Digital Art

Recycled cardboard

Recycled cardboard has enjoyed a fair bit of action as far as the sustainable furniture circuit is concerned - but how often is it that you a see a lamp being fashioned out of the stuff? Employing his signature technique of ‘fluting’, which involves the alternating the angle of the corrugation in the cardboard to produce varied designs and patterns on its surface, UK designer Giles Miller manages to whip up an intriguing design that emphasizes the softer, diaphanous side of a rough-and-tumble material which isn’t normally regarded as delicate or sophisticated. Sustainable and chic, Miller’s lamp not only looks good, it creates instant atmosphere with one flick of the switch by peppering the room with light and moody shadows.

My other car is a bath tub

Can't tell what you're looking at? It's a $26,000 bathtub from artist Tetsuya Nakamura. The bathtub is made out of reinforced plastic, not glass.

Soft-shell mobile phone

“tag” is a new, malleable, casual communicator. It is not only soft but also flexible, for example, it can be hung from a belt or wrapped around the user’s arm. Shape-memorizing material and multiple pressure sensors allow the phone to change its shape according to the mode. The user can also alternate the mode by changing the shape.

The Hyanide

Check out this new hybrid motorcycle/tank tread vehicle called The Hyanide from German designers Oliver Keller and Tillman Schlootz for the 2006 Michelin Challenge Design. The Hyanide can basically take you anywhere you want to go, from snow to sand to mud with ease and at speeds of up to 75-85 mph! To drive it, you basically have to stradle a massive flexible rubber tank tread that arches from front to back when going into sharp turns.

The Road Tested Chair

Artisan John Carter has created a cool art piece called The Road Tested Chair ($3700) that is built from authentic New York City "Walk / Don't Walk" street signs. The signs actually work & light up just like the real thing and can be turned on or off with the included remote control. What's really cool is that you can specify the original scruffy used look or a fresh coat of paint. What's not as cool is the $3,700 price tag. You could cut down, steal your own signs and pay the hefty fines for a lot less. But it's meant to be art and there is apparently some kind of ironic social commentary going on with the "Walk / Don't Walk theme.

Tilt bowl

Deliciously designed and functional bowl that is oozing with elegance and modernity. The thick rounded shape, lack of defined edges, slight tilt and mirror-like finish give it a fluid, liquid-like quality.

Sculptural Energy Bulb

Plumen is a series of sculptural energy bulb as a design face lift from the old crude designed light bulb from design company Hulger (a London based electronics company). Light bulb designs has been pretty monotonous over the age of years and not many has embraced it with imagination and personality. Hulger would be very much interested to discuss with bulb manufacturers in regards to create the first production series of Plumen.

Bell & Ross BR01 Instrument Watches BR 01 Tourbillon Watch

This Bell & Ross BR 01 Instrument Tourbillon watch features a 46mm DLC (Diamond-lIke Carbon) titanium case with hardness of 4000 vickers. It also features a carbon fiber dial and carbon fiber lateral case inserts to strengthen and suppord the superstructure case of the Bell & Ross BR 01 Tourbillon. This exceptional tourbillon watch is powered by a manual wind movement with carbon fiber plates and bridges. It also features a single barrel 120 hour power reserve indicator, trust indicator, regulator, and of course a tourbillon.

One Moment Please

A bold clock with its depiction of an early colour TV test page has the words 'One Moment Please' and would make a great addition to the home. It is 43 cm in diameter (17 inches approximately), tells the time and makes a design statement. The polychromatic graphics are printed on a glass dial which has metal clock hands and bevel ground edges for a quality finish.

Ahead-of-Everyone-Else

If you want to be ahead-of-everyone-else fashion-forward for spring 2008 with wild headgear and crazy colors then by all means get in touch with Soren through the London-based Frank Agency. With Soren by your side, expect to prance about in creations that will make Cher’s wildest get-up look lame and that will draw envious glances from even the most hat-happy Rastafarians. Tequila sunrise helmets and ostrich feathers rule!

Sony Design x Master Craft Lombardia Project

During the Salone del Mobile that tooked place in Milan, the Sony Design Center showcased Sony Design x Master Craft Lombardia project, a truly intriguing exhibition at the Palazzo dei Giureconsulti. Visitors had the chance to experience the creative intelligence of the Global Consumer Electronics and Entertainment Company coupled with the manual skill and artistic flair of master Lombard artisans.

Along with Sony’s design philosophy and electronics technology cultivated over the years, Lombard artists and artisans have dedicated their ingenuity and professionalism to crafting prototypes conceived by Sony Design. 10 proposals focusing purely on design will debut, all of them tied up in the underlying concept to propose a new product appearance. They are ultimately aimed at creating a pleasant relation among human, product and space. The creations include wooden, marble or leather shelves with built-in speakers; seats with leather or fabric upholstery whose headrests emit soft and soothing notes; picture frames and other solid marble objects that hide tiny speakers and in some cases small light and scent sources; specially processed glass panels containing monitors; or galvanized, laser-engraved coffee tables that contain video projectors allowing presentations of movies and business content easy and beautiful at the same time.

Corona - Solar-powered Lighting System

Corona is a solar-powered outdoor lighting system. It can be staked to the ground, attached to a wall, or simply placed on a table top. The Corona solar light’s solar voltaic cell transforms sunlight into energy during the day, and its LEDs automatically start to glow when the sun sets. It uses no glues or fasteners, making it simple to disassemble for recycling.

Designer: Shane Kohatsu

Anemix - 3D Effect Lighting System

Created by two young Chilean architects and lighting designers, Ximena Munoz and Paulina Villalobos, the Anemix is a lighting system that creates unique 3D effects. Its a panel composed by a luminescent and a reflective layer, which can be modified to create a wide range of visual effects. It uses Osram LED technology to be the light source of this system, as its efficient, small and with a very low cost of maintenance. The glass-aluminum technology was developed by Glasstech, a specialized glazed Chilean company.

Designer: Ximena Munoz & Paulina Villalobos

Music Vortex - Water Speaker

Bronze prize winner of the Chinese design competition Soundbox held by speaker manufacturer 3Nod, designer Eric Zheng created the Music Vortex. A speaker system that produces vehement vibration of water via resonance. It works by having a built-in metronome which enlarges music rhythm to stable vibration and producing pretty ripples through the vibrating perch in the middle. Volume is adjusted by turning the 3nod switch located in the middle as well.

Designer: Eric Zheng

MONACO V4

A personification of the mechanical movement - a designed timepiece.Worn by the actor Steve McQueen it shaped the look of the 1970s. The chronograph with the big squared-off case and the mystic name "Monaco" stood out. It was synonymous with a style, which was immortalised by Steve McQueen in the 1970s - unconventional and faithful. And what was unknown to most of its admirers: it was the world's first water-resistant automatic chronograph equipped with a micro-rotor mechanism. The concept watch MONACO V4 continues to act on a maxim of the unconventional and again acts as a guarantor for revolutionary innovations breaking the foundations of traditional watch making aesthetics. The traditional dynamics of the movement is transmitted by gears. The MONACO V4 though uses drive-belt transmission borrowed from the automotive world. The entire technology and architecture of the MONACO V4 has been inspired by car engines. The design is an expression of innovative watch making. The mechanical originality it houses shapes the entire design of the MONACO V4. The most intriguing design component is the bevelled sapphire crystal, manufactured in 3D, curving down to join the sides of the case. The small second hand is between four and five. The barrel bridges are in sapphire, allowing the movement to be visible from below. The overall design of the MONACO V4 is inspired by the iconic MONACO created in 1969 and represents a unique form of innovation. Design and technology signal a specific break with conventional watch making. Design without conventions for a new era.

red dot award: product design 2005

AN110 digital projector

While the designs of projectors in the 1970s and 80s tended to be rather reflections of their functionality, all of a sudden almost spectacular devices with organically flowing lines entered the international design stage in the late 90s. The projector was given a new language of form and turned into a sculpture for the room. The AN110 is a digital projector that gives this product genre a new aesthetic appearance. Its design with clear radii and well-balanced proportions is based on an innovative frame manufactured from die-cast magnesium - a process which has not been employed hitherto to create such large-scale radii. What defines the appeal of this digital projector is the mirror finish of the acrylic front panel. Its surfaces are highly pleasing to the touch and fretwork-patterned to reduce fingerprint marks and dust collection. One aspect of its modern design is that the materials used for the projector, such as acrylic and magnesium, are entirely recyclable. New perspectives for the use of a projector are also opened up by the possibilities of how the AN110 can be positioned within a room. It may be wall-mounted, set up freely on its own stand or simply be placed on a desktop. The automatic lens door, the ventilator, the auto focus as well as the zoom are controlled via a remote, and are adjustable to fit many different viewing scenarios - also possible is a left to right shift of the lens. At a distance of 3.2 metres the AN110 projector can provide 100" of HD quality screen picture. Due to its purist design, this digital projector implies a new and interesting aesthetics that frames a performance in a given space.

red dot award: product design 2006

Eos Seat passenger cabin

The Eos Seat is a functionally configured modular passenger cabin for the Eos Airlines. As an efficient and modern interior environment it redefines the role of business class seating with more personal space, adjustability and convenience. A high surrounding shell around each personal unit provides exceptional privacy of sight and sound, while the roomy seat with plenty of leg-room converts into a horizontal lie-flat bed. All passengers have individual armrests, which are wide enough for beverages and small electronics. Window side passengers can store laptops and briefcases under their ottoman armrest, while aisle passengers have a side cubby at elbow height. Access to carry-on luggage can be achieved quickly and smoothly. All passenger units have an adjustable ottoman that can also be used as secondary seating, especially when the tray table is deployed, creating an instantaneous table for two. A staggered configuration of the units' abundant space between passengers provides for easy movement and access to aisles, even when all seats are fully reclined.

red dot award: product design 2006

Tender 08 motorboat

The Tender 08 motorboat combines latest technologies with a modern vehicle concept and an individual stylistic expression. Simple lines, a sophisticated layout and a unique bow shape characterise its appearance and reveal a formal reference to classical yachts. The boat is made of advanced composite materials and offers a high degree of driving pleasure and agility. With its central helm the layout of the Tender 08 is based on a functional overall conception similar to that of work boats offering safety even in the roughest conditions.

red dot award: product design 2007

SSP sports pistol

Sports pistols such as the SSP (Standard Sports Pistol) are used in different disciplines to shoot at targets from a distance of 25 metres. The design is clear and supports the high-quality look of this piece of sports equipment. An innovative feature of the SSP sports pistol is the arrangement of the main components. A previously uncommon layout allows maximum ease of use and a high degree of precision. Features such as three-dimensional handle adjustment, lightweight construction and pneumatic recoil absorption offer the marksman the highest degree of technological support.

red dot award: product design 2006

LG300XT Carbontec air rifle

Air rifles such as the LG300XT Carbontec are used in different disciplines to shoot at targets >from a distance of ten metres. It has a clear design and a high-quality look. In contrast to conventional sports rifles, the stock is made of carbon. This is an innovation in the field of sports rifles, since the stocks of conventional weapons are mostly made of wood or aluminium. Using carbon in this area offers essential functional advantages with regards to weight, robustness and absorption quality.

red dot award: product design 2006

S100 Aquashoes Tribord

The design challenge of the S100 Aquashoes Tribord was how to overcome the drawbacks of a classical 1960s style and give it a new lease of life. Both the inner and the outer sole are made of polyurethane, providing comfort and cushioning. The inner sole is removable and can be rinsed and cleaned. This also enables the shoes to float, making them easier to find if they come off during a game or are swept away by a rising tide. The large hooks at the back can be used to pull the shoes on and hang them out to dry. The outer sole is pimpled to provide grip when walking on rocks.

red dot award: product design 2007

Wind-Power Bicycle Lamp

The forms of bicycle lamps have always followed developments in the bicycle. The turn of the century, for instance, saw the advent of carbide lamps, which were unreliable and produced only weak illumination. Today, bicycle headlights and their designs are matched to ever more sophisticated bicycles and their forms correspond to the most recent bicycle models. The wind-powered bicycle headlight combines an innovative yet almost self-evident energy-producing technology with a reduced language of form. It is powered by converting the wind force produced by a moving bicycle into light. More precisely, the wind energy feeds a low-power yet extremely bright LED lamp with a DC voltage of 3.4 volts and 50mA. Thus, at night, the headlight offers good quality, powerful illumination of up to 1700 lux. Both a highly economical and ecological aspect of this design: the energy produced by the moving bicycle is stored in a rechargeable lithium battery - avoiding the need for replacement batteries. The design of this headlight is an expression of its functionality, giving it a lightweight and natural appearance. Its housing features a visible high-efficiency micro generator which, when the bicycle is moving at 21 km/h, produces continuous power of 3.5 volts at 70mA for the LED and the lithium battery. The bicycle headlight can be easily mounted on any bicycle frame and integrates well due to its reduced language of form. New approaches in thinking thus meaningfully combine a simple physical principle with current and trendsetting technologies. The headlight is given a new form and turns into a highly worthwhile companion.

red dot: best of the best
red dot award: product design 2006

Cirrus shelf

The construction of Cirrus involves a tube, which is made out of a bi-elastic fabric. This tube is slipped over a two-part steel tube frame and zipped shut. Then one part of the skeleton after another is pushed into the fabric cover. The structure is mapped on the double-layered fabric and projected to the outside. The boards glide into openings punched into the tube frame and snap in. The tension exerted by the covering gives the shelf its stability. Effortlessly and smoothly, the covering made of translucent stretch fabric clings to the supporting structure of the open shelf, which blends smoothly into its surrounding.

red dot award: product design 2006

Water Shelter - Sustainable Shelter Solutions

The Water Shelter project responds to the needs of rural populations in developing countries who live in areas of recurring floods, with a geographical focus on the Zambezi basin in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The design provides the user with the necessary tools and information to migrate temporarily and efficiently. Encouraging self sufficiency at each stage of the disaster. The bespoke design addresses four vital needs: shelter, drinking water, product transport and information, whilst reflecting social traditions.

The design incorporates local and remote product distribution systems, a water collection system (which harvests and filters rainwater from the shelter canopy) and the Water Roller (which is used to transport the shelter, possessions and water) Whilst also adding creating value for the user on a day to day basis.

The design provides shelter in a 3 stage strategy: Transit, Transition, and Rebuild. The Shelter in Phase one provides emergency shelter on route to safer locations, on arrival the transition shelter utilises local materials (grass and sticks) to increase in size. The Water Shelter package also promotes healthy behaviour and a template for planning sustainable temporary communities. Finally the design offers a structural template for permanent housing upon return or relocation. This project was carried out with on-site contacts from the UNHCR and NGOs in Mozambique and Zambia.

Designer: Robert Nightingale

Levitation Table

Alexandre Boucher believes you only need one. A tabletop is carefully balanced on one large offset pillar. This minimalistic approach creates a sense of openness above and below the table, as if it were levitating.

Designer: Alexandre Boucher

DEK2: Arco

Designer: Mark McKenna, 2005
Materials: Circuit board

Designer Emulation Kits are tributes to some of the all-time great industrial designers. Use this kit to make your own instant design classic. Assemble, and attacht to 9-volt battery, and enjoy!

`The Fly` Push-pin

Designer: Donata Paruccini
Manufacturer: Alessi
Materials: 18/10 Stainless Steel

Born in Tokyo in 1968, Paruccini studied at the Royal College of Art in London and specialized her research in the design of jewellery and silverware with training in metal casting and forging. Set of 24 pins.

Animal Rubber Bands

Designer: D-Bros, 2003
Manufacturer: D-Bros, Japan

Rideable Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum cleaner that not only attracts and addresses adults, or rather parents, but also their children. The children are invited to help out with the cleaning of their home in a fun, responsible and inspiring way. The children can ride on the vacuum cleaner and welcomes them to help out during cleaning. At young ages the children only sit on it and ride along, and as soon as they grow older they can take a more responsible part in the tidying of your home, by cleaning some areas themselves.

Designer: Kristina Andersson

Lawn Fun From 3-In-One

Nowadays if you have a house, it’s reasonable to assume you have a lawn, and that means you need equipment to keep it manicured. Unfortunately that can be costly so Gustav Landberg designed one machine that does the job of 3; a mower, leaf collector, and snow blower. The concept is perfect for first time home owners and for people short on storage space.

Designer: Gustav Landberg

The North Face

The 2 Meter Dome is the latest and greatest technologically-saturated and aesthetically pleasing tent offered by The North Face. The geodesic form of this tent allows room for 8 occupants to be shielded from the elements. Whether making your way up one of the world’s several challenging peaks or staying on level ground miles from the nearest increase in elevation, you will definitely be the envy of base camp. Then again, for $5000 you'd want to be.

Body Art

Always wanted a tattoo but afraid of what your boss will say? Thanks to a fascinating new technique you can cover yourself in body art and no one will be the wiser, unless they see you in the dark, which is the only time these tattoos are visible. The new technique uses blacklight reactive ink, which is reactive to UV light. It's kinda freaky but imagine the fun you could have after dark.

Flo Backpack

The Flo backpack is a modular, ergonomic, and performance strength bag perfect for city trips to all day hikes. The rigid thermofoam bags come in three flavors; the urban day pack, the weekender, and the 5-day trekker - that quickly snap into the universal Flo frame. Made of lightweight molded plastic, the frame features large air channels to maintain breathability and a flexible core for unrestricted mobility.

Designer: Ivan Huber

Take Away Sink Saves Water & Space

In domestic environments buckets are used in endless ways - whether it is for cleaning purposes, washing your feet, cooling beer or carrying something. With the “Take-Away Sink” there is no need for an extra bucket that has to be stored and that is often too big for filling it conveniently in an ordinary kitchen sink. Furthermore the possibility of removing the washbasin encourages the saving of water by the re-usage of it.

Designer: Jessica Nebel

Airstream travel trailers

An avid outdoorsman, Airstream founder Wally Byam married a woman who had little interest in the "adventure" of sleeping on the ground. When he built his bride a tent on a Ford Model T chassis that he could tow behind the car, marital bliss was restored. The project gave Byam an idea for a travel trailer that moved like a "stream of air" and in 1936, America got its first look at an Airstream.

In 2000, the company's motto, "Make only improvements, not changes," was shaken by architect-designer Chris Deam who gutted a vintage trailer to create a booth for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Deam's ability to respect the history of the iconic aluminum shell, while bringing a lighter, more spacious feeling to the interior, was praised by Airstream purists and the design community. The design caught our eye at DWR, and we contacted Deam about creating a special edition trailer for our customers.

Embracing our inner Mrs. Byam, we've outfitted this Airstream with the works, and all of the surfaces of the light and airy interior have been updated with today's most durable materials. Everything you need is included to hit the road and satisfy your need to know what's around the next bend. Whether the Design Within Reach Airstream takes you to distant places, or provides an extra room at home, its panoramic windows and iconic history will inspire a different point of view.

The galley comes equipped with cooktop, stainless sink, Elkay faucet, fridge-freezer, Nelson Ball Clock and four Heller Dinnerware place settings. There are recessed halogen lights, a skylight and the Wire Coatrack by Tom Dixon. There's also a lavatory and shower. The eco-friendly flooring has a matte ebony finish and the glossy overhead lockers are backlit and have metal perforated laminate doors. The panoramic windows have custom aluminum window treatments imported from Europe. For leisurely times outdoors, a fabric awning and two Tripolina Chairs are included. There are Matteo linens and a Maharam Pillow, and the electronics package includes rooftop AC, Sony sound system and TV.

Sony Vaio Zoom notebook

The Vaio Zoom notebook concept takes everything we know about holographic technology and squeezes it inside a thin glass form factor. When off, the screen is completely transparent and the keyboard goes opaque. Turn it on and the touchscreen holographic festivities begin. Even the mouse buttons are holographic!

Designer: Eno Setiawan