Future in the mind – challenging the boundaries of materials

June 19, 2013 Leave a comment


Latex ExposedProject BambiSmart by natureEngineered IllusionsExploring existing, and at times underrated or discarded, materials with a focus on the future can lead you into unexpected directions. 

University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins’s Textile Futures MA end of year show displays 17 futuristic scenarios drawing on materials such as minerals, latex, potatoes, technical components and even animals and sealife. 

The process and theory behind each project have been the driving force for each of the students to create something new and unseen. New life has been given to the discarded potato cell wall to create a biodegradable material that looks like and could be plastic (10% & More); the mineral feldspar has been transformed into a luxury jewellery item (Disquiet Luxurians), and discarded deer hides  to leather (Project Bambi). 

Limitations of materials have been broken –  latex micro-waved to create pieces of jewellery (Latex Exposed).   

Transformation and sensory experiences were also themes.  Smart by Nature looked at transformable surfaces; while Engineered Illusions uses a study of visual optics to explore how textiles can enhance the female form. 

Scent-ography posed questions as to whether personal memories can be archived through captured scent, whilst Self-Medication cleverly combines the British love for tea with the preventative concept of traditional Chinese Medicine, drawing on textile craft techniques.

Get a preview of potential material trends and uses, plus many other architecture and design displays by visiting the Show Two at Central Saint Martins which is open to the public until 23rd June.

Further information can be found here. 

Our client Formica® Group was a sponsor of the MA Textile Futures degree show, continuing its support for innovation and young designers in the field of design-related disciplines.

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Solid Poetry brings designs to concrete

June 18, 2013 Leave a comment


Solid PoetryWhilst it is an important material for construction, concrete isn’t normally very exciting. That has all changed thanks to designers Frederick Molenschot and Susanne Happle, and their new venue Solid Poetry.

Based in the Netherlands, they have come up with a concrete that when dry looks normal and plain, but when wet decorative designs appear.

The main benefits for this sort of idea would be bathrooms or wet rooms but could also be a nice way to brighten up the world on wet, rainy days.

To showcase the product they have produced several videos which are shown below.

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£1bn business district for East London

June 18, 2013 Leave a comment


Docklands developmentDocklands developmentPlans are in motion to regenerate London Docklands, more precisely the area around Royal Albert Dock.

The plans, which will see architects Farrells work with developers Stanhope and commercial developer ABP China (Holding), will create 3.2 million square feet of retail and leisure space and 2.5 million square feet of office space.

It already has interest in the first phase from Chinese companies, including some banks, with the first occupiers to move in from 2017.

The project will see a £1 billion investment into the 35 acre area currently owned by the Greater London Authority.

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London preview of Close, Closer

June 11, 2013 Leave a comment


Close, CloserOn Thursday 13th June Building Design magazine is hosting a preview talk for the 2013 Lisbon Architecture Triennale, which is entitled Close, Closer.

The chief curator, Beatrice Galilee, will be joined by two of her co-curators Mariana Pestana and Liam Young to discuss the curatorial approach, challenges and ideas behind this year’s show, and it will be chaired by Jeremy Till, head of Central Saint Martins and pro-vice chancellor of the University of the Arts London.

The talk will take place at the London offices of KPF at 7pm and places are free but limited.

To book your space email bdrsvp@ubm.com or visit here for more information.

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Celebrate under-valued architecture in London

June 11, 2013 Leave a comment


Crystal Palace SubwayCabman's ShelterOccidental Oil Refinery JettyThe Design Museum is holding a free exhibition called Lesser Known Architecture, which is a tie-in to the month long London Festival of Architecture.

The exhibition is a series of single colour offset prints of sites around London that display great architural design, but tend to go unnoticed by the general public.

The ten sites were nominated by leading architecture critics and the prints will be displayed in the museum cafe and tank from 4th June until 22nd July 2013.

The nominations include Crystal Palace Subway, Cabmen’s Shelters and Occidental Oil Refinery Jetty.

The installation was curated by Elias Redstone and designed by Ben Mclaughlin. All the photographs for the prints were taken by Theo Simpson.

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Serpentine pavilion opens for the summer

June 11, 2013 Leave a comment


Serpentine Gallery pavilionThe 2013 Serpentine Gallery pavilion in Kensington Gardens opened last week. Designed by Sou Fujimoto the pavilion, which is said to resemble a cloud, will be open until 20th October 2013.

A geometric structure constructed using from metal beams, it strikes a delicate balance between man and nature, utilising natural daylight  and creating a closed off space, which still allows visitors to experience the nature around them.

Read more about the design in out previous blog post.

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Riverside Museum wins award for engagement

June 7, 2013 Leave a comment


Riverside MuseumRiverside museumThe Riverside Museum in Glasgow has won the prestigious European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA).

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the museum which opened in June 2011, has received the award for it’s ability to “demonstrate brilliantly how a specialist transport collection can renew its relevance through active engagement with the wider social and universal issues.”

The museum, which has received over 2 million visitors in less than 2 years, was chosen out of 40 museums from 21 European Countries and fulfilled the EMYA’s criteria of public quality at the highest level.

The Riverside Museum showcases Glasgow’s transport, shipbuilding and engineering heritage.

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Foster + Partners design two new London skyscrapers

May 31, 2013 Leave a comment


250 City Road250 City RoadBritish architecture firm Foster + Partners has unveiled plans for two residential skyscrapers as part of the 250 City Road project, led by property developers Berkeley Group.

The skyscrapers will form part of a cluster of residential towers proposed for the City Road area in Islington, a redevelopment of a 1.9 hectare site currently occupied by a cluster of commercial buildings.

Other companies involved in the project include landscape architects Gillespies, Dutch firm UNStudio and US architects SOM.

Elsewhere in London, Foster + Partners recently received planning permission for three residential towers on the south side of the river Thames near Lambeth Bridge.

More about the 250 City Road project can be found here.

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Watch the top of One World Trade Center spire be installed

May 28, 2013 Leave a comment


One World Trade CenterAfter some delay the final piece was put in place on the One World Trade Center tower.

The spire for the building was installed, making it the tallest building in the western hemisphere and will stand as a focal point  in a group of buildings designed to replace the Twin Towers that were destroyed in the September 11th attacks.

To commemorate the topping off, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released a video of the spire’s installation. Filmed using a GoPro camera which was attached to the spire itself, it gives a stunning glimpse at the height of the tower.

Watch it below, but be warned it can cause vertigo!

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Clerkenwell Design Week reviewed

May 23, 2013 1 Comment


CDWCDWCDWIt’s been a hub of activity near the office this week as Clerkenwell Design Week kicked off in great style. So far we’ve managed to take a look at what’s on display in the Farmiloe Building, which provides a fantastic backdrop for the exhibitors to showcase their designs, with four floors of the building filled. The vast colours and textures on display from international interior design and architecture suppliers provide a stunning contrast to the exposed brickwork and floorboards of the elegant Victorian former glassworks.  

A few stands caught our eye including James Burleigh’s classic furniture with a modern twist and splashes of colour.

Duffy London made us smile with playful yet beautiful designs such as the UP dining table and the swinging chairs.    

The trail of showrooms and fringe events creates a really fun atmosphere and luckily the weather has stayed dry encouraging visitors to spill onto the streets with chatter and inspiration. A scenic walk up to the House of Detention was peppered with installations in gardens and pop up shops. The House of Detention was really exciting as it was underground, there was an acoustic performance and all the stands were in the cells of the Victorian Prison – a huge contrast for those who had just been to ExCel May Design Series! Particular favourites were Foundation Rugs graffiti style soft decorations; Mirror Glow’s beautiful pieces which really lended themselves to the surroundings and Merve Kahraman’s genius and luxurious furniture.

Clerkenwell Design Week has established itself as the UK’s leading independent design festival. The event finishes on Thursday 23rd May so there is still time to see what’s happening at any of the 60 showrooms taking part.

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Man-Made Tornado in a Museum

May 1, 2013 Leave a comment


Man-made tornadoMercedes Benz MuseumThe Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart has a bit of an unusual attraction.

The building has the world’s most powerful man-made tornado, and whilst this does attract visitors, this is not the reason for its existence.

Created from 144 jets spewing 28 tons of smoke in a 112-foot-high column, the idea of a tornado in a showroom containing over 150 luxury vehicles may seem like an odd one, but it is actually a clever fire-safety mechanism.

The building is made from a steel structure based on a double-helix, featuring a massive central atrium viewable from the floors that spiral around it. All rooms are open, all walls are curved and each of the 1800 triangular window panes on the exterior walls is unique. This however means that there are no fire zones within the building so by creating this tornado they are able to expel smoke emissions from within the building. It is said to take about 7 minutes for the jets that line the interior walls to get the smoke to whirl into a tornado and escape through vents in the roof.

Watch a video of the tornado in action below.

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Clerkenwell Design Week

April 28, 2013 Leave a comment


Clerkenwell Design weekClerkenwell design weekclerkenwell design weekNext month will see the return of the Clerkenwell Design Week. The event is a showcase of architecture and design works from across the globe, with a focus on British designs.

Held in a variety of locations in the historic Central London area, it will see show regulars returning as well as some new faces such as Arper, Plumen and Foscarini.

Brands returning to the festival include Vitra, Knoll, Boss Design, Domus Tiles, Deadgood, Dare Studio, Jennifer Newman, Muuto, Magis, Zanotta, Johnson Tiles, and Dezeen.

The week takes place across 50 furniture showrooms and several special locations. The Farmiloe Building, a former Victorian merchants warehouse, will play host to high-profile international brands; The House of Detention, a subterranean Victorian prison, will form the festival’s hotspot for new designers, and the 12th century crypt and charming garden of the Priory of the Order of St John, will act as the hub for interior decoration trends.

Taking place the 21st to 23rd May 2013, it is the fourth time the event has taken over the area, being spread out over several different sites, and will offer talks, debates and parties throughout it’s course.

To register for the event click here.

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Regent Street windows

April 26, 2013 Leave a comment


Topshop WindowKaren Millen windowFerrari WindowHave you popped down to Regent Street recently? Well if you can handle the crowds you should, as this year’s RIBA Window Project is currently in place.

The project includes six architecture studios working with shops along the famous road, creating unique displays in six of the most iconic stores.

Supported by RIBA and the Regent Street Association, the project is in its fourth year and runs until 6th May 2013.

Topshop has a rotating wheel of mannequins designed by George King and Mark Nixon from Neon, which will allow for different outfits to be displayed throughout the day.

The installation at Karen Millen is made of sports fabric and cable ties, and spans the 30-metre length of the window. It is the creation of Mamou-Mani.

John Tollitt and his team at Gensler drew on the emotional response one may feel driving one of their cars for their display for the flagship store of Ferrari.

The atrium of Espirit‘s store was transformed by naganJohnson into a beach scene, complete with a wave of chestnut paling fencing.

Carl Turner Architects referenced American artist Gordon Matta Clark‘s images of cut-out buildings at Jack Spade‘s Brewer Street store, just off Regent Street, creating fantasy New York streetscapes on the facade, in the windows and on blackboard illustrations.

Finally, interlocking panels to form freestanding screens at Moss Bros, creating a three-dimensional herringbone effect was the idea of AY Architects.

Find out more information and see more images here.

Photographs are by Agnese Sanvito.

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Elevated bike path for Regents Canal

April 23, 2013 Leave a comment


Regents Canal Bike PathRegents canal bike pathThe paths along the Regents canal in London are incredibly busy with cyclists and pedestrians, especially under bridges.

To offer a solution for this problem, Anthony Nelson, a landscape architect from Design International, has offered up a design for an elevated path for cyclists. The proposal, which is still being worked on, would see a steel pathway constructed that would hug the canal and it above the current path. 

The new path will offer more than a safe route for the 500 cyclists that use the canal each hour as it will provide retail opportunities at off ramps. The only issue yet to dealt with is how to accommodate the larger boats that use the canal. Nelson will be working on the plans further before presenting them to the city in Autumn.

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Design of the Year award winner unveiled

April 19, 2013 Leave a comment


gov.uk website Morth WheelKit yamoyoThe Design Museum in London has announced the  winner for the 2013 Design of the Year Award, the Gov.uk website!

The website, which won by a unanimous vote, was chosen for it’s simplicity and ease of use, being built to allow visitors to quickly find the services they are looking for.

Chosen from a shortlist of seven catergory winners,  which were unveiled on Wednesday 10th April, the overall winner was announced on the evening of 16th April.

The catergory winners include a folding wheel for wheelchairs, the Medici chair and a medicine packaging designed to fit between bottles of coke.

The Catergory winners are as follows:
Architecture: TOUR BOIS-LE-PRÊTRE, PARIS
Designed by Frédéric Druot, Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal

Digital: GOV.UK WEBSITE
Designed by Government DigitalService

Fashion: DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL
Directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland

Furniture: MEDICI CHAIR
Designed by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

Graphics: VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE IDENTITY
Designed by John Morgan Studio

Products: KIT YAMOYO
Designed by ColaLife and PI Global

Transport: MORPH FOLDING WHEEL
Designed by Vitamins for Maddak Inc.

Previous winners of the award include the Olympic Torch by BarberOsgerby and the Plumen 001 light bulb by Hulger and Samuel Wilkinson.

The exihition will remain open until the 7th July 2013, further information can be found on a previous blog post here.

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Photographer captures artistic design of airports

April 11, 2013 Leave a comment


Newark Liberty AiportNewark Liberty AirportJFK international airportNew York based photographer Jeffrey Milstein has captured the design of two well known airports from above. In his series entitled ‘flying‘ he has captured scenes of Newark Liberty Airport and JFK International Airport as well as a couple of shots of the city.

The images allow us to see the true artistic design of airports, which at ground level can seem sterile and daunting. Seeing them from above grasps the true nature of the design.

Milstein was inspired from his childhood, which was spent filming planes at LAX, and he is now renowned for his images of the underbellies of planes.

Milstein’s work was on display at the AIPAD Photo Show New York between April 4-7, 2013. View the full portfolio for ‘flying’ here.

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Sunken platform gives different view of lake

April 10, 2013 Leave a comment


Observation platformObservation platformObservation platformAn observation platform in Vöcklabruck, Austria is giving visitors a new perspective over a picturesque scene.

The platform is set below the water level in the middle of a lake, giving those from the shore the impression that people are below the water line.

The platform is a huge attraction for visitors to the region and consists of a ramp from the shore down to the cirlular enclosure which has seating provided for tourists to sit and enjoy the beautiful views. 

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The Shed at the National Theatre

April 9, 2013 Leave a comment


The ShedThe Shed The ShedA new temporary venue has been built on an unused plaza  of the National Theatre in London.

Called ‘The Shed‘, the venue will show new productions that it deems “adventurous, ambitious and unexpected”.

Open for a year from April, The Shed provides a new way to watch theatre, offering seats from £12 up to £20, with special days planned, including talks before or after shows. 

Seats are either located at stage level or in a gallery providing patrons with an intimate view of the productions.

The building was designed and built by Haworth Tompkins, who are also incharge of the current redesign materplan for the artistic hub, and the design would seem to match the type of productiosn they plan to put on, with its vibrant colour and shape.

To find out more watch a video of lead architect Paddy Dillon talking about the design below.

haworth tompkins: the shed at the national theater, london from designboom on Vimeo.

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10 of the most unusual homes in the world

April 3, 2013 Leave a comment


slimmest housetransparent houseFlintstone housesquare metre houseDelightfull, a lighting company, has compiled a list of 10 homes that have an unusual characteristic. From the world’s slimmest house to a replica Flintstones’ house, it has them all.

The collection is a series of ‘homes’ that have been designed and built with a unique idea behind them, including a 1sq.m house (not sure how you could really live in there),  a fully transparent house and our favourite, a house with a giant slide.

Take a look at the full list here.

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PuLSaTe pop-up installation

March 28, 2013 Leave a comment


pulsatepulsatepulsateArchitects Lily Jencks and Nathanael Dorent have been commissioned by Capitol Designer Studio to design a unique pop-up installation in London called PuLSaTe.

Using Marazzi’s SistemN tiles, from a range stocked by Capitol, they fitted out a showroom in Primrose Hill to create PuLSaTe, a pop-up installation that will not only show off the uses and colours of the tiles but also provide a cultural hub.

The zig-zag design, along with sloped floors, plays with your perception. Benches built into the walls of the installation become a consumer experience like no other. The pop-up installation on Chalcot Road, opened on the 21st March and will remain open, running a variety events including workshops, until 27th October 2013.

Take a look at a video about the project below.

Pulsate from STRIPE on Vimeo.

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