The lovely IMO stool by Pinch is made with a walnut frame and elm seat. The top splits in the middle, allowing it to be hung from an accompanying walnut peg when not in use.
Pinch IMO Stool
March 10th, 2010Nina Tolstrup: Branch Out
March 9th, 2010
Nina Tolstrup uses a 3-D scanner to make rapid prototype models of tree branches. These casts can then connect real branches to create trestles, stools or coat racks.
Linda Rothwell
March 8th, 2010
Linda Rothwell, a recent RCA graduate, completed a project in Libson where she repaired city benches and chairs. Rothwell used traditional craft techniques to inlay wood for these public “interventions”. I love this – recently I have gotten really interested in designers who are working in the area of repair – if you know of anyone doing this please email!
Evan Roth: Graffiti Taxonomy
March 8th, 2010
Another highlight from this year’s Brit Insurance Design of the Year nominees came from Evan Roth. In April, 2009 Roth photographed over 2,400 graffiti tags throughout the city of Paris. Afterward he sorted, labeled and analyzed each of the tags’ letters and identified the ten that were most used. Roth created an online system where the visitor can scroll through these letters, which are, “not intended to display the best graffiti tags in Paris, but rather the aim is to highlight the diversity of forms ranging from upper case to lowercase, simple to complex and legible to cryptic.”
Elemental: Half-House
March 5th, 2010
Elemental is an architecture practice located in Chile. Recently, they were charged with providing housing for 100 squatter families…on property within city limits. Given the expense of the land alone, Elemental came up with a fascinating solution: build half a house. The firm designed units that would cover the basic structure of a home (including a kitchen and bath), but would leave that shell to be built-upon and adjusted by future tenants. Elemental won the Brit Insurance Architecture Award for their Monterrey project – photos of their first ‘Half-Houses’ in Iquique are above.
Sugru
March 3rd, 2010
The 2010 Brit Insurance Designs of the Year are now on display at the Design Museum in London. While the show includes some very worthy nominees, somehow several of the products fall short. Some items seem like newer, shinier versions of very old ideas, while others are simply just uninspiring. Sugru, a moldable silicone material developed by Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh, is one the highlights.
Sugru is a fix-it persons dream – a substance that can be used to repair (or customize) just about anything. The clay attaches to most surfaces and is waterproof, dishwasher-proof and, since it sets in 30 minutes, pretty much foolproof. The idea of extending the life of the products we have, rather than churning out new ones is both refreshing and significant.
Rodrigo Almeida
March 1st, 2010
Made in Brazil is a collection by Rodrigo Almeida that explores Brazilian culture and craftsmanship – above are the Oca magazine rack made with sequins and a woven basket and his Paper Chair.
Vandasye
February 24th, 2010
Vienna-based design studio Vandasye has a nice approach to portfolio presentation on their website. Alongside the products, the designers also share the inspirations behind each of the pieces. Their expandable pine coat rack (right) was influenced by items such as the “adjustable music stand” and the Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino, Paolo Lomazzi “Sciangai” folding clothes stand (1973-4).
2010 Olympics Design Highlights
February 22nd, 2010
I am deep into Olympics mania right now, partly because the weather in London continues to be rotten. In addition to the sports, some design highlights of the games have included: the Maple leaf mittens – I love the hidden design that pops up when you wave; the Swedish team’s crocheted hats (photos of these were particularly tough to track down, apparently you get one if you open up a bank account in Sweden or make your own via this handy video) and finally the stunning podiums made by James Lee and Leo Obstbaum – each one crafted from 200 pieces of Canadian wood.
Joe Wentworth
February 21st, 2010
British designer Joe Wentworth created these folding handle bars with the urban bike rider in mind. The handle bars, which can be attached to new and existing bikes, are useful for more than just storage – the folded handles can be locked for extra security.
