As seasoned readers will know, the issue is split into two parts: the Judges’ Awards are our main event, featuring 11 key categories. The shortlist is nominated by Wallpaper*, and the winners chosen by our panel of stellar judges – this year comprising Solange, singer/songwriter and cultural icon; Daniel Lee, the discreet mastermind of Bottega Veneta; Liz Diller, doyenne of contemporary cultural architecture; Alex Israel, LA-based multimedia artist and this month’s limited-edition cover star; Adrian Cheng, Hong Kong developer and cultural impresario; and Pierre Yovanovitch, Wallpaper’s reigning Designer of the Year. A huge thank-you to all of our judges for their valued time and wisdom.

The rest of the awards have been selected by Wallpaper* and our family of contributors and curators from around the world. Highlights include a prefab pavilion, replicating the penthouse of Richard Neutra’s iconic VDL Research House and updated by his son Dion; Max Lamb’s granite furniture for Acne Studios’ new Stockholm HQ; David/Nicolas’ modular domestic lift cabin; Craig Green’s ingenious folding outerwear for Moncler; and Philippe Starck’s innovative solution for protecting outdoor furniture from the rain.

We take a spin on Jaime Hayon’s monochrome carousel for Swarovski; and call on Danish designer Margrethe Odgaard for a conversation on colour. We then revisit the most alluring offerings from Milan Design Week: Raf Simons’ serenely beautiful No Man’s Land installation for Kvadrat, Yabu Pushelberg’s hunky ‘Surf’ sofa for Molteni & C, and Formafantasma’s smoking-hot tiles for Dzek, finished with a volcanic ash glaze. We also celebrate design that is not only easy on the eye but also good for the planet – Patricia Urquiola’s recycled felt rugs and poufs for Gan; a fully compostable airline meal tray by Priestman Goode, made from coffee grains, waffle cone, algae skins, banana leaf and coconut wood; and a waterless, plasticfree handwash brand from Stockholm design studio Form Us With Love.

We’ve even created inspired pairings that nod to the future – a Bottega Veneta minaudière matched with a similarly tubular Hervé Van der Straeten console; a roomful of silvery furniture and accessories; and to round it all off, a delectable afternoon tea that pairs Bauhaus-inspired tableware with Chinese cakes.

The past year has been significant for design, both in terms of output and philosophy. At Wallpaper* we have always championed the idea of design for life – beautiful, life-enhancing pieces that stand the test of time – but never has this idea had greater resonance. As we enter a fresh new decade, we’d do well to bear this in mind, and celebrate the designers and producers who are making a positive difference. Here’s to a better designed future!

Sarah Douglas, Editor-in-Chief