Are you sitting comfortably? Without wanting to knock you from your perch, it turns out that where you choose to sit says a lot about who you are. The sofa in your living room can reveal a great deal about your priorities and outlook on life. But for designers or architects, there’s often an added layer of meaning: their choice can (or perhaps even should) reflect their core creative philosophies. This notion is explored in The Monocle Book of Designers on Sofas – available for pre-order now – for which we spoke to 50 leading architects and designers about their relationships with their settee, unpacking what it says about them and their design sensibilities.

For some, it was quite literal: take Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, who designed his own Brick sofa in collaboration with Lithuanian firm Jot Jot. Living on a houseboat in Copenhagen’s harbour, its shape is partly inspired by the sandbags found along the capital’s waterfront. Appropriate given that Bjarke’s “journey as a practising architect” ended up coinciding with his rediscovery of the harbour.”

The sofa, it seems, is both a silent witness and active participant in family and work life. For Hong Kong-based Betty Ng, her purchase of a Marenco sofa by Arflex symbolised the act of putting down roots. This informed the layout of her space, much like Naoto Fukasawa’s decision to install Maruni’s Hiroshima sofa in his studio-cum-residence. The Japanese designer was so intent on using this particular make that he had it craned into his top-floor living room prior to a renovation of the property; it was, he assures us, the only way to deliver the piece into the space.

In putting this book together, it became clear that the sofa is far more than just a place to sit. Australian architect John Wardle’s Gentry sofa by Moroso has witnessed years of use by his children, friends and family. Now, as he prepares to move, it’s the one significant piece of furniture that’s coming with him. So, while sofas are often the largest item in a room, they also play a large role in our lives, collecting memories of family milestones, quiet evenings and lively gatherings. With this in mind, join us as we visit the homes of leading creatives to hear about their sofas. Get comfy, read on and don’t forget to plump the cushions when you’re done.  
 
Nic Monisse is Monocle’s design editor. You can pre-order your copy of ‘The Monocle Book of Designers on Sofas’ now. 

Founded in 1975 by entrepreneur Amancio Ortega in A Coruña, Spanish fashion giant Zara is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (writes Lucrezia Motta). As it blows out half a century’s worth of candles, the brand has called on some 50 stylish individuals – including Naomi Campbell, Annie Leibovitz and David Chipperfield – to design a special piece of clothing, accessory or furniture.

The resulting collection, which features a revamped aviator jacket by photographer David Bailey, a beauty pouch by makeup artist Pat McGrath and a set of drinking glasses by designer Marc Newson, is a reflection of Zara’s impressive journey from a small garments shop into a global brand spanning fashion, homeware and design. Birthday celebrations will start today during Paris Fashion Week, with a curated show by Sarah Andelman showcasing the collection before it becomes available in shops on 6 October. Now, how about that Norman Foster-designed travel briefcase in Italian bridle leather? 
zara.com

You wouldn’t guess that weatherman Nils Holmqvist has already been at work for nearly five hours when he riffs on the day’s forecast just after 08.00 (writes Liv Lewitschnik). The meteorologist is perky, charming and on point as he makes his contribution to Morgonstudion (The Morning Studio), which will run live for the next two hours. “I’m usually a favourite at weddings – I can really talk about the weather,” says Holmqvist.

The waters are calm at Sveriges Television’s Studio 5, where the morning team of presenters, technicians and camera operators runs the show with seamless professionalism. But storm clouds have been gathering behind the scenes at Sweden’s three public media companies: Sveriges Television, Sveriges Radio and educational-content provider Sveriges Utbildningsradio. At first glance, all seems well: the current broadcasting permit is set to be renewed for another eight years at the end of 2025. A new law that will enshrine the definition of public-service broadcasting as being free from political, commercial or religious interference will also soon come into effect. Yet behind the scenes, there are problems brewing.
 
Across Europe, public-service media face pressure from hostile commercial and ideological forces. We go behind the scenes in Sweden’s newsrooms to see how its journalists are fighting back. Read the full story here or pick up a copy of the October issue today.

Founder Scott Hudson shares the story of Henrybuilt and how the company constructed a business around custom kitchen systems that combine design, craftsmanship and function.