
deliberately uncomfortable stainless steel chair turns sitting into social commentary
polished, reflective and resolutely unsympathetic to lounging, the chair turns the simple act of sitting into something rather more loaded.
30 stories
social impact describes the ways in which human actions, structures, and systems affect the well-being, equity, and resilience of communities. around the world, designers, architects, and artists are increasingly addressing these issues through projects that promote inclusion, strengthen local agency, and respond to the needs of marginalized or underserved populations.
here, designboom publishes the latest news, as well as design, architecture, and art projects that improve social conditions, support community-led initiatives, foster accessibility, or amplify awareness around humanitarian and societal issues.

polished, reflective and resolutely unsympathetic to lounging, the chair turns the simple act of sitting into something rather more loaded.


activist jane jacobs rejected the masterplanned 'ideal city', framing utopia instead as an ever-evolving place shaped by its sidewalk life.











International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa [IFDA] deadline: december 11th, 2026
Sustainable Architectural Design Program by My Archischool deadline: december 31st, 2026
Master's in Fashion Creative Direction by IED deadline: september 30th, 2026
Master's in Fashion Business Innovation by IED deadline: september 30th, 2026
Master’s in Digital Fashion by IED deadline: september 30th, 2026
Interior and Furniture Design by IED Firenze deadline: september 30th, 2026
Material Balance Design. Digital Techniques and Circular Innovations in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano deadline: march 10th, 2026
Interaction Design. Emerging technologies for products and services by IED Torino deadline: september 30th, 2026
Train Your Own Architectural AI-Model by My Archischool deadline: december 31st, 2026
Master’s in Digital Arts & Creative Technologies by IED deadline: september 30th, 2026
Master of Arts in Design for Other Species: Transdisciplinary Practices Towards More-than-Human Futures IED Milano deadline: september 30th, 2026