Fascinating minimalism: the Velos lounge chair.
The extremely graceful and inviting chair has been especially designed for places where informal encounters happen.
Places where a light and loose atmosphere can be created that also projects quality. The smooth lines of the foot section and the distinctive seat frame are fascinating due to their subtle, organic minimalism – plus a high degree of seated comfort that is provided by an innovative, seamless and structured cover using shaped knitting technology. The range is completed by a footstool and a matching three-legged side table.
Available from mid-2009 Introduced at Orgatec 2008
Design: Eric Degenhardt
Producer: Wikhahn
Shimano, a company that’s been at the forefront of the cycling-component industry for decades, has got a new product. It’s an electronic shifting system that forgoes mechanical cable for electronic impulses and servomotors. (more…)
It is cool to be green these days, and David Keith and his team think the Carbon Dioxide Scrubber could be the next big thing. This device is supposed to capturing CO2 straight from the air and purify it, making our air much cleaner.
Also known as the eCO2, this personal scrubber unit aims to help an individual reduce or even erase his/her personal carbon footprint throughout the day. How does it do this? Fashioned after a futuristic looking wristwatch, it relies on kinetic energy to power it, pulling in air via intake vents to collect CO2 and expelling clean air through its exhaust vents. We wonder whether wearing five of these on each arm will help us offset more than our fair share of carbon footprint. As an added bonus, the eCO2 also doubles up as a timepiece, and we think it has plenty of potential when used with a Wii while you’re busy trying to knock your opponent out in Wii Boxing.
Designer: james kershaw & Chad Garn
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT? — comment below.
Speed freak racer controller. The ECCI TrackStar 6000 is simply the best PC steering wheel and pedal set available in the world. If you can afford it, you’ll never regret buying one.
We’re talking a two-tone leather steering wheel, fluid damped steering which emulate the feel of tyres on pavement, fine tuned customizable steering resistance, high precision USB electronics and a shock absorbing desk clamp. Matching pedals also available. That’s enough for us, we’re sold. Now where’s that copy of Colin McRae’s rally from 1992?
Unlike most wheels that are circular in grip section, the 6000 Talladega wheel is deeper than it is wide in frontal profile. This creates a more natural grip shape for the hand. The grip contour at the nine and three o’clock positions is ideally suited to actuate the close fitting shift paddles behind. Lock-to-lock road course racing is a snap, but it is large enough in diameter to offer the incremental control critical to oval
track racing.
An all-new breakthrough design, the 6000 features true automotive ergonomics with a top-pivoting hang down pedal mounting. This is mated with a heel rest offering a stable platform for pedal operation.
Unique to the new 6000, all critical pedal geometric relationships are fully adjustable to uniquely suit each user. These include: pedal angle from vertical; heel rest angle and distance from pedals; pedal height from heel rest; pedal to pedal lateral spacing; and individual pedal resistance rate.
Priced at USD$989 with the tricked-up 6000GT and clutch-pedal packing 6000GTS models at $1198 and $1398 respectively.
Producer: ECCI
Value item: Stocking stuffer under $25.
For the pencil sharpener crowd a set of 12 multi-stripe pencils with rubber tops in a matching presentation box.
100% wood, 100% graphite, 100% rigid cardboard box. $12.00US
Designer: Paul Smith (UK)
Refinery29 uncovered some exceptional footwear styles for guys that use fabric and water-proof treatments in a modern, fashionable way. ( above, from left ) Acne for Tretorn Stroll High Sneakers (rubber galosh sole, water-resistant upper), $240;
( above, from left )Gram 383g Softshell Sneakers (rubber sole, waterproof upper, micro fleece lining), $130.
To see all 10, go to Refinery29.
via cool hunting
MINI announced that they’ll be giving up to 500 test drivers the opportunity to test drive the new no-carbon footprint electric MINI E before it’s released.
The diminutive 3-door MINI E is powered by a 100% electric motor (hybrids are for wusses), and still manages to go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in about 8.5 seconds. While a top speed of 95 mph (152 km/h) isn’t going to break any world records, it’s plenty for anyone who doesn’t spend much time on the autobahn or the race track.
The car gets its juice from over 5,000 individual power cells, joined together to form a single composite battery. At peak, the motor can crank out 204-horsepower and 162 ft/lb of torque – not too shabby for an electric car.
With a cruising range of 150 miles (approx. 240 km), the MINI E should be fine for heading back and forth to the office, grocery, or any other short haul local destination.
If you live in Southern California, New York City or New Jersey, you could be selected to be one of the lucky early test drivers. For your chance to test out the new MINI E, head on over to MINI Space and fill out the form for more information on applying.
Mini specs
Producer: Mini
Industrial. Creative. A sculpture? Quite fresh and unpredictable. An emergency laundry drier. Maybe a wall-hook for designer oven mitts? The Ciussai Radiator from Adhoc.
Designer: Stefano Ragaini and Giorgio Di Tullio
Producer: Adhoc
You may also like this contemporary radiator from Deltacalor …
via trendr
Whether or not you must throw your trash on the street, what about pink and white polka dot designer trash bags? Or Anycoloryoulike?
Each bag is biodegradable and treated with repellent for even rodents of unusual size. Though this is a New York City art intervention initiative, you can splashy trash in your town too.
via momeld
For many of our readers, winter is just around the corner. And that may mean it’s time to trade the A/C unit for a humidifier. Here is a cute one.
Designed by Takashi Hiroshi Tsuboi, the tear-drop shaped humidifier is ultrasonic and can produce moisture for up to ten consecutive hours. If you speak Japanese or knows someone who does you are in luck as they aren’t yet available in the U.S. But it would make a great gift for someone you really care about, and you too!
Designer: Takashi Hiroshi Tsuboi
Producer: Middle Colors
via cool hunting