Querkraft architects from vienna are the creative minds behind the austrian pavilion at the expo in dubai. We spoke to owner and partner Gerd Erhartt about what makes a life successful expo appearance, the climate concepts of the future and the importance of emotional connection in designing a more sustainable future.

The recently renovated Steinach Townhouse Meran is a hidden gem in the historic streets of Merano in Italy’s South Tyrol. Owned by two designers from Milan, the B&B provides a warm welcome to this central European city, and is the perfect retreat in the heart of the Alps.

At people who throw their rubbish out the window. At everyone still gleefully drinking water from a plastic bottle. At politicians whose solutions only look good on the surface. And at everyone that has stopped thinking and acting independently. With his “7Oceans” project, he wants to better protect the oceans. Not just because he loves them – but because all of our lives depend on it.

Summer has arrived, and with it a longyearned- for slice of freedom. There are times when it feels like it was “before”. Then you start getting a bit nostalgic. Somehow, you can’t stop yourself from thinking about it. There doesn’t seem to be an innocent light-heartedness anymore. We also have these thoughts, and it’s this “contemplation” that we’ve devoted this issue to …