The May/June issue of Frame was produced when the coronavirus was wreaking havoc in Southeast Asia, but seemed like distant thunder in the rest of the world. But by the time we went to print, the entire globe had been severely impacted. With the travel industry ostensibly upended overnight, it may seem like a strange time to address the topic. Prophetically, though, we centre on remote hospitality. How can the sector spread tourism more evenly? Suddenly, in the current era of social distancing, our take on travel has never been more relevant.

REPORTING FROM

George Kafka considers the role of designers in Athens amid ongoing conflicts surrounding citizenship and border controls at the edges of Europe. Federico Monsalve finds signs that New Zealand spatial design is starting to understand the depth of its Māori and European bicultural roots.

BUSINESS OF DESIGN

How e-commerce returns are reshaping the physical store. Why the future of co-working is suburban. How the circular economy is disrupting show design. Is the construction industry set to embrace mass timber?

IN PRACTICE

Russian architect Eduard Eremchuk on infusing interiors with unexpectedness. Danish colour and textile designer Margrethe Odgaard on the relationship between colour and cultural identity. Ace Hotel’s chief brand officer Kelly Sawdon on making hospitality healthier. Atelier Brückner founder Uwe Brückner on the importance of a culture of co-creation and the power of perseverance.

SPACES: FRAME AWARDS 2020

Across two days in Amsterdam, our international jury of industry leaders whittled down 190 nominees to 36 Frame Awards winners. A big overriding theme? Relevance. Which projects reflect today’s needs and signal a path for the future? The juries were drawn to authenticity and playfulness in retail, rituals and poetry in hospitality, and diversity and wellbeing in workspaces.

HOSPITALITY LAB

The advent of overtourism has left many of the world’s top destinations in a state of crisis, to the detriment of both locals, visitors and the environment. Holiday makers are eager for an alternative, one that lets them experience unique locations without sacrificing either their comfort or the health of local ecosystems. In response, hospitality innovators are creating design-led solutions that let guests range both more widely and more responsibly.

THE CHALLENGE: HOW WILL HOSPITALITY OPERATE OFF SITE?

In the lead-up to each issue, we challenge emerging designers to respond to the Frame Lab theme with a forward-looking concept. Remote travel destinations are growing in popularity as consumers increasingly seek exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But how do you offer hospitality in uncharted environments? Three emerging designers share their ideas.

MARKET

Discover the latest product releases (despite fair cancellations). EuroShop exhibitors advance adaptivity in retail. Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair participants recycle materials and reduce noise. Sanctuary-like chairs humanize the experience of giving birth.