DESIGNRO

Have a fine time!

Andra Baltoiu — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:44:39 +0000

When you ask for the time, you don’t really expect the clock to tell you, do you? Well this one, it literally does.

A square matrix of symmetrically arranged characters will tell you what time it is, by glowing a white light. The brightness adapts according to the ambient light, forming the words that describe the time.

Its front surface (which can be changed in different colours, materials and languages) is supported by 8 magnets, so that no visible attachments are involved.

Qlocktwo

No related posts.

Dining reasons

Andra Baltoiu — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:54:51 +0000

Non Sans Raison creates a context for traditional Limoge porcelain manufacturers to work and grow, by subtracting, cobranding & collaborating. It’s a cultural responsibility which outruns the intrinsic, innovating qualities of Non Sans Raison.

Following these ethical and quality convictions, the whole Non Sans Raison range of artifacts is manufactured in France. In small and medium series, so there is constant renewal upon its exclusive raw material, the extra white kaolin.

When served on the whitest kaolin and platinum, playing with your food resembles a formal game of composition, involving dimensional effects, shapes and layers arrangement and light jokes.

The smooth, bright Limoge porcelain is enhanced by both minimal esthetics and interactions the three collections propose: the transition from past to present (Avant Ici Maintenant), the structure of time (Chronos) and ways of shaping space (Square).

Non Sans Raison

No related posts.

U Chair by Sylvain Willenz

Mihai Gurei — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:50:14 +0000

We all agree here at Designro that Sylvain Willenz is the bright new star of Belgian design along with my other favorites, Big Game. Their show during Milan Design Week 2009 was a deep breath of fresh air. Feld, a new Belgian brand presents U Chair, Sylvain’s first piece from a future range based on his recent experiments with bent steel tubes. The minimal bauhausian low chair use a high tech 3D woven fabric that stretches on the whole thin foam upholstery with a nice quilted effect. The base is a U shape made exactly from the same profile as the upper structure. The chair comes together with a ottoman for your waiting areas and lounges needs. Although I can see it in a bright living room matching with some Dieter Rams hi-fi pieces.

Sylvain Willenz
Feldt

Sylvain Willenz is Designer of the Year 2009

Monarchy

Cosmina Dinu — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:34:06 +0000

In a political conscious tone due to the elections turmoil my country is facing these days, I will present you today a special chair – a rocking stool winner a Red Dot Design Award.

“Monarchy is a stool, it is a rocking stool. It rocks sideways and it rocks back and forth. Monarchy also swivels. Monarchy is designed not to be overturned but at the same time allows the user to escape the dullness of the ultimate stability.”
Yiannis Ghikas

Feldt

Wishful thinking with Debbie’s Wijskamp Paper pulp cabinets

Cosmina Dinu — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:49:06 +0000

Paper furnishing is becoming a real technique, experimenting, adding on and expanding. I am almost sure that it is already taught at some universities, or at least some optional complementary classes at Innovation courses. It is a versatile and familiar material and what some would really appreaciate is that it has a natural odour and texture.

The Paper pulp cabinet by Debbie Wijskamp, is a totemic white furniture piece, constructed from various oblong boxes stacked upon one another. Some have drawers, while others are left open to function as shelves. At first glance, they look like they are made from the polystyrene containers used to pack fish, but instead each inch-thick box component has been moulded from paper pulp and assembled using simple box-jointing techniques borrowed from woodwork.

The Paper pulp cabinet was on show at Designhuis, Eindhoven as part of the second annual Talent exhibition during Dutch design week. The works of graduates from 30 European design institutes and universities were showcased from october 17th to october 24th, 2009. I was really taken down because I couldn’t answer the invitation, but surely next year I’ll be there and document the event.

Debbie Wijskamp

Heating advice

Cosmina Dinu — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:54:31 +0000

Recently, inspired by the expected wintertime, I wrote a short pill-article about the indoor optimal temperature on an environmental NGO’s website . While hoping for a snowy season, I forsaw the excesses of home heating and the habitual waste of resources to affect my resposable psychic well-being.

Following the medical prescriptions, the most suitable temperature for the living room is between 19 to 22°C, 16 to 18°C for the bedroom, 22 to 24°C for the bathroom and no more than 6°C for the cellar. A mostly common chamber termometer will keep you informed.

The lesson learnt, you need now a wise tool to control the situation. You need a thermostate to guide you. I suggest Honeywell proposed by Dutch designer Robin van Hontem that will confront you with the question: “Should I turn the heating up?” The decision is easy to take since Honeywell has to separate buttons where you can hang either a sweater or a blanket. The designer consider these items better for saving money with your heating and also protecting the environment. I do agree with him up to the moment you feel your extremities cold: this is not a very healthy sign.

And finishing in this talkative tone, I would like to remind you about ventilating the room. During winter, it is better to do it more often than longer to avoid unnecesary cooling of the space. Fresh, cool air will do very well to your hibernating mood.

Robin van Hontem

Too much creativity will never do wrong on brands like De La Espada

Cosmina Dinu — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:46:30 +0000

All poets have recurent themes, all artists have muses and all bloggers obsessions. Is it my latin origin or the rigorously arranged newsletter that brings me back to De La Espada?!
Oh, Lord, give us rain and economical crisis!…This autumn was incredibly full, don’t you think? I was overwhelmed by so many launches, new projects, lay offs, associations and good intentions. People really switch to positive thinking, not just on paper or negociations manuals. And particularily for Europe, there is a genuine work pleasure revival, turning to craft and doing fewer things and better.
One of the places where I would have loved to be this October is London during the Design Festival. I tried to catch up as much as I could through online means but of course, there’s no comparison with actually being on set.
The Portuguese-British brand De La Espada had some very good interventions during the 8 days dedicated to design. They held a series of three exhibitions in East London:
PROCESS: The Modern Workshop which focused on traditional craft in modern design
PRODUCT: which focused on 18 new products and several classics by four collaborating designers
PHILOSOPHY: Seating for Eating welcomed De La Espada’s newest collaboration, Studioilse

PROCESS: The Modern Workshop exhibition
At Tent London, it was presented a rare, behind-the-scenes look at De La Espada manufacture. The exhibition highlighted the relationship between craft and modern design through the presentation of raw materials, components and products.

PRODUCT exhibition
At the A Foundation in Shoreditch, thre were presented 18 new products designed by Autoban, Leif.designpark, Matthew Hilton and Studioilse. A vast, open plan exhibition space allowed the products to exist in their own area, whilst interacting with one another, highlighting the diversity of the products as well as the common ethos they share. The relaxed environment was enhanced each evening with casual drinks and nibbles.
If I were there, I’d take the following tour: I’d start with Matthew Hilton: Fracture Table
Brando SofaMars Table.
In 2008, De La Espada launched a collaboration with one of Britain’s most highly respected designers, Matthew Hilton. Hilton’s designs are understated, sculptural and meticulously detailed, with many already considered design classics. The Matthew Hilton range is designed by Matthew Hilton, and produced under licence by De La Espada. The complementary expertise of the two firms has ensured a furniture range true to Matthew Hilton’s creative vision, as realised through De La Espada’s material options and expert manufacturing.

Gloves put, tank fueled, wheels rolling, we enter the Autoban.Deco Sofa & Pumpkin Table
Holy Table
Wired King
Nest Lounge
The collaboration between Autoban and De La Espada launched at New York’s ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in 2007. Autoban is an Istanbul-based architecture, interior design and product design studio, founded by Seyhan Özdemir (architect) and Sefer Çaglar (interior architect) in the historic and bohemian district of Galata in 2003. The products, largely made from natural materials, cross boundaries of time and culture and playfully reinterpret the familiar. A selection of designs from Autoban’s ever-growing product portfolio are supported by De La Espada’s manufacture and understanding of solid wood.

Crossing the ocean, I’d wreck on Leif.designpark’s isle :Tone Cabinet
Lin pod Bench
Tone chair
Tone Chair for kids
Leif.designpark, a Japan-based design studio consisting of Takashi Ueno, Mamoru Naito and Keizaburo Honda, has been designing products in a variety of natural materials, with a specific emphasis on wood since 2006. Leif.designpark holds monozukuri- the art of traditional craftsmanship- in high esteem, and values the warm, playful relationship between a product and the user, as well as the comfort of the space where the two enjoy interaction. Their aesthetic is a result of applying monozukuri to the construction of modern designs to give the products a connection to traditional Japanese culture. Since 2007, De La Espada has manufactured and distributed select designs from their portfolio.

Heels kicking, neck twisting and enter into StudioIlse’s teritory:Low Bench & Stools
Settle &Low Bench
De La Espada recently launched a collaboration with renowned London-based design office, Studioilse. Ilse Crawford, principal of Studioilse is a creative director and designer who crosses the worlds of brand creation, interior architecture and products. She is a figurehead for design as a means for change and revitalisation; with a human approach that is emotional and intelligent. As the licensed manufacturer and distributor for Studioilse products, De La Espada will realise her designs through premium materials and expert craftsmanship.

PHILOSOPHY: Seating for EatingThe London Design Festival marked the beginning of our collaboration with Studioilse. Leila’s Shop in Shoreditch housed an installation of the new Studioilse seating collective, allowing visitors to sit on the products while enjoying a meal. A series of Kitchen Table Talks were held on the premises each evening focusing on the link between growing food and community. Speakers included the founder of Aesop, Dennis Paphitis and Tristram Stuart, author of ‘Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal’. The installation remains until 1 November.

You wish you were there too, I know…

De La Espada
Matthew Hilton
Autoban’s
Leif.designpark’s
StudioIlse’s
London Design Festival

Alissia Melka-Teichroew

Cosmina Dinu — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:25:58 +0000

There’s always plenty of space for Design Academy Eindhoven graduates in my Subject list. Although you might suspect me of favoritism, I want to confess I really do not look for them, they come to me…through what they do. More, I was quite uninspired last week (due to autumnal piles of work) and it was the newsletter of Rezodesign friends that got me out of routine and I rediscovered Alissia Melka-Teichroew, a last winter crush.

Through her doubled wall glass Inside Out collection her CV magnifies honourly: She’s the founder and creative director of byAMT Inc (formerly known as AlissiaMT Design) and a Design Academy Eindhoven graduate, understood, “but” also holds a Master of Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), USA. Paris, San Francisco, Boston, IDEO or Puma International are just small facets of Alissia’s work.

Attuned to the latest design innovations, trends, and materials, she infuses her work with her own unique, charismatic personality and mischievous sensibility. Her products are savvy, sophisticated, and witty: the archetypical Acrylic Diamond Ring rendered in candy-colored acrylic, as well as Silver Diamond Ring, ceramic plates folded in easy-to-hold shapes, Handful of Plates, a mirror that transposes the viewers face over an iconic image of feminine beauty (ME-ror).This uncanny ability to tweak expectations has delighted design cognoscenti and consumers alike. ID Magazine, Nylon Magazine, New York Times and InView among many other publications, have featured byAMT products. Boutiques around the world carry them, including the MoMA store and Conran Shop. byAMT has exhibited work at the Salone del Mobile Milano, ICFFin New York, 100% Design Tokyo, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Need more? Better look.

InsideOut Collection
Photo by Lisa Klappe

Acrylic Diamond Ring and Silver Diamond Ring

Handful of Plates
ME-ror
Photo by Lisa Klappe

Ring A Day – One Ring for Every Week Day. Simply pop a pre-cut ring from a sterling silver or stainless sheet, polish rough edges with the included hand file, and voilá! The sheet itself makes great wall art once all the rings have been removed, or can be worn as a necklace. Just attach a chain to the piece.

The Lonely Hangers are derived from cup handles that were broken off from their cups. Now they can hand on the wall and be used in living rooms, bedrooms, lobbies, bathrooms, etc. Spread out over the wall you can create your own landscape of coat hangers, or hang a cloths hanger off of it.

AMT thinks you are a winner! Thanks to the Badge of Honor line of acrylic jewelry, you can award yourself a signet ring, star of honor, or first-prize ribbon. Choose from pink, black, clear or ivory. No expensive tuition, potential dangerous military service, or hard labor necessary.

Milk Series
Treehooked
Power House
Cle USB

Yes, this is just a selection. I think they’re more.

Alissia Melka-Teichroew
Rezodesign

Household warmth

Cosmina Dinu — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:40:38 +0000

“Women know best what heat means” my colleague Mihai told me today when discussing about Hedvig af Ekenstam’s heating solutions. And I remebered my stack of blakets, duvets and flies, of different thicknesses and fillings, indutrially processed or hand woven, white or white with some color. I smiled like my dear always does when he sees me wrapping. They say woman’s body needs extra 5 degrees celcius than the man’s ones. Well, I can’t tell you anything scinetific on that, but I feel it…

Swedish designer Hedvig af Ekenstam learned unusual ways to integrate technology in some of her products. Her Knitted Radiator, Heating Curtain and Vacuum Cleaner designs all illustrate this well (you may remember prototypes from milan design week). Each product gives a softer and more human touch to common household devices.
The Knitted Radiator is designed using heating cables coiled to create a new type of radiator. The design is a flexible and lightweight screen that can be shaped to fit the user’s needs.
The Heating Curtain is another radiator design that is integrated into the curtains. The curtain is made from fabric and has a heating coil woven into it to provide heat.

The Vacuum Cleaner aims to be a softer and more attractive vacuum that users don’t want to hide.
the final solution has a textile body that expands when in use and can be slid along the floor. This product got all my enthousiasm through another aspect that that of space-saving. The textile bag is definately easier to produce, fewer resources and friendlier materials used.

Hedvig af Ekenstam

Design Miami decision

Cosmina Dinu — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:39:38 +0000

Proudly presenting you this news. Design Miami has announced Dutch designer Maarten Baas as winner of the designer of the year award 2009. New work, commissioned for the award, along with a retrospective of Baas’s work, will be presented at the December edition of Design Miami 09.

Each December, the prestigious award is presented to a designer who has made a significant
contribution to the progression of design. The designer of the year must demonstrate a long
history of consistent work, as well as outstanding work created within the last twelve months.
Now in its fifth year, the award has gone to an impressive list of esteemed designers,
including Zaha Hadid, Marc Newson, Tokujin Yoshioka and the Campana Brothers.

He has allowed more people to accept and respect young design. But he is also a truly
phenomenal talent who has all the qualities of a great designer and whose work is
consistently strong and varied. He has a great sense of imagination and trusts himself
to explore his ideas to the maximum, constantly evolving while anchoring his work in
a craft-oriented approach. He has kept the design community gripped, like a good movie
where you can’t take your eyes off the screen, where each project is like one excellent
scene after another.

Design Miami Director Ambra Medda  .

Real Time is the project that crowned Maarten’s activity to the point of his this year nominalization. My feeling is that we can call this award as the Dutch designer’s first of this kind.The show-event is produced by Diana Marrone together with Studio Maarten Baas and consists in 2 movies shot and cut in The Netherlands speaking about the passing of time.

Maarten Baas chooses the cinema language to re-shape a clock collection composed by two models. From the old style analogue-alarm to the digital time counter Maarten creates from zero the devices: from the interface to the internal and external “box”. Besides designing those, Baas animates the clocks with a theatre mechanism – with true and living lancets – by involving hundreds actors to sign the time.

3D prototypes are shown together with the movies and will work as rough description for the new Baas models of time counters. The passing of the time within the clock is given by multitudes of people who – shot and screened in a true interval of 12 or 24 hours – allow visitors to assist to an unusual render of time passing.

Watch the movies to see how they work:

Real Time – The Grandfather clock

Real Time – Sweepers’ clock

Maarten Baas
Design Miami