Supersonic
Macroscopic authored Supersonic: The Design and Lifestyle of Concorde—a visually immersive book that reframes Concorde as a symbol of innovation and ambition. More than aviation history, Supersonic captures its lasting influence on design, culture, and the future of possibility.
Book Development
Science
Rediscovering an Icon
Concorde was more than an aircraft—it was a promise of the future, an embodiment of human potential. Yet, decades after its final flight, its story risked being reduced to nostalgia rather than an ongoing dialogue about innovation.
We sought to craft a book that would move beyond conventional aviation history and instead present Concorde as a cultural touchstone—a study of the intersection between science, artistry, and ambition. The challenge was to create a visually and conceptually rich experience, one that would not only resonate with aviation enthusiasts but also with designers, futurists, and dreamers who see Concorde as a model for what’s possible when technology and vision align.
A Narrative in Flight
We approached Supersonic as more than a book—it was a design experience, distilling the ethos of an era and projecting it forward. Drawing from a collection of over 1,000 Concorde artifacts, we curated rarely seen imagery, technical schematics, and firsthand accounts to craft an immersive narrative. Designed to mirror Concorde itself—sleek, elevated, and purposeful—the book balances technical precision with an aspirational aesthetic, reframing Concorde’s story as a blueprint for future innovation rather than a relic of the past.
A Design-Led Approach to Storytelling
We engaged with designers, engineers, and historians to weave together a comprehensive portrait of Concorde’s impact—one that bridged aerospace, luxury, and cultural history.
The book was conceived as more than a retrospective; every visual and editorial decision was made to transport readers into the mindset of the Concorde era, where the future was not just imagined, but built.
Rather than a book about a defunct aircraft, Supersonic positions Concorde as a blueprint for what happens when ambition and creativity push beyond limits—an emblem of possibility that remains relevant today.
A Testament to Human Potential
"To not dare is to have already lost. We should seek out ambitious, even unrealistic projects, because things only happen when we dream."– Andrée Putman
Concorde was more than an aircraft; it was a manifestation of human ambition, design, and innovation at its most audacious. Supersonic is a tribute to that spirit—not as a eulogy, but as a call to action for the dreamers and builders of today.
A Cultural and Critical Success
Supersonic has cemented Concorde’s legacy not just as an aircraft, but as a design icon and a testament to human ambition. By reframing its story through the lens of art, innovation, and cultural significance, the book has reignited conversations about the intersection of engineering and creativity. Selected as an Amazon “Best of the Year” in Arts and Photography, it has been celebrated for its striking visual storytelling and meticulous research, resonating with designers, aviation enthusiasts, and futurists alike.
The book’s success has led to sold-out speaking engagements at the V&A London, TEDxUCLA, and Le Bon Marché Paris, drawing audiences eager to engage with Concorde’s lasting influence on design and aspiration. With a new edition set for rerelease this year, Supersonic continues to serve as a call to action for future innovation, reminding us that ambition, when paired with ingenuity, shapes the world we aspire to build.
Supersonic
We authored Supersonic as a tribute to a global symbol of ambition, an irresistible glimpse into the future, daring us to dream and the spirit of pushing the boundaries of our imagination.
Book Development
Science
Our book really is about one of the great design icons of the modern age and developing the technology to make ideas behind it a reality – bringing dreams to life. Celebrated by The New Yorker and The New York Times was a labor of love tied to a topic close to our hearts: what becomes possible when engineering, creativity, and daring merge with design, ingenuity, and artistry. We authored the book as a compendium of the overall design aesthetic of Concorde but also the ideas from which it emerged, explicitly promising a better world to come. The iconic silhouette of Concorde was imbued with the idea of progress, it became a promise of tomorrow delivered in the here and now. Our book on Concorde is a testament to the belief in possibility and thinking boldly to defy boundaries.
Supersonic was Amazon’s Pick of the Year in Arts and Photography and received sold out lecture engagements at the V&A Museum London, The Cooper Hewitt, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Le Bon Marché, Paris.
From its groundbreaking debut in the late 1960s to its status as a symbol of aviation excellence, the Concorde set a new standard for transatlantic travel, attracting superstars and business moguls with its unmatched speed and elegance. Filled with rare historical photography and insights from industry insiders, Supersonic offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of Concorde and its impact on design culture worldwide.
Approach
With a foreword by British design titan Sir Terence Conran and an afterword by supermodel Cindy Crawford, we delve into the cultural impact of the Concorde, its influence in captivating the hearts and minds of individuals around the world, and the awe-inspiring technological advancements that defined its era. Through a lens of optimism and innovation, we celebrate not just the aircraft itself but the entire ecosystem it created—a world where speed, luxury, and boundless possibility converged to redefine air travel. Our approach invites readers to immerse themselves in a captivating journey that goes beyond the cockpit, exploring the Concorde's lasting legacy on our collective imagination and aspirations for the future.