5 Must-Read Design Features from 2025 That Will Change How You Think About Architecture and Design

This year, Dezeen published more features than ever before. As part of their review of 2025, features editor Nat Barker selected five standout articles that are worth revisiting.

Illustration by Marie Mohanna

Dezeen Survey Points to "Broken" Architecture and Design Industry

In January, Dezeen published the results of a major research survey on working conditions in architecture and design. The survey received over 450 responses from around the world, revealing troubling findings:

• 70% of respondents feel poorly paid
• Nearly two-thirds are expected to do regular unpaid overtime
• Over 60% have experienced rude, belittling, or demeaning behavior at work in the past five years

Behind these statistics are dozens of personal stories that highlight the challenges facing professionals in these fields.

Photo by Christie Chau

Can We Quit Our Air-Conditioning Addiction?

The world faces a catch-22 situation with air-conditioning (AC). As temperatures rise, cooling becomes more essential, but AC contributes to urban heat islands and global warming. This feature explores potential solutions to this complex dilemma.

Photo courtesy of Aleph Farms

What Will It Take for Us to Eat Lab-Grown Steak?

With global demand for protein soaring, experts warn we must accept alternatives to emissions-intensive farmed red meat. Design reporter Jane Englefield spoke with designers, scientists, and foodies—including Financial Times critic Jay Rayner—about whether creative persuasion can make cultured meat appealing to the public.

Photo by Shutterstock

Green Wall Systems Marketed with Questionable Fire Safety Claims

An exclusive investigation by Orwell Prize-winning journalist Peter Apps revealed concerning practices in the UK green wall industry:

• One major system was fire-tested when 45% of its mass was water
• Another is marketed as safe for high-rise residential buildings based on testing without any plants in place

Photo by Simon Leung

Are There Too Many Designers?

As part of Dezeen's groundbreaking editorial series on architecture and design issues, deputy editor Cajsa Carlson explored whether too many aspiring designers are entering the field. The article presents diverse perspectives on this increasingly debated question.

These five features represent some of the most thought-provoking design journalism of 2025, addressing critical issues from workplace conditions to sustainable innovation.