Metropolis is an internationally recognized design and architecture–concentrated magazine with a strong focus on ethics, innovation and sustainability in the creative sector. The magazine was established in 1981 by Horace Havemeyer III of Bellerophon Publications, Inc alongside his wife Eugenie Cowan Havemeyer and is based in New York City.^[3] Metropolis's work towards future focused is based in their motto "design at all scales".^[4]

The magazine is published ten times a year with over 50,000 subscribers. Metropolis publishes both print and digital editorial coverage encouraging design focused conversation through a range of diverse mediums. Alongside the magazine itself, Metropolis produces four additional print supplements and a series of live ^[5] across the United States. Metropolis produces digital media for their website and social accounts. Their website receives approximately 85,000 unique visitors every month while its socials amass an audience of over 100,000 followers across Instagram and Facebook combined. In 2019 Metropolis was acquired by Sandow Media for an undisclosed amount.^[5] Metropolis annually hosts a range of virtual and in-person events alongside design competition schemes encouraging innovation and sustainability .^[6]

Metropolis was launched in 1981 by Horace Havemeyer III (1942–2014) ^[7] and Eugenie Cowan Havemeyer. Havemeyer III was born in Dix Hills moving to New York City in 1969 where he worked at Doubleday publishers as a production planning supervisor for a decade. He went on to completed courses at the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies prompting his work at the IAUS journal, Skyline until it closed. In 1981, he founded Bellerophon Publications alongside his wife, serving as publishing body and founders of Metropolis magazine.^[8] As evidenced in early editions, the magazine began with a particular focus on architecture in New York City and quickly expanded to embrace a range of design disciplines internationally.

In 1985^[9] Suzan S. Szenasy took over as the editor-in-chief of Metropolis. As a contemporary figurehead in design and innovation and notable "voice of the design world" ^[10] Szenasy led Metropolis to international acclaim. Szenasy's influence addressed sustainability and inclusive design on the stage of a mainstream publication before familiarity of such practices was attracted.^[10]

Metropolis' values largely surrounded Szenasy's writings, which emphasize the importance of ethics and sustainable intervention in the education and practices of designers.^[11]

In 2017, Avinash Rajagopal took over from Szenasy as the editor-in-chief of Metropolis as Szenasy moved into a new role as Director of Design Innovation.^[12] Rajagopal's role as editor-in-chief followed his success as Metropolis' senior editor from 2011 to 2016. In 2019 Rajagopal worked alongside Eugenie Havemeyer in Sandow Media's acquisition of the magazine to their portfolio.^[5]

• Horace Havemeyer III, 1981–986
• Susan S. Szenasy, 1986–2017 ^[10]
• Avinash Rajagopal, 2017–present; assumed this role after working as senior editor at the magazine from 2011 to 2016.^[12]

Metropolis is centered around futurism in its focus on the innovative needs of consumers and the planet. The magazine investigates the role designers can play in reversing the climate crisis by rejecting developments founded on self-interest and monetary gain.^[13] With a strong focus on futurist ideals and sustainability Metropolis encourages affirmative action in developing a progressive and environmentally enduring world.^[11]

The following table highlights volumes of Metropolis considered notable within the design community. The listed issues are significant due to contentious and innovative design thinking.

Metropolis hosts a range of creative competitions annually to encourage innovation and forward thinking among contemporary design practitioners. The magazines most notable award schemes are the annual 'Next Generation Design Competition', 'Planet Positive Awards' and the 'Future 100’.

In 2007 and 2008 Metropolis was a finalist in the National Magazine Awards in the 'Under 100,000 Circulation' category for General Excellence. This award honours effectiveness and overall excellence in which "writing, reporting, editing, and design all come together to command readers attention and fulfill the magazines unique editorial decision".^[24][25]

In 2007 Havemeyer III, Szenasy and Metropolis won the CIVITAS August Heckscher Award ^[40] "for their twenty-five years pursuing enlightened and intelligent documentation of life in urban America, especially New York City".^[8]

In 2009 Havemeyer III was awarded the Institute Honor for Collaborative Achievement by the American Institute of Architects on behalf of Metropolis magazine.^[41]

In 2017, Susan S. Szenasy (Metropolis's editor-in-chief from 1986 to 2017) received the Cooper–Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum's Director's Award in recognition of her work at Metropolis and beyond.^[42]