Trends notebook #2
The exhibition
From myths to manga
With the exhibition Japan: from myths to manga until October 2023 at the Young V&A in London, take an exciting journey through Japanese history. London is temporarily transformed into Tokyo, exploring how landscape and folklore have influenced the culture, technology and design of Japan. At a time when manga is experiencing extraordinary popularity, with 516.6 million copies of the manga <em>One Piece</em> sold around the world, for example, it is time to take a deeper look at the cultural origins of the land of the rising sun.
Getaway
Positive recharge under the Northern Lights
This is a world first for the hotel industry! Located near the Arctic Circle where you can see the magnificent Northern Lights for yourself, the Svart in Norway is the world’s first “energy-positive” hotel, producing more energy than it consumes. Designed by the luxury hospitality group Six Senses, it is also an architectural masterpiece, built in the shape of an astonishing spiral over the waters of the Holandsfjorden Fjord. By offering its customers an “immersive...unplugged” experience, this establishment takes innovation in design and sustainability to new heights. Located 600km north of Trondheim and 600km south of Tromsø, the hotel has roof-top solar panels. It is also self-sufficient in waste and water management, and works with sustainable farming and fishing operations. To top off your stay near the roof of the world, why not dine in a zero-waste restaurant, and relax in a spa that transforms local flora and minerals into treatments.
The big challenge
Food supply, à la carte
Every day, more than 7.5 billion people need to be fed, and since 2006 our global population has mainly lived in urban areas. At the same time, the number of food producers is continuing to decline. This paradox is precisely the subject of the exhibition Food and the City, which traces the historical development of urban food supply. An exceptional opportunity to gain awareness of the challenges cities will encounter in ensuring their future food security. Until 31