News: only one city has submitted a bid for World Design Capital 2016 - meaning Taipei is likely to be awarded the title. More about Taipei city submits the only bid for World Design Capital 2016
News: computer and electronics retailer Microsoft has become the first US retailer to sell MakerBot's desktop 3D printers on the shop floor for customers to take home on the same day. More about Microsoft to sell MakerBot 3D printers in American stores
News: a map that illustrates global forest densities using wood textures has won a competition to reinvent the tessellated world map designed 70 years ago by American architect and visionary designer R. Buckminster Fuller (+ slideshow). More about Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion world map redesigned
News: the Cardboard Cathedral designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban opens to the public today in Christchurch, New Zealand. More about Shigeru Ban completes Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch
News: Swedish furniture retailer IKEA has added an augmented reality function to its 2014 catalogue, allowing customers to see what products will look like in their homes. More about IKEA launches augmented reality catalogue
News: a heritage group in Beijing has written an open letter to the Royal Institute of British Architects saying it is "disappointed and offended" that Zaha Hadid's Galaxy Soho complex has been given an RIBA International Award. More about Chinese heritage group "offended" by Zaha Hadid's RIBA Award for Galaxy Soho
News: printing and packaging retailer The UPS Store has launched an in-store 3D printing service in six shops across the USA. More about The UPS Store becomes first major US retailer to offer 3D printing service
News: designer Janne Kyttanen has created a range of 3D-printed shoes for women that can be made at home overnight to be worn the next day. More about Cubify launches free-to-download shoes you can "print overnight"
News: the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam has acquired Solid C2 by Patrick Jouin, the first item of furniture to be 3D-printed in one piece. More about Stedelijk Museum acquires first 3D-printed chair
News: the topping-out ceremony for the Gensler-designed Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, takes place in Shanghai tomorrow (Saturday). More about World's second-tallest building tops out in Shanghai
News: UK architecture watchdog the Architects Registration Board has been described as "crackers" and "pathetic" after the body gave Dezeen 14 days to amend an article describing John Pawson as an architect (+ interview). More about "Pathetic" architecture watchdog gives Dezeen ultimatum over Pawson story
News: the UK government wants to ban drivers from using Google's augmented reality eyewear ahead of the 2014 release, amid safety concerns. More about UK Government set to ban Google Glass for drivers
News: construction of China's 838 metre-high Sky City tower has stalled just days after it began amid safety fears and a lack of necessary government approval. More about China suspends construction of world's tallest building
News: new office technologies and a move towards collaborative, open-plan offices are leading to declining performance among workers, according to a new workplace design study by architects Gensler. More about Bad workplace design means most employees are "struggling to work effectively"
News: Zaha Hadid's extension to the Serpentine Gallery in London is to open on 28 September. More about Zaha Hadid's Serpentine Sackler Gallery to open in September
News: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has revealed his architectural taste by inviting a Hong Kong firm to design a new airport for Pyongyang. More about Kim Jong-un selects architect for Pyongyang airport upgrade
News: London architecture firm Foster + Partners has redesigned the first-class cabins for Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific. More about Foster + Partners designs first-class cabin for Cathay Pacific
News: a research team in Zürich has created a flock of helicopter robots that can detect each others' positions and join together to create a larger flying machine. More about Researchers develop 3D-printed drones capable of self-assembly
News: a 3D printer approved by NASA will be flown to the International Space Station next year so astronauts can print components, tools and equipment on-demand in space. More about NASA certifies first 3D printer for use in space
News: architecture firm Aedas has won a competition to design a twisting 33-storey skyscraper for Shanghai, China (+ slideshow). More about Aedas to design twisting skyscraper for Shanghai