Cities and architecture across the world are increasingly being influenced by the fundamentally anti-democratic principles of places like Dubai, argues academic Quinn Slobodian in this interview. More about Spread of Dubai-style urbanism "quite terrifying" says Quinn Slobodian
Local studio Owain Williams Architects has transformed a disused garage site in London into the Stroud Green Housing Centre, creating a public drop-in space and office fronted by a large timber gate. More about Infill housing centre by Owain Williams Architects is "a public building in miniature"
Fashion designer Pauline van Dongen has created a flexible, solar-energy-generating textile called Heliotex, which forms the canopy of her Dutch Design Week pavilion. More about Pauline van Dongen tops kite-like Umbra Pavilion with solar-powered textile
Artist Takashi Murakami and fashion brand Louis Vuitton have created a giant inflatable octopus informed by Chinese lanterns, which has been installed at the newly restored Grand Palais museum in Paris in time for Art Basel. More about Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton take over Grand Palais with eight-metre-tall octopus
Design festival Kasiology has launched to celebrate the undervalued creative economy of South Africa's many townships, with its inaugural edition taking place in the Soweto suburb of Johannesburg. More about First design festival debuts in South Africa's historically Black townships
Rapper 50 Cent has collaborated with French glassware brand Lalique to create a hand-crafted crystal bottle for the 505 Edition Branson Cognac by Sire Spirits. More about 50 Cent and Lalique create cognac bottle that embraces "conscious capitalism"
Local studio Cometa Architects has added a custom-made central staircase and created circular cutouts to showcase a historic brick ceiling at Éventail, a Barcelona home filled with tactile details. More about Cometa Architects designs Barcelona apartment with "hand fan" layout
Promotion: Italian design brand Henge presented its exclusive 2025 collection featuring renowned designers' work at its new London showroom, which opened during this year's London Design Festival. More about Henge's 2025 collection "explores new horizons in contemporary design"