Habitus

What does it mean to live in design? With three issues published each year, Habitus is a publication that has been passionately unpacking design from the inside-out and outside-in for more than ten years. Habitus explores how architecture and design express various ways of life, going beyond one-dimensional stories to gain a real understanding of how people live. Through rich narratives, Habitus unpacks what makes design and architecture from the Indo-Pacific so unique. From outstanding houses, to in-depth profiles and a curation of the latest design products – everything featured in Habitus offers a way for readers to connect with the richness and diversity across the region.

The first word

Habitus takes the conversation to our contributors, discovering their inspiration and design hunter® journeys

Habitus

Designs for living

Design worth celebrating • The objects and furnishings, lighting and textures we surround ourselves with are defining of both the times and our own unique aesthetic sensibilities: these should always be celebrated.

lightbox

House planting • When looking for a house plant, my mind drifts to the understorey of dense bush, or the shaded gullies in the national parks, where light is filtered, and only the most competitive and spartan species survive. From these, a few beauties strike me as true stand-outs.

Streamlined and polished • Functional design now sits at that incredible nexus of ease-of-use and eye appeal, where everything works as it should, looks amazing and makes us wonder why we ever put up with less.

Robust whimsy • These seemingly contradictory aspects of design are brought together with magnificence by incredible designers who understand character, joy and the insouciance of excellent pieces that make our homes unique.

A better world

An unusual designer • The traditional craft of straw marquetry is re-interpreted for today with astounding results – and finding young followers on the journey.

The tinkering mind: Isamu Noguchi • “I love the way the lamps arrive flat packed and are just so absolutely perfect in form and light and the way they hold the space,” says Guest Editor Adam Goodrum of the Akari lamps designed by Isamu Noguchi from 1945 onwards.

Martyn Thompson: Super Star • Extraordinarily multifarious, Martyn Thompson’s practice is an ever-evolving extravaganza of creativity.

A force of nature – Olive Gill-Hille • Sumptuously tactile and of the body, the work of Perth-born multidisciplinary artist and designer, Olive Gill-Hille speaks to her interests in sculpture and furniture in equal measure.

Taking a stand – Alfred Lowe • As an Arrernte person from Akngwirrweltye (Snake Well) just north of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) in the central desert, Alfred Lowe’s keen interest in politics and racial justice is fuelled by Central Australia being a politically and racially charged region.

DIY doesn’t mean doing it alone • Making news the world over, the great earthquake and tsunami that hit southeast Japan in March of 2011 was the single most devastating event of Japan’s recent history with thousands of homes lost. Ishinomaki Laboratory was established in one of the coastal towns most affected by disaster, with the goal of creating simple furniture to help rebuild the community.

Tokyo drift – Alexander Calder • With 35 years between exhibitions in Tokyo – Alexander Calder still holds the attention and hearts of the art world.

Suna Fujita: wit and whimsy on a chopstick rest • Suna Fujita, the Kyoto-based partners and ceramic artists, have exhibited extensively throughout Japan, China and Taiwan. They have also both continued as active ceramicists working independently, as well as together.

A privilege in the making • Growing up in Perth, Adam Goodrum...