The Design blog

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• Avant garde lattice shaped LED light fixture for trendy spaces
• Sphero Robotic Ball reinvents the ball for the iPhone generation
• Bold and stylish headphones designed for skateboarders
• Wooden solar house maximizes assimilation of sun rays
• Beignet is a saucer shaped bathtub cum Jacuzzi that closes shut when not in use
• Globe suitcases from Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano are trendy and functional
• Bolid heavy duty tractor could be the future of farming
• NFC technology for theme parks makes carrying cash and credit cards a thing of the past
• Housing of the people, for the people, by the people
• Spun carbonfiber bench uses NASA tech

Avant garde lattice shaped LED light fixture for trendy spaces Posted: 22 May 2012 05:22 AM PDT Radhicka S Saxena: This piece looks like the mesh shaped wooden structure people usually hang on their walls. But it's neither a wall hanging nor a suspension hook, the natty fixture is actually a light. Bet you wouldn't have come across a light piece shaped like this one before. The pioneering form of this light piece was possible because of the LEDs used in it. Francisco Gomez Paz The great thing with LEDs is that you do not have to limit their form to old age shapes like lamps or pendant lights. These age-old light pieces acquired their standard shapes because an incandescent bulb was slotted inside them. However, if you're making a light fixture with LEDs, you can get more creative and experiment with uncommon and de novo patterns. Milan based designer Francisco Gomez Paz was doing just this when he came out with this classic pattern. Breaking free from the standard lines and conventional contours, this light piece, embedded with energy efficient LEDs, has a mesh like inter weaved framework. Undoubtedly, a lot of work went into crafting this innovative design. Hundreds of prototypes were developed over three years by the designer. Additionally, understanding how aluminum can be proportioned into slices was not an easy task. Numerous mathematical algorithms were expounded until the right pattern was finalized. In this piece, LEDs have been fitted on a single circuit board frame. Its criss-cross scaffold closes shut for storage and can also be opened out wide when you want to display it. The resultant design is space saving and also absolutely alluring. And this is not even the best part. Hollering its ingenuity is the fact that the piece looks nothing like the run of mill light fixtures but more like a decorative add-on placed inside the house. Via: Fastcodesign

Sphero Robotic Ball reinvents the ball for the iPhone generation Posted: 22 May 2012 05:19 AM PDT Asmita Prasad: Remember the good old days when a ball (of any kind, even one made with an old, stuffed sock) could provide an endless variety of games to kids on summer afternoons? Well, those days are long gone and the over-stimulated kids of today would rather play with a virtual ball on a touchscreen display than a real real-life one in real time! To cater to this growing hoard of dumb kids who wouldn't know what to do with a ball unless it came with an app and instructions, the Sphero Robotic Ball was created. Sphero Robotic Ball Basically a gaming device, the robotic ball works with phones using iOS and Android platforms and lets users manipulate the movement of the ball using the interface of a tablet, iPhone or any other smartphone. There are also apps that let you interact with the ball and play club-less golf if you don't have friends or confuse your kitty or puppy by drawing paths on your tablet and making your ball roll on the ground along the projected path. The Sphero robotic ball also supports single multi-player apps just in case you were getting worried it might be a bit too bland for your liking. Inside, the Sphero Robotic Ball features a tiny Orbotix Smart Robot protected by a polycarbonate shell that can withstand high-impacts while letting LED glow on the outer surface of its opaque body. The LiPo Battery inside the Sphero Robotic Ball takes 180 minutes to fully charge up and provides 60 minutes of play time. Via: Think Geek

Bold and stylish headphones designed for skateboarders Posted: 22 May 2012 05:17 AM PDT Ishan Sidhu: Everyone loves listening to music no matter if staying back at home or while on the move. Long time back, we had huge portable music systems, but now technology has compressed these systems into iPods and music player. Now all you need is a pair of headphones with these devices and you can enjoy music wherever you want. Talking about headphones, here we are with these bold and stylish headphone designed by Sein Woo specifically for urban skaters. Headphone for Urban Skaters According to the designer, most of the skateboarders love listening music while skateboarding and carry their mp3 players or iPods in their pockets, but all of them often experience few problems while doing so. The headphone tries to overcome the problems and meet the requirements of their users. With bold color and shape, the body of the headphone is made out of aluminum making them very light whereas the carbon fiber shell is used for rigidity. Soft cushioning is provided to the inner side for comfortable music experience. The most unique feature of the headphone is that the users can control their music devices using the headphone. They don't need to take the device out of their pockets. A controller ball is placed on the outer side of the headphone, which controls the volume, changes the song and explores the playlist when jogged up and down, left and right and in circular motion respectively. A variety of colors are available so that you can mix and match them with the color of your music device. A retractable wire is also provided for better portability. Via: Behance

Wooden solar house maximizes assimilation of sun rays Posted: 22 May 2012 05:16 AM PDT Radhicka S Saxena: The blocks jutting out randomly on the portico make this structure look really interesting. And the amazing wooden structure standing at Villa Olympica in Barcelona is undoubtedly quite interesting. The window and shade arrangement, made from pyramidal shapes of varying sizes, looks very eccentric. However, the crazy design is based on a plan as each of the boxes sticking out holds a solar panel on its plane face. In fact, the unusual design serves another purpose as well. It provides a good enough shade to the wide windows propped below it. Barcelona's Solar House 2.0 Pavilion The bizarre design of the 154 square meter Solar House 2.0 actually maximizes solar absorption of the structure. Yeah! This means that the design is capable of harnessing more solar power than other regular looking abodes. Moreover, the orientation of these protruding planes can be altered to bring them in line with the sun beams. The abode can generate about 100 kwh of energy and will use up only 20 kwh every day. The project will be a public attraction as it is a part of the Barcelona Smart City Project. Besides the extraordinary shape, the house is made from solar bricks, which can collate data about energy usage and also insulate its interiors from solar radiation. The wooden facade of the abode also takes care of thermal insulation. Furthermore, the wood and modular sections used in construction boost the building's durability and also minimize waste produced during the building process. The light and portable structure can be further developed as it is made from wood. Additionally, the woody framework of the facade enhances the appearance of the house even inside. The steel furniture and all white add-ons contrast the woody surroundings. On looking closely, you will see the knots and loops on the wooden surfaces slotted outside the house. Although still a test center, this structure just blends into the busy, sunny and tropical coastline of Barcelona. It has been conceived by Institute of Advanced Architecture for Catalonia (IAAC) in collaboration with the energy giant Endesa. Via: IAAC/ Inhabitat

Beignet is a saucer shaped bathtub cum Jacuzzi that closes shut when not in use Posted: 22 May 2012 05:14 AM PDT Radhicka S Saxena: Spiritual Mode was really thinking of far flung galaxies when it manufactured this saucer shaped bathtub called Beignet. The utilitarian piece has a smooth and fluid design that looks classy and clean-cut. The pair of space shuttle like steel encroachments at the sides are actually the faucets. You can take a dip or enjoy the downpour of a spray in here. Yup, the handy piece also has a shower facility. Also, you can unwind on a chilly day in the comforting hot tub or kick back with an icy drink during the summers. Saucer Shaped Shower + Bathtub Living up to the image of a flying saucer, this tub even has a lid that closes shut after use. This is one heck of a dandy add-on as it appends yet another useful feature to the savvy washbowl. Now, you can easily install the tub in open living spaces and forget about filth or grime flying into it. So, if you have a stylish open air pool or a sauna on a terrace, then this suave tub will fit right into the setting. Also, the washbowl won't look a tad bit awkward in the open because it's much more than a bathtub. Apart from a dip and shower, you can also enjoy a muggy Jacuzzi in here. Also, you won't think twice before inviting your sweetheart in with you. The thoughtful placement of the bubblers with a gap between successive circular bands ensures that two people can rest inside easily. The only hitch is that the tub has no sides and is also not designed to work with shower curtains. But, if you can tolerate a few splashes of water here and there and can get used to round basin styled tanks, then there is nothing that should bother you. Via: Dornob/ Trendhunter

Globe suitcases from Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano are trendy and functional Posted: 22 May 2012 05:09 AM PDT Radhicka S Saxena: Only jet setters and frequent flyers know what a big difference good quality carry bags and suitcases make to one's travel experience. Moreover, who doesn't like to make a style statement when they are touring around? Here is a state of art suitcase made keeping style and comfort in mind and it will never go out of style. A roundup of its nifty qualities is given below. Globe limited edition suitcase Jean-marie Massaud definitely got everything on a traveler's mind when she drafted this limited edition 'Globe' collection. These suitcases promise mobility and strength. They are quite voluminous and you can easily pack a lot of stuff inside. The design was created for the Italian leather brand Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano's ‘in the sign of movement’ collection. The label always enrolls international designers for this collection. Hauling around this lightweight piece will be a cinch. Also, the suitcase will remain stable when in motion as the design integrates dual wheels. The pure polycarbonate used to build it makes the piece very solid. Its rugged form is shock resistant as well as flexible. Now, you know all the reasons why this fabulous design was showcased at the 2012 Milan design week. The linear form of this suitcase with rounded edges is unquestionably ergonomic. The suitcase exudes panache and you will look really chic lugging it around. The design is sort of feminine and if you're a savvy fashionista, then you will definitely pick the one in bright red. Other colors available are navy, white and gray. Also, these bags are available in a range of sizes. Via: Designboom

Bolid heavy duty tractor could be the future of farming Posted: 22 May 2012 04:38 AM PDT Asmita Prasad: We've all heard of unmanned aircrafts that are operated remotely by pilots using a GPS, a video feed and a really good pair of controls. But the same kind of technology has not really made its way into the public sphere (barring the kid in 'Home Alone 3' who takes on a team of international goonies using a camcorder installed on top of an RC toy car) which is why the Bolid heavy duty tractor concept by designer Christoph Proessler makes such a great case for itself. Bolid heavy duty tractor Most agricultural land in bigger countries like Australia and America is tended to by individual farmers who need to employ people to operate heavy agricultural machinery to take care of their acreage. What the Bolid Concept proposes for farms of this size in an unmanned, GPS controlled RC tractor that is heavy duty enough to take care of farming needs while being maneuverable enough to be controlled remotely as well. CPU and GPS navigation allow unmanned operation of the farm vehicle with a flying cabin module that allows the farmer to keep an eye on the tractor as it works and even maintain control of several such machines working simultaneously as well. shaped like a caricature of a bull (more precisely the iconic Charging Bull sculpture installed on Wall Street), the Bolid heavy duty tractor concept could be ideal for large scale farms and the next generation tractor concept could also be adjusted to meet the demands of different topographical conditions as well. [Cheers Christoph]

NFC technology for theme parks makes carrying cash and credit cards a thing of the past Posted: 22 May 2012 02:58 AM PDT Asmita Prasad: NFC AKA Near-Field Communication may not appear to be as quick and efficient as Wi-Fi or other internet based applications but it does make transferring money and data quite secure since an NFC enabled device or card needs to be within centimeters of another compatible device to work. NFC technology has been applied with some success in mass transport systems, ticketing and cashless payment systems and is being investigated further to make transactions more secure and safer for both merchants as well as users. The Theme park NFC concept was commissioned by a firm that organizes music festivals and proposes to develop the technology to make payment for services by visitors at such events a lot more hassle-free. Themepark NFC technology Created by designer Coen Claassen in collaboration with Ward Vancoppenolle and Isabelle De Nil, the entire concept is placed within the context of theme parks and the modes of payments and exchange of personal data that occurs at such places. With an NFC system in place in a theme park, visitors can carry just their personal data and digital wallets in an NFC tag to access services. These tags are not dependent on a network for an exchange of data which allows it to work offline and without batteries as well. These contactless tags allow people to make payments for tickets or food etc. at easy to spot terminals which can allow users to draw more digital money into their digital wallet as well. A digital ring displays the flow of payment while a touchscreen allows people to interact with these terminals. This would reduce payment fraud and protect people's bank account data. The same system can be used by companies to survey the profiles of visitors, what kind of rides, services and attractions do they like, make identification and indicate preferences etc. Via: Cargo Collective

Housing of the people, for the people, by the people Posted: 22 May 2012 02:57 AM PDT Shallu Sharma: Natto's mission is to provide future generations with an entirely new outlook on housing and lifestyle which aims to break free from the shackles of contemporary housing and traditional carry forwards. "Egalitarian" or classless is the chief appeal behind the entire approach. Natto's design revolves around the premise that in society, everyone must be permitted to occupy a roof and none should be homeless. An entire do away with social differences is hoped, accompanied by zero prejudice towards disabilities by virtue of age. Modern hosing The time is right for a shift in what is "acceptable" to what is "desirable." Single world citizenship where people are just people and not countrymen beckons an ever disintegrating society. An impassiveness towards materialism and the hope of enveloping the entire world in one single flag is much coveted by the personified being of falling human value. Natto has conceived a way to morph housing into a purchasable product line which is ever available for purchase and occupy. The concept also aims to facilitate customization in that the occupant may even choose the city of residence. In a way housing breaks down into something as simple as a laptop, an essential accessory that you carry around wherever you go. Natto calls it "sensitive housing." A housing which is a shelter of beings and not a fort ostentation. Via: Luisviale

Spun carbonfiber bench uses NASA tech Posted: 22 May 2012 02:54 AM PDT Asmita Prasad: Mathias Bengtsson is a Danish designer who has taken the spirit of Scandinavian design to yet another height with his Spun series of benches and chairs created way back in 2005 that were fashioned out of the same kind of carbon fiber materials used by aerospace engineers over at NASA. The sturdiness of the material is increased by the industrial fiber spinning technique employed to fashion it which is both low-cost as well as super lightweight. This allows the spectacular Spun Bench commissioned by Washington D.C.-based Industry Gallery to sprawl across its floors in a figure eight even though the 12 Spun benches woven together (that stand at a massive 30 feet long by the way) weigh nothing more than 11-12 lbs as a whole and only a few pounds each! Carbon-Fiber Bench The super long bench may appear to be quite delicate but is really just the opposite and the single, spiraling sinuous tube's weaving pattern allows minimum material to produce maximum strength. An unbroken, single fiber actually forms the core structure of the weightless lines of the Spun carbon-fiber bench with its wave-like configurations allowing the six individual pieces of the modular design to be placed at obtuse angles or merged to create a perfect circle. Carbon-Fiber Bench Each individual bench measure 750mm in height x 890mm in width and 750mm in length and an entire piece assembled piece can cost anywhere north of $45,000 depending on your particular needs. Via: Fast Code Design

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