ADF, an information site for designers. Offering a large amount of information on collaborations, jobs, and design-work opportunities.

Paris News August 2025

25 08 19 UP

We have received a new report supported by GARDE!

The Grand Palais, a historic landmark in Paris, has reopened following a major renovation that spanned nearly four years. Originally constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, the building has been transformed into a progressive space that accommodates a wide range of contemporary cultural activities, while honoring its iconic architectural grandeur. The theme of the renovation is a seamless fusion of history and modernity, resulting in a space that embodies sustainability, functionality, and artistic expression. Ami Paris, a French brand popular in Japan, has opened its flagship store on Rue de Turenne in the North Marais district of Paris. The interior was designed through a collaboration between founder Alexandre Mattiussi and the Paris-based Studio KO. The space reflects a modern yet welcoming atmosphere, featuring robust natural materials such as limestone, wood, and leather sourced from Euville in the Lorraine region. These elements are complemented by striking details like concrete columns and mirror-finished stainless steel, creating a refined yet grounded aesthetic.

ADF presents ”ADF Design Award 2026"

25 08 12 UP

NPO Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) is pleased to announce the “ADF Design Award 2026”, the 16th annual international design award organized by ADF. Award submissions will be accepted from Friday, August 15, 2025, to Friday, December 19, 2025 (JST). There will be a Grand Prize of US$10,000 and two Awards of Excellence of US$5,000 from all categories, for approximately US$20,000. The ADF Design Awards is an excellent opportunity to showcase your design work to the world.

Design Anthology Awards 2025 Entry Closes July 31

25 07 15 UP

ADF Aoyama Design Forum is proud to sponsor the Design Anthology Awards 2025, a prestigious program that celebrates outstanding design talent across the Asia-Pacific region. As a supporter of creative excellence in architecture, interiors, and product design, we are pleased to promote this initiative that recognizes innovation and cultural impact throughout the design industry.

ADF Art Gallery Project Vol.34: HARUNA SHIKATA Solo Exhibition “Overwrite”

25 07 08 UP

From August 1 (Fri) to August 9 (Sat), 2025, the solo exhibition “Overwrite” by artist HARUNA SHIKATA will be held at GARDE Gallery in Tokyo.

Exhibition Information:
Period: Friday, August 1 – Saturday, August 9, 2025
Hours: 11:00 – 18:00 (Closes at 16:00 on the final day)
Venue: Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) GARDE Gallery, 4F NBF ALLIANCE Bldg., 5-2-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission: Free

Art Gallery / Museum Information - Recommended Exhibitions in June 2025

25 06 30 UP

We present the exhibitions of art galleries and museums in June 2025. In addition to the schedule of events, we will provide you with detailed information such as the works on display. Please check the website of each museum for current opening hours before visiting.

ASA Experimental Design Competition 2025 Announced its Winners

25 06 30 UP

The ASA Experimental Design Competition 2025, organized by the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA), announced winners of its edition. The competition is an international platform celebrating bold and innovative architectural ideas worldwide. Open to projects at all stages—from conceptual design to actual construction completion—with no entry fee, the competition recognizes outstanding creativity and originality in both individual and group submissions. ADF (NPO Aoyama Design Forum) is supporting the competition in partnership with ASA.

[Deadline Approaching] WA Awards 10+5+X 51st Cycle

25 06 10 UP

The 51st Cycle of the WA Awards 10+5+X is officially open for entries, welcoming architects, interior designers, and students from around the world. The deadline for submissions is 18 July 2025, 23:59 GMT+0. Organized by the World Architecture Community since 2006, the WA Awards have celebrated over 2,450 winning projects across more than 50 cycles.The awards highlight creative, original, and thought-provoking works that might not receive attention from mainstream architectural media, providing visibility and fostering dialogue on global contemporary architecture. ADF (NPO Aoyama Design Forum) continues to support the awards as a dedicated media partner.

The deadline for submissions： 18 July 2025, 23:59 GMT+0

Art Gallery / Museum Information - Recommended Exhibitions in June 2025

25 06 03 UP

We present the exhibitions of art galleries and museums in June 2025. In addition to the schedule of events, we will provide you with detailed information such as the works on display. Please check the website of each museum for current opening hours before visiting.

[Deadline Approaching] DFA Design for Asia Awards 2025 - Call for Entries Until June 30

25 04 01 UP

The DFA Design for Asia Awards 2025, one of the most prestigious international design awards in Asia,is now accepting entries until June 30. Organized annually by the Hong Kong Design Centre since its launch in 2003, and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the HKSAR Government, the award aims to spotlight outstanding Asian design that reflects cultural depth and contributes meaningfully to society. Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) is proud to serve as an official media partner for the award.

ADF Art Gallery Project Vol.33 - Takeshi Sumi Solo Exhibition “concorde”

25 05 27 UP

ADF (NPO Aoyama Design Forum) will present the ADF Art Gallery Project Vol.33 – Takeshi Sumi Solo Exhibition “concorde” at GARDE Gallery.

Period: Friday, May 30 – Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Venue: GARDE Gallery (NBF ALLIANCE Building 4F, 5-2-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Closed: Saturday, June 21; Sunday, June 22; Saturday, June 28; Sunday, June 29

Admission: Free

Artwork by Tsuyoshi Sumi Now Available for Purchase
In conjunction with ADF Art Gallery Project Vol.33 “concorde,” a selection of artworks by artist Tsuyoshi Sumi is now available for purchase.
Sumi’s unique approach involves delicate handwork applied to photographs—such as slits and embroidery—bringing invisible sensations and the theme of “harmony” between people and subjects into visual form.

His works go beyond sight to engage the viewer on a physical and emotional level.
In addition to photographic pieces, this exhibition features a wide range of techniques, all created through analog methods that reflect the artist’s physical presence and acceptance of chance.

For more information, please refer to the price list here.

*Access is limited to ADF members only. All works are available in limited quantities and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For further details, please contact the address listed on the page.

【ADF Web Magazine】Casa Chacala by Estudio AMA｜A Home Between Voids and Vegetation

25 05 27 UP

Nestled along the lush coastline of Nayarit, Mexico, "Casa Chacala" is a residence shaped by a single guiding principle: to follow nature. From the very first site visits, the architecture studio Estudio AMA prioritized preserving the existing vegetation and allowing the trees themselves to determine the orientation and layout of the project.

ADF Design Award 2025" Excellence Award Winner - Interview with Fernand Menis

25 04 08 UP

Hosted by NPO Aoyama Design Forum(ADF), the "ADF Design Award 2025" has chosen Fernand Menis's work as the Excellence Award in the Cultural Buildings Category. Here is an interview article with Menis (Fernando Menis Architect) to introduce the award-winning work and the story behind the designing process.

Image: Fernando Menis ©Bartek Barczyk

“ADF Design Award 2025” Excellence Award Winner - Interview with Sofia Fors

25 04 08 UP

Winner of Excellence Award from the Education & Sports Category, Sofia Fors
Hosted by NPO Aoyama Design Forum(ADF), the "ADF Design Award 2025" has chosen Sofia Fors's work as the Excellence Award in the Education & Sports Category. Here is an interview article with Fors (Fors Arkitekter) to introduce the award-winning work and the story behind the designing process.
Image: Sofia Fors

“ADF Design Award 2025” Grand Prize Award Winner; Interview with International architects group

25 04 01 UP

Hosted by NPO Aoyama Design Forum(ADF), the "ADF Design Award 2025" has chosen an international architects group's work as the Grand Prize Award in the Cultural Architecture Category. Here is an interview article with the group: Boris Bežan (BAX studio), Mara Partida (Mendoza Partida studio). Hector Mendoza (Mendoza Partida studio), Maria Mestres (Mestres Wåge architects), and Magnus Wåge (Mestres Wåge architects), to introduce the award-winning work and the story behind the designing process.

Image: ボリス・ベジャン / Boris Bežan (BAX studio)、マラ・パルティーダ / Mara Partida (Mendoza Partida studio)、ヘクトル・メンドーサ / Hector Mendoza (Mendoza Partida studio) 、マリア・メストレス / Maria Mestres (Mestres Wåge architects)、マグヌス・ヴォーゲ / Magnus Wåge (Mestres Wåge architects)

“ADF Design Award 2025” winners and award-winning works

25 03 12 UP

NPO Aoyama Design Forum (ADF), a non-profit organization, announced the results of the judging for the "ADF Design Award 2025", an award for architects from around the world, and has decided on the Grand Prize-winning work and the Category Excellence Award. The Grand Prize went to Boris Bežan (BAX studio), Mara Partida (Mendoza Partida studio). Hector Mendoza (Mendoza Partida studio, Maria Mestres (Mestres Wåge architects) and Magnus Wåge (Mestres Wåge architects). The Excellence Award went to Sofia Fors (Fors Arkitekter) and Fernando Menis. Congratulations to all the winners.