DESIGN DISPATCH

A Mykonos Sanctuary Where the Party Is Close Yet Far, and Other News

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Yi Hotel in Mykonos

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A Mykonos Sanctuary Where the Party Is Close Yet Far

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Elia Beach, the new 41-room Yi Hotel feels a world away from Mykonos’ party scene. Done up in a soothing mix of wood, straw, and terracotta, the sculptural interiors reflect the forms and colors of the nature that resides outside (blue glass referencing the sea, pistachio doors and windows inspired by olive trees). Guests will discover small treasures throughout, including works from Egyptian artists like a collection of canoes depicting different stories of village life.

While the art touches on the historical relationship between Egypt and Greece, the culinary program is decidedly homegrown. At Sibà, dishes like tomato salad with hand-picked baby tomatoes are powered by local farms, as are cucumber popsicles, mizithra cheese tarts, and the Saint Galini Kakavia, a traditional grouper filet dish from Crete. The menu is the vision of chef George Stylianoudakis, who trained under Alain Ducasse and is a master of Cycladic and Cretan techniques. If the legendary Mykonos nightlife is calling, an on-demand 24-hour concierge will ensure the trip has plenty of bacchanalia. —Nate Storey

Rendering of Tour Triangle in Paris. Image courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

Paris reintroduces a height limit for new buildings after the Tour Triangle’s backlash.

Paris has reintroduced a height limit for new buildings, restricting them to a maximum height of 37 meters (121 feet). The decision comes after the controversial construction of the Tour Triangle tower by Herzog & de Meuron and aims to reduce carbon emissions as part of Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s Local Bioclimatic Urban Plan. The height limit reinstates a planning law that was initially introduced in 1977 following the construction of Tour Montparnasse, and it marks a shift away from the previous allowance for taller office and housing towers in the city.

Plans are underway for a renovation of the western side of New York’s Lincoln Center.

Plans are underway for a significant renovation of Lincoln Center’s western side in an effort to connect with neighboring housing complexes, schools, and community centers. Overseen by Boston-based firm NADAAA and the nonprofit Hester Street, the project will involve demolishing parts of an imposing wall, building an outdoor stage, and renovating Damrosch Park. The aim is to create a more inclusive environment for diverse audiences, breaking away from the center’s elitist image and fostering stronger ties with the community.

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation picks Renzo Piano to design a new building.

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has selected Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) to design the Performing Arts Center at The Bay. The new center will be built on the campus of the new Bay Park, replacing the existing Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. With flood resiliency in mind, the center will be situated outside the flood zone and will feature a main theater, flexible performance space, and areas for educational programming. Contract negotiations will commence with RPBW, and if unsuccessful, Foster + Partners will be offered the project. The estimated cost for the new performing arts center is $275 million to $300 million, funded by private donations, grants, and tax increment finance revenues.

The Ebony test kitchen at the Museum of Food and Drink in New York City. Image courtesy of Landmarks Illinois

Ebony magazine’s vibrant test kitchen has found a new home at the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has received a donation of the iconic test kitchen used by Ebony magazine, a symbol of Black culinary history. The kitchen, originally housed at the former Johnson Publishing Company Building in Chicago, was acquired by the nonprofit Landmarks Illinois in 2018 for preservation. It features vibrant colors, modern amenities, and was used by Ebony magazine editors to test recipes. While there are no immediate plans for display, the museum will undergo conservation work on the test kitchen to preserve its historical significance.

After shifting attitudes toward fur, PETA is setting its sights on wool, leather, and down.

In 1980, Ingrid Newkirk co-founded People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with the aim of shifting societal attitudes towards fur. PETA’s aggressive protest tactics, combined with media campaigns and corporate engagement, has led to major fashion brands like Calvin Klein and Gucci going fur-free. Now, PETA is focused on making other animal-derived materials, such as wool, leather, and down, as socially unacceptable as fur by highlighting the unethical practices involved. While the industry still has a long way to go, PETA is committed to transforming the fashion industry through corporate engagement and legal challenges.

The Harvard Graduate School of Design names next year’s Loeb Fellowship recipients.

The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Loeb Fellowship. Comprising nine fellows from various countries, the cohort includes individuals working in fields such as infrastructure, climate justice, land ownership, and journalism, which are vital for the progressive development of architecture and design. During their 10-month residency, the fellows will have the opportunity to audit courses at Harvard or MIT, participate in panel discussions, and contribute to the vibrant GSD community. The GSD is excited to welcome these fellows and looks forward to the upcoming year in Cambridge.

The penis-shaped stone discovered by archaeologists in Spain. Image courtesy of Arbore S.Coop.Galega

Today’s attractive distractions:

Astronomers have discovered the loneliest galaxy in the known universe.

An obsessed fan is taking maintenance of a Banksy into his own hands.

A Saskatoon artist sheds light on the realities of medically assisted dying.

Spanish archaeologists find a phallic stone used for sharpening weapons.

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