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Sensory Impact likes objects, people who design objects and people
who like people who design objects.
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7/31/2007
There’s organized chaos (which, let’s face it, is sometimes a prerequisite) and then there’s a downright mess – especially with multiple, awry cabling.
This opaque spheroid called The Hub, designed by Ora-Ito, is just the solution. It works with a Mac or PC and provides 4 USB ports and 2 FireWire ports to a computer systems concurrently connecting up to 6 devices. With The Hub, you can bid adieu to – at the very least – one set of disconcerting entanglements in your life.
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7/30/2007
Iconic Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban, renowned for his use of eco-friendly, lightweight materials recently unveiled an environmentally-friendly paper bridge over the Gardon River in southern France.
Constructed half a mile from the Pont du Gard, a section of ancient Roman bridge classed as a UN World Heritage site, Shigeru’s cardboard-tube structure is durable to carry 20 people simultaneously.
The paper bridge is open to the public for six weeks before it will be dismantled owing to the imminent rainy season.
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7/29/2007
Havaleena is a slim cordless LED light meant to be used both indoors and out. It comes in four ambient colors – white, orange, violet and green and it’s by a young Los Angeles based Studio called Tayo Design.
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7/27/2007
Inversion is a temporary art installation created by two Houston sculptors Dan Havel and Dean Ruck who transformed two houses that are scheduled to be demolished by creating a large funnel like vortex that narrows down as it progresses from one end to another.
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7/26/2007
FARO is an inventive table lamp that enhances an ambience impeccably. Utilizing LED technology, the lamp’s horizontal split-level panels emit a downward shaft of light whist the base has a colour-shifting element that functions as a mood-manipulator. The platform at the base houses a dimmer touch-pad that controls the intensity of light and simultaneously changes the hues thus modulating the ambience of a room. FARO combines exceptional design with technology; it is energy efficient and the octagrammic ornate pattern at the top is a great ornamental feature and conversation-trigger.
FARO is constructed from machined aluminum and is available in three finishes – black, lacquered white and deep-red.
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7/25/2007
Freshmen architecture and design team, Pompom Arkitekter have introduced two new prefab houses, Puzzle House and Yard House, that take their inspiration from the alphabet.
For example, Puzzle House is made of two L-formed piece of house put on top of the other and the Yard House is shaped like a ‘C’. Earlier prefab houses by the team included the letter Z and the number 4.
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The new Volksware Meterware shop by artist Silke Wawro is notable for two things:
One, it sells all of it’s products by the meter.
And two, these products are made of discarded items that are already considered ‘consumped’ i.e. the Volksware Meterware carpet is a made of used clothes stitched together that is supposed to be as long as the amount of clothes one would purchase in their lifetime.
Or, the meterware seat that is a roll of second hand clothes and blackets.
Or, the more amibitious Meterware table that is a long assembly of discarded tables assembled together to form a neverending stretch. The idea is that a customer can purchase one by instructing the shop to saw off their desire length.
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If your internet browser’s history is chock full of graphic design websites such as DiK and K10K, then you may be familiar with Chuck Anderson, the boy wonder. A mini design celebrity, Chuck has made a name for himself by being young and boasting a portfolio full of graphic work with some of the noteable brands in the world. Recently, Mountain Dew tapped him for their Green Label Art project where they invited designers to submit illustration work for a label art competition. Each of the entries had a video bio attached and I came across Chuck’s video which gives us an interesting view of what things look like from his end of the monitor. Check it out. (And if you aren’t familiar with his work, then drop by his site)
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Laura Lucio’s “The Flying Mirror” is a luminescent decorative element that adds a dash of intrigue and flair to any room – be it a bedroom or a trendy boutique.
Latching on to the current trend of embellishing walls with fancy wallpapers, the Flying Mirror is essentially a metal adhesive vinyl that can be affixed on to any flat surface like walls and doors.
The shape of the mirror has baroque insinuations with hidden animals like birds and butterflies as decorative edges; a chimerical twist in lieu of the usual corners.
The Flying Mirror is 65×90 cms and arrives in a cardboard tube that can be dispatched (flown!) to any corner of the globe.
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The 53’rd Annual Design issue of ID magazine features a concept cell phone for the blind by Hong Kong designer Peter Lau that avoids using the Braille system (A system of raised dots representing letters that enables blind people to read by touching and to write using an embosser). Instead, the phone features a 3-D keypad with large keys and a concave surface that provides an alternative means to read the surface via touch. The device also features a menu wheel but given the sketchy details provided it’s hard to tell how one would navigate through the menu wheel.
Update: While surfing around, I came across another cell phone prototype for the blind that is more than an year old but uses the Braille system. This one is from Samsung. (link)
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7/24/2007
The Meeraboo-2007 ST-1 is a side table designed by Victor Vetterlein and represents a structural paradox between hard edges and fluid curves. The tabletop has hard linear edges whilst the lower half has a softer, curvier form and the appearance suggests that two distinct objects have fused together.
Reminiscent of the hermit crab that takes possession of abandoned items on the ocean floor for camouflage and protection, the organic lower portion of the side table appears to be clinging to the underside of the table.
The table is composed from fiberglass, metal and wood with a high gloss finish. Available in white, the Meraboo-2007 ST-1 is 36” high, 36” wide, and 12” deep. The light is encased in an orb with a gold lacquer; the soft light emitted casts an elliptical glow on the ceiling.
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If there was anything that could be aptly described as sculptural poetry, it would the Brazilian designer, Rafael Morgan’s Hope Table; a visually arresting piece that embodies fluid optimism. The table was conceptualized for young designers with the optimistic message (akin to messages in bottles) that there are great ideas bobbing around waiting to be seized and developed. The striking yet stark form only underscores the buoyant message. (Tip: Pablo M. Codeglia)
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What’s the definitive taste of New Orleans? Some amberlicious bourbon with a kick of cayenne and something unexpected? An intriguing blend of sugar and spice is what I’d say and that’s exactly what Absolut have done. The Swedish company have unveiled a new flavour in honour of the City of New Orleans.
“The way we’re describing it is a fruity vodka with a spicy kick, which is a way you could describe the city of New Orleans,” said Tim Murphy, vice president of marketing for Absolut. “It can also give a unique twist to the Hurricane recipe.”
The flavour is essentially mango with a palpable hint of black pepper. There will be only 35,000 cases of Absolut New Orleans produced and at US $19 a bottle, the sales are estimated to raise US $2million for the Gulf Coast rebuilding.
(just my thoughts: If there ever was an Absolut Dubai (hahaha), would it be with a kick of sumac and cinnamon? :P)
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7/23/2007
As every gastronome would concur, less is moreish. Whilst diminutive portions are de rigueur in refined restaurants where the imperative is to flirt with the palate, others only aim appease gluttons. Greasy spoons, after all, exist for a reason; quick delivery and calorific, oversized portions. But what if you’re a gym bunny with a potent hankering for a burger? A trip to the nearest eating joint boasting the golden arches would mean that the hour (or two) of vigorous cardio would come undone.
Cue Minnies – this Chicago-based restaurant serves bite-sized portions of the usual hash-house suspects: sandwiches, burgers pizzas and salads. Akin to tapas or mezze, the menu has a dollop (or two) of flair by incorporating offbeat offerings like Venezia and Mykonos.
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Twists and folds have been growing rampant in the design industry imparting an inventive edge to textile, lighting, furniture and haute couture. Integrating the Japanese fine art of origami, the designs emphasize the relationship between texture and form. The intricacy of pleats and twists impart a 3-D effect and a suggestion of restrained, deliberate flamboyance.
Anne’s appliquéd designs and concertina effect instills a contemporary edge to her cushions. Echoes of ripples and pleats abound implying a demure sense of harmony.
Anthony Dickens’ origami table is constructed from three similar flat steel legs fused together to create a tripod base. There are no bolts, pegs or fastenings holding the legs together; the leg simply joints tauten to support any weight placed on the glass surface. Easily dismantled, the interlocking design is a patented system.
Jeremy Laing’s fall/winter ‘07 collection has drawn acclaim from global fashion capitals. His mineral-hued pieces are simultaneously fluid and semi-convoluted; a fashionable contradiction (and what woman wouldn’t love to be one?). The Canadian designer’s cleverly faceted designs of twisted seams and folds flatter severe shifts.
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