The Lighten Up exhibit by [re]design was held at 100% Design London was part of a travelling exhibition and book launch that "is an illuminating exploration of 64 switched-on domestic lighting solutions from the UK. The quest for sustainability is driving the evolution of new technologies, aesthetics, materials and interactions. Shedding light on the stories behind the products, Lighten Up offers insight and inspiration for the next generation of lighting." As we entered a cavern of black mesh fabric, we were drawn to the warmth o an eclectic variety of lighting, including the Ash Pendant by Tom Raffield and Demelza Hill's Chandelier. Eureka by Darren Donati was a series of modular lighting trees whose bulbs could be "plucked". There were a few flatpack shades like Bud by Blue Marmalade and intricate sculptural works such as Geo Standing Lamp by Cohda. The Glowworm byDraigo and Lula Dot's CAPtivate, above, made good use of plastic bottle caps.
+ Toronto's Handmade Wallpaper offers simple, yet detailed graphic wallcoverings with contemporary motifs. Trees spoke to us, but do check out Windows as well.
+ The Dancing Coffee Table and its partner, the Dancing Carpet, are a new project by Joel Escalona designed to celebrate a culture and inspired by traditional Mexican dances and dresses.
+ Maigrau's Superemma coatrack is inspired by the classic chrome-plated shopping trolleys to celebrate the joy of consumption in the home.
+ The Choppinho collection of furniture by Rafael Simoes Miranda resembles a glass of cold beer.
+ The LIT Urban Under Glow system is designed to provide a soft, ambient glow emitted from under furniture such as sofas, beds, entertainment stands and outdoor pieces. The light is flat, flexible and available in eight colours, and comes with a dimmer switch so that the intensity of the glow can be controlled.
Our foundation was constructed using Insulated Concrete Forms, which are large blocks that interlock together like Lego bricks and then filled with concrete. ICF foundations provide a number of advantages over their block and poured counterparts, but their insulating properties are typically their most attractive benefit. Made of expanded polystyrene, the blocks have an R-value of about 22.4, however the thermal mass provided by the concrete increases the 'effective R-value' to somewhere between 30 and 50. Hopefully that'll make for a toasty basement.
The Emotions side to the Double Dutch exhibition curated by Jane Withers and created by the Flower Council of Holland consisted of 5 lush bouquets representing Love, Happiness, Jealousy, Sympathy and Anger designed by Miriam van der Lubbe and Niels van Eijk. The unusual emotions were the most captivating. Jealousy was deep black-red and the shape of the bouquet, all venomous tongues, said it all. Anger was prickly, far-reaching, and yet, beautiful. The bouquet included rose stems. Sympathy's blooms hid beneath the greens, unwilling to cause more hurt or trouble. Love was completely lush and lusty, and Happiness cannot be overlooked, as this bouquet was truly a bundle of joy. The idea behind these designs was simple: let's create more meaningful bouquets when we send flowers. This was one of the most energizing exhibitions of the London Design Festival.
+ Now here's something you may think you never needed: a chandelier accessory to customize lighting. Why stick with the ubiquitous white plastic tubes when kaarsKoker replacement sleeves come in a wide array of styles?
+ Frédéric Rhodes has released his latest limited edition chair in Toulouse. The oak chair will also have a back cushion.
+ Thomas Feichtner's Filio ring is the hollow form in silver of a geometrically cut gemstone.
+ The urBonfire is a glass and steel bio-ethanol condo campfire designed by Michael Hilgers for rephorm for balconies or interiors.
+ The Posi+ive Lounge Chair by Jittasak Narknisorn was a winner in the One Good Chair competition, designed for minimal waste and maximum ergonomics.
+ The Eros system of graffiti-inspired panels can be applied to walls or furniture as a decorative element. The panels are also available in a variety of finishes, such as wood, glass, mirrors, upholstered, curved, or grooved.
+ InSilvis launches the Latin Lover suit stand, inspired by Harlequin, the faithful servant from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte.
+ The West Coast Green 2008 Showhouse at TreeHugger and Inhabitat. The SG Blocks Harbinger prefab is "Composed of five recycled shipping containers, the home features a durable steel envelope that is capable of withstanding hurricanes in Florida and earthquakes in California.". See video here.
+ LASC studio's Skåne summerhouse farmhouse conversion at Materialicious, "The most rigourous change was the internal opening up of the house by removing two thirds of the walls and ceilings to create one large living and kitchen space.".
+ The Outside Of Sorts group exhibition at Character in Manhattan, the show "inaugurates The American Design Club, a new NYC-based organization spearheaded by the young, local designer Kiel Mead.". At Cool Hunting.
+ Stanley Honey's packaging, "where you re-use the clay plant pot to encourage more honey making in the future!". At TheDieline.com.
+ Dornbracht's Tara Black and White Edition Faucets, "black and white are not finishes that usually come to mind when selecting faucets". Via Remodelista.
+ Zumtobel's EMPEDOS wallwasher light, "an enthralling pool of light that echoes the ever-changing rhythm of nature. Its multidimensional light flows through parabolic exit mirrors and is transformed at various levels.". Via Designlines.
+ Ponoko's Photomake, "You can now turn digital photos of your hand drawings into real life products simply by uploading them to the Ponoko website.".
Shows | 30 Sep 08 | Stumble
