BMW's Efficient Dynamics programme is inspiring graphic artists around the world. Take this for an example, Stefan Radev introduces the Blue Dynamics Land Yacht which is a conceptual design of a wind powered vehicle running on three wheels and a sail. Not sponsored by BMW, but inspired by the ''distinctive style and emotional character'' of a BMW, it's interesting to see that BMW's latest technology has an influence on designers in industrial fields other than cars.
We've been a bit obsessed with pop-up paper, origami and folded structures recently. 4foldlow is a new table concept designed by George Rice. Like its paper counterparts, he takes a 2-dimensional piece of steel and transforms it into a 3D structure. The whole base is contructructed with one standard-size steel sheet with the glass top serving almost as a picture frame.
George says his ''approach is always to think laterally and (to) take several steps back in order to clearly see an objective.'' We quite like his approach to design.
We've seen a few different takes on coat hangers recently, this one from Carrerouge Design is made from a flexible PVC tube with a rigid steel insert in the lower part. You can cut the flexible tube to any desired length for different ceiling heights. A good alternative for anyone that finds throwing clothes over a chair an easier option.
To see more of their work go here.
This house, located in Otake, West of Hiroshima in Japan neighbours the Kamei Castle Ruins. To the south of the building is an industrial region, and to the north, mountain ranges that the main living area looks out to. Designed by Suppose Design Office, the architects wanted the house to have two personalities:
''We thought of the North side as the type of scenery you take in and savor, and the South side as the type that you place yourself in. Structurally we divided the area between load bearing zones and free zones to make a place that could have two personalities at once. The North side is open even while closed, with the bedrooms, kitchen, dining area, and wide apertures to view the distant scenery, which at the same time are functional as load bearing parts of the structure.''
They wanted the South side of the home to be as close as possible to being outside, so the living area and terrace is designed with a six metre eave, treating the terrace and living areas as equal to create a free space with no division between inside and out.
It's a pretty good view they've made the most of.
To see more of their work go here.
Tom Sachs is a sculptor and probably best known for his elaborate recreations of modern icons. He famously recreated Knoll office furniture out of phone books and duct tape and later recreated Le Corbusier's 1952 Unité d'Habitation using only foamcore and a glue gun. His exhibition at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is now offering a snapshot of his work that focuses solely on his recreations of cameras. The work spans his lifetime, the earliest piece, a clay replica of a Nikon SLR that Sachs made when he was only eight years old as a gift for his father.
To see more of his work go here.
Deriving from the Greek word "tephra" meaning ash, the Tephra Formations collection takes its references from explosive material ejected from volcanos. There are several seating options available from a large chaise sofa to smaller poufs, chairs and tables, all designed to work cohesively together.
Created for the exhibition "Please Do Not Sit" at the Tools Gallery, Paris, the 'Useless Tool' by African designer Kossi Aguessy is a marvelous piece of art. Constructed using a layer of steel, a carbon layer, then topped with nextel- the same materials used to make stealth aircraft. Which also means the chair is undetectable to radar.
More interesting work from the Koreans at MAEZM design studio. The table dish cover is designed to substitute the use of dishes and make the presentation of food anywhere possible. The cover can be easily removed and cleaned once the dinner is over.
Designed by Architect Franco Albini in 1950 the AS1C Lamp is part of a classic collection of lamps all characterised by their use of chromed metal and blown glass to create simple and harmonious lines.
Nemo is available locally here.
Poggenpohl's Dining Desk is our new obsession. The table converts at the push of a button into a multifaceted dining experience, offering up an array of functions from a teppan yaki grill to hot and cold storage areas. It's available in a wide variety of finishes from natural stone, MDF and wood veneers or our favourite, the carrara marble version shown above.
Poggenpohl is available in New Zealand. Go here for further details.
