MOROSO presents: M’AFRIQUE a major off-salon event devoted to Africa
“Our intention is to showcase the creativity of a few of the great artists and exponents of contemporary African culture,” explains Patrizia Moroso, who devised the event, “because looking at Africa through the eyes of contemporary art, photography, architecture and design is perhaps the most appropriate way of approaching this vast, powerful continent, so creatively rich and diverse that today it is still one of western modernity’s greatest sources of inspiration”. African-American designer Stephen Burks was asked to design the exhibition (held in Moroso’s Milan showroom) which presents works by Fathi Hassan, Soly Cissé, Mandémory and architect David Adjaye, as well as new, African-inspired designs from Patricia Urquiola and Philippe Bestenheider. Bibi Seck and Ayse Birsel created a wide range of attractive, softly rounded products, such as Madame Dakar. Also featured: iconic Moroso products specially upholstered in African fabrics!
Via & more: Moroso
Successful Living From Diesel
A preview of the Diesel furniture, lighting & textiles collection to be launched during the Salone Internazionale Del Mobile Milano, 2009.
Kameha Grand Bonn interiors by Marcel Wanders
Dutch designer Marcel Wanders has designed the interiors of the Kameha Grand Bonn hotel, which opens this autumn in Bonn, Germany. The luxury hotel of the future for business and lifestyle: The Kameha Grand Bonn sets a new standard.Architectural highlights of the cities, a prominent social meeting place and a place of enjoyment for guests and society – this is what Grand Hotels stand for. In autumn 2009, one of Germany’s most innovative hotel projects will open in Bonn and a new milestone for luxury hotels will be set: The Kameha Grand Bonn.
Via & more: Dezeen
Copenhagen Penthouse Interior by Norm Architects
Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Rønn of Norm Architects have completed a new interior design for a penthouse apartment in the Frederiksberg area of Copenhagen, Denmark. The basic idea for the renovation of this Copenhagen apartment was to create the feel of a private hotel suite for a Danish couple living in Spain. As the owners travel a lot, we wanted to create a calm and pure structure that was ideal for relaxation.
Via & more: Contemporist
The all-electric MINI
Green cars are usually either ugly or like space shuttles after an accident. BMW had to answer the question “Why should a hybrid or eco car look ridiculous in order to be ecological?” with a sketch. And then the company decided to rethink its masterpiece. Once again. Carbon-free driving (zero carbon emissions!!!) powered by a 100 % electric motor, seamless acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 152 km/h (95 mph) – that’s big news for a small car. For a small car with 50 years of history though…
Via & more: Yatzer
IKEA PS Collection in Milan
Swedish furniture brand IKEA showed in Milan for the first time this year, presenting their PS Collection by designers including Front and Hella Jongerius. The collection, exhibited at the IKEA show in Zona Tortona, consists of over 40 affordable, sustainable products by 20 designers.
Via & more: Dezeen
Cushionized sofa by Christiane Högner
The cushionized sofa uses the smallest element of a sofa – the little pillow on top – as main component. Usually used to adjust and customize your personal comfort level, it is now multiplied and piled up to the shape of a sofa. This setup of various textures and tints invites to play and change the composition.
Via & more: Yatzer
40R_Laneway House by superkül inc
Once a blacksmith’s shop, then a horse shed and later an artist’s apartment and studio, this laneway building in Toronto was purchased by its current owners in 2006. Interested both in the character of the building and smaller footprint living, they wanted to convert it into single-family residence—while retaining as much of the character of the existing building as possible. (more…)
The Eclipse Light by Keiji Ashizawa
Japanese designer Keiji Ashizawa has created the Eclipse Light. A circular sheet is slit and then bent by hand. This transformation gives it strength and volume. It can be hung from the ceiling,mounted on a wall,or placed on the floor. It reminds us of a lunar eclipse and casts a generous light.
Via & more: Contemporist
Would a Woodchuck Chuck a Bike Made of Wood?
Wood frame bikes have long given way to aluminum and space age materials but designer Arndt Menke thinks we were too hasty in giving up on one of the strongest, resilient, and lightweight natural materials. There are over 60,000 woody plants worldwide but we use less than 300 of them in a terribly unsustainable way. The Holzweg bike’s frame is totally made of wood and weighs a scant 2.3kg. Could wood frame bikes make a comeback?
This diploma thesis for Menke’s master’s degree demonstrates how careful attention to wood’s natural retention, expansion and anisotropic properties can be advantageous in design. The end result is an incredibly light weight bike, strong and pretty darn good looking too. I really want one.
Via & more: Yanko Design
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