New York + London photo series

May 16, 2013 Leave a comment


New York + LondonNew York + LondonNew York + LondonAward-winning photojournalist Daniella Zalcman has released an incredible series of photographs called New York + London.

The series was created as a way to connect the time she spent in New York with her new home London. The series was released on Instagram using a set of photos she took of New York on her iPhone during her last month in the city, she then took the same number upon arrival in London. She then used software on her phone to carefully overlap the images, created a merged image of the two cities.

The full collection can be seen on Yatzer here. Zalcman also has a Kickstarter to get the photographs published as a book here.

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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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New London listings service – This At There

March 26, 2013 Leave a comment


This At ThereIt’s Nice That, which publishes exciting, original and engaging work from both established names and talented newcomers, has produced a new listings service for London.

Called This At There, the listing service is a re-invention of their old ‘whats-on’ focused currently on Art and Design events in London. The listings are put in order of when they finish, so hopefully you won’t miss the shows you really want to see.

They are looking to roll it out worldwide eventually with more cities being added later this year, but by keeping it London focused will allow them to keep on top of it for now and work out any teething problems.

You can find out more about the new service here.

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ME Hotel has Theatreland glamour at it’s heart

March 19, 2013 1 Comment


ME HotelME HotelME HotelFoster + Partners has designed their first flagship hotel, where everything from the shell to the interiors has been designed by the practice. 

The ME Hotel, which opened earlier this year, is a brand new luxury hotel built occupying a triangular site in the Aldwych Crescent area of London.  The 157-bed hotel seamlessly integrates with the restoration of the adjacent 1904 Marconi House, whose interior has been completely restructured to provide 87 apartments.  

Clad in Portland stone, the hotel was built to the same height and scale as its neighbour, and despite having a modern feel, is still in keeping with the surrounding area. An elliptical tower on the corner of the building, which defines the end point for the Aldwych Crescent, is topped by a glass cupola – a contemporary reinterpretation of the Edwardian-style domed roof across the street. The glass cupola houses the penthouse suite for the hotel, with an impressive 360-degree panorama of the city, including views of the river.  

Guests arriving at the hotel pass through a ground floor lounge with accompanying public restaurants and bar before ascending to a dedicated hotel lobby with a champagne bar on the first floor, all housed within a nine-storey high pyramidal space, encased entirely in white marble.  

On the tenth floor is the hotel’s rooftop terraces, which are an urban oasis, with the Radio Rooftop Bar offering views of the river and Westminster skyline. The 5-star hotel also boasts versatile conference suites, a gym and a luxury 25-seat screening room.

Find out more on the project page.

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Zaha Hadid to Develop Plans for New London Airport

March 1, 2013 Leave a comment


Zaha Hadid designZaha Hadid airport designIn the latest move forward for a new airport for London Boris Johnson has appointed Zaha Hadid Architects, along with aviation experts, to develop designs for a multi runway hub, to be built in the southeast.

Zaha Hadid will submit plans that will also help make recommendations on the location of the airport, which the Mayor of London sees as vital to rejuvenating the British economy and to solve the current aviation crisis.

Other organisations asked to prepare plans, as part of an airport design and infrastructure panel, were Atkins, a British design and engineering company, and Pascall & Watson architects, who worked on St. Pancras international and Heathrow Terminal 5.

Find out more via the full press release here.

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Lichtenstein retrospective at The Tate

February 23, 2013 1 Comment


Roy LichtensteinRoy LichtensteinRoy LichtensteinA new exhibition of Roy Lichtenstein‘s work has opened at the Tate Modern in London. The exhibition displays 125 pieces of work from the artist, including sculptures and, of course, his famous ‘comic book’ style paintings.

This is the first full-scale retrospective of this important and well known artist in 20 years and is the most definitive collection.

The exhibition, which opened on the 21st February, is co-organised by the Tate Modern and The Art Institute of Chicago and will run until 27th May 2013. 

Read more and book tickets here.

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Design Museum open exhibition of permanent collection

February 1, 2013 1 Comment


Design Musem ExhibitionDesign Museum ExhibtionDesign Museum ExhibitionThe Design Museum  has opened a new exhibition containing some of its permanent collection.

Extraordinary Stories about Ordinary Things will be on display on the top floor of the current home of the Design Museum, broken up into six themes or “stories”. 

The ‘Identity & Design’ story features items that contribute to national identity such as the K2 Phone Box by Giles Gilbert Scott, UK road signage by Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert, and the London 2012 logo by Wolff Olins.

The ‘Taste’ story charts the influence of modenism on British design and includes pieces by Marcel Breuer and Erno Goldfinger.

‘Why We Collect’ features recycled designs from Jasper Morrison’s table made of bicycle handlebars to the Campana Brothers‘ Cartoon Chair made of soft toys.

‘Materials & Process’ charts the development of plastic technology.

Whilst ‘Icons’ follows iterations of the Anglepoise Lamp.

‘Finally Fashion’ focuses trends from the 1960′s to the 1990′s.

The exhibition was designed by Gitta Gschwendter and consists of the objects being displayed on rough, chunky shelving alongside contextual images and documents. It will run until the museum moves to its new home next year in the former Commonwealth Institute building in South West London, which is currently being redeveloped by John Pawson.

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Not your normal tube announcements

January 17, 2013 Leave a comment


Tube AnnouncerUnderground signTime Out London‘s blog, Now. Here. This., has teamed up with Annie Mole, writer of the Going Underground blog, to present some of the best announcements heard on the London Underground.

These announcements vary between being heard on the trains or on the platforms, and are not the usual “mind the gap” or “stand clear of the doors” you would normally encounter whilst circumnavigating the tube network.

Here’s a selection of our favourites, see the rest here.

“Ladies and gentleman, I’m sorry for the delay. I have just been informed this is due to people on the ROOF of the train ahead. Yes, you are probably thinking some of the things I am, but that’s what I’ve been told by my control.”

“Ladies and gentleman, I do apologise for the delay to your service. I know you’re all dying to get home. Unless you happen to be married to my ex-wife, in which case you’ll want to cross over to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction.”

“To the hilarious gentleman that just showed me his bum. I suggest you join a gym or go on a diet before waving it around in the future”.

“Would the lady going down the escalator please lower her umbrella. It doesn’t rain underground.”

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Make it snow in the City with Evian

January 7, 2013 Leave a comment


Evian Live YoungThis week, as part of a new advertising campaign, Evian has set up two adult playgrounds in London, which are linked to snow machines, meaning the more you play, the more it snows! This is part of their on-going Live Young Campaign.

The playgrounds will be at Canary Wharf from Monday 7th January to Wednesday 9th, then at Finsbury Square on Thursday 10th until Friday 11th.

Find out more on Facebook

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Social media in the workplace seminar

November 14, 2012 Leave a comment


Social Media in the Workplace SeminarIf you need help with or have concerns about ‘Social Media in the Workplace’ then this forthcoming seminar is for you.

The Think Tank’s Director of PR, Samantha Dawe, will be joining the Employment Department at Bracher Rawlins LLP to present a seminar on this topic on 28th November in London.  

The venue is 77 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6SR and it starts at 5.30pm. The seminar will also be followed by a drinks reception.

There are a limited number of spaces so if it is of interest then email Carol Watson at carol.watson@bracherrawlins.co.uk to secure your place

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Get your running shoes on with City Peaks

October 18, 2012 Leave a comment


City PeaksFancy a bit of a run in your lunch hour then take a look at City Peaks, a challenge that takes you to the top of the world.

Their website explains the challenge as, ‘Office life is increasingly deskbound, and staring out at the city skyline while slumped at a computer isn’t good for our health or sense of adventure. So Digit thought: why not ditch the lift and turn taking the stairs into mountain climbs that make it fun to get fit? City Peaks Challenge is a game where players race each other up the office stairs. Inspired by tower running – the sport of running up the stairs of skyscrapers – it’s the ultimate cardiovascular exercise. Just 15 minutes of tower running equals the workout of a 30 minutes run, and with City Peaks it’s also fun.’

Basically they use NFC technology with players swiping their Oyster cards on readers at the bottom and top of the office staircase that record how far and fast they climb. Each player logs in online to start their climbing mission.

You can see how climbers are doing by tracking their flags on the faces of iconic London buildings, visualised as mountains. The first climber to place their flag on the summit conquers the mountain; then everyone’s scores are recorded.

Take a look here and see if you can take up the challenge and beat London’s City Peaks.

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Unexpected signs on the tube

October 10, 2012 1 Comment


Funny Tube SignsFunny Tube SignsFunny Tube Signs Here are a few funny fake signs that have been placed on the London Underground over the years.

You can see many more by clicking here.

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Formica joins forces with Material Lab at 100% Design

September 18, 2012 Leave a comment


Formica at 100% DesignAt this year’s 100% Design, (19 – 22 September 2012, stand E360, Earls Court) Formica Group has partnered with design resource studio Material Lab to create a unique pop-up gallery showcasing its latest innovative surfaces and materials.  

“Both Material Lab and Formica Group believe that being able to see, touch and feel materials is key to the design process as architects, designers and specifiers need to understand how their vision can come to life through the selection of materials,” says Simon Wild, European Marketing Director at Formica Group.  

The Material Lab pop-up gallery features Korten from the DecoMetal® range, AR Plus® High Gloss Laminate and also the latest addition to Formica Group’s product portfolio, Formica® Magnetic Laminate.  

The rich tones and intriguing surface relief of Korten evoke the look and feel of one of the favourite materials of modern architecture, corten steel. The handmade design incorporates iron particles, which make each individual sheet unique, creating a strong visual statement for any project.     

To find out and see more get along to 100% Design this week.

Click here for more info.

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Celebrating design ‘Before 1980′

September 4, 2012 Leave a comment


Before 1980 fairHere’s a new fair to add to you calendar for the London Design Festival, but this one is not for those seeking out cutting edge design; this is one for those looking for retro.

The organisors say ‘Before 1980 is a fair that favours style over age and has invited like-minded traders to exhibit – whose stock style is distinctive and special, and whose displays are always creative and inspirational.’ 

Amelia Forster, organiser, says “Interior style magazines continue to reference and feature past design periods – this only helps to reinforce the idea that vintage offers a great level of quality and style without a large investment.  We have recognised the growing interest in vintage design and décor and its place in contemporary homes.”

“Before1980 will be a fair with an eclectic mix of antiques, mid-century and vintage – we hope people will be inspired by the looks on offer but feel they can really go home with something.”

The first fair features handpicked traders selling stylish pieces for the home and garden; it will be part of a series of seasonal events celebrating home style from Before1980. The fair is on Saturday 22nd September in the Central Library, Islington, London.

For more information click here.

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Design comes to London

September 4, 2012 1 Comment


Design Junction
Tent London

Super Brands London100% DesignWith the London Design Festival fast approaching we thought that it would be useful to highlight some of the key destinations for interiors, furniture and product design.  

The Festival runs from 14th until 23rd September and encompasses all forms of design from Graphic Design to Fashion. The key destinations below mostly cover interiors and furniture however for details of other design events you can view a calendar on the London Design Festival website.  

100% Design – 19th-22nd September, Earls Court  

Decorex – 23-16th September, The Royal Hospital, Chelsea  

Tent London – 20th-23rd September, Old Truman Brewery  

Design Junction – 19th-23rd September, The Sorting Office, W1  

Clerkenwell Design Week – 21st-23rd September, Various Venues, Clerkenwell  

ICON Design Trail, September, Various Venues  

Super Brands, 20th-23rd September, Old Truman Brewery  

Before 1980, 22nd September, Central Islington Library  

For full details of all these events please click on the event title to go to their websites.

Here’s to a great festival of design!

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The 21 Best Doppelgangers Of The 2012 London Olympics

August 11, 2012 Leave a comment


Olympics DopplegangersOlympics Synchnonised SwimmingTake a look at ‘The 21 Best Doppelgangers Of The 2012 London Olympics‘ on Buzzfeed.

Some great images found and suggestions made – some a bit odd. But quite funny.

They say ‘you will never be able to watch the Olympics in the same way again.

See them all here.

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A new sport for the Olympics

August 9, 2012 Leave a comment


This film clip has had us in hysterics in the office.

How to play football whilst wearing binoculars.

Hilarious. Definitely a sport to liven up the Olympics.

.

Football.JPG

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Stunning photography exhibition at T5 London in laminate

August 5, 2012 Leave a comment


Formica T5 London ExhibitionT5 Exhibition London Queens JubileeIf when someone mentions Formica you think about the kitchen then think again. Formica® laminate is an amazingly versatile material and the Formica Bespoke service allows you to capture any image in laminate.

In a celebration of the city of London and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Formica Group has partnered with photographer Henry Reichhold in a T5 Expo exhibition at the check-in area of Heathrow Airport, London. The original creator of High Pressure Laminate (HPL), Formica Group is delighted to be part of this exciting event supporting artists of today and tomorrow.

The exhibition opened on 30th July 2012 and will be running for three months until October 2012. The exhibition features two large images (3 x 12.5 meters) scaled to match the extraordinary Royal events of the Jubilee weekend 2012: the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Carriage Procession. The images are captured in Formica® laminate using the Formica® Bespoke artwork service structured to facilitate virtually limitless, unique design.

Taken from the 54th floor of Europe’s tallest building, the newly built Shard that towers over London Bridge, the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant panorama was shot through glass on a rainy day. The skyscraper was shrouded in mist and clouds, resulting in a unique and dramatic backdrop of this historic event. The final image was created by combining over 200 pictures together in a giant jigsaw puzzle and then subjecting them to intense image manipulation to cut through the veil of weather.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Carriage Procession photo captures the incredible excitement and vibrant energy on the day. As the Royal coaches drive past the cheering crowd, the image of thousands of waving arms and flags creates a spectacular visual display.

Henry Reichhold specializes in digital imaging and works with a large variety of technology, ranging from mobile phones to high resolution cameras.

The results are stunning images capturing the spirit and atmosphere of each subject, be it cityscapes or enormous panoramic images such as the ones being exhibited at the T5 Expo. Continuously exploring new ways of showing his work, Reichhold chose Formica laminate to create this unique display.

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Olympics stamps designs are a winner

July 29, 2012 Leave a comment


Olympics Stamp DesignHat-trick Design has created a series of stamps to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics which feature iconic London landmarks alongside various sports. 

Great design.

They are on sale now.

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