workplace >> – Page 3 – DesignApplause

before design: classic co-mingles with space&interiors. milan design week 2016

Mar 10, 2016

2016 salone del mobile is set to host three major collateral events (before design: classic, space&interiors and stanze) dedicated to concepts of classic furnishings, architectural finishes and living — the first proposing an interesting dialogue in the context of the numerous contemporary products that debut annually. the ‘classic’ examines the notion of established value, timelessness and memorability and how it relates to creativity, art, design and cinema and how the old can influence the future.

before design: classic is an exhibition event, accompanied by a short film directed by matteo garrone (also the director of the well-known ‘gomorra’), brought together under the artistic leadership of studio ciarmoli queda. it tells the story of the ‘classic’ understood as a cross-cutting category of living that traverses various eras, while preserving its own constant actuality. the film is seen in a purpose-built theatre inspired by the teatro all’antica, a 16th century theatre built in sabbioneta, northern italy. the theatre merges classic language and modern styles to sum up the function of the classic furniture presented in this context.

the exhibition itself is a multi-disciplinary display within a dedicated 800 square meters space inspired by a classic palladian villa. curated by studio ciarmoli queda, a milan-based artistic duo operating in the fields of architecture, art and design. visitors are led through a series of rooms, discovering the different characters and themes of classic furniture, a music space, a light room, to one dedicated to the art of shadows. italian visual artists such as lisa rampilli and marco basta, who will respectively work with velvet and ceramics, created decorative elements inspired by the classic styles on display throughout the exhibition.

the city event linked directly to the salone del mobile.milano will be space&interiors, organized by tmade expo at the mall porta nuova – brera design district: a display of surfaces, flooring, doors and interior finishings curated migliore+servetto architects.

within the ambit of the xxi triennale international exhibition, the salone del mobile hosts stanze. altre filosofie dell’abitare – rooms. novel living concepts — an exhibition curated by beppe finessi, at the palazzo dell’arte in milan from april 2nd to september 12th, 2016.

over the last 50 years, there has been little reflection on the profession of interior architecture. there’s now an accurate perception that the creative discipline has remained a severely undervalued sphere of design over the years, even though it is a prime field of exploration, study and reflection regarding our understanding of how our environment impacts our everyday lives. ‘rooms. novel living concepts’ is geared at underlining a particular remit of interior architecture and providing a vision of home living projected towards the future. the exhibition invites 11 interior architects and designers — alessandro mendini, andrea anastasio, carlo ratti, duilio forte, elisabetta terragni, fabio novembre, francesco librizzi, lazzarini e pickering, manolo de giorgi, marta laudani and marco romanelli, and umberto riva — to envision domestic spaces that illustrate their own philosophies and concepts of living.

2016 german design award select winners.

Nov 23, 2015

above> german design award installation at ambiente 2015 | click on image to engage lightbox | 18 images

the 2016 winners of the german design award have been made public. the gda is this one of the best award programs around. a very wide breadth of product submissions for cars, motorcycles, med & industrial equipment, architecture, it seems like everything. they’re also one of the best at showcasing winners in a huge installation at ambiente, a heavy investment in print and well represented online. this represents a heavy monetary investment in design. the above slideshow is a glimpse at 2015 during ambiente 2015. the german design award is hosted by the german design council who celebrates its 60th year in 2015

below are a sampling of 2016 winners.

above> lichtgrenze

category> event / light installation for 25 years fall of the wall celebrations in berlin 2014
client> kulturprojekte berlin gmbh für die stadt berlin
design> whitevoid / christopher bauder

award> gold 2016
jury statement> michel casertano | dr. angelika nollert | prof. hartmut a. raiser

from the 7th to the 9th of november 2014, berlin remembered the 25th anniversary of the fall of the berlin wall and the reunification of the city. in line with the festivities, there was a fascinating light installation that marked the former path of the wall with illuminated balloons along a 15.3 km stretch. on the final evening of the installation 8,000 balloon caretakers released the balloons into berlin’s night sky, each carrying a personal message. a moving project with enormous symbolic and charismatic power that made an impact far beyond the borders of germany. the project was realised through private financing – not by the city, which meant that there was a comparatively small budget. this is an impressive demonstration of the fact that one can create something extraordinarily effective even with limited means.

above> tentsile tree tent: stingray.

category> sports, outdoor activities and leisure
producer> tentsile
design> tentsile / alex shirley-smith

award> gold 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp

the tentsile stingray is a new kind of tent that is hung between three trees, poles or branches and floats in the air, extending the radius of experience from two to three dimensions. the occupants (up to three people) are not only protected from the weather, but from wild animals and insects as well. the form changes according to the tent’s tension, making it seem almost like a living creature. this fascinating tree tent is an innovative outdoor tool that totally reinterprets the leisure tent system. at once functional and poetic.

above> aerfast 20th anni by storck.

category> transportation / racing bike
producer> storck bicycle
design> storck bicycle / mario kuban

award> gold 2016
jury statement > johannes barckmann | prof. andrea lipp | jürgen lewandowski

for its 20-year anniversary, the legendary bicycle manufacturer is releasing selected models as a limited edition set. the models have special anniversary paintwork and high-quality components. the set also includes a platinum handlebar and a seat with special supports. the frame is adorned tastefully with the master’s signature. a polo shirt with the brand name and a certificate signed by markus storck himself round off this exclusive set. the combination of technical perfection and dynamic styling reflects storck’s authentic passion for designing bikes: absolutely functional, absolutely carbonic! absolutely perfect.

above> timber structure sports center

category> architecture
client> kogakuin university
design> ft architects / hiroko tominaga

award> gold 2016
jury statement> mårten claesson | dr. michael peters | stefan von terzi

this pair of extraordinary buildings on the campus of the kogakuin university in tokyo houses a japanese archery facility and a boxing club. the two wooden structures made of native, local woods each cover a space of around 7.2 m x 10.8 m. this is about the size of a traditional japanese temple, and these spaces are similarly open and minimal, which has a positive effect on the athletes’ concentration. the special quality, however, is the support-free roof construction, which was planned and realised based on traditional japanese wooden structures. a fascinating statement that contributes to keeping this architectural style alive in the cultural memory. the way these buildings have transformed functionality into aesthetics can only be described as sensational.

above> bentley – exp 10 speed 6

category> transportation / concept car
producer> bentley motors
design> bentley motors

award> gold 2016
jury statement> johannes barckmann | prof. andrea lipp | jürgen lewandowski

the designers of the exp 10 speed 6 achieved a fantastic reinterpretation of the british legend and a self-aware statement of luxury and extravagance on the highest level. this is particularly apparent when looking at the interior. the door panels are not covered with leather matching the material used for steering wheel and seats like usual, but instead are covered with high-quality wood. the possibilities in high-quality processing and craftsmanship are demonstrated here. the exterior inspires with a progressive/elegant design vocabulary that transports the classic car into the future. muscular, athletically shaped surfaces that are inspired by aerodynamic shapes such as aircraft fuselages and aerofoils convey dynamism, power and speed. an extraordinarily beautiful automobile that perfectly combines aesthetics and precision – and is unmistakably a bentley. it couldn’t be done better!

above> takata maxi

category> baby and child care / children`s car seat
producer> takata
design> takata / reiner nett

award> gold 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp

in this excellently designed children’s car seat, children stay both safe and comfortable, even on long trips. this is ensured by the stabile casing and the exceedingly soft padding on the seat itself and the arm supports. the microfiber fabrics are toxin-free and can be cleaned easily. the seatbelt guide has an auto-lock feature, guaranteeing that the belt stays in position, while the airpad safety technology protects the head. parents may enjoy the practical one-handed operation for size adjustment and belt fastening. a well-designed product, considered down to the last detail and visually appealing.

above> karuun® | kc collection

category> material and surfaces / innovative material based on natural rattan
producer> out for space
design> out for space / peter kraft, julian reuter, moritz fuhrmann, miriam bröckel

award> gold 2016
jury statement> nicole huffer | ruwen kaminski | jun.-prof. dr.-ing. jens krzywinski

karuun® is a highly innovative material that provides transformative new dimensions for the design possibilities of rattan. the composition of natural rattan can be understood as a bundle of small tubes, which makes it absolutely unique. the company out for space uses this special quality to inject natural filler material into the material. the result – karuun® – offers increased rigidity, fantastic bending properties, weather-resistance and a wide range of coloration possibilities. the kc collection gives a foretaste of what is possible with karuun®. and it is already an extremely impressive collection. all in all, a promising material that is also very sustainable. exciting.

above> smartintego

category> building and elements / digital lock cylinder
producer> simonsvoss technologies
design> ergon3 design / peter trautwein

award> gold 2016
jury statement> ruwen kaminski | jun.-prof. dr.-ing. jens krzywinski

with this new product line, simonsvoss offers the perfect solution for integrated access control systems. smart intego can be immediately connected to existing complex access control systems — and the smart intego manager makes it easier than ever by auto-configuring the system components and saving a significant amount of time and effort in comparison to other systems. the digital lock cylinder offers various additional functions such as audit trail, time zone management, event management and door monitoring.

above> illa kogelhof by paul de ruiter architects

category> architecture / residential
client> private client
design> paul de ruiter architects / paul de ruiter

award> winner 2016
jury statement> mårten claesson | dr. michael peters | stefan von terzi

villa kogelhof is designed to be completely energy self-sufficient and is located on a swath of land declared a conservation area by the government. the minimalist building, designed with straight lines, rests on v-shaped pillars to take away as little as possible from the protected habitant for plants and animals. the interior of the house is no less minimalist due to surrounding glass panels that enhance the home’s sense of openness and connection to nature. a great design that perfectly plays up interior and exterior, while redefining the standard for natural living.

above> notabag

category> lifestyle and fashion / combination of a bag and a backpack
producer> notabag
design> notabag / adnan alicusic, ilaria gregianin

award> winner 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp

notabag is a cleverly-designed combination of carrier and rucksack that can be carried on your arm or back, as desired. a simple motion is all it takes to change the rucksack into a bag or vice-versa. an internal back serves to store your wallet and keys. that means that everything is easy to find without having to rummage around for it. notabag transforms and closes all on its own, meaning that it doesn’t need any additional buttons or closures. if the bag isn’t needed it can fold down to almost nothing. a practical, amazingly designed product for daily use.

above> form

category> furniture / chair and table collection
producer> normann copenhagen
design> normann copenhagen / simon legald

award> special 2016
jury statement> prof. oliver grabes | sebastian herkner

form is a modern cup chair made using plastic mould casting, which is available with and without armrests and also as a bar stool in two different heights. the back and seat are ergonomically shaped and promise comfort and relaxation. form is an example of a flexible design that in principle fits on all frames – even those yet to be developed in the future. the series has now been expanded with a dining table in two sizes – the perfect accompaniment to the chairs.

[ 2016 winners ]

arzu modern collection: patterned rugs from coalesse.

Aug 25, 2015

A growing trend in the commercial field right now is patterned flooring. From bold, bright patterns to subtle, watercolor-inspired designs, the new Modern Collection by Arzu Studio Hope from Coalesse features rugs from top designers, all exclusive to ARZU. Woven by skilled artisans who reinterpret the designers’ work, each rug in this collection is truly a work of art. With styles to suit various aesthetics and lasting contract durability, these hand-crafted, 100% wool rugs warm up office spaces and set the mood for sleek furnishings.

The Coalesse Design Studio carefully curated this selection that can be customized to blend and complement any space. The Modern Collection joins the successful Masters Collection, which launched in 2013, featured great world leaders in design and marked the beginning of the Coalesse/ARZU relationship.

ARZU Studio Hope preserves the centuries-old rug-making traditions of graphing, dyeing and hand-knotting, further supporting Coalesse’s ongoing commitment to craft and customization.

[layerslider id=”3″]

[ coalesse ]

7 cool architects for fritz hansen.

Aug 8, 2015

x
60 years ago Arne Jacobsen designed the Series 7.

The cooperation between Arne Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen dates back to 1934. But in 1952 the break-through came with the Ant. It was succeeded by the Series 7 in 1955. This propelled his and Fritz Hansen‘s names into furniture history.

Series 7, more specifically the Model 3107 Chair, was very unlike his other designs in that he did not design ‘7’ for one specific project – like he did with the Ant chair to the canteen of Novo Nordisk in Denmark or the Oxford chair to St Cathrine’s College in Oxford, United Kingdom. With this open-endedness pedigree Fritz Hansen conceives asking 7 cool architects to give their architectural and personal take on the Series 7. The architects are Bjarke Ingels Group, Carlos Ott & Carlos Ponce de León, Jean Nouvel Design, Jun Igarashi, Neri & Hu, Snøhetta and Zaha Hadid Architects.

above/below> Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) – Copenhagen and New York – inspiration and idea came from the production of the chair.

above/below> Carlos Ott Architects / Carlos Ponce de León Architects – Montevideo – inspiration and idea cames from seven-story Celebra designed by the architects and where the chair could reside, a restaurant in the building located in an open-roof basement which has a vertical garden wall.

above/below> Jean Nouvel Design – Paris – inspiration and idea reflects design elements seen in many solutions, i.e., how apparently opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world.

above/below> neri&hu – Shanghai – inspiration and idea comes from a 1930s Army headquarters building they repurposed into the boutique hotel The Waterhouse. The idea of a replica, a double, a variation, a re-edition hinges on the duality between the original and the re-design. Their take on this project is to embrace this exact idea of duality and create an actual “double”. A singular chair multiplied as the individual becomes a community.

above/below> Snøhetta – innsbruck | new york | oslo | san francisco inspiration and idea comes from an idea to make the chair more of a social tool. The wood is a representation of softness in contrast to metal. A legless construction is free and indeterminate. It is versatile and simple. And maybe it can be a symbol for social interaction and playfulness? If we add even more softness to it we might be able to create a new user experience – additional functionality.

video courtesy of fritz hansen

above/below> Zaha Hadid Architects – London – inspiration and idea comes from natural and fluid forms, expressive of innate structural forces, informed the design for this bespoke chair. Similar to how other projects designed by Zaha Hadid Architects address and mediate between an existing context and a new formulation of space, the provision for this chair was to create a harmonic transition from the existing shell and how it can effortlessly touch down on the ground.

This project is not the first time the Series 7 chair has been given a new look. In 2009, Fritz Hansen collaborated with designers Arik Levy, Autoban, Fabio Novembre, Jaime Hayon, Maarten Baas, Nendo and Sebastian Bergne to release the chair in seven new colors.

An exhibition will travel around the world from London to Tokyo featuring the designs by the 7 cool architects. First up is September’s London Design Festival 2015.

halcon takes portable tables to high-end with skill. neocon15.

Jun 25, 2015

Dropping into Halcon at Neocon15, my eyes had to adjust. I was looking for portable tables and the elegant conference tables in front of me were a surprise. The legs were the giveaway, there were wheels, but the legs and the veneer went beyond the typical portable table. Halcon tables are portable, movable, and durable in the marketplace and delivered with Skill.

German born industrial designer living in Switzerland, Andreas Krob, designed Skill. The line is minimal, distilled down to its essence and looks just as elegant stacked up and folded away. The tables are sturdy with a flush mount center that opens for necessary cords and cables. Krob takes every familiar description of portable tables and turns it on its head. From the sculptural metal legs to genuine wood veneers, Skill is too nice to store away.

The tabletops come in a high-end range of a laminates and wood veneer. According to Halcon president Ben Conway, Halcon is the only company putting wood veneer on this type of substrate, an innovative use of material. All substrates are FSC certified for every project. Halcon does their own veneer layups in-house. The company controls the wood veneer process and veneer source collection for FSC certification.

Skill won 2 silver awards at Neocon15 for ‘Conference room furniture’ and ‘Tables: training and work.’

[ halcon ]

ventura lambrate 1. milan design week 2015.

Apr 24, 2015

[ Ventura Projects ] can both described as a design district or integrated exhibition. Each Ventura Project involves selected exhibitions that also feature temporary initiatives, special projects and/or creative hospitality concepts. VL sixth edition’s focus is on content, creativity and experimentation with 176 exhibitors originating from 36 countries participating.

>Giopato & Coombes Editions is a new collection of LED lights in brass and hand-blown glass that all take advantage of Italian manufacturing excellence through a network of artisans to update traditional manufacturing through contemporary design.

>In Galvanotecnica Bugatti (via Ventura 3), a renovated building from the early 1900’s developing around a charming courtyard, SPAZIO900 proposes a visionary and kaleidoscopic loft concept designed by STUDIOVITTORIBORIN. The installation conceptualizes three different vintage environments, suspended between the walls, the floor and the ceiling, showcasing a wide selection of furniture and accessories, special and unique pieces and excellent anonymous design from the 50s to the 80s. It’s a trip through time and space to grab the charm of vintage décor.

>Visser & Meijwaard Multilateral is a temporary collective formed by Floor Nijdeken, Mark Sturkenboom and Visser & Meijwaard. With their presentation ‘Ensembles’ they create a surprising, interactive combination of objects that re-question and reinterpret, and let their work reconnect as well as their visitors.

>Visitors will experience how the wind can become a source of energy. Enessere Hercules is a wind generator that comes from the knowledge of the Italian artisans of the Vicenza area with a powerful engine and a unique design. Six have been sold already. >below

>A Belgian Village derives from a typical Belgian annex culture (they call it ‘Koterij’) to an exhibition concept: DIFT brought together a selection of more than 30 fine labels to build a village, from scratch, in a secret garden in Ventura. Plant-based restaurant included. >below

>yellow design presents the ‘Perfect Day Light’ installation, a composite experience of sound, light and space, an experimental analogy of the new LUCTRA® series of biologically effective light developed by yellow design and DURABLE®. >above

about maria vittoria capitanucchi

in the tube with de dominique perrault et gaëlle lauriot-prévost. milan 2015.

Apr 16, 2015

in the tube > from the architectural to the domestic. The architect Dominique Perrault and the designer Gaëlle Lauriot‑Prévost designed this collection with the objective of it being utterly original, almost indescribable, nearly unbreakable, timeless and completely durable.

The in the tube > collection comprises strong forms, designs that are both free and constrained, developed in several lengths, diameters and colors. Made in borosilicate glass and closed with aluminum stoppers sealed in silicon, the mountings are in stainless-steel which allow it to be used as a suspension as well as wall or ceiling-mount. « IN THE TUBE » diffuses a soft, filtered light that can be orientated by the movable mesh filter or by a reflector whose color determines the light given: stainless steel for a silver light, anodized aluminum for copper or gold.

The in the tube > collection of high-performance tubes (IP64) could be just as easily at home in a James Bond spy kit as it could in a Jules Verne rocket.

about maria vittoria capitanucchi

be original americas awarded fast company’s 10 most innovative companies in design.

Feb 12, 2015

Fast Company today announced its annual ranking of the world’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Design for 2015, honoring leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in business and design. Be Original Americas was named on the list along with Charter Member Herman Miller and 30 Weeks, Ammunition Group, Code and Theory, Gumroad, Ikea, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Beyers, Michael Graves Architecture & Design and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This honor was passed along to the more than 60 media sponsors, VIPs and Be Original Americas’ members attending the first Annual Members Meeting, held at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum on February 5th 2015.

Most Innovative Companies is one of Fast Company’s most significant and highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. The magazine’s editors spend months gathering and analyzing data on companies around the globe.

antoine roset

In response to the recognition, Antoine Roset, President, Be Original Americas (and Executive Vice President, Roset USA Corporation) noted, “Being part of Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Design is great recognition for Be Original Americas. Innovation is what drives our industry, and Be Original Americas is there to share all of the values that make an original product a better product; even a safer product. This acknowledgement represents one more step against copies and knockoffs, as we continue and intensify our mission of informing, educating and influencing individuals and organizations on why supporting authentic design is critical for our economy, our environment and our ethics as a society. If we don’t value and protect authentic design, what is design’s future?”

above> caroline baumann below> jerry helling

Caroline Baumann, Director of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, introduced outgoing Be Original Americas President Jerry Helling (and President and Creative Director, Bernhardt Design) who, along with other Charter Members, addressed the significant progress of the movement and the organization’s plans for the future. The meeting announced the election of new Officers and Board Members, upcoming events, and the creation of related CEU courses for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC), set to be completed by May.

[ Be Original Americas ] is committed to initiating discussion on the importance and value of preserving original design across the Americas, through informational, educational and influential marketing initiatives and other efforts to promote this critical issue.

Be Original charter members – including Alessi, Artek, Bernhardt Design, Emeco, Flos, Fritz Hansen, Herman Miller®, Ligne Roset, Poltrona Frau Group and Vitra – believe that the value of authenticity cannot be underestimated or taken for granted in the marketplace. Through an aggressive program of lectures, workshops and round-tables, the movement campaigns to establish a set of industry standards that encourages public and professionals, along with our media partners, to fully support creativity and authenticity, to invest in the future of design, to incentivize innovation, and to give back to the industry and the people it serves.

FC’s Most Innovative Companies March 2015 issue is now available [ online ] as well as in app form via iTunes, and on newsstands beginning 17 February. Photography by Federica Carlet.

above> knockoffi of fritz hansen’s series 7 chair designed by arne jacobsen seen in tokyo tower. [ see original ] [ see more not original ]

wired store marks their 10th anniversary. designer gifts 2014.

Dec 17, 2014

this holiday season, wired marks the 10th anniversary of the wired store, which has become a go-to destination for consumers who are eager to check out a curated selection of the latest and most coveted products. in addition to its flagship location in new york city, wired is unveiling a new e-shop at los angeles international airport (lax) to commemorate the milestone.

looking through the curated offerings of the store, designapplause is reminded of many of the same objects we cherish. here are several.

dyson 360 eye™ robot – the future of robot navigation technology. just like you, dyson 360 eye™ robot constantly observes and interprets its surroundings. but unlike you, it sees all around the room at once.

icedot – is an emergency notification and identification service. they recently collaborated with poc and their octal avid helmet.

ballo – by don chadwick for humanscale, a multipurpose stool that encourages users to engage in short-term, active sitting. the identical air-filled domes serve as the base and seat and pressure can be varied just like a swiss exercise ball.

loop by libratone – slim, stylish and wall-mountable / airplay and dlna support for wireless streaming / this circular beauty delivers attractive fullroom audio on a variety of levels.

mami – an iconic “maternal code” in all its softness and roundness, by stephano giovannoni for alessi.

but, back to the wired store!
event> wire store
venue> 459 w. 14th st. (between 9th and 10th avenues) new york // los angeles international (lax)
date> 11 – 21 december 2014

design contest winner: fleurt chair by andrew jones.

Oct 26, 2014

Despite its name, the Battery Conservancy is not an organization about electrical devices, but a public policy and park administrator in Manhattan. The Battery is the extreme southern point of Manhattan, long defended by a battery of cannons and now site of parks.

That is why there is a battery chair, chosen after a publicly judged design competition. Its winner—top among five finalists—is the Fleurt chair by Andrew Jones, a Canadian designer. The chair takes its form from a flower, drilled with multiple lacey like holes to dry quickly after rain and painted several tones of blue: a merger of practical function and poetic form. Jones wins a $10,000 prize and the chance to see some 300 copies of the chair scattered across the open space not far from the Staten Island Ferry dock. [ andrew jones design ]

about phil patton