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The Design blog

The Design blog


The return of vinyl in pictures

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 05:40 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

Vinyl since its first commercial production by RCA Victor in 1930 has not just been a great source of entertainment for the masses but also a major contributor in passing on the rich legacy of classic harmonies to the future generations. Battered by digital counterparts and internet streaming, Vinyl players (despite their superior analog soundtrack) are fast becoming a classic piece of art in most of the modern living spaces. Despite of being a relic from yesteryear, a vinyl collection is still an asset of pride for collectors. However, recent stats have marked the well deserved return of vinyl. Have a look at the following designs to appreciate the transition, from classic to modern, in vinyl players.

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player

Vinyle player
Vinyle player


Wine rack inspired by cancer survivors to help raise funds for charity

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 05:17 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Most pieces of art we see these days are created for the sake of creating something and often do not have a back story to enrich them. This art piece designed like a wine rack, however, is one piece that not only serves a real function in one's house, but also stands for the trials and triumphs of cancer survivors. Created for cancer survivor Erin Zammett Ruddy by Akke Functional Art's Axel Yberg, the piece is called In Vino Vitae which roughly translates as “in wine there is life.”

Functional Art Piece
Functional Art Piece

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Functional Art Piece
Functional Art Piece Inspired By Cancer Survivors

The heartwarming project came into being when Erin asked the designer to create a wine rack for her and her sister Melissa, who is also a cancer survivor as a symbol of the comfort and joy they found in enjoying and sharing wine with their family and friends. The plumbing pipes used in the rack stand for the challenges faced by Erin in her struggle to fight the disease while other half of the inverse heart in softer wood stands for the warmth and love shared by the two sisters.

The three glass holder on either side stand for their parents, Erin and her sisters while the union of these elements Erin's bond with her kids, Nora and Alex, as well as her husband, Nick. Since Erin was diagnosed with the disease at age 23, the number is also represented in the elements used in the set while the fact that the entire piece was made using reclaimed materials represents the second chance at life that Erin her sister have got. The piece will be used by Erin, who is nominated for the LLS Woman of the Year award, towards raising $100,000 in funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Via: Freshome


High tech GP Toilet does your urine test at home

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:52 AM PDT

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

Many diseases and ailments are diagnosed by performing urine tests, which further lets a doctor decide the treatment that has to be followed. Traditionally, the sample is collected and sent for laboratory diagnosis that can take time in terms for the result to arrive. But, there are also strips of paper present that instantly tell the presence of sugar, blood or protein in urine. Making the whole process all the more convenient, accurate and easy is the GP or General Practitioner Toilet.

GPtoilet
GPtoilet

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GPtoilet
GPtoilet by Lucy Jung

Designed by Lucy Jung, the innovative design will kill all embarrassments that come tagged with getting a urine test done. The design comprises of a special nozzle that is present in the toilet design. This nozzle comes out when the urine test has to be conducted and goes back when the examination is complete. Normally, one ignores the need of getting a urine test done till the time some serious symptoms crop up. With the GP Toilet, the overall procedure will become easy and will shift inside the comfort of one's bathroom.

Using the toilet for health checkup is pretty simple and can be done by selecting the menu according to the health issue. The nozzle sensor comes out for 5 seconds, collects the urine sample and puts on show the health report. The presence of a urine sensor, which gets activated when the menu is selected, keeps a check on the flow and levels of urine. GP Toilet is a perfect and easy way to keep a check on your health frequently, and that too without the need of having to go till a laboratory.

[Cheers Lucy]


Booo Studio creates a collection of bulb that work as lamps

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:42 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Created as a collaborative effort between Milan-based Formafantasma, designer Nacho Carbonell, Front Design and Dutch Boo Studio, this innovative new collection of light bulbs challenges the usual idea of light bulbs. The idea behind the project was to create an LED bulb that also acts the lampshade itself thus negating the need to purchase and install an additional light fixture.

Booo lightbulb
Booo lightbulb

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Booo lightbulb
Booo lightbulb designed by Formafantasma

Based on wireless technology, an innovative system of remote controlling like “Smartbulb” showcases the future use of LED resources by exploring the aesthetics of the conventional light bulb technology. Utilizing the durability of LEDs and taking that aspect of the bulbs as a starting point, Nacho Carbonell crafted a product that can create a harmony within the decor and allows the bulb to be used as a standalone item with its simple and conventional body shape, the lamp uses rubber as the primary material. An ocean-like light reflection from the light source is created in the water in the handmade light bulb though the user can also pump air into the light bulb.

The vessel of the bulb is produced with a material first discovered in the 19th century that was obtained from insect excrement. This polymer has been re-developed by Formafantasma and adds to the long life of an LED lamp. The end result is a light bulb that creates the illusion of a lamp without a bulb which negates the need for an additional lampshade and allows innovative use for the bulb itself.

Via: Aima007


Take your bike for a spin even at night with the Torch bicycle helmet

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:40 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Enthusiastic bikers face quite a dilemma at times. How can you hit the road at night if your ride does not have lights? You might want to look at the T1 helmet if the situation sounds familiar to you. This helmet sports a bright light just above your forehead thus warning other people on the road that there is another rider coming along. This light is clearly visible and can be noticed easily among heavy traffic lights. The easy to use piece is extremely light but also very rugged. The fit of the torch can be adjusted to make the helmet more comfortable and safe.

T1 helmet
T1 helmet

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T1 helmet
Torch-bicycle helmet with integrated lights

And why just bikers, even skaters and college kids who swing on their boards often, will absolutely love the piece. The helmet itself has a snazzy look that urbane youth and sporty kids will really dig. Though the basic outline of regular helmet is retained in this design, quite a few novel details have also been added in. The LEDs disperse light across the lenses that have been fitted at the front and back. From this viewing angle, the light becomes brighter and their visibility increases enormously. Also, the lenses protect the LEDs from dust, water and debris.

The piece is crafted using cutting edge technology. It has an expanded polystyrene body and a thin polycarbonate casing. The piece is manufactured using the in mold technique. The torch of the helmet is CPSC certified. The helmet is daubed in vivid hues and its finish is clean and smooth. The piece is available in three different colors of black, white and red. There is also a special Midnight Addition with smoked black lenses. The helmet costs around $100 without the batteries.

Via: Kickstarter


Italy’s all new Ferrari train offers a faster and more comfortable travel

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:40 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

The European train market was thrown open to private players by the European Union in 2006. This prompted the interest of Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and the result is the Italo or Ferrari train running on tracks of Italy. Although the train completed its maiden voyage from Rome’s Tiburtina station very recently, it will officially start running from April 28 on the routes of Naples, Rome, Florence, Milan and Bologne. The aerodynamic design, flashy red color and lush interiors of the speedster will totally transform the image of the European rail network.

Ferrari train
Ferrari train

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Ferrari train
Meet Italy’s new 350 mph ‘Ferrari,’ the 450-seater Italo

Coming from the company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, the idea was born when Ferrari formed an alliance with the luxury goods company Tod’s Diego Della Valle and the French train concern, SNCF. These trains are lighter and will move at a faster speed. They weight about 10 percent lesser than other trains and will therefore usurp 15 percent less energy. Furthermore, they are also more effective, quieter and safer than their counterparts.

Hopes are high that with its hi-end amenities, the train will transform hi-flying jet setters into rail commuters. The train will have facilities like power supplies and tunnel proof wireless internet to make your travel more comfortable. There are cell phone free cars and some trains will even have cinema cars for movie buffs. Also, there is a sound suppressing audio system that will play music in four different languages.

The seats on the train are divided into three classes and the pricing for the two hour Rome-Milan route is as follows. The Smart class for 45 euros or $60 is quite affordable and has hulky leather seats inside a reduced noise car. The premium seats in the Club zone are tagged at 360 euros or $480. It has four chairs in a private salon. If you are looking for a mid price range, then go for the first class seats in either open or the relax cabins.

Via: Treehugger/ Dvice


Kisai Seven demonstrates time by pulsating rings of light

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:39 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

A trendy design with two effervescent light rings and LEDs around your wrist has been brought into existence as Kisai Seven. The creative imagination has given a modern look to what is basically a simple wrist watch. The design is eccentric but reading time at a glance is as easy as in any other analog watch where the two highlighted rings in the watch point to the hours and minutes.

LED Watch
LED Watch

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LED Watch
Kisai Seven LED Watch

The hour hand is represented by the inner ring and minute hand is represented by the outer ring. There is a dark segment in both the rings that literally points to the time. The dazzling lights around the wrist are not just for show and demonstrate the exact minute by lighting up in sections. Suppose if it's 9 o'clock then the inner dark section will point at 9 and outer dark section at 12. To be more precise the lights above and below the circle specify 1-4 minutes.

The watch is curved beautifully to fit over your wrist and the strap exhibits polyurethane make with a butterfly clutch at the back. Band can be adjusted cleverly by simply cutting the polyurethane strap to any size to fit your wrist. This could be easily done at home using some simple tools or you can ask your local jewelers to lend a hand, making it fit both small as well as large wrists. Each and every part of the watch including the case, strap and LED display has been independently custom designed. The limited edition watch with blue and white LEDs guarantees uniqueness and perfection.

LED WatchKisai Seven LED Watch

Via: Tokyo Flash


WhiteCrate makes functional and cost effective shelters using shipping containers

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:39 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

UK based WhiteCrate is known for reclaiming old structures and giving them a new lease of life. The company basically uses shipping containers to make all sorts of shelters and structures such as booths, compact retail stores, bars, small clinics, etc. They have built constructions like cafes, gaming booths and stage like platforms where artists can perform. They also make exhibit canopies where companies can showcase their brands and products.

Upcycled Shipping Containers
Upcycled Shipping Containers

These structures can be either semi permanent or permanent and are available in three different sizes of 10, 20 and 40 feet. The company is very particular about its fit and finish, thus all installations are crafted with precision. The structures are outfitted with all basic amenities like power, security and ventilation. The company requires very little lead time and the structures can be transported and installed easily.

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Upcycled Shipping Containers
Upcycled Shipping Containers Transformed into Modern Spaces By WhiteCrate

All constructions built by them are sustainable and look extremely trendy. The company is eco friendly in its approach. It mostly uses only locally sourced materials for building. This minimizes carbon footprint and also saves on the transportation cost. Additionally, the company is doing a very good turn by reusing waste. Moreover, the homes constructed by WhiteCrate are also very cost effective.

In fact, designs using repurposed shipping containers are getting very creative off late. They are being used to construct hospitality structures like pop up bars, restaurants, fast food outlets and even mobile hotels. They also come handy as official structures. For instance, classrooms, meeting rooms and mini studios are also being constructed. Even affordable residential structures and micro farming units are being manufactured from shipping containers.

Via: Inhabitat


Rolls Royce unveils Ghost Senses Concept at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:38 AM PDT

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

Rolls-Royce's all new Ghost Senses Concept was unveiled at the ongoing 2012 Beijing Auto Show. The concept is a fine image of an ultra luxury limousine, which will make auto enthusiasts slip into a state of ecstasy. The beauty on wheels comes smothered with an aura that will intoxicate senses with its royal textures and finishes.

Ghost Six Senses
Ghost Six Senses

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Ghost Six Senses
Rolls-Royce reveals Ghost Six Senses

For the first time in the history of Rolls-Royce, one will be able to savor the prettiness of natural grain leather, which will be well complemented by the presence of Walnut Burr. The Walnut Burr has been cross hatched placed in contrast with brown colored oak. This means a passenger will be greeted by natural scents because of the soft grain leather and veneers responsible for a woody spice aroma. The sumptuous concept comes caked in pearlescent Carrara White paint, giving it a magically attractive appearance. The good looks are further heightened by the presence of new forged alloy wheels it will roll on while stealing glances.

The doors are reverse opening, which unfurl a compartment filled with luxury and comfort. Passenger rugs in deep pile lambswool add further charm to the tasteful Ghost Senses Concept. If sometime during the ride you wish like enjoying a chilled drink, then concept's coolbox will bow down this command of yours as it serves the drink of your choice in stylish glass flutes. The eye catching concept comes fitted with a 6.6 liter V12 twin turbo engine, which can produce 563 horsepower and a torque of 780 Nm. Give the elegant concept just 4.9 seconds and see it sprint from zero to 62 mph, which is possible because of the presence of an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

If you have gone gaga over the concept and are planning to own the beauty then hold on as there is no word when will this staggering concept go into production.

Via: Top Gear


Bloom is a massive solar installation that catalogues time and temperature

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 04:37 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

One look at this giant metallic web and you will be left enthralled. The humongous mesh network that enfolds into a canopy like structure has been stationed as a display at the Los Angeles based Materials and Application Gallery. Wondering what this towering structure really is? It is nothing but a sun tracking instrument that can index time as well as temperature. This neoteric yet cutting edge setup is actually known as the Bloom installation.

Bloom Installation
Bloom Installation

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Bloom Installation
Bloom Installation is a Solar Tracking Device

The entire surface is not smooth, planar and uniform but instead curvy and bends at many places, which alters its shape and form drastically. It is extremely flexible and light weight, which makes it a leading edge design. What makes the structure steady and stable is the correlation between the surface material and frame. Also, its design makes the setup really robust. Extremely thick metal plates have been used to build it and a lot of riveted connections have been used throughout the framework.

The structure is made entirely out of sheet metal. And not just any sheet, these metallic panes are temperature sensitive and about 14000 laser cut pieces of the sheets have been used. Also, around 414 hyperbolic paraboloid shaped panels have been used in this construction. The outline of the structure is quite unique and allows it to easily adjust to different environmental circumstances.

But what happens once this arrangement is installed in open spaces. The large metal plates actually heat up in the open and then begin to change form. They curl and twist allowing air to pass through easily and ventilate the entire space. This installation will maximize its efficiency on the 20th of March, which is the day of the Spring Equinox. This mind boggling structure is the creation of DO|SU Studio Architecture.

Via: Evolo


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