The Design blog

World’s first pop-up shopping mall made using shipping containers
How to turn your iPad into a classic Apple computer
Be an emperor with a chess set!
M-Plate: An universal mounting camera tripod plate system

World’s first pop-up shopping mall made using shipping containers

Posted: 12 Dec 2011 12:00 AM PST

Shahnawaz Naaz:

The ordinary

Located in London, the Boxpark is the first pop-up shopping mall in the world made using recycled shipping containers. This unique shopping mall is built on a temporary site in Shoreditch High Street of East London. A total of 60 standard-sized shipping containers have been used to build this shopping mall. British entrepreneur Roger Wade deserves credit for building this amazing mall. Wade got famous in 1990s for his first box-themed venture named “Boxfresh.” The lease of Boxpark is only for five years and Wade is hopeful that this stricture would serve as something more than just a new kind of shopping place. This environmentally friendly shopping mall does not have feature insulating technology or solar panels, but it is eco friendly because it has been made using recycled materials.

Boxpark Shoreditch

Inspiration

Boxfresh creator Roger Wade has designed and created this unique pop-up shopping mall together with real estate developers Hammerson and Ballymore. Wade's desire to use recycled materials to come up with something useful was the real inspiration behind the creation of Boxpark, a low cost, low risk shopping mall, which is fully functional and is used to sell different items. This shopping mall is eco friendly because it has been made using recycled shipping containers.

The extraordinary

Boxpark Shoreditch is the world's first pop-up shopping mall made using recycled shipping containers.

The making

Roger Wade has used a total of 61 shipping containers to build this environmentally friendly mall. He has used 41 containers to give a simple rectangular footprint to the lower section of this structure. The shoppers can stretch a little on the upper pavilion. The gathering spaces are created using the remaining container shops.

Picture Gallery

Boxpark Shoreditch

BOXPARK is a fresh retail revolution from Roger Wade

The target group

Boxpark is not like several other shopping malls which you have visited so far. Created by Roger Wade, this is his fresh retail revolution, which is low cost and low risk too. This unique and environmentally friendly structure has been designed making the maximum use of the recycled shipping containers. Located in East London, this mall is used to sell international brands’ clothes and other items. It has galleries and cafés as well. The Boxpark is a pop-up mall because of its movable basic building blocks.

Usage

Made up of shipping containers, the Boxpark is not an ordinary shopping center. This unique and eco friendly structure is a living example of human intelligence and creativity. This place is without doubt inspiring and the shopping experience here guarantees full enjoyment. Located in East London, this movable shopping mall is low-cost and low-risk but it sends a message that we can use recycled materials to come up with highly useful structures. The temporary lease of Boxpark, which is used to sell clothes and other items, is for five years. This green structure features eateries and cafes as well.

Related trends

1. Re:START

Re:START

Re:START have created a temporary retail center using shipping crates in Christchurch, New Zealand. This center is located on the site of the Cashel Mall that was destroyed completely in the earthquake that jolted Christchurch in February 2011. The funding for this project was provided to Re:START by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and ASB bank. The main aim behind the creation of this unique structure was to promote tourism and stimulate economic recovery in Christchurch. The local government is planning to use the space for permanent use in future. This shopping center houses 27 shops and two cafés. The opening of this retail center was marked by a series of concerts. Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is hopeful that this mall will help the people of the city in forgetting the devastation caused by the deadly earthquake and restore the pride in the city.

2. Keetwonen Amsterdam student housing

Keetwonen Amsterdam student housing

Launched by TempoHousing, the Keetwonen is a student housing project developed in Amsterdam. These residential units have been built using 1000 shipping containers and they feature all the amenities needed by students. The rooftop of this student housing unit features a system for efficient rainwater drainage, and it also provides heat dispersal and insulation to the residential units. Built in 2005, the plan was to provide temporary student housing for five years but now the life expectancy of these residential units have been increased to 2016. It is expected that Keetwonen would get another extension in 2016. The walls of each unit are soundproof and each unit features kitchen, bathroom and balcony. Keetwonen also has shops, cafes, eateries, art studios and fitness centers. Keetwonen is a hugely popular place among students in Amsterdam. This second most popular student dormitory in Amsterdam is offered by De Key, a well-known student housing corporation in the Netherlands. There is a separate area in each block for safe bicycle parking.

3. Freitag Shop

Frietag Shop

Located in Zurich, Switzerland, the Freitag shop is regarded by many as one of the world's most creative buildings made using recycled shipping containers. This tall structure is made of shipping containers placed one above the other. The right side of the structure, with a long staircase, houses the shop. The top of this structure has an observation point. The total height of Freitag Shop is 85 ft (26 meter). This is Zurich's tallest building. Made by the Freitag messenger Bag Company, this structure is built using 17 rejected shipping containers. The company has used recycled containers to make this building in order to stress that their products are also made using recycled material. The first four floors are used for store display and containers are used for storage and for making the staircase.

How to turn your iPad into a classic Apple computer

Posted: 11 Dec 2011 11:09 PM PST

Varun Mishra:

From one of the most humble beginnings, Apple has come a long way in securing one of the top positions in the tech market. It has not only created historical trend setting products like the iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch, MacBook, and the awesome iPad. If you are one of the long term fans of the Apple devices, you might love to immerse yourself into the nostalgia of the earliest computing techniques of Apple computers using your cutting edge iPad or iPhone itself. Here is a step by step description of how you can recreate the magic and experience the way retro computing felt in the 70's and the 80's.

iPad into a classic Apple computer

Difficulty level: Moderately challenging

Time required: 3 to 4 hours

Resources required

1. iPad or iPhone

2. iStation

3. A wireless keyboard (comes with the iStation),

4. A desk to operate it on

5. A power adapter to plug in the iStation.

Estimated cost

If you already own an iPad or iPhone, the total cost would not exceed $86.

Instructions

1. Plug in the power adapter in to the power socket and connect it to the iStation.

2. You can now place your iPad or iPhone in any orientation (landscape or portrait) on the dock of the iStation, such that it rests firmly. This stand can accommodate both iPad 1 and iPad 2 even when they are covered in thin cases.

3. Now place the keyboard in its slot. It comes with standard features with special Apple keys to allow you to use it with ease. Even the usual keyboard shortcuts like Cmd-V (paste) are available on the keyboard. You can also adjust the brightness and other controls as per your wishes using the top row of keys of this keyboard. In addition, there are also shortcut keys to start a slideshow as well.

4. You can connect this keyboard with the iPad/iPhone that you are using via a single connect switch. In addition to this, the top right side of the keyboard also features a power switch that instantly informs you whether the device is turned on or off.

5. You can use the excellent speakers of the iStation by connecting them via Bluetooth or by plugging in a 3.5mm audio jack. The volume knob is very easy to adjust and the sound quality produced is superb.

6. You can also use your own USB drive to use the iStation to play your favorite songs from its playlist, by directly connecting it into the slot provided. You can also use your microSD card for the same.

7. The USB port can also be used to charge your iPad/iPhone while you are using it on the iStation.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the main drawbacks of the iStation?

It is bulky and weighs over 2kg, which makes it less portable. Also, the keyboard is too small if you are one of those blessed with large hands.

2. What are the bonus features of the iStation?

The keyboard is wireless, compact and fully functional like its traditional counterparts. The iStation can also be used without an iPad/iPhone to enjoy your favorite music via a USB drive.

3. Does it deliver on its promises?

Yes, the iStation delivers everything that it promises. The sound quality is awesome, the experience of computing very nearly the same as that of the Apple 1. You can even rotate your iPod if you want to change the way your screen looks.

Quick tips

While attaching the iPad on the iStation, please ensure that it is properly placed, so that it doesn't accidentally fall down, also while using the wireless Bluetooth keyboard, ensure that it is connected before you start using it.
The volume control given on the iStation is fully manual in the shape of a knob. So, to adjust the volume, use it slowly to adjust the required volume levels.

Things to watch out for

Connect your devices that require the Bluetooth connection before you place them in their place, so as to avoid last minute glitches.
You must also ensure that you use your iStation near a power plug point, because it does not have a battery and requires constant electric current to operate.
Once all this set up has been installed and the required connections of the devices are made, you can enjoy the retro style computing experience of the Apple1 and Apple2 by means of your ultra hi-tech devices and take a dip in the nostalgia of old times and good old computing.

Be an emperor with a chess set!

Posted: 11 Dec 2011 09:45 PM PST

Aravind Balasubramanya:

Chess originated as Shatranj in India. It was designed to be a game for the royalty and kings. Over centuries after that, it has become a common game, being played on a simple board with plastic pieces. If you wish to travel back in time and enjoy the regalia and royalty associated with the game, here is a chessboard, a chess cabinet actually, that will help you in your journey! Made with stone and resin details, this is definitely a unique piece of art that is fit to be the centerpiece of any living room or display hall.

World Class Chess Board

Picture Gallery

World Class Chess Board

The chessboard features make it a display piece all its own.

Measuring 21 3/8 inches long and wide (it is a square!) with a height of 6 3/8 inches, this game ‘board’ weighs more than 50 lbs. Black granite and white marble constitute the battle field which can be flipped open to reveal your army bastions! The details and carvings on the piece are exquisite and perfect to say the least. The corners are finger-joined, the lining is made of purple velvet and the handles are all having a beautiful brass finish.

An aesthetically carved maritime star decorates the lid of the lower compartment. It is truly a work of artistic glory. Being milled finely, the lid provides a fitting seat for the tray. The chess pieces too are unique and solidly built. They have been cut and shaped with powerful and sharp strokes that definitely take you back in time!

If you love the game of chess and know how to play it, this is definitely a piece that you would love to own. If you do not know to play it, this piece will inspire you to train into one of the most glorious board games of the world!

Via: Etsy

M-Plate: An universal mounting camera tripod plate system

Posted: 11 Dec 2011 09:21 PM PST

Abhinav Shrivastava:

Being one of the pioneers in the world of accessories for cameras, Custom SLR is all set to come up with a new accessory i.e. a camera tripod plate system having the capability to universally mount. The product is named as the M-Plate™.

M-Plate

Main Features

1) Being compatible to almost all known tripod plate systems, it's the world's first camera tripod plate to have integrated both Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss mounts.

2) It has a very strong grip thereby providing a robust hand grip function.

3) Can be attached nippily to any camera strap system, like the C-Loop, BlackRapid, SunSniper, Spider Holster, Cotton Carrier and many more.

4) M-Plate™ has a built in M-Link Port™ which would provide connectivity to imminent photographic accessories such as flash bracket, video rig etc.

FAQ

1) Why the M-Plate™, when there were already Split Strap and C-Loop in the market?

Ans: Using either of the above mentioned products with a tripod was impossible, so a product was necessary to fill up this gap.

2) How is it attached to a camera?

Ans: A threaded hex head bolt is provided with the product to make sure that it is securely placed at the base of the camera and moreover the protective neoprene base layer holds the M-Plate™ at its position, when once placed.

3) Who has funded the project and why?

Ans: This project has been solely funded by the Kickstarter Company, which is one of the world's largest funding companies for ingenious developments.

The total amount sanctioned for this project is $15,000.00 for the research and development of this project and as well as to manufacture the first lot of this product which would be produced in USA's San Francisco Bay Area.

4) Whose the designer of M-Plate™?

Ans: The hobbyhorse to have developed this innovative M-Plate™ is Ben Wong, Kickstarter's chief industrial designer and one who had designed the avant-garde C-Loop Strap Mount and Split Strap Technology.

5) When would it hit the market?

Ans: The marketing processes would start after the project finishes on Ben Wong's birthday i.e. on 8th December 2011. This would lead to the processing of the pre-orders.

6) Color availability for this product?

Ans: Though initially the M-Plate™ has been projected in the silver color but the possibility of black is also there.

7) Which material has been used to make M-Plate™?

Ans: Aerospace grade 6061 Aluminum would be used to make M-Plate™ thereby pointing out the durability, stiffness and lightweight platform of this product.

Praised & Published

1) Popular Photography: The M-Plate Aims To Be Your All-In-One Mount

2) DIY Photography: The M-Plate Is One Smart Tripod Plate

3) 1 Kind Photography: The M-Plate Is A Universal Tripod Plate for Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss by CustomSLR

4) Vanished Twin: M-Plate - A Multi-Function Camera Tripod Plate System

5) Tech MikeShouts: M-Plate – the Swiss Army knife of camera mounting plate

6) Petapixel: The M-Plate: One Camera Tripod Plate to Rule Them All

Source: customslr