...and the living is easy

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 17th edition of Flopicco Design Studio's monthly selection of news and trends on the present and future of branding, design, culture and our studio - curated by our in-house team.

Summer is finally here (if you're in the northern hemisphere, of course), stormy and unpredictable, full of long days that we'll try to fill with inspiration. And to start, we are sharing two studio updates and some of the most interesting articles we have read over the past few weeks.

We hope you enjoy them!

?? Studio Update: DMAX's Quei ragazzi cattivi

DMAX Italia asked Flopicco Studio to create a visual identity and a basic motion toolkit for their new show Quei Cattivi Ragazzi, an Italian television show in which Alessio Stigliano e Alessandro Tenace take us into the homes of Americans to?comment on episodes of “bad neighbors” captured by security cameras and show us arguments and accidents that border on the ridiculous.

?Have a look on our website.

?? Studio Update 2: BK Melts & Dr. Pepper Swag

Burger King Melts are iconic sandwiches that feature two slices of toasted bread topped with two flame-grilled Whopper Jr. Patties, American cheese, caramelized onions and Royal Sauce, and they have die-hard fans. As part of the Royal Perks program, Burger King wanted to reward those fans with the merchandise they deserve. That’s why they approached Flopicco Studio.

?Have a look on our website.

?? Food for thought. How design shapes brand narratives

In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, understanding the psychological and visual factors that influence brand perception and valuation is crucial for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Brand Managers. While traditional definitions of branding often focus on abstract concepts, integrating behavioral economist Daniel Kahneman’s (who passed away this past March) insights with the tangible elements of visual branding provides a more holistic view of how brands can strategically craft valuation narratives that resonate with customers and investors alike.

Readl the article on Print Magazine .

???? Tech: Welcome to the era of the A.I. smartphone

Every year, Apple and Google announce major software updates that bring new features to our smartphones, like cosmetic overhauls to the home screen, stronger privacy protections and fun messaging tools. This year, the changes will feel more radical because the companies are focusing on reinventing our phones with artificial intelligence.

More on 纽约时报 .

?? Fact: Did you know that despite its fame, "Swiftonomics" is not actually real?

She may be a megastar revolutionising the music industry, but once the excitement wears off, you will need a magnifying glass to spot the economic benefit. Take Stockholm as a case in point. Close to 180,000 fans attended her three shows in May, with half of them coming from abroad and generating close to 850 million crowns ($81 million) in turnover for the city. That is a great three-day haul for Stockholm but a drop in a bucket even for the modestly-sized Swedish economy, which ranks eighth in the European Union with annual output of $623 billion. “This extra turnover is a great weekend boost for Stockholm and in particular, its tourism sector, but it’s just that — a weekend, with no visible or significant impact on overall economic growth.”

You can read the rest of Balazs Koranyi's article on Reuters .

?? Insight: Gen Z big on in-store shopping

In a surprising finding, Gen Z's preference for in-store shopping experiences tops all other generations at 30.77%, according to a study by?consulting and market research firm 2 Visions.?The finding contrasts sharply with the common perception of younger consumers favoring online shopping, indicating a notable trend towards physical retail among this digitally-native demographic, the study noted.

Read about it on Chain Storage.

?? A new era: Centre Pompidou 2030 plans revealed

Details for the vision for Centre Pompidou 2030, the refresh of the cultural landmark in the heart of the French capital, have been unveiled today (20 June 2024) in Paris. Architecture studios Moreau Kusunoki and Frida Escobedo, working with French studio AIA Life Designers, have been busy refining their design for the major works to ensue, which will see the Centre Pompidou - affectionately often also known as Beaubourg, drawing on its neighbourhood's name - getting a significant and much-needed facelift over the next five years.

Read all about in on Wallpaper* .

???? Ad: Oslo turns heads with grumpy, self-loathing tourism ad

In a world where tourism advertisements often blur into a homogeneous montage of landscapes, Visit OSLO has taken a refreshingly different approach.?The Norwegian capital’s latest promotional campaign, which ironically highlights the city’s shortcomings, has been attracting considerable attention on social media.

Have you seen it? Have a look on DesignTAXI .

?? Art: Swiss museum showcases 100 years of Black figurative painting

African art is currently experiencing quite the Renaissance in Europe.vAt long last, major museums, art fairs, and private collections across the continent are starting to embrace works by artists of African descent and those of African nationalities like never before. An ambitious exhibition, showcasing how artists have depicted everyday Black joy in painting over 100 years, has made its way from South Africa to Switzerland.

More on Euronews .

?? Pregunta: ?Podría un autor de videojuegos ganar el Nobel de?Literatura?

Según la primera acepción de la RAE, la literatura es el “arte de la expresión verbal”. A su vez, verbal es aquello “que se refiere a la palabra, o se sirve de ella”. Parece entonces que el rasgo definitorio es la expresión mediante la palabra (no necesariamente escrita), así que el Nobel puede permanecer en casa de Dylan.

Pero ?qué hacemos con otras formas de expresión basadas en la palabra? Si artes performativas como el teatro o la canción de autor pueden considerarse literatura, ?dónde está el límite?

?Tú qué piensas? Lee más en The Conversation ES ,

?? Mentally here: Esta biblioteca subterránea en Japón invita a los bibliófilos a leer en una recóndita atmósfera

Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects dise?aron un nuevo espacio de lectura en Kurkku Fields (Japón) que sumerge a lectores y bibliófilos en una arquitectura verde envuelta por el campo. Rodeada de vegetación, la biblioteca subterránea se presenta como un rincón de lectura para quienes buscan la comodidad y el placer de leer en plena naturaleza. En oto?o del a?o pasado, Kurkku Fields también presentó Villa Cocoon donde los huéspedes pueden experimentar una vida que crían al aire libre y una nueva forma de naturaleza, seres vivos y actividad humana.

Lee el artículo en designboom

?? One book... or fifteen: The 15 best book covers of June

Another month of books, another month of book covers. We’re past the solstice, and appropriately enough many of these covers feel like summer, with vibrant, unexpected colors, bold gestures, a sense of heat, a sense of play. Enjoy, if possible, from the comfort of your air conditioning.

Have a look on Lit Hub.

?? This Month's Quote

And this Monthly is over. Thanks for reading, for sharing and for your comments. See you in around four weeks! ??