studio Commune designed to look like a jewellery store. More about Commune designs Serra marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles to be airy and luxurious
Oslo's long-awaited Deichman Bjørvika central library, which stands alongside the Snøhetta-designed opera house on the city's waterfront, has opened to the public in Norway. More about Atelier Oslo and Lundhagem unveil Oslo's "huge but intimate" central library
Sergey Makhno Architects has envisioned a concrete home built like a bunker for enduring the "unpleasant surprises" that may await in the post-pandemic world. More about Underground House Plan B is a hideout concept for the next global crisis
Rewilding is a better way of fighting climate change and biodiversity loss than planting trees, according to designer Sebastian Cox. More about "I'm not an enormous advocate of the planting of trees" says Sebastian Cox
Engineering firm Arup has designed parklets, hybrid street furniture and planters to help Liverpool's restaurants reopen as the UK's coronavirus lockdown lifts. More about Arup designs parklets to help Liverpool's restaurants reopen during social distancing measures
Rhode Island School of Design president Rosanne Somerson discusses how the design school has been forced to reinvent itself in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic in the penultimate talk as part of our collaboration with Friedman Benda for VDF. Tune in from 11:00am UK time. More about "This is the biggest challenge we've faced in our entire history as an institution" says RISD president
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a machine that controls the setting rate of concrete to offer a "seamless transition between casting and 3D printing" so that structures can be made that use less material. More about ETH Zurich combines 3D printing and casting to make more efficient concrete structures
For her graduate collection at Central Saint Martins, fashion designer Dahee Kim used beanbags to create back-attachments that double as impromptu chairs. More about Dahee Kim attaches bulbous beanbags to uniform-style garments
A dementia clinic that celebrates the joy of eggs and a dance school for the over 60s feature in this VDF school show of work from the University of Westminster's architecture students. More about University of Westminster architecture students share "varied design approaches" across 9 projects
Beijing studio Open Architecture has created the Pingshan Performing Arts Center near Shenzhen as a "counter-statement" to other more extravagant theatres that have recently been built in China. More about Open Architecture unveils Pingshan Performing Arts Center
Mississippi has voted to redesign its flag to remove the Confederate battle emblem, making it the last US state to remove the controversial symbol that was used by southern states during the American Civil War. More about Mississippi to redesign state flag to remove Confederacy emblem
Students and alumni of Harvard GSD have launched an online sale of items donated by architects and designers, including an IKEA chair signed by Virgil Abloh and a Sam Jacob painting, to fundraise for organisations that fight for racial equality. More about Harvard GSD students create Design Yard Sale to support anti-racism initiatives
VDF products fair: the 002-Slim Cuffs by jewellery brand Nyyukin are intended to offer wearers a timeless design while also encouraging them "to be playful or experimental". More about 002-Slim Cuff by Nyyukin
Dezeen Showroom: an integrated bookcase accentuates the glass front of the Yoku SH – an at-home sauna and hammam system by Italian brand Effe. More about Yoku SH spa system by Effe
VDF studio profile: Siren is a sustainability-focused, women-led design studio that has crafted interiors for businesses from tech companies like Google and Facebook to a philanthropic organisation. More about Siren Design creates "environments where people can thrive"