Drowning in Debt Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

The set features an office worker with his work briefcase inside the shaker itself, commenting on the direness of the current global economic climate and how badly it affects the lives of the workers working at the grassroots levels in multinational companies. As the salt and pepper is consumed, the workers emerge from the salt or pepper that symbolize debt or unemployment only to be flooded by it once again when the shakers are refilled.

Drowning in Debt Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

In a way, the Drowning in Debt Salt and Pepper Shaker set makes a dark comment about the nature of debt and the struggle of the average officegoer in our times who tries to break free from the vicious cycle of economic meltdown and debt only to be engulfed by it once again.

Via: MHLMagazine/MocoLoco

Airborne Collection by Stéphanie Van Zwam

The Windsock Brooch comprises of a black finish, plastic and stainless steel elements while the White Feather Orb Necklace comes in a white finish with a silk threat, white feathers, a plastic sphere and brass. The Static Orb Brooches are offered in both black and white finishes and are made in polystyrene beads, black and white feathers, plastic sphere and a brass.

The Air Cushion Headpiece comprises of a air inflated plastic elements with a white finish, brass and carbon fiber elements while the Bubble Wand Neckpiece features Bubble Solution and a white finish with brass and carbon fiber elements. The plastic and air are the only elements used in making the Air Pocket Scarf while the Whirlwind Statement Piece includes a black card.

Via: Dezeen

Sun-Screen Systems

The sun-screen systems at Al-Bahar buildings have striking similarity to oversized screens comprising origami triangles. The sun-screens are positioned at a distance of two meters from the buildings' periphery on a frame that is similar to a "mashrabiya," the Arab equivalent of shade-producing nets that are a common place in Middle Eastern architecture. The mashrabiya like frame and the triangles cover the majority of the building's outer facade barring the apex of the towers. The umbrella-shaped triangles have fiber glass coating upon them and are digitally programmed to open and close depending on the sun's glare, to help shade the building's interior from getting heated. As the sun moves further downwards along its daily trajectory and the intensity of its heat diminishes, the triangles shift away from its path and the devices are shut automatically as dusk approaches.

As a result of the effective functioning of its giant screens, the Abu-Dhabi Investment Council owned Al-Bahar Towers, are expected to drastically lessen their dependence on air conditioners in comparison to their counterparts. Another novel innovation brought about these sun-screen systems includes the discarding of heavily tinted windows and artificial interior lighting and replacing them with inlets for receiving higher levels of natural light inside. Photovoltaic cells, positioned on the south-facing roofs of either tower, continue to generate roughly five percent of the buildings' total energy requirements. The project which is slated to be completed in the next few months has quite recently won the prestigious award conferred by the Council on tall Buildings and Urban Habitats rewarding sustainability in architectural entrepreneurship across the globe.

Reference Link: http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/computer-controlled-sun-screens-abu-dhabi-towers-cool/

‘Wooden Foliage’ by Jwalant Mahadebwala and Rooshad Shroff

The designers had just 72 hours within which they had to design and manufacture the piece of sculptural art. The Wooden Foliage project is composed of over 7,000 wooden discs and a100 cylindrical wooden elements that are held together by 26,000 staples. The structure of the project resembles a canopy as well as dried out foliage which makes it an ideal companion to shady trees as well as nature-themed interior décor. The ‘Wooden Foliage’ also serves as an interactive light sculpture that plays with light and creates a playful show of shadows on the ground that changes as the angle of the sunlight changes through the day. Suspended between two trees, the Wooden Foliage also serves as a shading device.

Via: Designboom

Origami-inspired Viva Docking Speaker

The Viva Docking Speaker uses the reverberation of sound within the empty cube to create a deep base and produce a surround sound effect which makes the docked smartphone, android-based phone or the iPhone sound seamlessly loud yet high fidelity. However, what can be a bit of a turn off for a few users is the fact that the Viva Docking Speaker is fashioned out of an aluminum mesh with a chrome finish which as we know tends to corrupt the purity of sound as compared to wood- or paper-pulp based speakers. On the plus side, the Viva Docking Speaker is extremely portable and can even be carried around in one's pocket after being folded flat which makes it a great iPhone or Android phone accessory for music lovers on the go.

Via: Yanko Design

Tangible Textural Interface

Touch screens have won many hearts and happen to attract people because of its easy usage. But besides all the advantages, these touch screens have a hard surface and lack the desired softness. Keeping this in mind, the designer has developed the Tangible Textural Interface or TTI, which feels like a fabric when touched. The all new sound system boasts of an interactive, tactile surface that will change the whole experience of listening to music.

Tangible Textural Interface, as is suggestive from the name, has a textile interface that solves three main purposes. It works as an equalizer, controls volume and has backward and forward controls. The hands of a user will sink inside the fabric when interacting with the device when changing the volume or track, which is quite striking. The design comprises of sensors as well as memory shape alloys, which allows such an interaction.

Tangible Textural Interface is nothing like any other regular sound system we get to see in the market. The product is quite playful and its reshaping properties are bound to leave people wheezing. So, next time when you feel like changing the volume or track all you have to do is push your finger in the fabric and see magic unfurl.

Via: Fastcodesign

Tentsile Portable Tree House

Shaped like a three-legged starfish, the inverted pyramid shape of the Tentsile portable tree house can be hung from its self-supportive base or even anchored from trees depending on the user's location. The tent/hammock thus stays suspended in mid air with no contact from the ground other than the anchoring base. This allows it to be used over wet ground, beach or snow.

Tentsile Portable Tree house is offered in 2-person, 5-person and 8-person models which make it the ideal way to travel in a group and provides the same comfort of cohabitation as a tent with the same level of functionality as a tree house or a hammock. According to its designers, the Tentsile would be ideal for use by the military, campers, wildlife documentarians and photographers, extreme sportsmen, biological researchers and scientific teams. Weighing between 11-18 lbs, the two-person Tentsile model retails for $3,000 and the 8-person models costs just over $12,000.

Via: Inhabitat/Tree Hugger

Stack Chairs

Stack Table

Stack Stool

His titled Stack furniture collection was unveiled at the Sofia Design Week from 1-8 June. This range is remarkable for it can be fitted together as you would assemble a puzzle box. The numerous parts of these furniture pieces have been specifically crafted to be shaped as one. The parts are united by puzzle joints, which can be slipped into slots without the use of glue or other fixings. Rather than concerning yourself with screws or wooden pegs, these slots erase the problems associated with putting together furniture.

The furniture pieces look complex, but it is assured that their setting up in your living room or patio is very simple. You buy it in a flat pack and place the finished product wherever you like in a matter of seconds. Some say it is also a fun exercise for those who like puzzles.

The collection features and assortment of furniture: A round table, chair, bar stool and armchair in attractive colors, and is capable of carrying weight of more than 200 kg. Its appearance is natural and slightly elaborate which exudes an old-fashioned charm.

Each piece is made from18 mm thick beech plywood, cut into the desired shape with a computerized router.

Achkov, a Sofia University graduate, intends to launch his own business called Tenon, giving a personal brand name to sell his work. Customer response is positive, with much appreciation directed at the ingenuity of the designer.

Via: Dezeen

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Touch Skin Watch

The Touch Skin Watch normally stays in a stealth mode which saves battery power. The watch's interface can be switched from stealth/idle mode to night/normal mode for three seconds when the user presses the screen with his finger. When the screen is pressed with two fingers, the watch switches into Date mode for a period of three seconds. When the user touches the screen with three fingers, the Touch Skin Watch allows the user to choose between different skins installed in the watch. The watch's gift box also acts like a wireless charger and begins charging the watch via and the magnetic lock in the wristband as soon as the user places the watch in the box.

Weighing approximately 80 grams, the Touch Skin Watch also features a 16GB micro SD RAM which is upgradable. The watch runs on a multi-core processor which can be either an ARM or an Nvidia Tegra Type II/III. The watch's face is covered in ø 46mm thick Gorilla glass which secures a 16 million color OLED multitouch screen. The watch is encased within an anodized aluminum casing that is matched to a natural FSC-certified rubber strap. The designer has not revealed any intention of putting the watch into production just yet though it came in third in the 2012 Samsung Design That Performs competition.

Via: N Astrup

Big Jambox by Yves Behar

Big Jambox in Red Dot finish

For making calls via FaceTime or Skype, the Big Jambox also comes with an included microphone. Weighing 1.23 kilograms, the Big Jambox measures 25.6 cm wide x 8 cm tall x 9.3 cm deep which makes it slightly bigger than the original. Developed with the aim of allowing technology to be integrated within everyday life seamlessly, the Jawbone original design features a refined simplicity that oozes via its clear geometric forms.

Big Jambox in Graphite Hex finish

The visually and tactilely stunning Big Jambox also provides an optimum level of functionality via its relief features. The subtle relief is defined via the way the light catches the dot, hex and textures and provides a visual playfulness while minimizing material thickness.

Big Jambox in White Wave finish

The robustness and structural integrity of the Big Jambox is maximized by this series of patented textures and perforated metal wraps. The Big Jambox is offered in three textures and colors including Red Dot, White Wave and Graphite Hex and starts retailing at £260 later this year.

Via: Dezeen

3D printed shoes by Janina Alleyne

Using 3D modeler Inner Leaf, three very unusual sets of shoes were printed out by the designer in separate pieces which were later joined and finished by hand. With a set of sinister teeth-like finish at the end, texturing that makes the shoes look like bones and very pointy edges, the shoes look like a cross between an ivory antique and an alien artifact.

3D printed shoes- The Exoskeleton

The strappy shoes are offered in platform wedge heels and a scarily delicate pump-style heel with gladiator-straps closure, a zip up back closure as well as an open ankle style that is oh so very much in vogue at the moment.

3D printed shoes- The Reptile

Alleyne has not shared pictures of the shoes being worn around by models but we fully expect the innovative pairs to be patronized by Britain's latest style icon the Duchess of Cambridge, her equally fashionable sister Pippa and by at-least by the likes of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry whenever they hit the stores.

3D printed shoes- The Scorpion

Via: CNET/Coroflot

East House by Built-Environment Practice

The home comes with plenty of glass walls and large windows that allow the greenery outdoor to filter in while the timber roof and soft surfaces keep the tone inside the house light and fresh. The East House looks to reinforce the relationship of the inhabitants with the environment outdoors and provides its professional occupants the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney to a home where they can actively pursue their passion for gardening, music, cooking, surfing and yoga. Sitting across a 10 miles stretch of the beach, the East house sits in a northern orientation to maximize its solar exposure and have the homes filled with plenty of natural sunlight through the day.

Via: Contemporist

Qmilch

The German fashion designer and biochemist's sustainable textile made completely from organic milk was given the innovation award by the Textile Research Association, Germany, giving it the status of a new fabric. The Eco-friendly fiber will prove to be quite beneficial for people who suffer from skin allergies, which are result of chemical loaded textiles. The fashion designer along with her team reduced milk to a protein powder, which was later boiled and pressed into strands. The strands obtained during the whole process were then woven into fabric, which has been named Qmilch and is environmentally friendly in nature.

The fabric can also be given a heavy texture by spinning strands in a rough way. Apart from this, the same fabric can be made to look shinny and smooth, which will feel soft just like a normal jersey material does. Qmilch is a new picture of green fashion, which will not only bring down waste produced when oil byproducts are used, but will also kill our dependency on such sources. It is bound to create ripples in the clothing and fashion industry because of its Eco-friendly properties.

Via: Fastcodesign

Adidas sparks outrage with ‘shackle' sneakers

Even though the post received 38,536 "likes", 4,223 "comments" and 9,097 "shares", Adidas was forced to cancel the launch of the shoe because a lot of people objected to the orange plastic chains and lock design dubbing it symbolic of racism. The majority of the people who viewed the June 14 post claimed that the design looked like the shackles used to contain people of color sold as slaves. Some even went as far to say that anyone who chose to wear these shoes would be voluntarily supporting slavery.

The company dismissed the criticism in a press statement and stated that the design had nothing to do with slavery and were simply a unique and outrageous take on fashion by designer Jeremy Scott. Scott's previous creations have featured Mickey Mouse and panda heads which have been wildly popular. A few Adidas fans dubbed the outrage hilarious and defended the design as being playful though Adidas was forced to issue an apology and retract the shoes from the market.

Via: NY Daily News

World Map Aquarium

Your finned aquatics will definitely love you for this. These pirates of the aquarium will feel like never before while combating to travel from one continent to another in just a span of seconds, as this table is a smaller version of the world. Designed by Takuro Yamamoto, this aquarium has the potential to help you unwind over a cup of coffee by looking at the fishes swimming across continents and countries. This world map aquarium has also helped the brainy designer Takuro Yamamoto clinch a TIFF award. Artistically appealing, this fish house can be your pick if you are an aquatic life lover.

This striking coffee table aquarium was created as a project for designboom's TIFF awards. This world map like aquarium has been intricately cut into shape of continents to help you enjoy the world along with the fishes. The miniscule fish inhabitants of this coffee table aquarium can explore the world in seconds. The world map aquarium is surely a conceptual piece of art and not a functional model. So now you can think proudly of owning an aquarium and yet not confining the fishes to a limited world. Get over the guilt of detaining the fishes in a restricted area by helping them reconnoiter the world in jiffies. You can enjoy the lovely view of fishes in water over a cup of coffee and be close to nature.

Via: Gizmodo

Daan Mulder Function Table

The Function Table which is another creation of Form Follows Function series, has been created with a computer program. It does not have loose parts and look classy and modish from all aspects. The table is laminated at multiple layers and is completely made of wood. This lamination has made it easier for the artist to make its top thin and sturdy. The finishing materials of the table include oak and veneer. This masterpiece has been painted in ultra matt lacquer, adding to its sheen.

Interior designing is all about innovating with the architectural space. This function table is certainly a great example of creativity and innovation. The 3D visualization has been kept in mind by the Dutch designer while creating this artistic table. Its price is available on request but you can surely think of shelling some dollars and make it a part of daily living. Adding to your living style and standard, this is definitely a piece of luxury.

Via: Contemporist

The SeaOrbiter

It seems that sci fi creations are slowly turning into reality again (Jules Verne would be proud!). The SeaOrbiter ocean explorer is a futuristic vessel which is still in its conceptual stage. Designed by Jacques Rougerie (a French architect ), he has been waiting for his dream to come true for almost 12 years now. Investors and Sponsors have seen its potential and construction of the vessel will start in October and may be completed within 2013.

The Schematics

The SeaOrbiter ocean explorer looks like a gargantuan white aquatic cockroach (complete with feelers!). It is the world's first free standing vertical vessel that will stand 170 feet (51 m) into the air. To better serve its purpose, half of the vessel will remain submerged underwater at all times, just like an iceberg. Considering the implications, and the vast potential of exploring and charting the world's oceans and oceanic life, the project's cost of US $52.7 million is extremely measly (taking into account the millions of dollars that are still being invested in the International Space Station). In addition, the SeaOrbiter will give marine biologists and scientists an opportunity to study marine life in their natural habitat, in real time. The vessel will accommodate 18 scientists/biologists and crew who will remain onboard the vessel. Rougerie has dubbed them the "Oceanauts", who will stay on the vessel to observe and study ocean life under its transparent hull.

Now for the specifics, the semi submersible SeaOrbiter will be divided into 2 major parts. There will be a submerged chamber that goes down 102 feet (31 m) below sea level. This will be the observation level. The part above the sea level will have an open air terrace that can be used both for observation and for sun bathing! Just like Verne's Nautilus, the submerged section of the SeaOrbiter will have panoramic windows and huge portholes (with powerful lights that will illuminate a radius of about 750m for clear visibility). A world class, mobile ocean observatory-that's what the SeaOrbiter is! The vessel will also be outfitted with the latest in sonar and oceanographic observational equipment which will continuously feed and receive data to and fro from satellites. There is also a state-of-the-art pressurized module (with multiple levels) that will allow the ‘oceanauts' to delve into previously unexplored depths. The vessel will be powered by non conventional sources of energy (like, tidal, solar and wind energy) and thus will neither leave any carbon footprint nor contaminate the oceans.

The Scale Model

Rougerie will be showcasing his SeaOrbiter ocean explorer project at the International Expo, 2012, in Yeosu, S. Korea with a 1:20 scale model of the vessel. An early Christmas present for marine scientists? Sure looks like one!

Via: GizMag

Canis Major by Nathalie Boutté

Gaia by Nathalie Boutté

To create these stunning images, the French artist cuts long strips of paper and then pastes them together to give the images a feather-like texture. The effect is used for all images with the texture of various papers like Nepalese Paper, Tracing Paper and Color paper and the artist uses bright shades along with grays to create the shading effect.

Memories by Nathalie Boutté

To fashion a more diverse color palette, the artist uses gold sheets and Indian ink. Some of Nathalie Boutté's more interesting works include pictures like the ‘Gaia’ that is created using layered maps and depicts the map of the world.

Jeune Homme à la Fleur by Nathalie Boutté

Color layer and heavy paper was used to create the image called ‘Ingénue’ and simple color paper was used to create the ‘Enfant de Papier’. The image named ‘Jeune Homme à la Fleur’ comprises of the picture of a photograph taken in 1959 by Seydou Keita in which old books were used to form an image effectively making it a picture of a picture.

Enfant de Papier by Nathalie Boutté

The picture named ‘Memories’ was made using pages of a music encyclopedia and thick paper. The ‘Canis Major’ was made using Chinese ink, tracing paper and Nepalese paper.

Ingénue by Nathalie Boutté

Via: Design Boom

Post-it Table

This DIY post-it desk can also prove to be eco-friendly by using rice paper. This will help in reduction of landfill waste of used sheets. Don't wait to memo your new ideas on this scribble table which has been topped with eighty large sheets for you to squiggle till you drop. Whether you want to scribble, doodle or create fresh ideas, all you need is this Italian designed post-it note table to put your thoughts on paper. Once you are done with one sheet, you can simple peel it away to reach a new fresh clean sheet.

If you wish to have a new workstation each time, this should be your pick. It helps you generate ideas beyond the boundaries of a note pad or a post-it. With price available on request, this giant post-it table is being referred as ‘post-itable'. This table created under a project by soup studio has received recognition from many including the Second International Designer's Workstation Competition. This competition was organized by the design institution. For all those creative and innovative folks, this note desk will add on to your creative caps to help you generate clean fresh ideas each time. This post-it topped table can be your pick without any hassle. Draw your ideas beyond the conventional post-its and notebooks and unleash your design potential.

Suna Broom by Joseph Guerra

Suna Broom by Joseph Guerra

Part of the designer's finished senior year thesis at the Rhode Island School of Design, the broom was inspired by the equipment used in a traditional Japanese Zen Garden for raking the sand. Using the form of the rake and the repetitive action evoking meditative contemplation, the Suna Broom comes fitted with a detachable head that makes it easier to use with dust pans and to access distant corners.

Suna Broom by Joseph Guerra

This detachable pivoting head snaps into place via magnets that lets it be used as a long stemmed broom when large areas need sweeping as well as a hand-duster for cleaning smaller areas. The broom easily folds vertically as well which ensures that the bristles never get damaged and your broom stays perky and useful for longer.

Via: Dezeen

The sculpture itself

"Gekröse" is titanic. One of its kind, the sculpture is probably one of the biggest pieces of contemporary art. Its size is perhaps the most striking feature of its appearance. It is monumental and intimidating, yet playful and whimsical in same measures. This imposing piece of art was colored a cheerful rosy hue of which gives a jocund tone to the overall dynamics and flow of the sculpture. A single glance at this exceedingly convoluted structure raises several images in the mind of the beholder. The person watching it can interpret as anything from a humungous primeval cephalopod to a scaled up representation of the human intestines to a gigantic pile of feces (depending on how sophisticated or daft the imagination is!). Franz has always been known for sculptures that have had some form of attached functions. They are essentially artistic furniture which can serve as a place for social interaction. This welded aluminum sculpture however seems to represent a whole new vista of development within Franz's opus.

West began his days in Vienna during the 60s. Actionism in art and sculpture was the word of the day during those times. Franz started out with this movement and his works portrayed radical public behavior which meant to stir up the passivity in the art world. During the 70s he pioneered a new sculpture form called ‘Passstueke' or ‘the Adaptives'. They were crude sculptures made of plaster that were quite small and portable. The sculptures could be deemed as completed only when their viewer interacted with them in a physical manner. This inspired his later works and ultimately the "Gekröse".

Via: DesignBoom

Image 1

As the water levels start to recede in New York, the urgent need for conservation of the precious resource came to the fore. With this thought in mind, Kickstarter decided to unleash the creative prowess of a few famous artists by printing their renowned works on these water tanks. Although, this was not an easy task, given the difficulty of gaining approval for the same, but then, nothing is impossible especially when you have the will to do it.

Image 2

The water tanks have played the perfect canvas to some of the well known artists in New York. Jeff Koons, Andy Goldsworthy, Jay-Z, Ellen Gallagher, Devendra Banhart and Bruce Weber have all lent their creative works to Kickstarter, making their project an overnight hit with the classes as well as the masses. The biggest plus point with these water tanks is their overhead location and the way they create visibility and awareness from a distance as well. Keeping this creative yet resourceful concept in mind, there is hardly any doubt about the success of this overwhelming event which is yet to occur in the coming Spring of 2013.

Via: Psfk

Scrap Metal Transformer Wine Rack

Metal is a popular choice for wine racks, but this one of a kind rack will definitely set you wheezing. This is nothing but half ton of pure junk put together into an enormous robot, which has been styled like a transformer. The free standing creation will bring the magic of the popular sci-fi flick right inside the warmth of your house, surprising many around. The robot lights up when attached to a normal household plug, which gives the wine rack added character.

Slots to store wine bottles make it look as if the beast is all ready to destroy anyone who comes in its way by shooting these bottles right across their skull. The transformer can be loaded with 32 wine bottles and is nothing less than a piece of stunning art created using junk that would have otherwise got loaded with rust. If you are a wine lover, then this art form will definitely be a great way to display your wine collection.

The wine hungry, scrap metal transformer doesn't come cheap and has been stashed with a heavy price tag of $7000, which is quite some money to own this giant.

Via: Technabob

Cell Phone Nesting Dolls

Designed by British designer Kyle Bean, the phone model links us perfectly with the working of the earliest models of the wonderful contraption. Taking its cue from the first ever available model, DynaTac, the sets encompasses nine evolutions within its bosom. Not only is the contraption really wonderful to look at, but it also serves as an example of how far we have come from the earlier times.

Each of the nine varieties of phones covered under this model fit into each other like a screw into a bolt. The nine models resemble each version of the phones which were launched as and when they were. But one striking concept is the way they have been made to fit into each other so neatly, leaving no space for any faults. The end of the series occurs with the iPhone, which represents the present generation standards.

Giving Kyle a pat on the back for coming up with such an ingenious idea, there is absolutely no doubt about his designing prowess and well to do imagination. Given his state of the art, there is hardly any going back into the history to actually refer to how and when the mobile phone became a hit.

Via: Psfk

The Complete Range of Artificial Organs

Takram has dubbed this concept as the "Shenu: Hydrolemic System". The system basically consists of a number of devices which are to be implanted at specific points of the human body. These augmentations will ensure that the body does not lose excess of moisture. They will also keep the water usage of the bodily metabolism at a minimal level.

The Shenu Hydrolemic System

Takram also plans to invent several add-ons to supplement this system. They concepts of lozenges that supply all the nutrients required by the body for 24hrs, an implant for the nasal cavity that prevents moisture lose via exhalation, jugular heat exchangers and inhibitors that lower water loss via perspiration from the upper body and also a separate implant that will be able to produce and store electricity by utilizing nothing but body heat.

Minimize loss of Body Moisture

People who have played the game Deus Ex would find familiarity between the concepts of Takram and the in-game augmentations. After all, bionic implants are the future and perhaps human race will perform better (or even have to depend) upon them. Takram's body moisture retaining organs are just the first step towards a whole new world of innovation.

Via: psfk

Star Wars

The artist must be congratulated for his rigorous adherence to the original proportions and geometry. The work is as true as can be but is colorful instead of a monochrome. The diorama has been built with a great number of scenes and details. Looking closely one sees a storm-trooper pacing the deserts, lost in search of two droids. One also finds Obi Wan Kenobi walking away fast after disabling a tractor beam. The Endor scene has been built with great details, complete with Ewoks and foliage. Another place which was a balcony in the original work has been made into a wind vane at cloud city where Luke Skywalker gets to know about his parentage.

Star Wars

The details only get deeper and better. At the center of the diorama is the throne room of Emperor Palpatine. This helps understand the symbolism of the central evil around which the galactic wars are being fought. The Hoth scene is impressive, complete with Tuantaun too! And the best part is that a small chamber on the outside of this 3D creation serves as a ‘projection room’ where Ian and Max, two more LEGO characters, watch a LEGO version of Star Wars. This short 10 minutes clip has been looped via an iPod.

Via: OhGizmo

DesignLibero

Designed extremely innovatively, the planter however derives inspiration from the NASA design and enables you to seamlessly cultivate your favorite plants and herbs indoors where there's inadequate lighting and space. Although the entire layout looks pretty interesting yet promising for those who love greenery, the indoor garden concept was originally a concept that NASA thought of somewhere in the 1980s.

Image 2

Well, whosoever's idea this is - a hats-off is something undoubtedly to be bagged. Nevertheless, the rotating green garden not only catches attention for providing a large output, but also grabs additional points for conserving energy and space. But what really contributes to the model's less energy consumption characteristic is the embedded structure that allows plants to be arranged around the light source.

Pretty interestingly, as the planter's wheel spins, the unique Green Wheel automatically waters the plants and keeps them growing. What may intrigue even further is the futuristic looking planter's inherent ability to hold up to eight feet of plants and its root. Too good for today's restricted spaces, isn't it?

Well, though DesignLibero is yet to divulge some more details on the exact mechanism, the model still looks incredible enough to accommodate around. Featuring an extremely clean, exquisite appearance, the Eco-friendly rotating appliance has (indeed) got all the right reasons to embellish your house's elegant layout. The indoor garden which has been inspired by the NASA design, however, is yet to remove the sheath off its availability.

Via: StumbleUpon

4occhi Four eyes eyewear

4occhi Four eyes eyewear

Unlike classic bifocal lenses, the 40cchi glasses offer users the comfort of using the entirety of a lens for a single purpose without giving up the convenience of having two pairs in one. The design may invite some name calling and inquisitive stares from strangers when you walk down the street with a pair of inverted glass lenses stuck to the top of the one on your nose but at least you'll never have to carry a spare set on your person.

4occhi Four eyes eyewear

The 4occhi glasses can be customized according to personal needs and you can have the separate pairs fitted with lenses for mid-distance use, eye relaxation, night use, tinted lenses, reading lenses and so on.

4occhi Four eyes eyewear

The 4occhi glass frame is constructed using a wood and cotton fiber derived material called Cadore which is essentially cellulose acetate, the plant-based plastic used in fashioning buttons and combs. Made entirely by hand in Italy, the 4oochi eyewear is available in a limited series run only with tortoise-shell, transparent, white and black being the only available colors.

4occhi Four eyes eyewear

Via: Core 77/ Palomar Web

Partime- Hourglass for the wrist

Even though this description draws the image of an archaic apparatus that would make time telling a bit of a hassle, the Partime watch is far from being difficult to use. Practical and amazingly simple, the watch features two sets of scales- the one at the bottom indicates the minutes and the one on the left indicates the hours offering a graphic description of time.

Just as the sand trickles down to the bottom half of an hourglass and the amount of sand remaining in the top half indicates the time ‘remaining', the right and top of the scales show how much time is remaining. A secondary digital time display supplements the graphic indication of time. Once you push the button, the digital display gives you the time in numerical format and reverts back to the graphic display after five seconds.

Technopark® Zurich presents the exquisite Partime

Tested and manufactured in Switzerland, the Technopark Zurich original is waterproof up to 30 meters as well as impact-resistant. With a recessed mineral glass fronting the scratch-resistant display, the watch comes with a stainless steel case with a raised edge similar to a diver's watch and a 24mm silicone strap that looks new even after years of wear and can be changed as required. A variety of leather straps are also offered with the watch.

To set the time, a user simply has to just use a pointed object like a pen to press down on a small corrector that will allow them to set the hour, minute and seconds with the help of the button. The original CRV 2430 battery on the Partime Hourglass Watch stays good for 18-24 months from purchase. The limited edition watch comes numbered with each costing CHF 740 plus shipping.

City of Tokyo Entirely From Paper

The artist behind this wonderful creation is Yumiko Matsui. The talented craftsman is surprisingly a self taught artist. The only training she's had is the hours spent with her aunt, who was heavily into paper crafting, and made miniature houses from papyrus sheets. The NYC based but Osaka born artist wanted to showcase the cherished memories of her home town and the nostalgia made her fabricate Tokyo as she remembers it from colored paper.

That is right, only colored paper has been used to make this setup, which was pasted together with water based glue. Of course, the skill of folding paper came handy while crafting the marvel. The layout has the buildings, market place, roads and even little gals from the city. The Denpo-in street is lined with houses and shops. Details like traffic signals, zebra crossings, high rises, tea houses and the vendors selling food are really endearing. The toy gals are actually known as “Shibuya girls.”

What's even more overwhelming is how the artist has got the entire lifeline of Tokyo just right. Moreover, an exhibit made only from paper deserves special attention. Without a doubt, that is a very eco friendly undertaking, isn't it? The whole neat and clean arrangement makes it hard to believe that a down to earth and simple methodology like paper crafting was used to build it.

Via: Inhabitat

Motorised laptop

By fitting in a motorized device into the laptop, Toft has been able to control the angle of the lid, making it open and close automatically. This is not all, for he has even installed an Arduino board within the computer's machinery, which has further been coupled up with a Servomotor letting the computer do wonders. The motherboard of the laptop and the motor make the contraption do wonders. This piece of machinery has been rigged in such a way that it brings about a revolution in the way technology has been modified to serve our needs.

The whole programming has been done on the Open Frameworks software and it allows the laptop to automatically figure out the position of the user. In turn, the webcam and the microphone of the computer move the lid around by judging the position of the user's face. The touch sensor's make the experience all the more lightheaded and interesting. The creativity of the designer reflects in every bit of the designing involved and makes everything stand out in the best of ways.

Via: Portfolio

Virgin Scooter

Virgin Scooter is an easy to maintain ride that will be perfect for going shopping, work, short trips around the city and will fulfill general transportation needs. The small sized scooter will not fall down on the comfort graph and is easy to operate as well as maintain. It can be used by one person at a time to move from one place to the other without depending on public transport. The electric ride comes embedded with two taillights, one placed on the rear fender and the other under the seat that increases visibility when dusk sets in. It comes complete with turn signals wedged in the fenders to let others know which way you are heading.

Lights slither out of the fender when switched on, which in turn brightens up a good amount area on the road. The steering has a very interesting shape, inspiration of which has been fetched from the natural steering of a horse. No electric ride is complete without a battery pack. This has been used well to come up with a battery pack that can be detached from the underside of the scooter, which can be rolled on wheels and kept at a safe place when not in use, to make sure it is not stolen. It will also prove to be helpful in case the power outlet is at some place where the scooter cannot reach. Virgin Scooter is very pleasant to look at which will win hearts with its functionality and compact design.

[Cheers Mikael]

Transforming Seesaw Bench

The handiwork of rather imaginative artists Dirk Ploos van Amstel who perhaps find it hard to contain in inner child against the stark realities of adulthood and its responsibilities, the wooden bench looks and works just like any ordinary bench until you pull its top apart and nudge the legs together and use it as a memorable bit of playground equipment.

The artist has not given any details regarding how much weight this bench can withstand both in bench and seesaw mode. It is not known whether it is actually safe for use by anyone over the age of 13. Judging by the delicate looks of it, we are guessing half the world's population under six years of age struggling with obesity would not be able to use it to play with (that is why they make seesaws in steel BTW). However, it still does make one heck of a bench where kids can sit and play the seesaw games on their Wiis, Xbox 360s, or PS3s.

Via: Gizmodo

CLIMAWARE Cryothermic Elbow Wrap

Generally an inconvenient and time‐consuming process, the traditional Hot & Cold therapy however is also one of the most beneficial for the region and the CLIMAWARE Cryothermic Elbow Wrap comes with an intuitive Touch Controller and Cryothermic Nanotechnology embedded throughout the wrap that makes the globally patented design so easy to use at home. An ideal long‐term solution pain management, the temperature of the CLIMAWARE Cryothermic Elbow Wrap varies between 2°C to 45°C that ensures that the user's skin is never exposed to an excess of cold or heat. Alternate heating & cooling cycles can be automatically set with both heating and cooling levels being set at four adjustable levels via the interactive touch-based controller. The user‐friendly design of the CLIMAWARE Cryothermic Elbow Wrap allows it to be very compact and portable and whole wrap stand at ~130 grams without including the weight of batteries.

Created using bio-compatible materials, the state of the art design of the CLIMAWARE Cryothermic Elbow Wrap uses Lithium Polymer batteries that last up to four hours per full charge. The design uses a moist-heat pad specially designed for the wrap to supplement the application of moist heat, provide maximum contact comfort and optimum compression through the ergonomic design. With washable parts, the CLIMAWARE Cryothermic Elbow Wrap retails for around $235.

Via: Climaware Online

Solar-powered Son-X playgrounds

Three different recordings will boom out from the device. The fun filled sound recordings that are very much like a series of gags and hoots will be set off after a child spends sufficient time on the swing. After the first sound goes off from the coconut-esque contraption, the second series begins to play in some time, and this sequential system goads the curiosity of children urging them to spend more time outdoors.

The three sounds that liven up the play ambiance are actually an applause, concert whoopee's and thumping beats. Furthermore, the sound emitting device is actually fastened with a downward orientation on the chain of a swing so that the blast from it is maximized. The solar powered wireless piece doesn't let any messy cables loiter around making the surroundings safe for children's use. Additionally, the easy to install device will have upgrades coming out in the future, which will be available on USB drives.

Manufacturers have kept in mind that the target market is modestly budgeted schools and so the contraption will not cost much. The piece available for $624 or €499 is mostly being sold via B2B connections. The item is currently being shipped to many schools throughout Europe. The innovation of this contraption goes to say that the digital movement is spreading out into fresh and green settings beckoning children to come out and play.

Via: Son Xplay/ Engadget

Solar Tree

The design dubbed as solar tree has been crafted by Ross Lovegrove. Its sculpture like beauty gives a new dimension to the shape and form of street lights that have looked dull and unsightly so far. The urbane and striking design will totally transform the look of future streets and cities. The way this design is sturdy and mechanized but also aesthetic and delicate is quite extraordinary.

Solar panels as well as LED lights have been outfitted together in it. The light can illuminate for three days nonstop using only solar power. It also works with grid technology. The Al system slotted in it is programmed to switch LED lights on at night automatically. The intensity of the luminescence can be adjusted depending on energy level of the batteries or the irradiation in its surroundings.

The unit shown in the picture above has been put together for the UK installation at St. John’s square in London. It stands there until late September this year for the Olympic and Paralympic games. The piece churned out for Artemide will also serve as an exhibit at the Clerkenwell Design Week 2012. It has six solar panels and four large sized lights. There are also 20 stems and 10 grass like stalks jutting out.

Via: Designboom

30-disc Avengers Helicarrier case

With space for as many as 30 discs, the Avengers' Helicarrier inspired Blu Ray Disc Case is a very rough copy of the carrier depicted in the movie and its creator intends to refine it much further with additional detailing making it a much more authentic collectible. By increasing the space in the carrier's main hull, the disc holder's capacity could be increased to 50 discs which would be more than enough to store your original copies of all your favorite /Marvel comic-based movies.

The Helicarrier would also boast of features like removable wings that would serve as individual cases with the case standing in at 12″ tall and 26″ long and possessing a 16″ wingspan.

Via: Dvice

AV Video Glasses

The contraption that makes this unbelievable view possible is a humble pair of eye glasses. These sleek glasses have to be worn over the head and then a small screen will flap out covering your eyes. That's just like the glasses you see in sci-fi flicks. Remember the shades that the old doc from Back to the Future wore. Coming back to the point, these glasses will flash a virtual screen in front of your eyes, which will have a whopping 36 inch display.

Put on these AV Videos glasses whenever you want to watch a movie or a video game. You won't be a spectator anymore but instead a part of the happenings rolling onscreen. All characters are alive and breathing whether you are glued to the Xbox360, PS3, Wii or your DVD player. This doodad works with all AV devices.

Wear these light and comfortable glasses for as long as you want. Hours will pass by and you won't feel a thing. Its advanced LCoS screen will not hurt your eyes. There is no software installation required and the setup process happens in a jiffy. You can swivel the goggles up and down smoothly. Moreover, the blast from its audio speakers creates quite a pitch.

Another piece of good news is that all this doesn't come at an unreachable skyrocketing cost. The glasses will actually cost (about $215) less than a brand new television! Technology is surely getting larger than life. Duh! Don't just stand there with your jaw agape. Go ahead and grab one right now.

Via: Chinavasion

Lagrange’s Croquet

On view at WantedDesign, his wooden croquet set dubbed “Gates” charmed the silly trousers off everyone present and the croquet set he designed was equally well praised. The prototype costs well over $400 though the set comprises of two balls, two stakes, six sycamore maple gates and a mallet made of custom-made compressed cork with a leather-wrapped hand-stitched handle. The entire set also comes with a tidy little carrying case of its own with a leather strap matching the handle of the mallets.

Showcased at NY Design Week 2012, the design opens up the possibility of the game being played by its patrons even in adverse weather like when it's too damn cold to hold the metal handle or when you've just had a great manicure and wouldn't want to spoil it with a rowdy round of croquet!

Via: Core77