Francis Kéré, Wang Shu, and Stella McCartney will feature in the Seoul Architecture and Urbanism Biennale.
The Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism will open on September 26 with a central installation by Thomas Heatherwick titled Wall of Public Life in Songhyeon Green Plaza. The project invites 24 architects, designers, and other creatives—including Francis Kéré, Wang Shu, and Stella McCartney—to design building fragments that explore how exterior walls can shape human experience. Kéré’s contribution will combine Korean pine and clay with traditions from his native Tiébélé, symbolizing architecture as a connector rather than a barrier. The installation forms part of Heatherwick’s broader Humanise campaign, which encourages more engaging and expressive urban design.
Audemars Piguet has purchased a majority stake in a Swiss precision timepiece manufacturer.
Audemars Piguet has acquired a majority stake in Swiss precision manufacturer Inhotec, a Le Locle–based company founded in 2011 that produces components for high-end timepieces. The deal allows Inhotec to remain independent in its management and operations while continuing to serve other watch brands. Audemars Piguet aims to secure specialized expertise vital to haute horlogerie and reinforce the broader Swiss watchmaking ecosystem. Inhotec CEO Alexandre Eme retains a significant minority share and will lead the company as it pursues further innovation.
The former general secretary of Palais Galliera is now the general director of Villa Noailles.
Hugo Lucchino, a former general secretary of Paris’ Palais Galliera fashion museum, will take over as general director of Villa Noailles this fall. The French Ministry of Culture endorsed his appointment, citing his deep knowledge of fashion and design and his plans to strengthen the Hyères fashion and photography festival, the Design Parade, and the site’s cultural heritage. Lucchino succeeds Jean-Pierre Blanc, who stepped down in May amid financial troubles that prompted debt repayment measures and governance reforms. Lucchino brings experience from leading institutional reorganizations and cultural projects at Palais Galliera and Le Signe, the national center for graphic arts.
America’s discarded clothing is accumulating in one of 46 Texas warehouses.
In Laredo, Texas, 46 warehouses hold towering piles of discarded clothing from across the U.S., much of it unsold thrift donations and fast fashion castoffs. Some garments are resold to buyers from Mexico, but large volumes end up in the local landfill. Resident Heather Garcia, disturbed by the waste, began offering thrift tours that allow visitors to buy items by the pound, hoping to keep more clothes in circulation and support the local economy. Despite these efforts, experts say such initiatives can’t counter the sheer pace of overproduction driving America’s clothing waste crisis.
Luca Guadagnino has cast art dealer and David Zwirner gallery partner David Leiber in his latest film.
Luca Guadagnino has cast David Leiber, a partner at David Zwirner gallery and Guadagnino’s own art dealer, in a small but notable role in his new film, After the Hunt. Leiber plays a Yale dean caught in a tense dispute between students and faculty, acting alongside Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri. Guadagnino met Leiber through art collecting and cast him for his poise, knowledge, and natural fit for the part, despite having no acting background. The director, who often draws on visual art for inspiration, said in a recent interview that he’s considering casting Leiber again.
Today’s attractive distractions:
See photos of Mark Rothko’s former apartment and studio in its heyday.
One of the first big digital art platforms is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a sale.
John Williams—of ‘Jaws’ and ‘Star Wars’ fame—has composed his first piano concerto.
Is it cake or salad? These bakers will make you question everything.
