Attitude 124: Paradise

For some, paradise means a secluded beach with a warm sea. For others, it's the haven of a house where the light flowing in happens to be perfect, a place where everything seems to be in exactly the right spot. Composed of light and shadow, movement and horizon, for us, paradise is something even more: it's a state of mind, a quest for places that stir us, welcome us, and linger in our memory. Especially when art and life come together in harmony and echo our vision, immortalised through a discerning view of the world we inhabit.

Summer is here – and with it comes that urge to slow down, to feel time stand still, to gaze at our surroundings with a lighter heart. This edition was inspired by that spirit. We thought: where do we feel good? Where do we find inspiration? Where do we want to go? The answer is to be found in the word that has guided us over the last few weeks: Paradise. A real, tangible paradise, with personality, textures, shadows and smells, where beauty is to be found in the details. Whether it's the saltiness of the sea and the sand on your skin, or the light breeze in the countryside that ruffles your hair. In places that feel like home, even when you're far from it, we take a deep breath and celebrate the pleasure of living.

We've opened up the map of the world to bring you unique corners and recognised projects, as well as a retrospective, in the Global Report section, of the week dedicated to design that animated Milan. We took a closer look at Portugal: from north to south, we have devised a summer itinerary with suggestions ranging from the coast to the interior, which might start out on a beach and end up on a tucked-away terrace. And we're not just thinking about holidays; we're also excited about discovering new places, inspiring new additions to our Wishlist, and paths of art – including an intimate conversation with Frederick Lehmann, as well as insights into the importance of colour from renowned artists on the Portuguese scene.

Wherever you are, on a sun lounger by the sea, or on a towel,  on a bed of grass, in a caravan travelling or in the comfort of your own home, our invitation to you is the same: flip through this issue to discover places that are worth experiencing, dreaming about and visiting. Places that speak to us — and that we want to share with you. This is our paradise. And perhaps it will also be yours.