THINK magazine: issue 13 'Resort'

Towards the tip of the Lofoten islands in North West Norway, on one of the country’s eighteen National Tourist Routes, stands a sculptural steel structure formed thoughtfully by the Oslo based architects Manthey Kula. “The surrounding mountains are quite overwhelming so we wanted to create a space to take a rest from the views” state the architects of the Akkarvik Roadside Restroom. The weather literally overwhelmed the..... Read my full article on Think magazine here

Photograph of Akkarvik Roadside Restroom in Norway by Paul Warchol

THINK magazine: issue 12 'Innovation'

Set up by Spaniard Luis Aguirre, AQSO delivers 'contemporary architecture, urban planning and cultural research' from offices in Madrid and Beijing. By melding together their ideas and knowledge from East and West and in the process of completing civic, cultural, interior and residential projects in both sides of the world they have accumulated numerous awards and accolades – Europan 9 and the self-sufficient IaaC being the stand outs.  In 2012, AQSO will aim to showcase these assets on another prestigious global..Read the full article on Think magazine here

Image from Wavescape Pavillion by AQSO Arquitectos, 2011

THINK magazine: issue 11 'Remix'

Think no.11 is now online and available to read at thinkmag.net. The latest issue follows a 'Remix' theme, examining recycling and re-use culture through articles focusing on design, architecture and fashion. For my contribution as design editor I decided to write about the inspiring 'trash-to-treasure' artwork of Brazilian artist Vik Muniz and the evolving works of designer Ron Arad. The latter designed one of the most iconic 'remixed' objects in recent history, the Rover chair, however his latest works have varied from architectural sculptures to temporary spaces - contrasting sharply to the stylized thrift designs from his early career.

Image from Vik Muniz 'Wastelands', 2011

PRESS: THINK ISSUE 8 'RESORT'

Think magazine issue 8 went live together with a new website last week. While web designer Robin Egg Blue was busy on the layout the new site, I contributed to the latest issue with an article on the Ritz-Carlton Tamuda Bay resort in Morocco. What with a relative calm in the face of public unrest in their neighboring countries, the future looks bright for this exotic North African outpost - apparently tourism has doubled there in the last ten years. As contributing design editor for Think, I got the chance to pick up on this burgeoning tourism destination and have a look at the sustainable merits of the Tamuda Bay resort.  Read that article and the rest here. Also featured in Think issue 8, a new advert for my design studio.

Above: Alexander Horne 'One Size Fits' advert. 2011

press: Think issue 7 'Future'

Think have been looking ahead with their timely 'Future' issue coming out at the turn of a decade. For this issue I supplied the cover design and an article on the burgeoning Bucharest scene, featuring fashion designer This Is Lü and graphic talent MihaMiha. It was a pleasure to be given the opportunity to design the cover so I set to work on a unique piece. The result; a 3d pixel amazon-scape alluding to how a digital future can alter our vision of the natural environment. View it here.

image: front cover by Alexander Horne, Think magazine issue 7 'Future', 2010

press: Think issue 6

Think magazine issue 6 came out some weeks ago and marks something of a landmark for the thought provoking and aesthetically conscious publication. Editor of the magazine Jacqueline Carlisle has upped the output ante of Think by introducing not only web and Iphone apps but, also pressing a limited run of actual physical copies. With an article from talented Scottish designer Scott Jarvie and my own regular contribution discussing issues related to the 'Progressive' theme, there should be something in there for not only designers but also those interested in ideas and sustainable issues we face today. You can read the latest issue here.

image: LEED certified Cherokee studios by Pugh & Scarpa, Los Angeles 2010

Design Think-ing

'Intrinsic Incision' article featuring Ronen Kadushin is now published in issue 3 of US based, sustainable design magazine Think. I will be contributing design editor for the same magazine's forthcoming special 'Earth Day' issue which will be online around the end of April, to coincide with other Earth Day events around the globe. Earth Day originated around 1970 as a day of educational talks and debate to raise awareness about environmental concerns. You can find out about some of the various events going on throughout the globe on the Earth Day network site.

Think magazine issue 3

Our Ability to Sustain Sustainability

''To be taught to write or speak – but what is the use of speaking if you have nothing to say? To be taught to think – nay, what is the use of being able to think, if you have nothing to think of? But to be taught to see is to gain word and thought at once, and both are true.'' John Ruskin / Selected Writings (Oxford World's Classics)

An article for Architonic magazine questioning the tangibility of the terminology 'sustainability'; it's common misconception, examples of use and how we could use such terms in an eco-effective and holistic manner. The article, entitled 'Sustaining Sustainability', features references to the excellent Architecture for Humanity group and an introduction to recently developed 'sustainable' programs such as Cradle to Cradle design and Miljøfyrtårn. As discovered through the harsh reality of economic downturn - the Western world has been overproducing and consuming. Many design services are sprouting through the rust of those who have bolted themselves to the sinking ships of dated production mechanisms. But, who is governing these design services? What gives these companies the power to certificate producing designers? These are issues that need to be addressed as design molds into something that can bare more visible relevance to all in society. Read the full article HERE. Godt Nytt År (Happy New Year) as they say here!

'Sustainable Pie' illustration by Alexander Horne, 2009

Intrinsic Thought

''Eighty percent of the environmental impact of today's products, services and infrastructures is determined at the design stage. Design therefore has an enormous impact on resource efficiency in our economy, and can make a critical contribution in the transition to sustainability.'' John Thackara / Doors of Perception

Just completed an article for the sustainable focused design magazine Think. The subject matter was a Berlin based Israeli designer called Ronen Kadushin, whose timeless futuristic forms not only bare a sharp aesthetic but also provide a stern indication as to a potential future in design. He suggests that open sourcing design in the same way the information technology industry has done will enhance it's growth and development. You can read the article from Feb.2010 when Think issue 3 will be available online. Think is an original concept by Jacqueline Carlisle and its emergence from the USA comes at a relevant time what with the loss of ID magazine and the need for voices in the sustainable design debate.

'Flat Knot' design by Ronen Kadushin

Design of the Times

I recently had an article about design in Norway published on the popular architecture and design site Architonic. The article, entitled 'Beneath the Surface', was a reactionary piece to the growth in public attention the 100% Norway exhibition had brought 'Norwegian design'. While it is healthy for any burgeoning and young creative scene to receive public attention through press coverage, it is also important to provide critique and comment. This kind of realist guidance and opinion appears to have been missing from the many subsequent articles reporting on 'Norwegian design'. 'Beneath the Surface' does not laud any Norwegian designers, more it asks why something was made and what it means to people, not just designers. The article introduces socially aware design projects such as the 'Blanke Ark' polling box designed by the industrial designers Kadabra and graphics studio Blueroom. It also mentions some of the other exciting projects going on outside of Oslo that do not exist on a reputation of stylizing to sell.

'Ballot Box' design by Kadabra and Blueroom