Daniella On Design

I am writing this is in memory of Michael Coffey, the last giant of the postwar American Studio Furniture Movement, who passed last week at the age of 96. Coffey was a maker who described himself as a sculptor who makes “art in wood.” He has made his name through his exquisite, sleek, sculptural, and […]

Design educator and historian Daniella Ohad presents a unique online course exploring the foundation of modern design history. Part I is a 5-session course provides an overview mid-century design, one of the most exciting periods in design and architectural history. Each talk in the series will be devoted to one of the five geographical centers

Congratulations to Japanese bamboo artist Kibe Seiho and his representing gallery Tai Modern for receiveing the amazing Living National Treasure. With this announcement, Kibe Seiho becomes the first graduate of the Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft and Training Center in Beppu to become a Living National Treasure. About 70 years ago the Japanese government instituted a

I am a longtime fan of Japanese architect and theorist Kengo Kuma (b. 1954). He has forged a fascinating and intriguing contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese buildings, which, in my opinion, is the ultimate contemporary reflection of his native Japanese culture and its people. I have hosted him on my podcast, and I refuse to

Ucoming virtual talk at the 92nd Street Y. October 30th, 7:00-8:00 pm EST. The term “Japanese Ceramics” encompasses such an expansive body of work as to be practically meaningless — too imprecise to capture the rich diversity of the practice today. Throughout Japan’s history, the clay arts have held a venerated place in the wider

When we look back on the bright and colorful interiors of Danish designer Verner Panton (1926-1998), they may appear to us as too theatrical, too whimsical, and over the top. However, back in the 60s and 70s, Panton was considered a pioneer and visionary who succeeded in embedding the concept of time into his distinctive

Venice is one of only a handful of places where the most spectacular spaces are hidden and kept secret, tucked behind its legendary lacy facades. You can cruise down the Grand Canal and enjoy the allure of Venice’s magnificent palaces—the elegant architecture, the pointed arches­—but it is only when you walk into the private world

Murano is an island located in the Venetian Lagoon just north of Venice, and it is an incredibly special place. This quiet, picturesque island has tall, elegant yet modest facades, simpler than the ornate lacy facades of Venice. Since there are very few tourists and only a handful of shops and restaurants, it looks as

Last week when visiting Fondazione Querini Stampalia in Venice, I was hosted by Dora de Diana, Head of Development and Educational Services on a wonderful private tour of one of Venice’s stunning architecture gems. On this tour I could not help myself but to think of 43-year-old Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978), the brilliant Italian architect who