Another year, another summer, another ID Annual Design Review showcasing design excellence in products, furniture, graphics, environments and much more. What I appreciate the most of this ritual (it has been around since 1954!) is the communication of the selection process and the honesty of the opinions. The jury is divided into teams judging the different entries within a given category, slowly narrowing it down to the select few. They are led by an assigned moderator who then recaps the discussions for publication, quoting as much the good and the bad impressions. It is both honorable and insightful. Noteworthy: the issue is quite pricey compared to the regular pricing (t'was $44.95 here in Montreal) so it's a good thing that all the content is also available online.
— 54th Annual Design Review (July/August 2008)

I just came back from a 10-day camping/cycling trip where I visited architect friends currently building a gorgeous family residence/summer house on an island higher up the St. Lawrence River. Come back, go to the mag store and fall upon the AZURE summer issue which features 4 contemporary out-of-town summer houses in distinct remote locations, what a coincidence! Whether deep in the woods in Karuizawa, Japan or in the tropical forest near the São Paulo coastline, these moco cabins all display much architectural sensitivity to their natural surroundings, finding dialogue between the built and the natural. Will make you want to A) Take another vacation; B) Start saving to get piece of land yourself.
— Pages 62-81. (July/August 2008)

I don't usually pick up METROPOLIS, it simply doesn't seem to click with me as a mag. Perhaps it's the odd graphic design layout of most of the feature spreads? Last week, however, a small title at the top of the latest issue caught my eye: Tony Chi, Designer/Restaurateur. That is exactly the kind of killer combination of knowledge that must lead to something good - and Metropolis was right about this one. Chi is an experienced designer as well as restaurant developer and operator. He sees all and knows all, especially how good (or bad) it will play out in the end. Efficient functional layouts mixed with highly emotive and sensible backdrops, his design bridges the gap between the operations and the experience.
— Pages 100-105 (July/August 2008)