The Design blog |
- Pneumatic Water Transport Piers harvests solar energy and rainwater
- Best of 2011: Yacht concepts
- Nooka Mindstyle Watch is understated elegance personified
- Ladybug-shaped Mobile Information Unit re-envisions drab tourist information centers
- POP Cellphone accessory will ensure that you never miss a call
| Pneumatic Water Transport Piers harvests solar energy and rainwater Posted: 03 Dec 2011 09:39 PM PST Sourish Karmakar: The concept The Thessaloniki Water Transport piers in Greece won the national architecture design competition. It consists of four piers named as Eleutheria Square, Perea, Megaro and Aretsou. These are designed keeping in mind the three basics of having a floor, the inflated pneumatic structure and the pavilions. The primary criteria for this competition was to have a functional and economic, yet an innovative design. The images will surely tell you the majestic design of the piers.
 Thessaloniki Piers Pavilion The Inspiration The floor is the base that supports the working staff. It also includes the base and control of the pier lighting and sitting. It is made of wood planks treated with tar, a technique used in shipbuilding to make it floating as well as water resistant. The woods are also rough, to support more air trapped inside. The sitting is built strong with stone blocks and the lighting is installed on the floor surface. The pavilion comprises of public toilets for visitors. The pavilion also has a ticket booth for commercial tourists and an exotic Pier café to cater the tourists. The pavilions are made of steel structures, which are covered with rough plants with tar. The door and windows of the pavilions are made of lighter alloy known as Brass. The Brass doors and windows are also very common in ship construction. The inflated air based structure has multi-role utility. It not only acts as weather protection, but also harness solar energy. It also collects the rainwater. The structure of the pneumatic inflated body is actually a combination of columns of steel holding a triangular ring inside the body. The surface of the body gets constant mechanical support with steady state flow of air. The sides are made of BoPET while the bottom side walls are of ETFE. These materials look elegant with their reflective and transparent nature respectively. However, these materials are known for the top line tensile strength capability. Eco Credentials The Inflated Pneumatic Structure harnesses both the solar energy and water. The mechanism is simple with solar radiation entering the inflated structure via the upper transparent ETFE walls. The reflective BoPET walls prevent light escape. It also reflects back the solar beams guiding it towards the solar cells in the interior of the structure. The solar cells convert the solar energy to electricity that is stored in series of batteries. The design is innovative compared to conventional designing of solar power harnessing. The design, being made of steel and glass, enhances ability for harnessing more power due to large surfaces. It also has minimal weight. Many solar power harnessing companies such as Cool Earth Solar, SunPeak Solar, Emcore and Ausra have collaborated with ETH University to design this incredible sustainable water piers. The water is collected from the upper wall via the three cone shaped point in the Inflated Pneumatic Structure. The water is then stored in an under Pier storage facility. Electricity and water harvesting make this design a sustainable as well as innovative design. Feasibility The piers do not have any waiting space for the tourists. Taking consideration of the mild weather of Thessaloniki, the average waiting time for users is been kept low. This is a good way to save temperature fluctuations during winter and summer. The reflective BoPET surface of the inflated pneumatic structure attaches itself to the piers in all the positions that can be seen. The three components of the design are unique everywhere in all the four mentioned piers. This feature helps in saving in term of design and fabrication. It also enables a pier to be used for any future innovative expansion of the 'Thessaloniki Water Transport Piers' in any of the locations. It also consolidates the whole structure as a single entity. The construction has been carried out to minimize the requirement of regular maintenance. These components do not have any hard error in terms of fixing. The components can be replaced in case of major damage. Being in vicinity of water, these components are made to resist excessive humidity, salt deposition. The components are also strengthened to resist from both natural and artificial emergency situations.
Related trends: 1. Green Energy Educational Pavillion
 Green Energy Educational Pavillion The Green Energy Educational Pavillion is a conceptual design by Amanda Tobin that is being implemented in slow phase manner. The pavilion multirole functions include the educational training given to the young kids, being completely sustainable in terms of energy harnessing. The design is proposed to run on clean green energy. The design harnesses the wind and solar energy with its photovoltaic solar cells. The design also has integrated windmills to harness the wind energy that will surely meet the energy needs of the design. 2. Solar Wind Pavilion
 Solar Wind Pavilion It is another experimental design that is a combination of beautiful designing and sustainable power generation. It is created by Michael Jantzen for the California State University. The design can harness solar and wind energy and will also collect rainwater. It will allow the operation of all the major equipment inside the facility. The design is always marked by the perfect blend of stunning architecture and ecological sustainability. It is proposed to be made of lighter version of composite concrete. 3. Wood Clad Canada Pavilion
 Wood Clad Canada Pavilion The water-harvesting wood-clad Canada Pavilion is another elegant design that supplied most of the major electrical needs on 2010 world expo in Shanghai. The design was to support the idea of having a sustainable energy development. It supported all the public performances and cultural programs during the expo. The design is made of wood coated with water resistant paint. The upper surface can harness the solar power that was stored in batteries that powered all the cultural function of the expo.
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| Posted: 03 Dec 2011 09:03 PM PST Apara Bhattacharya: While there has been a lot of researches and up-gradations in the field of road vehicles, the water transports are still awaiting improvement. Although some of the luxury yachts were introduced in the market but the period of recession left a hard blow on them. So, they failed to reach the commercial market in the way as desired. But, now with the healthy growth of the market once again, the naval architects and the designers have felt that new yacht designs might inspire the commercial market all over again. Hence, here are top ten yacht designs that can be taken into consideration due to their innovative concept, bold look and extended functions. 1. Ve'loce Yacht Concept
 Ve'loce This Pentamaran concept yacht is a creation of BMT Niger Gee Ve'loce. It is remarkable for its high speed, which exceeds 40 knots. The hull of this yacht makes it evident that this is built keeping high speed as the top most priority. The hull is further provided with durability by virtue of its twin outriggers. The internal capacity of this yacht is also remarkable. It comprises of 30 meters of internal beam. It can be powered either by diesel or gas, featuring a propulsion system that produces 44 MW of installed power. This power can be delivered whenever required by means of the water jets provided with it. 2. Blackout 38m Superyacht Project By Docq Concept
 Blackout 38m Superyacht This water vehicle is meant to provide comfort to its passengers and the pleasure to be with nature. The creation of a Holland based company, Docq Concepts, this yacht has a low, horizontal profile with a length of thirty eight meters, so that the panoramic views of ocean and sky can be enjoyed to the optimum. The front deck of the yacht is extremely spacious and so roomy that it has a Jacuzzi for the pleasure of the passengers. It has the capacity to accommodate up to eight passengers and four crew members. The large windows on two sides provide greater exposure to the natural light and the surrounding ambiance. 3. ICON 85M Britannia Yacht Concept designed by H2
 ICON 85M Britannia ICON 85M Britannia Yacht will be presented at the Monaco Yacht show by H2. This 85 meters long yacht has amazing aesthetic features. This water vehicle has enormous passenger capacity, accommodating 18 to 20 passengers at a time. It will offer a range of 6000 nautical miles with a speed of more than 19 knots. The slim design of the yacht is coupled with sharp edges and prominent design elements. It also accommodates gym, spa, central pool and clubs. 4. Lila-Lou G108 Giga Yacht Concept
 Lila-Lou G108 The Lila Lou yacht can be identified as the most futuristic yacht. It looks like a bow rider and has glass panes along with an elevated foredeck. The flared bow has been designed in such a way that the water spray cannot come over to the top, which is different from the conventional yacht designs. It leads to the longitudinal pitch by means of creating deceleration forces that lower down its speed. Its bow axe design further lowers down its momentum. The 108 meters of span and seven decks are the other notable features of this yacht. 5. 2011 Audi Trimaran Yacht Concept
 Audi Trimaran This yacht has been conceived and developed as a part of the project by Stefanie Behringer, a student of a technical college in Munich. There are three hulls in this vehicle. The main central hull is supported by two smaller outrigger hulls that also store the two jets. The yacht runs by the power of a diesel engine of Audi TDI, but the jets are electrically powered. This slender yacht has a length of 15 meters and a width of 6.4 meters and has the capacity of twelve passengers on board. 6. Ekrano Yacht, a flying yacht concept for 2025
 Ekrano Yacht This concept yacht, conceived by Jaron Dickson, is sure to bring a revolution in the concepts of the conventional yachts in its jet plane like design. This concept yacht, with half boat half plane features, is the brain child of Jaron Dickson and has been named by him as Ekrano Yacht. The notable features of this yacht are its length of thirty–six meters, its flight capacity of four feet above sea level and ability to withstand waves as high as 3.5 meters. This vehicle will be eco friendly too as it will be powered by hydrogen. Moreover, it is supposed to accommodate 12 passengers at a time. 7. Feadship superyacht 'Qi' concept
Ekrano Yacht The renowned yacht company, Feadship has created this super yacht, 'Qi' concept. It will be launched initially in the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show. This 56 meters long yacht will showcase Chinese essence in its design and style. There will be a guest suit for four passengers on board on the lower deck portion, with a private terrace and a cinema hall with 180 degree screen on the main deck. There will also be a spa and a portside gym behind the hull door with a fireplace on the sun deck along with a Jacuzzi. 8. Bugatti Sang Bleu Yacht concept
 Bugatti Sang Bleu This Bugatti Sang Bleu Yacht Concept is sure to rule the water routes. The sleek body made of aluminum and carbon fiber is the first thing that will grab your attention. It is the creation of Ben Walsh, a graduate of the Royal College of Art. Although, this 30 feet long yacht is still in the concept stage, but it is sure to be successful when it is finally launched. 9. Bairim luxury yacht by Timon Sager
 Bairim luxury yacht This luxury boat has the power to cut through jagged water at a faster rate due to its special design. The floor to ceiling window gives a complete exposure to the scenic view while the high speed, increased comfort, astounding wooden interior are the other features of this water vehicle. The wooden deck opens inwards while the staircase at the center directs to the water. 10. Tropical Island Paradise yacht concept
 paradise yacht concept This yacht is a project of the Yacht Island Designs, a UK based company. This concept yacht will have a steel body and plenty of space to support greenery and portable huts that get bathed in natural sunlight as it sails in the ocean. This four passenger accommodating vehicle also has guest suits, a cinema hall, library, gym, etc.
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| Nooka Mindstyle Watch is understated elegance personified Posted: 03 Dec 2011 03:59 PM PST Asmita Prasad: All about simplicity and understatement, the Nooka NU by designer Mark Cunningham is a new breed of wristwatches that are more about standing out from the crowd rather than following a popular trend. The NU logo prominently reflects the profile shape of the strap while a cool restrained feel is created by the watch which is perfectly suited to the attitudes and mindsets of the younger generations.
 Nooka watch design Available in a range of colors, the central unit complements the satin black rubber strap. Displaying only the time and nothing else, this product is a lifestyle watch which explores a simple quirky design. The watch is design to be easily manufactured and the final production model would be a simple one executed with the highest attention to detail.
Designed to be manufactured and constructed simply and robustly, the Nooka watch follows carefully considered construction methods that help maintain a simple and uncluttered finis. The Nu has an inner assembly made mostly from injection molded plastics and an LCD screen and the watch has one pad print logo detail, the color of which matches the inner molding color. The watch only features the time function as part of its simple understated approach with the users being offered the 12-hour and 24-hour display options. The range of NU watches offers user a choice between 4 cool colors that include white, process black, rhodimine red, and 876c which are the colors on the Nooka logo. The design deliberately uses a limited palette to create a distinctive and bold look. Each watch features a single color pad print logo on the strap, matching the main feature color. The packaging for the Nooka NU is created using recycled cardboard. Like the product, the packaging has been designed to be cool and understated. It is finished in matt black with a single color logo on the cover matching the product color. Opening the cover which is sealed with a hidden magnetic catch, reveals the watch in a recessed area and the inside features a printed dictionary definition of time. Packaging is an important part of the overall brand experience, and the packaging for the Nooka watch has been created to be cool and effortless. Impactful, simple and bold, the watch also comes with a recycled card cutout for in-store display that is perfect for showcasing the NU range. The display also features a large scale photo of the watch to entice shoppers to see the watches and find out more about Nooka. Via: Coroflot
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| Ladybug-shaped Mobile Information Unit re-envisions drab tourist information centers Posted: 03 Dec 2011 03:58 PM PST Asmita Prasad: Displayed during the Asia Pacific Summit exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, the Mobile Information Unit AKA My Ladybug by Sabrina Gatto was created done for a competition organized by city council of and Urban Futures Brisbane. The second-prize winning entry at the event aims at replacing the low-tech kiosks that are currently used around the world to provide tourists and citizens with information about cities and their neighborhoods. Shaped around a Ladybug, the Mobile Information Unit measures 3m by 4m stands approximately 3m tall when closed and expands to approximately 3m by 6m when its wings are opened. On being transported and installed at a chosen site, the MIU can be "opened" by rotating its wings outwards allowing people to use the external screens and informational structures by venturing inside the enclosed space.
 Mobile Information Unit To get inside the unit itself, a cavity in the unit needs to be opened via two sliding glass doors. Inside the cabin, information equipment, screens and expositors allow visitors to access all kinds of information. To stop the solar radiation from entering the space while allowing the light to pass through adequately, polycarbonate red sheets would be used to fashion the wings of the unit. In case of rain, an extendible panel located on top of the doors can be opened to protect the people and equipment inside from getting splashed. The Mobile Information Unit is envisioned as a space that doesn’t feel too enclosed yet provides adequate privacy in a public space.
Picture Gallery  The black dots on the wings, in the internal lower side, are touch screens with liquid Crystal Display. On the outside, the Mobile Information Unit comes dotted with solar panels that appear in place of the black dots on the ladybug's wings. The same dots on the inside are lined with LCD touchscreen that the user can interact with for information. The Mobile Information Unit is meant to use solar power as its primary source of electricity though it also come with a battery pack located under the floor that can be used to power the unit on days when solar power is not sufficient. To allow natural ventilation, the unit comes with a sky light at the top while LED lights around the perimeter of the wings allow the unit to be ambiently lit even when the wings are closed. On the outside, the ‘legs’ of the bug serve as extendible seats that are positioned near the entry doors and allow visitors to use the LCD touchscreen outside with ease. Via: Coroflot
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| POP Cellphone accessory will ensure that you never miss a call Posted: 03 Dec 2011 03:51 PM PST Asmita Prasad: Those of us born after the cellphone revolution hit the world won’t be familiar with the fact that there was once a time where it was nearly impossible to track down buddies in a tightly packed and noisy club (they were called "discos" back then) and if you didn't hold your friend's hand, it was nearly impossible for you stay with them unless you resorted to embarrassing yelling and arm waving! Fast forward to the new millennium and locating friends in a bustling club is a single phone call away. However, most of us still find it hard to hear an incoming call in a noisy environment since most ringtones simply cannot compete with the decibel levels of club music. Even putting your phone on vibrate mode doesn't help because you're either hammered out of your mind or dancing! To counter this problem of not being able to sense incoming calls, designer Doriane Le Rest has created this funky POP Cellphone accessory which is made specifically to allow users know when they have an incoming call on their cellphones.
 POP Cellphone accessory The POP is designed as an oversized pendant which can be worn around the neck and offers visual warnings which allows users to detect an incoming call or SMS. Though the accessory isn't a full-fledged cellphone in itself, it can easily be synced with your mobile phone via Bluetooth. Its vibrant glowing display stays just within the user's line of sight which means that everytime you get a call or an SMS, you are instantly alerted of the fact by the accessory. POP Cellphone accessory can also serve basic cellphone functions like receiving and making calls and receiving and sending SMSs which means that you can safely tuck away your expensive cellphones in your bags and pockets and wear the POP around your neck to stay accessible to friends and family.
Via: Coroflot
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