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Design Dispatch

Our daily look at the world through the lens of design.

SpaceX relaunches a rocket for the first time. (Photo: Flickr)

Recycled Rocket

SpaceX has launched a previously used rocket for the first time, moving the company a step closer to becoming a viable space transportation service. “We’re not one-way-trip-to-Mars people. We want to make sure that whoever we take can come back. And from that perspective, you have to have a reusable system,” said SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell. “We’re really looking for true operational reusability, like an aircraft.”
[The Washington Post]

Michelle Obama delivers a speech. (Photo: Wikimedia)

Michelle’s Message

Michelle Obama is slated to give a keynote speech at the 2017 American Institute of Architects conference in April. Other notable speakers include Alejandro Aravena, Elizabeth Diller, and Francis Kéré.
[The Architect’s Newspaper]

An evicted artist and Chinese police. (Photo: Still from Youtube video)

House Arrest

Artists, attempting to stop the demolition of their home and studio in Beijing, clashed with Chinese police. Multiple protesters were injured and two were arrested. Evictions and demolitions in the artist community of Songzhuang have become increasingly common, and victims allege that the government is pressuring landlords to enable the incidents.
[Artforum]

A rendering of Snøhetta’s design. (Photo: Norwegian Coastal Administration/Snøhetta, via Archdaily)

Tunnel Vision

Snøhetta has produced designs for the world’s first full-scale ship tunnel. The idea for the tunnel, which would create a pathway through Norway’s Stad Peninsula, has been entertained for more than 100 years. If the Norwegian government approves the proposal, the $270 million construction process could begin by 2019.
[Archdaily]

A recent Kenzo show. (Photo: Vogue Runway)

Kenzo’s Kudos

Kenzo Takada, the fashion designer who founded Kenzo, has received a lifetime achievement award from the Fashion Editors’ Club of Japan. When the organization recognized Kenzo Takada in 1999—the year he retired from his namesake label—he used his time at the podium to gave advice to young designers. “I think if young designers have decided on a goal or dream, they should go overseas when they’re younger,” said the longtime Paris resident. “Actually being able to experience different things with the five senses really provides great inspiration. I also want them to take more risks while they’re young, and to work hard in a more international way.”
[WWD]

A still from the drone footage of the new Apple campus. (Photo: YouTube)

Apple Nigh

Just weeks before Apple employees will begin to move into the new, Norman Foster-designed Apple campus, a drone videographer has captured footage of the almost-finished buildings. The 2.8-million-square-foot complex includes offices, parking, and a theater, which will likely host future company announcements.
[Curbed]

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