concept – Page 23 – DesignApplause

Sleep box.

Oct 2, 2010

sleep tight!

Here’s the situation: You’re in an airport or a train station and you have an hour or two to kill between connections. Or perhaps you’re one of those unfortunate travelers who gets stuck overnight. I’ve been there, and I know sleeping in an airport terminal ranks high on the list of worst ways to spend an evening. The design team (is too soon to call them geniuses?) at Arch Group has come up with personal, private, individual spaces to give the weary soul in transit a bit of much needed rest and relaxation.

Sleep Box can be paid for by the minute or by the hour. Once inside, the din of the airport is shut out, leaving you in a serene bubble of tranquility. Each Sleep Box comes equipped with customizable lighting, air conditioning, vending services, wifi, a TV and a bed complete with automatically changing linens (proper sets are available for a fee). Sleep tight!

designer: arch group

about perrin drumm

Camping for one.

Oct 1, 2010

the traveling vehicle is always with you like some kind of a base camp.

The Piaggio APE 50 was originally designed as a 3-wheel delivery vehicle, but ever since German designer Cornelius Comanns got his hands on one its become the latest in spontaneous and efficient travel. While it still operates like the original APE 50, Comann’s Buffalino comes equipped with all the comforts of home: a bed, a cooking area, a refrigerator, wash basin, seating for 2 and lots of storage considering the space. You can actually fit a decent wardrobe in all those pull-out drawers, and there’s even room for hangers.

“My aim,” Comanns says, “was to give people a better understanding of the country, the surroundings and the range they have traveled. The traveling vehicle is always with you like some kind of a base camp, while also being used for moving in an easygoing and spontaneous way.” Who says a vacation needs to be planned well in advance? For those who like to get up and go (especially if you prefer to avoid being the only non-college student at youth hostels), take the Buffalino for a spin.

Designer: cornelius comanns
Producer: piaggio

about perrin drumm

Breed retreat.

Oct 1, 2010

this concept is worth a peep.

Frederik Roijé wished to create an environment that encourages a retreat back to nature via an architectural statement and chickens. Whether you live in the country, but especially if you’re in an urban environment and are allowed birds to breed, to lay fresh eggs, this concept is worth a peep.

“To eliminate the estrangement from our origin respecting nature will be necessary. Designing a special place will give nature its space. Even in urban society.”

“People have gotten estranged from the villages and from living in nature. All in all, it seems as if the human of 21st century has somewhat lost his roots, his origins and his respect for nature. Hopefully, through this “egg-cellent” design the hens will create an emotional wake-up call like the ones hens and roosters are intended to do. We could only wish that this wake-up call will make humans reconsider the space and the place which nature deserves in our lives.”

Frederik Roijé graduated in 2001 from the renowned Design Academy in Eindhoven, where his preference for interior products surfaced. During his studies Roijé did internships at prestigious design studios such as Piero Lissoni and Marcel Wanders. In 2003 he started his own design studio in Amsterdam. His studio specializes in interior and product design, with a strong focus on concept and renewal. Worldwide attention has been given to his designs. Droog Design included designs of Frederik Roijé in their collection. Frederik Roijé’s work can be seen in several museums and important design events in Milan, Prague, Sweden, Tokyo, London, New York and Amsterdam.

Breed Retreat was exhibited at Milan 2010. Photos courtesy of the designer. Breed Retreat is made of wood finished with a durable grey coating and measures 260 x 260 x 180 (l x b x h) cm.

Designer: frederik roijé

thanks yatzer

about randy shear

The portrait building.

Sep 30, 2010

high in concept and history.

A high-rise apartment building bearing the image of an indigenous leader is set to become one of Melbourne’s most dramatic landmarks.

The proposed Portrait building, earmarked for the old Carlton brewery site, features a 32-story portrait of Wurundjeri tribal leader and artist William Barak. The contouring of the building’s balconies and the play of light and shade will feature his face when viewed from the correct angle.

A clever concept, while other buildings have featured screen prints of landscapes, think Bjarke Ingles Mountain Dwellings, and others have featured contoured balconies like the Aqua building this building will be the first to combine the two if completed in 2014.

The best line of sight for viewing the image will be from the Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria’s largest and most visited war memorial which is approximately 3 km away. When viewed from close up the building will simply appear to have an oddly contoured facade. The portrait will be created using a number of horizontal white panels that have been cut to make Mr Barak’s face to appear via positive and negative space. The panels will be distanced from the balconies themselves so that residents will not accidentally alter the imagery.

The building design is by Australian architecture firm ARM. The brewery project is a five building development by Australian firm Grocon who is firmly behind paying tribute to an important figure in Australian history and have received the blessing of both the Wurundjeri elders and the trustees of the Shrine of Remembrance.

The ARM architecture firm has attempted buildings with portraits on their facades in the past, the Dupain Building and 347 Camberwell Road however, neither of these projects were completed. Maybe the proper stars are in alignment this time.

about randy shear

The true meaning of zen. Hint: it’s not a habit.

Sep 30, 2010

zen is not a minimalist aesthetic or simplicity. true zen is far beyond concepts.

The following written by Sandra Day…

Every time I turn around these days there’s a new blog with “Zen” in its title.

“Zen” is being linked to everything from copywriting, web design, and business strategy to personal development, food, and far more.

Some bloggers are genuinely trying to express what they believe to be the spirit of Zen via their work and their blog. Others are simply riding the popularity wave from Zen Habits.

Yes, it’s all Leo Babauta’s fault. Just teasing, Leo! Don’t worry, I’m not going to yell at you about having the word “Zen” in your blog title. Even if I did, you would just tell me to “…breath. And then let it go.”

Besides, some credit should go to the icons who introduced Zen into mainstream consciousness starting in the ’50′s: Jack Kerouac with the book The Dharma Bums, the philosopher and writer Alan Watts, the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, and Robert M Pirsig known for Zen and the Art of Motorcycle.

But just to set the record straight, Zen is not…
• a habit
• simplicity
• a state of peace
• a state of mind
• a minimalist aesthetic
• living simply
• a destination
• nor is it just being in the moment
These are merely popular concepts about Zen. In reality, true Zen is far beyond concepts.

What is the true meaning of Zen?

Zen is a remarkable wisdom tradition.

It is a path to fully awaken to your original nature, which is present right here, right now. It is the essence of wisdom and compassion embodied in spiritual masters like Shunryu Suzuki-roishi and Thich Nhat Hahn. It is a living lineage of tradition passed on since the time of the Buddha.

“Zen” is actually shorthand for Zen Buddhism. According to the Random House Dictionary 2010, Zen is “…a Mahayana movement, introduced into China in the 6th century and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means.”

Zen is practiced mainly in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam although there are many Zen centers in the United States as well.

The word Zen is derived from the Chinese word “chán” and the sanskrit word “dhyana,” which mean “meditation.” In sanskrit, the root meaning is “to see, to observe, to look.”

Zen is a noun. Zenic is an adjective.

It’s not uncommon to misunderstand Zen even when you study and practice it. That’s why it helps to have a teacher. The great Shunryu Suzuki-roishi once said:

“And this misunderstanding—the misunderstanding you have about Zen, I think—when we say: Zen, oh, Zen is wonderful [laughs]. Whatever you do, that is Zen [laughing]. Even though you are doing something wrong, that is Zen. Whatever you do is Zen. That is why I like Zen. [Laughs, laughter.] This kind of misunderstanding I think you will have about Zen. But what we actually mean is quite opposite.”

There is nothing imprecise about Zen. At the same time, it’s almost impossible to put your finger on true Zen.

“Zen mind is one of those enigmatic phrases used by Zen teachers to make you notice yourself, to go beyond the words and wonder what your own mind and being are. This is the purpose of all Zen teaching—to make you wonder and to answer that wondering with the deepest expression of your own nature.” – from the introduction to Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki-roishi.

Zen mind cannot be understood from the perspective of our ordinary, dualistic mind.

“We say “big mind,” or “small mind,” or “Buddha mind,” or “Zen mind,” and these words mean something, you know, but something we cannot and should not try to understand in terms of experience. We talk about enlightenment experience, but it is not some experience we will have in terms of good or bad, time or space, past or future. It is experience or consciousness beyond those distinctions or feelings. …Enlightenment cannot be asked for in your ordinary way of thinking. When you are not involved in this way of thinking, you have some chance of understanding what Zen experience is.” – from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki-roishi.

Zen practice may calm our mind, bring more clarity, and infuse us with greater kindness. But the ultimate goal of Zen isn’t seeking or clinging to peace. Calming the mind is just one part of the story. The purpose of Zen isn’t to put an end to the activity of mind. That would be impossible anyway. As Shunryu Suzuki-roishi explains when he speaks about zazen (sitting meditation),

“When you are practicing zazen, do not try to stop your thinking. Let it stop by itself. If something comes into your mind, let it come in, and let it go out. It will not stay long. When you try to stop your thinking, it means you are bothered by it. Do not be bothered by anything. It appears as if something comes from outside your mind, but actually it is only the waves of your mind, and if you are not bothered by the waves, gradually they will become calmer and calmer.”

“Even though waves arise, the essence of your mind is pure; it is just like clear water with a few waves. Actually water always has waves. Waves are the practice of the water.. To speak of waves apart from water or water apart from waves is a delusion. Water and waves are one.” – from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki-roishi.

If you would like a taste of true Zen, a good place to start would be with Suzuki Roishi’s spiritual classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.

The allure of the word “Zen”

There’s no turning back from the fact that Zen has acquired a “colloquial” meaning in modern life. Maybe it’s the zip and zing of the actual word “Zen” that is part of its allure. And, it conveniently rhymes with a whole range of other words making for ever so zingy blog titles. Chances are there will be many more blogs with “Zen” in their title and many other enterprises too.

Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not getting on anyone’s case. I have great respect for bloggers like Leo Babauta who are helping others live saner, healthier, and happier lives. They readily admit to having little if any knowledge of Zen, but simply like its spirit. I also appreciate blogger Mary Jaksch, an authorized Zen teacher, who explores the interface between spirituality and personal growth.

This is just a gentle reminder, amidst the frenetic activity of the blogosphere, let us not forget the profound and true meaning of Zen.

full article > always well within

Resources:
keeping it minimal…simple
• Minima
• Becoming Minimalist
• Minimal Mac
• Why the Minimalist Lifestyle Appeals to Me
the number one habit of highly creative people
zenhabits

First ever human powered flight.

Sep 24, 2010

world’s first ornithopter flight. the plane visualized by leonardo da vinci in 1485.

a human-powered “wing-flapping” plane, the inspiration for modern day helicopters.

todd reichert, an engineering student at the university of toronto, made history by sustaining flight in his ornithopter — named snowbird — for 19.3 seconds and covering 475.72 feet. snowbird is made from carbon fiber, balsa wood, and foam. the 92.59 pound vehicle maintained an average speed of 15.91 miles per hour.

the flight occurred on august 2, 2010, at the great lakes gliding club in tottenham, ontario. the feat was kept quiet for nearly two months to get the data finalized.

there were 65 practice flights, but there’s a chance the aircraft will probably never be flown again.

todd endured a year-long exercise program in which he lost 18 lbs. to prep for the flight. the plane has a wingspan of 104 feet — which is comparable to that of a Boeing 737 — Todd had to pedal with his legs all while pulling on the wings to flap at the same time. and he had to do it fast enough to fly!

the flight, witnessed by the federation aeronautique internationale, is the first officially confirmed flight in an ornithopter.

“thousands of people have tried to do this for hundreds of years. to be honest, i don’t think it’s really set in yet that i’m the one who has been successful. i was pushing with everything i had. when i finally let go and landed, i was hit with a breadth of excitement. it was pretty wild.”

todd and some 30 other students had been working on the plane for four years.

( photo via todd reichert)

Bike sharing on smartphone.

Aug 25, 2010

cyclists use their smartphones to locate, check out, and lock bikes.

Shareable reports on ryan rzepecki’s social bicycles system (SoBi):

Instead of relying on kiosks and docking stations to connect users to bikes, cyclists use their smartphones to locate, check out, and lock bikes–everything is portable, wireless, decentralized, and self-contained. The tech is stored in a small “lock box” attached to the rear wheel, which connects the bike to a central server. Users create an account with SoBi, find a bike through a call or smartphone app, and receive a code which they can use to unlock the bicycle from an ordinary rack. They can just enter their account info directly into the lock box; they use the same pin code every time, “just like with a bank card.”

20 bikes to be tested in nyc in 9/2010.

Realtime face tracking on smartphone.

Aug 23, 2010

smartphones just got a whole lot smarter with face verification.

Using an Nokia N900, a University of Manchester (UK) research team has developed a prototype that quickly locks and tracks 22 facial features in real-time (even when upside down) using the Nokia’s front-facing camera. The Active Appearance modeling technique was developed for a EU-funded Mobile Biometrics (MoBio) project as a means of using face verification to authenticate smartphone access to social media sites.

There’s no word yet on when we come face-to-face with this technology.

The nutcracker gets a makeover.

Aug 20, 2010

the last person I saw use a nutcracker was clark griswald in national lampoon’s christmas vacation.
That was 21 years ago. You know why? The nutcracker, as we know it, is hard to use. It requires you to strain your wrists, hurt your hands, and for what? A lousy nut? Bottom line: it’s a failed design. That’s why they sell shelled nuts at the supermarket. But for the nut enthusiast, there’s hope.

Designer Tan Jun Yuan’s nutcracker prototype applies the principle of gravity. You drop a weight down a tube that crushes the nut at the bottom. It has one thing in common with all good design: it’s so deceptively simple you wonder why no one ever thought of it before. Now you can have your nut and eat it too. (We’ll keep you posted when it’s available to consumers.)

designer: tan jun yuan

about perrin drumm

Biodegradable pen.

Aug 19, 2010

the time has come to start thinking about pens like plastic bottles.

Buy one and refill it; Don’t keep chucking out the disposable variety. The plastic your pen is made of is just as harmful for the environment as the plastic bottles we’ve been weened off of in recent years.

Of course, not all pens are refillable. The solution is the DBA 98 Pen. It’s produced at a wind-powered facility, uses potato-based packaging, non-toxic ink and compostable plastic. All that adds up to a 98% biodegradable pen. Pick up a 3-pack for $9.

about perrin drumm