Perched above the buzz of Beverly Hills sits Casa Perfect, a gallery of contemporary design set in a spectacular modernist home. Its founder David Alhadeff shows us the wealth of remarkable art and architecture that is to be found in the varied neighbourhoods of this sunny city. Monocle Films has partnered with Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau to reveal hidden gems through the eyes of local creatives.

Films — Design

A different view with David Alhadeff

We tour the breathtaking studios of artists’ residence Lallukka in Helsinki, which hasn’t changed its purpose since it was completed in 1933. The landmark functionalist building offers spaces at low rents so that its tenants can focus on one thing: making art.

The home of the Finnish art scene

The unassuming Shimada Gama workshop in Gotsu doubles up as an open-air museum of traditional stoneware pottery. It specialises in creating large pieces that are burnt in a sloped wood-fired kiln. We talk to the 73-year-old master Shimada Takayuki about the challenges of passing the rare skill and aesthetic sensibility down to his son and grandson.

The master craftsman: Shimada Takayuki

Japanese company Time & Style knows how to inject innovative spirit into traditional crafts. Over the past two decades its founder Ryutaro Yoshida has criss-crossed Japan to woo reluctant artisans to collaborate on modern designs. We meet him in the remote region of Shimane as he develops a series of handmade washi paper lamps.

The talent-seeker: Ryutaro Yoshida

The beauty of Japanese design has won fans around the world but it takes great panache to translate it to large-scale projects. We sit down with architect Kengo Kuma in his Tokyo office to talk about his National Stadium for this year’s Olympics. It’s a building that has given a new lease of life to traditional craftsmanship and stimulated local economies.

The international icon: Kengo Kuma

In 1928 Maruni Wood Industry was born out of a fascination with the masterful carpentry in ancient shrines. Today its furniture is found in the Californian headquarters of Apple as well as airport lounges, galleries and restaurants around the world. We meet the company’s president to talk about the challenges of managing a family-run business.

The bold business owner: Takeshi Yamanaka

To celebrate our forthcoming [book about Japan](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1684416/), we are presenting a new film series that dives into the intriguing ecosystem that has preserved Japanese traditional skills over centuries. Meet the people who are future-proofing the age-old know-how.

The future of Japanese craftsmanship

We visit a Kengo Kuma-designed art museum in Eskisehir that’s set to become Turkey’s new cultural hotspot.

Building a place for culture

“Foster independent thinking” is a key phrase in modern education but few places get it right. We visit Madrid’s Colegio Estudio to meet the enlightened teachers and alumni.

Campus of creativity

Rather than erase all evidence of Georgia’s Soviet past, the country’s architectural community is keen to preserve its history and give its once-foreboding buildings another – happier – lease of life.

Tbilisi’s architectural revival

We head to Mehr als Wohnen, a unique mixed-use development housing a happy and healthy community.

Co-operative living

To celebrate the collaboration between Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, we contemplate the pursuit of perfection to achieve timeless appeal.

On design

To celebrate the launch of A. Lange & Söhne's limited-edition timepiece Datograph Up/Down Lumen, we speak to architect Joe Morris and photographer Polly Tootal about their creative processes – and how light informs their practice. Find out more about the watch [here](https://alange-soehne.com/en/unlimited-facettes).

Day and night

Kenya’s Karura Forest offers not only respite from the bustling capital but also a sense of pride for its citizens. Join Monocle’s editor Andrew Tuck and *The Urbanist* team, alongside a panel of special guests, for an evening of discussion – and a drink or two – at Midori House on 31 October to celebrate the launch of *The Monocle Guide to Building Better Cities*.

Nairobi: building better cities

Brazil’s business capital has reinvented its city centre through clever urbanism. We meet the architects, gallery owners and transport visionaries powering this change.

São Paulo: building better cities

A comprehensive round-up of the design, architecture, fashion and graphics catching our eye.

hubhopper

Films — Design

hubhopper